Mobile broadband service (not to be confused with wireless internet) allows access to the internet via a USB modem that plugs in to your laptop or notebook. Mobile broadband uses either a 3G or 4G mobile signal to transmit data. Mobile broadband service plans are still relatively expensive but prices are starting to fall. It’s difficult to decide who to choose, and many pick the same provider they use for their mobile phone services. But, it’s important to think about the coverage you need, monthly usage allowed (and overage costs), transfer speed, prepay vs. postpay, and devices to choose from.
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Top Mobile Broadband Providers:
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Plan Features:
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Overall Rating
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Data Included
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5 GB
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5 GB
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4 GB
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5 GB / Unlimited 4G WiMAX
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5 GB
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5 GB
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2.5 GB (unlimited*)
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WiFi / Hotspot Access
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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No
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No
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Yes
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Yes
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GPS
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No
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No
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No
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Yes
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No
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No
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No
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Monthly Cost
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$60
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$50
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$50
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$60
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$50
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$9.99 – $49.99
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$10 – $50
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Activation Fee
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$36
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$35
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$35
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$36
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$30
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$0
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$0
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Overage Charges
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$0.05 / MB
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$0.20 / MB
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$0.05 / MB
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$0.05 / MB
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$0.49 / MB ($200 overage cap)
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$0
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$0
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Early Termination Fee
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$175 (pro-rated over time)
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$200 (pro-ratedover time)
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$175
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$200 (pro-ratedover time)
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$150 (pro-ratedover time) $200 Cap
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N/A
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N/A
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Download Speed
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700 Kbps – 1.7 Mbps
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Up to 1 Mbps
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600 Kbps – 1.4 Mbps (3G)
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600 Kbps – 1.4 Mbps (3G) 3 – 6 Mbps (4G) |
Up to 768 Kbps
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Up to 7.2Mbps
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600-1400 Kbps (3.1 Mbps peak)
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Upload Speed
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500 Kbps – 1.2 Mbps
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300 Kbps – 500 Kbps
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500 Kbps – 800 Kbps
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350 Kbps – 500 Kbps (3G) 1 Mbps (4G) |
Up to 200 Kbps
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Up to 5.76Mbps
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350-500 Kbps
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Notes
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Fastest 3G network available; Limited number of Mobile Broadband Devices offered;
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Highest price for overages and termination fees; Lowest number of broadband devices to choose from; |
Widest 3G coverage; Great selection of Mobile Broadband Devices (2nd only to Sprint)
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Best features in group with GPS and Unlimited 4G Wi-Max; 4G fastest network but only regional; Best selection of Mobile Broadband Devices;
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US Cellular offers lowest monthly rates, and cap on overages. Only offer regional service, slower speeds & no choice for broadband devices.
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Prepaid plans with No contract required. Monthly Fees: 200 MB – $9.99 |
No Contract Required. 100 MB – $10 500 MB – $20 |