Everyone can get a move on with mobile

Handheld devices are becoming the preferred way to get online and as technology develops, more people will access the internet while out and about.

Telecoms operators are moving towards more sophisticated networks that support the widest range of wireless services.

From time to time many people dependent on modern communications will have wondered about throwing it all in and opting for a job that gets them out of the office more - or, at least, tried to figure out a way to avoid wasting the best part of the day.

Even if they have a laptop computer, the amount of time office workers typically need to spend connected to the internet means that taking work outside isn't going to be an option without trailing a long, cumbersome cable behind them.

Discovering the benefits of mobile broadband brings an end to the dilemma of combining work with the outdoor life. Mobile broadband offers both flexibility and freedom.

Your office no longer has to be in the office and work locations become far more flexible. You can carry out your computer-based job just as well outside, in a park or at a cafe, as indoors at your desk. You can even work on the train, making otherwise dead time productive and, consequently, shortening your working day.

Costs vary depending on the type of deal you go for - either a monthly contract or pay-as-you-go, although both of these usually come with restrictions on the amount of data that can be downloaded; going over your limit means extra charges.

This sort of package might be fine if you just want to send a few e-mails, but if your internet use is heavier, then a less restrictive contract is essential. As with a mobile phone, packages are also available to enable mobile broadband to be used overseas without incurring huge costs.

Today, operators are required to respond to the constantly evolving demands of customers and, in doing so, must keep up with the continually advancing and developing technologies within the broadband domain, including home, business and, in particular, mobile broadband services.

With ever-changing technologies, mobility in telecommunications has not only redefined the way we communicate, but has also set a precedent for people to be indulgent. Now, a mobile handset is an SMS messaging device, an iPod, a mobile TV and a gaming device. It provides ring-back services, video and voice mail, as well as access to the web, and users can make conference calls in addition to sending and receiving e-mails.

Furthermore, a mobile phone now enables you to tweet on Twitter and update your Facebook or other social networking sites, as well as pay bills via the handset.

Mobile phones are quickly becoming the world's preferred way to get online. As the latest technologies are increasingly coming together on to a single device, consumers are able to enjoy a much more convenient, "convergent" communication experience.

Globally, telecoms operators are moving toward more sophisticated networks that support the widest range of wireless services - and increasingly, they are doing it in collaboration to ensure that users enjoy seamless services, anytime, anywhere.

It is this collaboration that is likely to have the most noticeable impact on your experience as a mobile user. As more global telecoms operators sign partnership agreements, customers will be able to access their home network services while travelling - to the next city or across the world - and enjoy personalised service as a roaming customer.

Likewise, as technologies such as near-field communication (which provides mobile bill payment and, in particular, contactless ticketing for public transport passengers) become more prevalent, the financial and telecoms industries will develop stronger ties and complimentary services to make consumers' lives simpler.

With a completely wireless, Wi-Fi, WPAN, WLAN, Wi-Max world just around the corner, getting a good grasp on these technologies now will make the transition from wired to wireless that much easier, and that much more beneficial to your overall connectivity experience.

Fixed-line broadband has become enormously popular both in homes and offices, and an increasing number of households and workplaces now rely on broadband technology to access the internet.

More recently, however, a new technology has started to cause a stir in the communications market - mobile broadband, which is designed to meet the needs of people who want, or need, access to the internet while out and about, rather than only when they are in the home or at work.

Already this technology is proving highly popular, and the take-up of mobile broadband has increased quickly. This technology enables consumers to enjoy total mobility, as well as convenience, ease, and flexibility, which is something that you do not get with fixed-line broadband.

Business people are likely to find mobile broadband extremely useful if their work takes them out of the office regularly.

Students who are in and out of college and university may find that mobile broadband provides them with increased flexibility and convenience. Those that use the internet for recreational purposes but also like to travel will be able to benefit from mobile broadband.

Some people may even like to have mobile broadband for the home, such as those who do not have broadband and do not want a landline installed for which they have to pay line-rental fees.

Although it is unlikely that mobile broadband will completely replace fixed-line broadband in homes and offices - at least not yet - plans are under way to improve the latest systems. When 4G technology comes along, this could help to smooth out any issues with limited downloads and slow connection speeds and could help to reduce the cost of mobile broadband as a result.

In the meantime, the future looks bright for mobile broadband, with the number of people taking advantage of this technology expected to soar, and with some industry officials comparing the take up of mobile broadband with take up of the mobile phone in the 1990s.

Hatem Bamatraf is senior vice president of network development at du.