How Do Internet Connect Cards Work?

The Basics

An Internet connect card is a small device that plugs into a USB port on a computer and allows a user to connect to the Internet wherever they go, regardless of whether or not they are in the presence of a wireless network. These cards are offered by a variety of cell phone providers and use the standard cellular telephone network to connect the user to the Internet and transfer data. This is similar to the way that Apple's iPhone connects to the Internet. Certain types of Internet connect cards will not use a USB port and instead need to be physically installed in the user's laptop or desktop computer via an open PCI slot.

How it Works

An Internet connect card will first connect to the cellular network and then to the Internet. This is similar to the way computers using dial-up Internet service connect to the world wide web. Connecting to the cellular network, however, is much faster than connecting to a simple land-line phone. Once inserted into the computer, the Internet connect card will allow the user to perform all the functions they normally would when using the Internet, including checking email, viewing web pages and downloading or sending files.

Cost and Speed

While most wireless providers of Internet connect cards will boast that users can transfer data at speeds similar to that of standard broadband access, in general the speed will depend on exactly where you are attempting to use the card. Just like using a cell phone, certain areas will have good reception and offer high transfer speeds while certain areas will have bad reception and the transfer speeds will be slow. In addition to the cost of buying the connect card, the wireless provider will charge you a monthly fee. AT&T, for example, offers data plans beginning at $60 per month. However, AT&T will also waive the price of the card itself if you sign up for a multi-year service contract.

References

• Wireless Connection Cards
• Wireless Internet Cards