Broadband Card Review

Which is the best broadband card?  Which broadband card should I buy?  I get asked questions like this from time to time.  And the answer isn’t what the typical person who’s looking for mobile broadband expects to hear.  I tell them they can compare the broad band cards produced by different companies, like Huawei and Aircard, but that probably wouldn’t provide the best answer.  Sure, each broadband or cellular card has different benefits and various drawbacks, but knowing those won’t help a person find the broadband card that works best.

My point is, the best internet card built is the card that picks up reception best in the places that it will be used in. You can buy the most expensive broadband card in the store, with a ten inch antenna on it, and it would not matter at all if you are trying to connect to a tower that is out of range or one that doesn’t have 3G capability.

The best way to choose a broadband card is just to ask people in your area and find out which cell phone provider gives the best service in your part of the country or in the part of the world you’ll be using that card in.  Can you think of someone who already has 3G service?  Ask them if they get a great connection or if they can hardly even get one bar.

When you figure out which wireless service is best, go to that provider, whether it be AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, etc.  Speak with the customer representative to see which options they offer.  Question that person about their EVDO broadband cards or 3G wireless modems. If you yourself get great wireless reception from one of these companies, you could most likely use them and might be able to wrap your data plan into your regular cell phone bill.

You might even get to use your wireless phone as a broadband card by tethering it to your laptop or desktop. Ask the customer care representative about this alternative.  You should press them a little about this option, because they may want to sell you a broadband card rather than upgrade your data plan.  If you are using your phone as a broadband card, you won’t want to pay for a separate broadband plan.  Usually tethering your phone is less expensive, but each method has its benefits.

Anyway, let’s return to the question at hand. Which broadband card is best?  The truth is, the best broadband card isn’t as vital as having the most reliable network in your area.