Wireless broadband theories – fact or fiction?
In Australia, as in many other parts of the world, wireless broadband technology has become very popular with huge numbers of people, and the flexibility, freedom, and ease that wireless broadband offers means that more and more people are likely to get onboard in the future and sign up to wireless broadband services.
Over recent years a number of theories have developed with regards to wireless broadband services, and with regards to just how wireless broadband works, what the network provider can do in terms of keeping customers in check, and what tricks internet service providers may use to get their customers to do what they want. In short a number of conspiracy theories have developed with regards to wireless broadband services, but just which of these is fact and which is simply a myth?
ISPs can control wireless broadband speeds
According to experts this is something that can be done by network providers, but this is something that is usually only done if customer are using excessive amounts of data and regularly exceeding their fair usage limit. Therefore, those that stay within their limits or are usually charged for any extra data that they use shouldn't be affected.
Contention ratios can affect users' broadband speeds
This is true as it means that the more people that are using their wireless broadband service from the same connection the slower the speed for each of the users. The contention ratios are often 50:1 or 20:1, but it is up to the consumer to check before making any commitment, as the lower the contention ratio the more stable and speedy the service as there will be fewer people sharing the same connection. Test for yourself with a broadband speed test.
Customers have to contact ISPs and ask for upgrades as they won't be upgraded automatically
Some people may be concerned that ISPs will not upgrade their customers automatically when there are changes to plans and packages, and that they need to specifically call and make a request, but industry experts believe this to be untrue. In most cases if any changes are made, such as with speed or download allowances, customers are upgraded right away and informed of the changes in writing, email, or by phone, or are changed to the new service once the existing contract expires.
3G networks are suffering due to an increase in users of the networks
Wireless broadband has become increasingly popular amongst both business and personal users, and this has had an adverse effect on 3G networks due to lack of capacity to cope with the rise in demand. However, whilst the users of 3G networks may start to experience slower speeds, lack of coverage, and less reliable connections, the launch and rollout of 4G networks could help to sort out these issues.
There is a big difference in speed between wireless broadband and fixed line services
Whilst there is generally a difference between the average wireless broadband speeds and the average fixed line broadband speed, with wireless speeds tending to be a little lower than fixed line, this is a price that many people are prepared to pay in order to enjoy the convenience and ease of getting online whilst on the move.
