The Mobile Internet

A blogpost about the mobile Internet, no news, just a general discussion. Feel free to add comments below.

In the UK there are 5 main network providers: Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone, O2 & 3. Other networks such as Virgin Mobile, Tesco Mobile and Giff Gaff "piggy back" on these networks systems. And Orange and T-Mobile are now actually "Everything Everywhere", though the customer will still see the two independent brands.

These networks provide traditional connectivity for phone calls, SMS text messaging and GPRS. They also provide 3G internet connectivity (subject to network coverage). With the advent of 3G technology, and the ever increasing market share occupied by smartphones, the mobile Internet has truly arrived. With a strong 3G connection you don't need to be tied to your desk to pick up emails, or hop from wifi hotspot to hotspot (although there are huge number around these days) to watch the latest funny clip on YouTube.

Train journeys, dentist waiting rooms, even sat on the loo you can stay connected with your friends news feed on Facebook. You could even be reading Web Warp Blog out and about on your smartphone or tablet over 3G.

You can get a huge variety of service though from 3G network providers. Some networks seem to provide much faster speeds than others in different areas of the country. A strong signal is required for good download speed, and your hardware needs to be quick too.
The iPhone 4S has two antenna's so it can download over two 3G connections and can break the 7.2MBps maximum speed of 3G. In fact the iPhone 4S is capable of 14.4 MBps downloads! This is faster than average fixed line broadband speeds!

When considering your next network choice you should try and check out the predicted network coverage wherever you will be using it most. Home, work, any typical journeys. Try to find out from friends on the different networks, what speeds do they get? To find out try www.speedtest.net or use the Speedtest.net mobile apps for iOS and Android.

3 offer The One Plan which also includes for tethering other devices to your mobile phones internet connection. For example you could use your Wi-Fi iPad on your iPhone's personal hotspot. But generally tethering is either not available or subject to further charges, with allowance limits. If you use data on a laptop often, and tethering isn't an option, a 3G dongle can be a useful, but typically costly solution to take your Internet access with you.

With the release on the new resolutionary iPad 4G LTE hardware is suddenly moving into the mainstream. The UK networks are yet to provide a 4G LTE service in the UK, but it is certainly going to be the future of the mobile internet due to it's vastly improve connection speed.