Broadband Speeds

[Switchy]

My brother bought a laptop and plans to get broadband.

 

One can get broadband through the landline at 2Mb download speed for example, or

 

 

One can get broadband through a 3G mobile phone operator at 3.6Mbps download speed for example.

 

Is the 3G way really faster than the landline way (3.6Mbps > 2Mb) : The units aren't the same so its a little confusing?

 

Many thanks

 

Switchy:shrug:

[Tormod]

AFAIK standard 3G speed is 384Kbps download. You can get 3G/UMTS at broadband speed of 2-10Mbps (and probably faster) AFAIK but those are theoretical speeds and require excellent 3G connections.

 

Most 3G carriers that I know of charge for 3G traffic and it's not cheap (as opposed to DSL traffic where you usually just pay for the subscription).

 

Basically, 3G is meant as a mobile network and is not intended to replace your landline (yet), but this might change soon.

[Switchy]

Here's an example for vodafone:-

 

Vodafone Ireland

 

 

Download Speed : 3.6Mbps

Upload Speed : 384kbps

Price.................: €30 a month

 

 

Are you saying you think that in addition to the €30 a month one would have to pay for traffic (internet calls!!) as well like a mobile telephone?

 

So for vodafone, would this be faster than 2Mb download speed for landline?

 

 

Switchy:shrug:

[Tormod]

Just make sure to read the fine print on that page:

 

A monthly data allowance of 5GB applies. Usage in excess of 5GB per month will be charged at 2c (VAT inc.) per MB.

 

So yes, it will be more expensive than regular broadband, and most likely slower too.

[alexander]

no, no Tormod, you should make it a statement....: it IS more expensive then broadband, and it IS slower...

 

Ok, so you have 450KBps down, 48KBps up....

 

first of all, if you click on their live demo, it says up to 1.4Mbps down so what number do we trust, can we trust either?

 

second of all, i would never trust a company that does not provide you with the detailed specs on their product.

 

Third of all, check the map, see where in ireland you are going to get coverage (no matter where you move is a very um bold statement for the service, broadband does not even cover 10% of ireland)

 

you can't use voip over the unlimited plan (and voip takes up quite a lot of traffic), so you voip, you pay

 

3 words or less, you are better off with a landline, at least with a land line, you are guaranteed connectivity, and as long as you are not too far away from the station, you have a guaranteed connection speed...

 

but it's ultimately up to you, it sounds like a cool idea tho. but i would weigh the odds, ask people around and not rush into the decision...