Today's wireless broadband speeds are reaching up to 3.6Mbps.
Continuous upgrade of the 3G network (UMTS) to 3.5G (HSDPA) allows for greater speeds up to 14.4Mbps within the near future.
Connecting a laptop to a HSDPA network through a HSDPA data card is giving the new meaning to the term Mobile Office.
There is no more dependence on a fixed line ISP. The work floor and has no boundaries.
Wireless network technology is even replacing fixed line connections.

The Connecting a laptop to the Internet requires a data card (3g card) and a subscription at a cell phone provider with 3G SIM card.

Data cards come in various form factors which communicate through the different communication ports on the laptop. PCMCIA is and widely used standard which is now being replaced by a more compact form factor ExpressCard.

Another option is in the use of a USB dongle.
Some laptops currently have a built in a 3G broadband modem. Hereby, it is only necessary to insert the SIM card into the laptop!

Software to make the connection is either installed from an application CD or the installation takes place upon inserting the data card for the first time .
A wireless Internet connection is established through the built in the broadband modem of the connected device.

Basic settings used to make the connection are the dialup number, the username / password and the access point name (APN).
The dialup number is *99#.
The username/password and the APN depend on the 3G network that is used.

Here's a list of access point settings for cell phone providers in the U.S:

Are there any restrictions in using a wireless 3G connection to connect to the internet?

• Upload bandwidth is limited to about 10% of the connection speed
• IP addresses are dynamically assigned, there are no fixed IP addresses
• A connection can suffer from poor coverage
• A mobile broadband subscription is more expensive than a fixed line solution
• Roaming costs abroad are not incorporated in a data package
• Some mobile phone providers block certain IP ports

FAQ

• Is it possible to use Voice Over IP applications (Skype) on a laptop connect to a mobile network?
  Yes, 3G can support the bandwidth needed by Voice Over IP applications. Permitting the IP ports of the application or not blocked.
   
• Is there a limit to the amount of time online or the amount of data that I can use?
  There is no time limit involved, the connection may be active permanently. A data limit can be implemented by a the 3G service provider.
   
• Can I share my internet connection with other computers?
  Yes. It is possible to share the internet connection via a network. Mobile routers also offer this function.