Some broadband cards show your internet connection speed on the software that comes with the device.  My broadband card software allows me to see stats, which display my current connection speed.  It’s not always the same from moment to moment.   An alternative method for independently checking your speed, is to visit Speedtest.net.

A map of the U.S. will be displayed on your screen.  It shows several locations of Internet servers. Pick  the one nearest you and wait while the site runs its test.   You will notice a graphic resembling a car’s control panel, with an odometer that revs up and down as your top speed is tested. The first test finds out how fast data is being downloaded to your computer, and the second test tells how fast you can upload information.

When I tested my broadband card it showed I was downloading information at 721 kilabytes per second.  I did the test again later that day and learned my laptop was connecting at 921 kbps. This is a much better rate than what I had when I used dial-up to get online, which connected at 28 kpbs most of the time.

Uploading speeds were closer to 228 kbps.  You may only be concerned about this if you plan to upload pictures, videos, or large files, but it’s good information to know.

So, if you’re like me and you always want to know how fast things will go, this is one method that works pretty well and it’s easy to do and doesn’t cost a dime.

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.

What?  Isn’t that too good to be true?

Well, there is a catch.

Broadband cards are free.  But, to get one without paying for it, you’ll have to sign up for a data plan from one of the major wireless providers.  There’s also a small setup fee, often $25.    The data plan costs about $60 per month, and you usually have to sign a two year contract.  Also, some companies charge more if you download or upload more than a certain amount of data per month.

Another option is to buy a netbook or laptop computer with a built-in broadband card.  The card comes with the computer, but to activate it you’ll need to sign a contract with one of the service providers.  Many of the providers like Verizon, AT&T, etc. will provide a discount on the laptop if you sign the data plan contract.

So, all in all, a broadband card is free but it will cost you approximately $900 a year or $60 per month to use it to get high speed internet through a 3G  broadband provider.
For more information about what a broadband card is, check out this article.

If you live in a rural area, where DSL and cable are not an option for high speed internet, and dial-up is just too slow, a broadband card makes it possible to connect to the internet at a decent speed, as long as you can get a cell signal.  Also, mobile broadband cards are useful for people who travel to places with unreliable internet access.  You can even use one while riding in a car.

What is a 3G Broadband Card?

For the most part, all broadband cards receive 3G now.  Not all cell signals are equal in quality.  Some towers broadcast and receive 3G signals and some still use older technology.  Most broadband cards will work with 3G or older signals.  3G stands for third generation.  It is basically the latest generation of wireless phone signal.  It is considered a high speed signal.  However, there is now 4G technology, but at the time of this writing, it is only available in a few large cities like Baltimore and Kansas City.

How does a Broadband Card work with My Computer?

There are many different card designs but most either fit into a card slot or can be plugged into a USB port on your laptop or desktop.  They work with both Macs and PCs.  Currently, most come with software pre-installed on the card, but some include a CD that allows you to install the software on your computer.  Additionally, laptops and netbooks can be purchased with a built-in broadband card.

In short, a broadband card is a piece of hardware that allows you to have high-speed internet from anywhere with a cell tower signal.