To demonstrate this we looked at one picture, first via our land-line broadband ISP (image on the left) and then through Vodafone’s Mobile Broadband link (image on the right):
The image on the left from our land-line is clearly pin-sharp, while the one on the right through Vodafone is heavily distorted through compression. We noted that this did not appear to affect website background images or FLASH content, though it is still a serious problem for web designers, journalists or anybody working with images online. We also found that popular instant messaging (IM) clients, such as MSN, refused to connect. This did not appear to be uniform as the older ICQ IM system worked and you can usually use web-based MSN interfaces to get around the problem. Similarly Skype (VoIP) didn’t work either and we wouldn’t be surprised if P2P and VPN connections were also difficult to establish, if not impossible. It’s understandable that a mobile operator might not want VoIP services to work over Mobile Broadband because cheap data could threaten the operator’s natural non-voip revenue. However the inability to support something like MSN instant messaging, which is crucial to many modern inter-business and user communications, is deeply frustrating. Conclusion Mobile Broadband appears to be an excellent technology, provided you only intend to use it for general/basic Internet activity. It certainly makes for an effective remote working or land-line backup connection too. However the comparatively slow and unstable speeds, lack of value-added extras (email) and inability to use certain common services only serves to restrict its productive value. Some operators also impose costly or harsh overuse terms and the service is best avoided entirely if you’re planning on connecting from outside of the UK (massive per MegaByte global roaming data charges). It’s still incredibly useful, if not quite yet a true mass market land-line broadband alternative. Note: We're currentlylooking for more readers to post reviews about their experieces with different Mobile Broadband providers here: Article Index:
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I have the above page Vodafone Mobile Connect Lite, but how do you progress from there. No matter what I attempt I cannot seem to get online
Well I unpacked the USB Stick and plugged it into my "Free" laptop and it installed the software and in a few min's I was up and running, but the connection only lasted a few mins then cut out, I then decided to try later on in the day and every time I tred to connect to the 3g Network a Error in there own programme came up, So I thought I would call Customer services, What a waist of time that was, Today I'm taking it all back to Cancel the contract with Vodaphone.
I've got 3 Mobile Broadband (http://www.store-3.co.uk/3-three-3-mobile-broadband-usb-e169-stick-modem-white.html) and have to say that it's amazing - incredibly fast, though I am using it in central London so it may not be so good outside of the city. Also, it does do the image compression thing, but I've heard that it can be disabled.. somehow...
HAVING USED ORANGE 3G FOR SEVERAL MONTHS ( AFTER ORANGE RESOLVED SMS LANGUAGE PROBLEMS ) . THE SERVICE IS FINE. THEY ALSO GIVE UPDATE WARNINGS. THE CALL CENTRE ( INDIA ) SERVICE IS GOOD.
Does anybody know if all of the mobile broadband isps do that image compression thing? Is there one that doesn't?
Just for the record, I also tested Three (3) and Orange but didn't have time to add the results into this article. Nor have I tested them as extensively as Vodafone's because the usage expired on Three and the Orange one was borrowed so I had to return it. Hope to include more details soon.
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