Staying in touch is vital for start-up businesses, particularly those in the technical sphere. As you start setting up your first office, you’ll want to think about choosing the right mobile broadband provider to suit your needs. This also includes determining whether you need access to WCDMA, GSM, LTE, or all of the above.
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Why do you need mobile broadband?
As a small business owner, do you even need mobile broadband in the first place? The answer is most likely yes, particularly if you spend a lot of time on the go attending meetings with investors or traveling for work. A mobile broadband connection lets you work during your commute or when you’re in a café. You don’t need a Wi-Fi connection if you have a mobile broadband connection, letting you work from remote locations. Tariffs can vary considerably but are also usually quite cost-effective, which is helpful for start-up businesses.
WCDMA and GSM technology
Two of the primary technologies in use today are WCDMA and GSM. The major difference between these two is that GSM belongs to the 2G group of technologies while WCDMA is part of the more modern 3G group. Because WCDMA is newer and more advanced, it offers faster speeds which is a distinct advantage for start-up business owners. You want to be able to have access to the high download speeds and streaming capabilities to participate in video calls with clients, for example. On the other hand, there are advantages to a GSM network as well. If you work with clients or suppliers living abroad and travel often for business, you may find yourself in areas where the only options is a GSM network. Although 3G has swiftly caught up in terms of popularity, at the moment 2G networks like GSM are still the most widespread throughout the world.
So why can’t you just use a WCDMA phone in an area with a GSM network? They use different frequency bands, meaning that they can’t communicate with one another. Fortunately, most new mobile phones are enabled for both 2G and 3G networks. This is something you definitely want to check into before you purchase a new phone for your business, however. The best option for an international start-up is equipment that can be used in a variety of different locations. Yet not all mobile phones support WCDMA, which is why you’ll need to think about your networking needs to maximize your mobile service.
LTE Networks
The next generation of networking is, of course, the 4G network or LTE. This boasts even faster speeds and a higher efficiency than WCDMA, so is it an even better choice for your start-up? Again, you’ll need to think about how and when you’ll be using your mobile phone. Providers like Nokia Networks offer smart software that can transition between WCDMA and LTE, letting you take advantage of the 4G speeds when they’re available.
In the end, there are a number of options to choose from when you’re comparing mobile services. Whether you opt for mobile broadband or other types of connections, it’s helpful to understand the difference between each generation of technologies and find a device that’s compatible with your connectivity needs.
