FAQ: Wireless broadband cards

By Dina Gerdeman

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Here are some common questions people ask about wireless broadband cards, and the answers to help get them untethered from their office.

Q: Why do I need a wireless Broadband card?

The Broadband card – or Aircard as it is often called – lets you access the Internet from your laptop outside of your home or office. The cards get you online just about anywhere you take your laptop, whether you’re aboard trains and planes or inside malls and restaurants. For more information, see our introduction to cellular wireless data cards. 

Q: What will it cost me to use a wireless Internet card?

The card itself starts at $20 and can run into the hundreds, although you can often find deals online that will provide you with a free card. Most companies require customers to sign two-year contracts and charge roughly $60 per month for unlimited Internet access. Some companies offer cheaper plans (approximately $40 per month) that limit online use. Many vendors also charge an activation fee in the neighborhood of $35, although at times companies offer promotions in which they waive the fees.

Q: Can I buy a wireless Internet card and use it in place of my at-home DSL service?

Yes. Some Broadband cards work only on laptop computers, so if you want to use the card on your desktop at home or at work, make sure you seek out a USB card. A USB card can plug into either your desktop or laptop, which allows you to use the card at home and away from home. You can also get your high-speed Internet via cell phone networks.

Q: Am I likely to receive a decent signal just about anywhere, so I can access the Internet in most places?

Yes. Broadband coverage tends to be decent in most areas, although coverage may be sketchy in some rural or remote areas. When you call service providers, they can tell you if you can expect steady coverage in the areas you will be using the card most.

Q: Do Broadband cards come with memory to allow me to store files and use them on different computers?

Yes, some do. Any data and documents that you could normally save on your computer or on disk can also be saved on Broadband cards that have memory. For example, you can take a Word document from your desktop and save it onto your Broadband card, so when you plug the card into your laptop, the Word document is there. Many of the high-end cards also allow you to add memory if you need more than the card provides.
  
Q: How fast will I be able to access the Internet with a Broadband card?

That depends on your service provider. Verizon and Sprint tend to provide some of the fastest service currently. Look for a company that provides Broadband access with EV-DO Rev A, which is known to provide speedy service. You should also look for cards with maximum burst speeds at 500 to 800 kbps.
  
Q: Do I need a Broadband card with an antenna?

You should look for a Broadband card that comes with an antenna, which will provide the card with a boost, allowing you to access a signal a bit further from where you are located. Most cards do come with antennas; some have antennas that you need to pull out, while newer cards have embedded antennas you can’t see.