Mobile Internet: Comcast, Cricket, Clear? Not really

October 29, 7:57 PMPortland Technology ExaminerAndrew Murlin

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Lately we’re seeing ads for mobile Internet offerings from Comcast, Cricket and Clear. All claim fast internet access anywhere within their service area, streaming media content and all claim to be the best. How does an average person figure out which is best for them?

Clear‘s WiMAX offers incredibly high speeds, no data limitations and excellent coverage in the Metro Area. Speeds can rival Cable internet or FIOS service. Once outside the Metro Area however, you will have no service.

Cricket‘s Mobile Broadband offers decent speed, roughly equal to basic home DSL. It’s good enough for checking E-Mail, planning your Tri-Met trip or basic browsing, but leave streaming videos for your home connection. Cricket doesn’t specifically limit data use, but indicates that “Throughput speed may be limited if usage…exceeds 5 GB per month”. This sounds like a lot, but streaming one NetFlix movie will use about half of that! Coverage area is larger than Clear, but if you are in a car on I-205 or on the MAX you may have trouble.

Comcast high-speed 2Go offers the speed of Clear’s WiMAX network when available and leverages Sprint’s cellular network the rest of the time. This appears to be the best of both worlds, but you’ll be limited to 5GB/mo when you use the Cellular connection. If you’re used to having the unlimited WiMAX you may not realize you’re over until you receive the bill!

Now you have the basics of these technologies and can begin to make an informed decision. Remember to check the coverage maps, read the Acceptable Use Policies and other fine print before signing any contracts.

Happy Browsing!