the Cost of Mobile Broadband Internet Access for a Computer

The price is for one month of a one year contract for unlimited data through a dedicated wireless broadband device (i.e. a mini-PCI card fitted inside my notebook computer).

Longer contract terms are available, but no discount applies. Roaming costs on other providers' networks are included, but connections while traveling abroad are not. The company also offers unlimited data contracts on cell phones enabled for data at $30/month over the standard monthly fees. The dedicated hardware required to access the network costs extra and varies from $100-200 depending on the type of hardware.

Although it is nowhere near as fast as my cable modem at home, I'm rather pleased with the speed of the service. It's certainly much better than the dial-up speeds or overcrowded wi-fi connections I'd resigned myself to on the road not too long ago.

The connection is stable and signal is strong, actually more so than the signal I get on my cell phone through the same provider's network. I rarely experience connection errors or dropped connections, even when traveling in a cab.

Overall I'm quite satisfied.

Make sure it does what you want, and it's something you need. With the pervasiveness of free and cheap wi-fi, most people probably won't need the added features and expense of wireless broadband. If you travel a lot and need a reasonably reliable connection, or like to work or communicate when outdoors (not just by the pool, but not out in the middle of nowhere, either), it might be worth it, if you can get DSL, a cable modem, or even fiber and you won't be doing either of the above, don't bother with mobile broadband. But your alternative to mobile broadband is dial=up or some hodgepodge of a satellite broadband system, then it might be worth it to you.