3G internet is a great solution if you are not willing to pay for cable based internet at a fixed monthly rate. If you do not make use of the internet often, or use very little bandwidth then the best solution is to use pay as you go 3G internet.

Viewing websites, chatting online or simply checking your email is perfect for a pay as you go connection, and the data amounted from these activities will not cost a lot. If you are planning to make use of bandwidth intensive downloads such as streaming video or online gaming then pay as you go internet may not be the best solution for you. You will be more suited for cable based internet, with fast download speeds and no down time.

You will need a 3G modem when making use of wireless internet. Most modern mobile phones support 3G connection technology. This means that you will be able to browse the internet on your cellphone or even use it as a modem to establish a 3G connection from your computer. Many people prefer to purchase PCMCIA modems and then setup a dial up connection in Windows or by using the software that came supplied with your 3G hardware. The card will allow you to insert a SIM card which will allow you to establish a connection to a cellular network that supports 3G. If you would like to use your phone as a modem, you will need a data cable or (if your phone supports it) a Bluetooth or infra-red receiver. The software supplied with your mobile phone will allow you to setup a dial-up connection to the internet.

3G internet does not charge you a connection fee. You will be billed based on the data you transfer. This is a combination of your downloaded and uploaded data. Some network operators may allow you to purchase data bundles in order to offer more competitive rates. These bundles may have a data cap, which means you will be allocated a certain amount of data to download in a month. Once you have reached your data threshold your internet connection will be suspended until you purchase more bandwidth or you wait until the next month. As prices and packages differ for different countries, it is difficult to say what you can expect to pay. Network operators in some countries may provide an unlimited data plan, which will allow you to make use of as much internet as you would like for a fixed monthly rate.

As you are establishing a connection that will bill you for the data you download and upload, it is important to monitor your bandwidth to make sure you do not pay excessive rates. There have also been a few cases where customers have travelled overseas and made use of 3G, and then are surprised when they receive a huge bill in the mail. You should be wary of these 2 factors. Windows provides a great way of checking your download and upload statistics. Simply double click on your connection under network adapters or the icon that pops in the taskbar once you have made a connection. If you have an unlimited data plan, this will not be a problem for pay as you go 3G. You can get started right away by purchasing a PCMCIA adapter online (you will find some competitive prices).