by Frances Laing

Created on: October 05, 2009   Last Updated: October 06, 2009

Do you want a better Internet wireless connection? To get the best choice, the best deal and to maintain the most efficient connection you need to consider the following:

Frequency and nature of use

How often are you going to make use of your Internet wireless connection? If you already have broadband and a wired router in your workplace and at home - this is going to affect the wireless connection choices you sign up to - you may be looking at occasional use only. Ask yourself at the outset whether your wireless connection is going to be for social or professional use - or a mixture of both.

How many hours per month will you need your connection for? What will you be downloading? Emails? Pictures? Videos? It'sa good idea to think about download monitoring software too. Many companies include this in their package as standard, but some don't. If you can't keep track of your usage properly and you consistently exceed your download limit - you may be penalised and you're wasting your hard-earned cash.

Ease of use, location and reliability

For many people - occasionally making use of a the free wireless connection in their business hotel, Internet cafe or conference room is helpful. But beware. Guard against using unsecured wireless connections. The last thing you want is for unauthorised individuals to access your personal, work or financial details.

Location is important. Many of us work from home in isolated or rural environments. Before you invest in new gadgets, check the basics and make sure you can get a signal in your area, especially if you live off the beaten track. There's nothing worse than starting a piece of work and giving up because your signal has broken down.

Cost

You may want to choose a broadband mobile 'dongle' which slots into your lap top. In a busy work environment - if you're a beginner to wireless broadband they're not a bad option. If you already have heavy work horse lap top you may wish to choose one of the free lightweight notebooks with integral wireless access. Wireless Internet companies often give these away as part of the deal.

Tied into a contract?

Sounds like an obvious point - but read the terms and conditions of your deal carefully. Does your contract allow for an upgrade? Where will you be in a year's time? Some types of contract bind the user for a fixed term - say eighteen months. If you sign them and then want to switch providers - you still have to pay until the end of the contract term.

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