Other broadband options

Last week, I wrote about my satellite broadband service powering my work at the cottage.

I have a few other options where I am located, thanks to my cottage being located within reach of mobile broadband networks delivering HSPA+.

Using 3 different devices, I thought I would show Speedtest results from the mobile networks data access (my Barrett Xplore Speedtest results can be seen at the bottom of this post).

A Nokia data stick on the Rogers network connects easily and has its own connection software, that includes a monitor of how much data has been used in a session – allowing users to easily keep an eye on their usage and manage their connection accordingly.

I also connected my computer to my Blackberry, using the IP modem option on Blackberry’s Desktop Manager. Although it uses the same network, the speeds are slower, possibly due to limitations imposed by my operating system on the computer. Still, the connection is more than adequate for video and audio.

And finally, I tethered a Nokia 3G phone on the Bell network, again potentially limited by the computer’s operating system speeds for the USB port.

The mobile devices offer additional options for broadband connectivity, each with their own benefits and compromises. The Nokia phone software warned me about an operating system issue and recommended a ‘Hotfix’ to improve the connection. This made me wonder about user measurements of broadband speeds in general – how many tests produce results that show connections that are slower than the network capabilities due to limitation in the end-user equipment?

For many, the lower monthly usage thresholds generally associated with mobile broadband aren’t a material issue; others, with families sharing a single connection, may need the higher download speeds and higher monthly activity levels usually permitted by fixed connections.

Here is how my satellite connection measured up:

Your comments are encouraged.