Bill Kurtis seems to have recently found the Internet.  Even if you KNOW where the Internet is, it can sometimes be hard to understand how you found it where you are, and if you should trust it or not.

This is a two-part article that will focus on connecting to a network (including the Internet) wirelessly.

There are two primary methods of wireless networking, and we are going to cover both in this series.  This article will focus on connecting with Mobile Broadband, sometimes referred to as 3G, HSDPA, and EVDO, among other things.  There are some specific things that make these terms unique, but for the purposes of this article, we will assume they are interchangeable. We can do this because while the technology may be different, the way you use the technology is basically the same.

Mobile broadband allows you to connect to the Internet from just about anywhere that you can receive a cellular signal.  So if you can make a phone call, the chances are very good that you could connect to the Internet.  This includes, public transportation, parks, client/customer locations, restaurants and many more locations.  What this gives you is freedom, flexibility and security.  Your connection is more secure than a random WiFi connection (more on this in the next article.)  You don't have to worry about if you will be able to get access where you are going.  And you will be able to get access in more places.

It's very easy to use.  Once the hardware is installed (more on the hardware below) you install software that comes with the modem.  Running the software connects you to the Internet.  It's just that easy.  Let's dig into some details on the hardware, and the service itself.

To make use of mobile broadband you need a modem.  This can come in many different forms.  It could be a USB device you plug into the computer, or a PC Card that fits into the side of a laptop.  Some laptops (including some netbooks) have wireless broadband modems installed completely inside them so you can't see any sign that the computer is equipped with the wireless modem.  It may even be possible to use your cell phone as a broadband modem.

In general, the broadband modems are relatively inexpensive.  The ones that are built into a laptop being the most expensive at about $150.  The USB modems usually being the least expensive, sometimes being sold as "free." Of course, the real expense is in the monthly fee.  The wireless modem connects to the Internet over the same network used by cellular phones.  Because of this, it is the cellular phone carriers that bill you for your service.  The carrier will refer to this as a "data plan."  Carriers have different plans available for purchase based on the amount of data you will transfer per month.  This is a VERY hard thing to calculate.  The size of the plans available currently range between about 200mb per month and 5gb per month.  Here are some guidelines that might help you chose which plan is best for you:

200mb:

• 7-8 hrs of light web browsing a month
• Send/receive email with small or no attachments
• Light downloads, like the occasional song

5gb:

• Frequent web browsing throughout the month
• Send/receive email with large attachments
• Download or Upload pictures frequently
• Download music regularly

Keep in mind, even 5gb can be exceeded fairly easily, so it's important to ensure that you do not exceed your plan or else you end up paying overage fees.

Plans range from $35 to about $60 a month.

So, is 3G wireless for you?
If you travel frequently, or commute by public transportation then 3G might just be for you.  If you visit clients or customers on-site regularly then you may be interested in looking deeper into this option.