| Network capability | | | | modem will switch to use the much slower 2G |
| The top speed of your connection will be limited by the | | | | network - instead of receiving speeds of 1.8Mbps, you'll |
| maximum speed of the mobile phone company's | | | | be crawling along at just 30Kbps. The modem |
| network. In the UK, O2, Orange and T-Mobile support | | | | software or the lights on the modem itself will tell you if |
| 1.8Mbps, Three support 2.4Mbps and Vodafone | | | | you're using 3G or 2G. |
| support speeds up to 7.2Mbps. | | | | You can improve your signal strength by moving your |
| However, it's one thing for the network to theoretically | | | | modem. Try moving closer to a window (as the signal |
| support these higher speeds, but if the link from the | | | | can pass through glass more easily than walls), or try |
| mobile phone company's mast back to the internet | | | | moving the first floor of your home or office. You |
| (called 'backhaul') isn't fast enough you won't be able to | | | | might find a USB extension cable useful. |
| hit the higher speeds. This is similar to having a 54Mbps | | | | You may notice that the strength of your signal |
| WiFi router at home, but connecting it to an 8Mbps | | | | changes throughout the day - this is called the |
| ADSL connection - you speed is limited by the slowed | | | | 'breathing' effect of 3G networks. As the network |
| link in the chain. | | | | gets busier, the coverage area shrinks, therefore you'll |
| Modem capability | | | | see your signal strength reduce too. |
| Mobile broadband modems come in a variety of | | | | Number of other users on the network |
| different speeds - from basic 3.6Mbps devices through | | | | The speed of your connection will be reduced during |
| to the fastest 7.2Mbps with support for high speed | | | | busy periods on the mobile network. When you |
| uploads. If your phone company offers 7.2Mbps | | | | connect using mobile broadband, you're using a shared |
| broadband, but you've only got a 3.6Mbps modem, you | | | | data service. This means although your data is secure, |
| won't be able to hit the higher speeds. | | | | the 'pipe' that you're using is also used by other people |
| Looking beyond just the speed of the modem, it's | | | | on the network. As more people go online and start |
| important to consider the technology inside the modem | | | | downloading using the same pipe, the speed each user |
| itself. Of particular importance is a technology called | | | | receives reduces. It's similar to the difference between |
| receive diversity - modems that support this feature | | | | driving on motorway at 2am versus 6pm. |
| have two internal aerials instead of one, making them | | | | As odd as it sounds, the number of customers making |
| a lot quicker, especially in poor coverage areas. | | | | voice calls will also have an impact on your speed. This |
| Signal strength | | | | is because voice customers take priority over data |
| The speed of your connection is affected by the | | | | customers on the network and during busy times |
| strength of the signal you receive from your mobile | | | | voice customers are allowed to access the network |
| phone company's network. The poorer your signal | | | | ahead of data customers. |
| strength, the slower your connection. The software | | | | In general, the busiest time to use mobile broadband is |
| included with your modem will show you what your | | | | between 6pm and 11pm - during this you'll find your |
| signal strength is - this is similar to the bar indicator you | | | | speed much slower than using it first thing in the |
| have on your mobile phone. | | | | morning. |
| If your in an area of poor or no 3G coverage, your | | | | |