What Is Mobile Internet Access?

A cell phone is a common means of mobile Internet access.

Accessing the stationary Internet from different locations as opposed to an Internet that moves about is what is meant by "mobile Internet." Mobile Internet access in its first usage referred only to the capabilities of handheld personal digital assistant (PDA) devices.

Features

Technology allows mobile Internet access via cell phones, smartphones and tablet-type devices. In a sense, this allows users to carry the Internet with them, thus permitting mobile Internet access across wide areas.

Benefits

As more and more PC users switched from desktop systems to laptops and notebooks, software developers kept pace and wireless technology for laptops became common. Today, mobile Internet access is readily available via the PC.

Considerations

Mobile Internet access requires an Internet service provider (ISP). Thus, even though a device or PC may be capable of accessing the Internet, an ISP must provide the linkup through the company's computers. For example, cell phone companies that offer mobile Internet access connect the user to the Internet via an ISP.

References

• Ericsson: Concepts and terminology
• First Author: Research Tools
• Duchess County Economic Development Corporation