Mobile broadband 3G, 4G and WiMax service are wireless internet  technologies that are creating a buzz among consumers.  The differences of these technologies are as follows:

3G Mobile Broadband uses a series of cell towers, or wireless local area networks (LANs), to produce high-frequency radio signals. Very similar to cell phone technology, the closer you are to a tower, the stronger your signal will be.  Upon occasion, your connection can terminate completely if you are in between signals. You can think of this as being similar to a dropped phone call on your cell phone. 

Cellular-based wireless companies own and maintain their own towers. Some companies also offer roaming connections with the goal of providing uninterrupted service to their customers.  While roaming charges sometimes apply, there are many plans that do not charge roaming minutes.

Many hardwire-based internet types such as DSL and cable, as well as satellite providers also offer hot spot networks nationwide at public locations like airports, fast food chains, book stores, coffee shops, and libraries.  Many larger companies offer free basic WiFi available with your home plan that allows you to access thousands of hot spots across the country.

4G Mobile Broadband & WiMax offers a large cell approach when compared with 3G's small cell series of local area networks.  It covers a much larger geographic area.  4G and WiMax technology is still quite new, making 3G the dominant method for consumers to enjoy a mobile connection to the internet. In order to supply seamless coverage, the co-existence of these two technologies together would be ideal.

Common issues with wireless technology are:

• Slower download speeds
• Occasional disconnections, depending on where you are at in your coverage area
• Difficulty interacting with customer and technical support
• Limited range
• Capacity -- there are a fairly limited number of channels available, and an increasing number of customers attempting to access these channels.  The addition of more base stations would be logical, but this presents a barrier in the form of high cost.
• WiFi pollution -- too many access points in one area already using neighboring channels can interfere with access

The good news is that in a Consumer Reports survey of 26 cities published in January of 2010, the top providers, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, and AT&T all received overall positive ratings in the area of web accessibility.  Investigating a company's weak points is important to determine whether they pose an issue to you as a customer.

Comparison sites can help to answer many questions about wireless internet.  Finding out what a good comparison website provides in the way of usable information can greatly assist you with the internet provider selection process.