3G mobile technology
The latest 3G mobile phone technology is like having broadband to go. It allows you faster access to the Internet while you're out and about working on the move.
Here's a quick introduction to the technology and what's involved:
What is 3G?
3G is short for third-generation technology. It is used in the context of mobile phone standards. A 3G service provides the ability to transfer simultaneously both voice data (a telephone call) and non-voice data (such as downloading information and exchanging email).
What can it do for me and my business?
3G allows you to connect to the Internet without being near a wireless hotspot. It gives you self-contained internet and email access on your laptop, without the need for any specialised technical knowledge. Large email attachments can be downloaded quickly and easily, making mobile working a practical reality. You can even connect while on a train or in a car.
You can stay connected whenever you want because you'll only pay for the amount of data you send and receive. Quite simply, it means that you can work from out of the office in the same way as if you were connected to your office network. There's no searching for a telephone socket and there are no snail-paced downloads.
If your business already provides staff with secure remote access to email and files on your computer network, it's likely that you can offer the same services using 3G without needing any additional hardware or software.
How much does it cost?
Monthly tariffs for the use of 3G start at £5 (on top of your normal monthly mobile phone charge) and then a variable, pay-as-you-go style top up fee is charged according to the amount of data downloaded.
Alternatively you can go for a bundled package where you pay £45 per month for up to 1GB of data transfered.
How does it work / how do I connect remotely?
In order to use 3G data services, the mobile device must be within an area of coverage, as with making and receiving calls. The device works by transmitting and receiving radio waves to the network operator base stations.
You can use your mobile phone to connect to the 3G network when there is coverage and if none is available you will be switched seamlessly to the GPRS network which covers 99.5% of UK.
Setting up your laptop is really easy. You’ll need a 3G data card for your laptop. You install some software that comes on a CD when you buy the card and then you simply slot the card into your laptop. You should be up and running in around 5 minutes.
The software is preconfigured for the network and you log in and out with a single click using the dashboard interface on your desktop.
What data speeds can I expect from 3G?
3G will give you a data speed of up to 384kbps - that's seven times faster than dial up - and GPRS up to 54kbps.
What's the availability in Cornwall like?
As 3G is a relatively new technology, availability is currently limited, however coverage is growing all the time. Some of the main service providers have maps where you can check availability in your area - click on the links below for more information.
