What Exactly Is Broadband?
It is an umbrella term for over five different types of connections. It refers to a high speed internet connection or access which doesn’t come with a usage limitation. Such connections are faster in comparison to the traditional dial ups. The transmissions a broadband service offers are:
● Digital subscriber line (DSL)
● Cable Modem
● Fiber
● Wireless
● Satellite
● Broadband over power lines (BPL)
It’s always quite difficult when it comes to deciding which broadband service do you need. The broadband service you select depends on a variety of factors, such as where you live. Is it a rural or urban area? How much can you spend on it? Would it be a means of comfort or is it a need for you? There are just so many questions, aren’t there? How much internet speed you need?
Well here is a comparative analysis to help you decide which one would be more suitable for you. Mobile and home broadband have unique selling points. While one is good at one thing, the other might be better at another. Here’s a chart to help you assess and consider which one you desire.
Home Broadband |
Mobile Broadband |
Price |
Flexibility |
Bundle Options |
No Landline Required |
Download Allowances |
Simple Installation |
Speeds |
Easy to buy & switch |
Home Broadband
A home broadband service is cheaper than a mobile one. Even the cheapest mobile broadband offers take more money than the one we can use at home. Moreover, a lot of people can use the one we have at home, not just one user (which is the case with mobile).
Home broadband offers can also be taken in good and reasonable bundle deals that include TV, phone, & internet services all in one. Majority of users, subscribe to bundle packages.
One of the best things that home broadband has to offer is that there is rarely any data cap these days, and one is allowed to download as much as they want. There’s no limit to it and that is literally what internet surfers live for these days. Moreover, the speed limits can be over 290 Mbps (depending on your internet service provider, as well as your area).
Mobile Broadband
You can take the “mifi” wherever you want because it isn’t something that would be static. It is flexible and can move from one place to another due to its portability.
You do not require a landline connection to have internet on your mobile. There are no extra services that you don’t even need and no installation fees either. Mifi is perfect choice for travelers as it can be connected while driving and needs a guide to find any place using internet.
Whenever you want “mifi,” all you need to do is connect your mobile with an internet dongle. No crazy steps to install it – the installation is as simple as it can get. Anyone can do it – even a child … literally.
When you want to switch your services to another provider, it won’t take a lot of time, nor would it consume a ton of money. You can switch whenever and wherever without having to read a ton of papers.
4G Is Not a Replacement!
It can easily be said that 4G is in no way a replacement for a home broadband connection. Getting a 4G coverage is like luck: you either have it or you don’t, which is not at all the case with home broadband. 4G isn’t very consistent as well, as it can depend on the areas you travel to and use it in. It is also a fact that 4G is more expensive than broadband internet.
While home broadband servers always have a 24/7 technical staff hired solely to assist you, not all mobile broadband service providers would have that same service. 4G has a lot of people riding at its back and thus its services can come off as degrading in comparison to a home broadband. The fields aren’t very consistent in 4G.
There are hardly any deals of 4G that offer unlimited downloads to the users, and the ones that do come with a lot of terms and conditions. While home broadband providers bundle up their services to assist their customers with great deals, the 4G service providers don’t bother having any add-ons or extra services to them. Many mobile broadband servers block a few sites and lower their film formats, meaning some people can’t watch HD videos or photos. There’s a big question mark as to 4G’s reliability, as well.
Conclusion
It’s like a hit and miss scenario in some places. The two cannot be seen as rivals just because one is portable and the other isn’t. It is like comparing a cook and a mechanic as to their work.
A home broadband connection is important so that you can not only download infinitely but also be able to relax your eyes and view whatever it is that you wish to on a bigger screen without any limitations. The sane option is to have both of them through uverse internet. They tend to give a bundle for almost every kind of customer.
While a home broadband connection is handy for when you have to stay at home, you might just need a portable connection if you’re going somewhere. Just be sure to check for the reviews and test whatever ISP you choose.
Nathan works as a content editor at Chuchi Magz he has seven years of experience.