High Speed Internet Access (HSIA): Mobile Broadband

Overview of Mobile Broadband

Mobile broadband is a high speed Internet connection accessed via a mobile phone network. It’s wireless broadband which means no cables but you don’t need to be within range of a wi-fi hotspot. You connect via a modem which could either be embedded within your laptop or smartphone or could be a USB stick which plugs into a USB port on your laptop.

Benefits of Mobile Broadband

The benefit of mobile broadband is that it provides much greater flexibility and freedom. It’s ideal if you need to connect to the Internet while you are away from your home or office location. Business people who are mobile as a result of their work schedule are an obvious group to benefit but really it’s for anyone wanting greater flexibility.

It can also be considered as an alternative to fixed line broadband at home. This can be a good option if the length of broadband contracts for home use are not flexible enough if you are not likely to be in one place for any length of time.

Networks and Providers in Australia

The mobile broadband networks in Australia are those owned by Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. Telstra currently have the most extensive mobile broadband coverage in Australia on their network called Next G. Optus and Vodafone cover about 96% of the population and are improving their networks all the time.

3 Mobile are one of the biggest mobile broadband providers in Australia and use the Optus network. They also have an agreement in place whereby 3 Mobile customers use the Telstra Next G network outside of the main 3 Mobile coverage zones. They recently merged with Vodafone to form one company VHA (Vodafone Hutchison Australia). The merger has seen some great deals for consumers in Australia. The Vodafone and 3 brands still remain separate.

Virgin Mobile Broadband resell Optus Mobile Broadband often with good deals on their mobile broadband plans.

The playing field in mobile broadband is changing on a regular basis in terms of network coverage, mobile broadband providers and the mobile broadband plans they can offer consumers in Australia.

How do you get mobile broadband?

You can compare mobile broadband providers and plans here on this site. We review popular mobile broadband plans and highlight the best deals available at any one time. Once you’ve made up your mind on the most suitable plan for your needs, then getting started is easy.

You may want to read our guide on what to consider when choosing a mobile broadband plan before you start comparing plans.