Relying on Mobile Internet: Understand Its Advantages and Disadvantages

Introduction

Mobile internet enables us to stay connected and work on the move, but what else is so advantageous about using cellular connections? Moreover, what might be some of the drawbacks of using or relying on a mobile internet connection? Since there are a few different types of wireless internet connections out there, we define what mobile internet is. We’ll then explore the advantages and possible limitations of using this type of internet connection.

Mobile internet defined

Mobile internet is also known as mobile broadband. Mobile internet, simply stated, is any internet connection provided over mobile networks with reception towers rather than cables. Around the world, mobile internet accounts for more than half of all global internet traffic.

You can access mobile internet on your smartphone. You can also use mobile internet by using your phone as a hotspot for a computer. Alternatively, you can connect with a USB dongle or with a mobile broadband router. Note mobile broadband is not the same as a Wi-Fi connection, which lets you connect to the internet via a Wi-Fi router. However, you can use the Wi-Fi function on your phone, tablet, or computer to connect to a mobile broadband router.

Advantages

Mobile internet, whether through your smartphone or a mobile-internet modem, offers a range of advantages.

• Mobility and portability - One of the biggest advantages of using mobile internet is its mobility and portability. You can do your banking, stream movies, video conference, and surf the net on the go on your phone. For example, a USB dongle or using your phone as a hotspot lets you stay connected on your laptop and work from just about any location you choose. With a wireless modem, you can have multiple users accessing mobile internet at home or at work. When you move, you can take this modem with you and get connected without waiting for a fixed-line service to be activated - as long as your provider has coverage in your new area.
• Plug and play - Mobile internet is easy to set up, and you can get connected within a few minutes. With a smartphone and equipment such as USB modems, you don’t need a power supply to get online. By contrast, with a fixed-line service, you need a modem and a power supply. This again adds to the mobility and portability of mobile internet services.
• Speed - The speeds provided by mobile networks today are much faster than they were a decade ago. For many, the speeds offered by mobile internet services can be relatively fast. In fact, the top speeds offered by 5G networks rival that of fixed-line services delivered through fibre optic cables.
• Convenience - Equally important, convenience is another huge advantage of mobile internet. You can check your email, read the news, and stay connected from any location your service provider offers coverage.
• Security - Mobile internet can be much more secure than public Wi-Fi hotspots. For instance, you’re likely to be at lower risk of your personal information being stolen, cyber attacks, malware distribution, and the like.
• Productivity - Mobile internet, as it enables mobile devices like tablets and smartphones, can support high productivity for employees. You can work on the go, and dispersed teams can find it easier to collaborate with employees who work from the road. Mobile internet also makes it easier to use certain apps regardless of your location. This in turn can also enhance mobile work productivity. For example, access to apps with cloud storage allows employees to share large numbers of files safely, quickly, and efficiently wherever they’re located.
• Communication - Whether it’s for connecting with friends and family or for the workplace, your mobile internet connection supports effective communication. You can make video calls to your teammates and attend video conferences on your smartphone. You can use chat apps to stay connected with loved ones located around the world. Sharing photos, videos, and other content is also made easier with mobile internet.
• Wide coverage - Depending on their location, mobile internet users could enjoy broad and fairly reliable coverage, especially in metropolitan areas.
• Pay as you go - With a mobile internet service, you might be able to find pay-as-you-go and prepaid plans, which could be less common with fixed-line plans. This type of plan can be useful for people who use very little data and only use their mobile internet to check emails and do light surfing. The flexibility of this type of contract can also appeal to individuals who aren’t certain as to what their usage needs will be from month to month.
• Location-specific services - With a mobile internet connection on your smartphone, you can enjoy location-based services from search engines and apps. These can include restaurant recommendations and automated weather updates, which can be helpful for travellers.

Potential drawbacks

Understanding some of the potential disadvantages of mobile internet is also important, especially if you’re deciding whether you need a fixed-line service at your property or can rely solely on your mobile connection.

• Speed - While speed is listed as an advantage above, there are certain issues to be aware of when it comes to mobile internet speeds. Although 5G mobile internet can be faster than a lot of fixed-line connections, fluctuations in speed can be an issue. As a comparison, fixed-line networks use protected cables and so can be more reliable. With mobile internet, upload and download speeds can fluctuate because it’s based on wireless signals. Speeds can vary depending on location, number of other users in the area, and even weather.
• Transfer rates and latency - Similarly, fiber optics and fixed-line connections provide higher data transfer rates than wireless connections. In addition, wireless connections like mobile internet could have higher latency than fixed-line connections, which could make it less suitable for data-intensive activities like gaming.
• Connectivity - Connectivity issues can arise with mobile internet services. These include poor weather and high traffic. In addition, connectivity and reliability can be an issue where there are a lot of other users in the same location. Equally important, you might only be able to access faster speeds like 4G and 5G if you have the right hardware and you’re in an area where the infrastructure supports it.
• Cost - Mobile internet can be less cost effective in data-to-dollar terms depending on your plan.

Conclusion

Mobile internet is an excellent choice for on-the-go access on your smartphone and other devices, or as a backup service. It’s also a great option if you can’t obtain a fixed-line broadband service for your property. In terms of uses, mobile broadband is excellent for checking emails and browsing the web. If you have a good connection, video streaming and gaming might not be an issue, but you might experience slower speeds and lagging when it comes to high-bandwidth activities with multiple users in the household. Ultimately, mobile internet could reliably serve as your main household or work connection, and it’s certainly an excellent backup or substitute service for when your fixed-line service experiences disruptions.