mobile broadband

Mobile broadband coverage should be clearer

An ongoing battle over mobile broadband coverage and revealing to consumers real time mobile broadband coverage is ensuing.

Now that mobile broadband is penetrating the market, with take up increasing exponentially as the public see the value in being able to get online (almost) anywhere in the country, those who have subscribed to mobile broadband have reported that in some cases, coverage advertised did not actually provide access in certain areas.

It would be all too easy for mobile broadband suppliers to take on the role of achieving 100% mobile broadband coverage throughout the country but this would not be true, and for that reason providers have to be extra careful in what they say, particularly when it comes to percentage of coverage available.

Also, the iphones and next generation mobile phones all have the option of connecting via 3G, which may put pressure on mobile broadband companies to provide a map of where 3G is available in the country, and more importantly where it is not available.

There could be light at the end of the 'mobile broadband coverage' tunnel though, after Ofcom announced that a map of 3G coverage has been created. Good news for those who desperately need to know which providers cover which areas.

The data compiled has come from telecoms companies inside information on 3G coverage in the United Kingdom. Weaknesses in any providers 3G coverage could then be found out by the general public, but on the other hand it would be of benefit to those who want and need coverage in certain areas to be able to get online using mobile broadband.

An honest mobile broadband coverage map could offer some well needed benefits to those looking for mobile broadband in their area.