Mobile broadband
Mobile broadband is a wireless connection that is connected via the mobile phone network. The difference between fixed and mobile connection is that with a fixed connection you are tied to a certain location. When using mobile broadband, you can usually move geographically while you surf. A prerequisite is that there is coverage in the mobile network at the location you are at. To be able to use mobile broadband via the computer, you need to either connect to a network, a USB modem, or share internet with your mobile phone.
Page summary
Mobile broadband is internet via the mobile network. You can surf wherever you are, as long as there is coverage. There are different ways to use mobile broadband, such as through subscriptions, prepaid cards, hotspots, or directly on the mobile. With a subscription, you pay every month depending on how much data you want. Prepaid cards are loaded with money in advance and you only pay for what you use. Hotspots are available in places like cafes and airports – sometimes they are free, sometimes they cost money. You can also surf directly on the mobile or use the mobile as a modem for other devices. The 2G and 3G networks will be shut down by 2025 at the latest, so it’s important to have a mobile or router that supports 4G or 5G. How fast your internet is depends on the coverage and the device you use.
How does mobile broadband work?
The mobile network consists of base stations (masts) that cover different geographical areas. Your mobile device (router, dongle, or phone) communicates with the nearest base station via radio waves. You can surf via mobile broadband using a mobile device and access the mobile broadband via a subscription, prepaid card, by connecting to a hotspot or via mobile surfing on your phone.
Subscription for mobile broadband
When you sign a subscription, you enter into an agreement with an operator to use their mobile broadband service for a certain period or indefinitely. Usually, you pay for a certain amount of data per month.
Prepaid card for mobile broadband
With a prepaid card, you pay a certain amount in advance for the use of your mobile broadband. The cost of using the service is deducted from the amount on the card, and therefore you do not receive any bills. Sometimes the terms may require you to, for example, top up the card at least once a year to keep it active. Usually, no monthly fee is charged on prepaid cards, but always ask the operator about current prices and conditions.
Hotspot – Mobile broadband via surf zones
Public surf zones are places where you can connect via wireless networks (such as WLAN) and connect to an existing network and/or access the internet. Such zones (also called Wi-Fi or “hot spots“) can be found at airports, train stations, hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Some operators have encrypted zones that require a password to be used.
In addition to a laptop with a wireless network card, USB adapter, or similar, you need to register to get started. There are different ways to pay for this service, for example, per hour or surf as much as you want for a fixed monthly fee. Sometimes this service is included in subscriptions. This is something you need to check either by contacting your operator or by reading through the agreement.
Mobile surfing – Mobile broadband via mobile phone
Mobile surfing can mean different things. You can either surf directly with the mobile phone or connect your mobile phone to a computer and use the mobile as a modem – internet sharing. You need a mobile phone that can handle data traffic transfer, and usually, you surf mainly within the 4G and 5G networks.
NOTE! 2G and 3G are now being gradually shut down and will stop working at the end of 2025. You may need to review your devices that connect to the mobile network to ensure they can connect to 4G and 5G.
Coverage for mobile broadband
A prerequisite for you to be able to use mobile broadband is that there is coverage at the location where you are. The coverage, as well as the type of mobile phone/tablet you have, can affect the mobile broadband’s speed.