Stay Connected: Internet Options for Mobile Offices

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Introduction

Working in a mobile office is, in many ways, ideal—you have flexibility and portability for a low cost.  However, if your business requires an Internet connection, convenience can quickly turn to inconvenience unless you know what the Internet options are for your mobile office. 

There are many ways to get online in your mobile office, and the best solution for you takes your location, your equipment and your budget for Internet access into account.  Follow me as I connect you with the basics of mobile office Internet access.

Wireless PC Card Internet Access

Pros: convenience, versatility, speed, no complicated equipment

Cons: Expensive, requires cell reception, locked in to a contract

 

A wireless PC card can be a great way to access the Internet anywhere, including your mobile office.  This small card plugs right into your laptop (or desktop) computer’s PCI slot and, using the same wireless technology your cell phone does, connects your computer to a high-speed internet connection.   

Well-suited for transferring large files or documents on the go, one of the only inconvenient thing about this Internet option is the cost.  Ranging anywhere from $40-$70 per month, per wireless card, it can get pricey if you are on a budget.  However, if you have a business cell phone, you may be able to use the same network for a discounted price—talk to your wireless provider about a plan that combines wireless internet access and cell phone usage. 

The other major caveat is that the wireless PC card requires a cell-phone network connection to work properly.  If your mobile office is located in an area with little or no cell phone reception, you may need to consider another Internet option for your mobile office. (Also, as the name denotes, this card works with PCs, not Macs.) 

Also, a wireless PC card is usually a contracted time commitment, so make sure that you aren’t going to be paying for a year of service you don’t need when you sign the service agreement. 

Mobile Office Broadband Internet Access

Pros:  relatively inexpensive, high-speed Internet, wireless option, month-to-month service

Cons: availability, consistency

 

While cable uses the cable television connection and DSL Internet uses the phone line, they function in much the same way—providing high-speed Internet access to a host of computers at a comparable, affordable price (usually around $40-$60/month).  Both require an Ethernet network card for each computer you would like to be online, as well as a single, special modem.  You can easily self-install these units for free or a nominal fee, because a service appointment for installation can cause up to $100.  Yikes!

With cable or DSL Internet access, you can either plug the computer into the Internet connection, or you can use a wireless router to broadcast wireless Internet over your entire mobile office.  This option allows for a number of computers to be online in your mobile office without the hassle of cables or wires, but requires that each computer have wireless Internet capability.

While service availability can be an issue, if you are able to get cable TV in the vicinity of your mobile office, chances are you will be able to get cable internet for your mobile office internet needs. DSL Internet access for your mobile office, however, is a little trickier; the service is better the closer it is to the telephone company’s central hub. 

Lastly, because cable and DSL are both usually month-to-month services, you can often cancel at a moment’s notice with no penalty fee, making this a great, flexible Internet access option Remember, the best way to get the best price on any service is to shop around, so get multiple quotes from both DSL and cable Internet providers before deciding which one is best.

Mobile Office Dial Up Internet Access

Pros: cheap, no equipment

Cons: extremely low speed, inconvenient

 

The other Internet access option for your mobile office is a dial-up connection, which accesses the Internet through your phone line.  This option, by far the slowest, can be an acceptable alternative to high-speed DSL/cable Internet only if your business requires occasional, limited access to the Internet.  If you plan on downloading or sending large files through email, or if you plan on surfing the web, dial-up connection is not for your mobile office. Check around in your area, as DSL is often almost as cheap, and for much better service. 

 

Now that you have a good idea of what kind of Internet you would like in your mobile office, start receiving quotes on your perfect mobile office here!

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