Wireless Internet Providers in Utah Key Terms

Connect to telecom trends by learning these wireless Internet providers in Utah key terms
By Kelley Keith Whether you work in Salt Lake City or travel each week to neighboring states, having a mobile broadband connection allows you to stay productive wherever you get wireless service. Internet providers like T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T and Verizon all offer mobile broadband service, which brings the Internet straight to your phone, Smartphone or laptop computer. Before choosing a service provider, review the following terms so you'll have a better idea of what you're buying.

3G

3G is shorthand for the third-generation telecommunications hardware standard. Defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the 3G network is currently the fastest network available for mobile broadband applications. The 3G network is relatively new for most wireless Internet companies. Therefore, not all wireless Internet providers in Utah will carry the service.
Try:  Review the homepage at International Telecommunication Union for more information about the 3G networks.

ExpressCard

Most wireless Internet providers in Utah allow you to connect to their networks using an ExpressCard modem. The modems, which are about the size of a credit card, slip into the side of a notebook computer and receive wireless signals anywhere in the provider's network.
Try:  ExpressCard.org has all the information you need to know about these handy modules and their ever-improving applications within the mobile broadband industry.

Megabits per second (Mbps)

Megabits per second (Mbps) is a measurement of an Internet connection's bandwidth. Download speeds for 3G wireless devices range anywhere from 384kbps to 7Mbps. In Utah, the speed can range from 128K to over 10 Mbps for direct wireless service.
Try:  Wired Magazine recently published an online article that allows users to test the download speed of their 3G wireless connections.

Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO) Revision A

Part of the 3G international standard, Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO) is a networking technology that uses time-division multiple access (TDMA) and code-division multiple access (CDMA) to increase user connection speeds and bandwidth. Revision A is a more recent version of EVDO. Again, this technology is relatively new to the Utah wireless communication industry.
Try:  Sprint is one of the major telecommunications companies offering EVDO Rev A service.

Mobile Broadband Connect

Mobile Broadband Connect allows people to access the Internet on the go by connecting their cell phones to their laptops. In simple terms, the phone functions as a modem, delivering mobile broadband service directly to the computer. Cingular, Verizon and Sprint are the primary Mobile Broadband Connect providers in the state of Utah.
Try:  Verizon offers Mobile Broadband Connect to its small business subscribers.

Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE)

Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) is another kind of mobile technology that improves download speeds and makes it easier to work over a wireless Internet connection. Only certain carriers in Utah offer EDGE service.
Try:  Both T-Mobile, which has a great explanation of EDGE technology on its website, and Cingular have upgraded their mobile broadband networks to use EDGE.