Theoretically speaking, HSPA (3G Mobile Broadband) technology is already capable of delivering downstream speeds of up to 14Mbps, which is far in excess of the 'up to' 8Mbps speeds offered by most UK ADSL ISP's. In reality the actual speed of Mobile Broadband services is usually a lot slower, less flexible and more expensive too.

New lab results from Flash Networks have confirmed that browsing speed via 3G and 3.5G networks is 25% to 60% slower than ADSL connections due to the erratic and inefficient nature of wireless networks. However, by using acceleration technology mobile operators can increase browsing speed by 1.5 to 4 fold, providing users with similar and even faster browsing. "The single most determining factor for choosing an Internet service is speed", said Eli Mahal Vice President of Marketing at Flash Networks.

It remains to be seen whether any UK operators will adopt the Flash Networks technology, although no doubt consumers would welcome additional speed improvements. Still, ADSL2+ services are just around the corner and Mobile Broadband packages need to develop further, ideally becoming more flexible before they can compete at the same level. The gap is slowly closing.

Meanwhile Motorola has revealed that an unnamed UK mobile operator is gearing up to introduce mobile WiMax services, which is best known for being a long-range, high-bandwidth wireless broadband technology. The move is currently dependant upon whether the technology wins spectrum in an upcoming Ofcom auction.