Portable Internet Guide: What are its Advantages and Disadvantages?

In today’s digital era, the internet has become an indispensable part of our lives. Whether we are working, studying, or entertaining ourselves, we need to be constantly online. That’s why many people seek solutions in portable internet, which allows them to be online anytime and anywhere. How does portable internet work, and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

What is Portable Internet and How Does it Work?

Portable internet, sometimes referred to as mobile internet, provides wireless internet connection that you can use in various locations. Unlike fixed internet, it is not tied to a specific address and can be easily relocated. It utilizes mobile operators' networks, just like your smartphone.

The plus side is that portable internet technology is constantly evolving. It started with 3G networks, which only offered basic connection options. Today, the standard is 4G LTE networks, which provide significantly higher speeds. The latest technology is 5G, which promises even higher connection speeds but is not as widespread as 4G yet.

To use portable internet, you need special equipment, most commonly a mobile router or USB modem. A mobile router, often called a “MiFi,” creates a small Wi-Fi network to which you can connect various devices. A USB modem connects directly to a computer and provides internet only to that device.

Advantages of Portable Internet

The biggest advantage of portable internet is undoubtedly its mobility. You can use it at home, at work, at a cottage, or abroad. It is mainly utilized by users who often travel or work from different places.

Imagine you’re on vacation and need to quickly check work emails, or you’re on a business trip and need to join a video conference. With portable internet, that’s no problem.

Additionally, portable internet does not require complex installation. Simply plug the mobile router into the power supply and you’re connected. Most devices also allow sharing the connection with multiple devices simultaneously, easily covering an entire household.

Its availability is also worth mentioning. Nowadays, it can be used almost everywhere, enabling even people living in remote areas to connect to the internet. In contrast, fixed internet is mainly available in cities and their surroundings.

Disadvantages of Portable Internet

Despite the many benefits of portable internet, there are also drawbacks to consider. One of the main disadvantages is the limited connection speed. Although the internet speed in mobile networks is constantly improving, it is still lower than fixed connections.

Downloading large files and streaming high-definition videos can be particularly troublesome. Another drawback is data limits. Exceeding them can result in reduced speeds and automatic data extensions, for which the operator charges additional fees.

However, there are packages where you don’t pay for the amount of data used, but only a fixed monthly amount. The quality and speed of the portable internet connection also depend on the mobile network coverage in the area.

In areas with weak signals, the connection may be unstable or slow. Unfortunately, there are still so-called white spots where the connection is very weak or even completely unavailable.

How to Find the Best Portable Internet Deals on the Market?

There are many portable internet offers on the market. At first, you might get a little lost, but if you know what to look for, it doesn’t have to be that tricky to find a suitable deal. As mentioned above, you can choose between offers with or without data limits.

Pay attention to the available speed. Keep in mind, though, that these are often just maximum values, not the actual speed you’ll measure once connected. If you only want to browse emails and surf online, a speed of around 5 Mbps will suffice. For streaming videos and gaming, you’ll need about 25 Mbps.

Check the internet availability in your area. Finally, scrutinize the prices of individual tariffs. Although the competition isn’t very large, the price may vary by hundreds of crowns.

With some operators, you’ll come across student tariffs, which can save you a considerable amount. If you want to avoid unnecessary complications, try to choose contracts without commitments. Otherwise, be prepared that the provider may charge a fee for early termination.

How to Measure Internet Speed?

If you’re interested in portable internet, first verify the internet availability at your address. Most internet providers offer tools to check service availability on their websites. Just enter the address and you’ll immediately know the type of connection and speed available in your area.

If you already have portable internet at home, measure its speed. This will help you ensure that the provider is not misleading you and that you’re not paying for services they cannot deliver. You can use our simple online tool for this.

Go to the homepage of our website and click on “Start Test”. In a short while, you’ll find out the latency, download speed, and upload speed of your connection.

Portable internet is suitable for everyone who wants to be constantly online. You can take it with you to the cottage, coffee shop, or even on a trip. In many cases, it’s also the only available way to connect, especially in remote areas. However, don’t let yourself be deceived and verify if the advertised internet speed is really available in your area.