How much faster is ADSL than mobile broadband?

When it comes to choosing between ADSL and mobile broadband, there are a number of factors to consider. One of the most important factors for many users is connection speed. ADSL is generally accepted to be the faster option, but what are the speeds you can expect from each technology?

ADSL – also known as fixed-line broadband – is a fast internet connection delivered by telephone wire to your home. When you sign up for ADSL – or ADSL2 or ADSL2+ – you will usually sign up for a plan, which may involve paying a connection fee and line rental, plus the ongoing cost of the plan.

Whether you are eligible for ADSL will depend on how far you are from an exchange, and how many connections are available in your area.

Mobile Broadband: The Basics

Mobile broadband allows you to connect on-the-go, on your phone, tablet or via a dongle on your laptop. Depending on your provider, you may be able to choose pay-as-you-go or you may need to sign up for a plan. This will generally just include your usage, and no line rental or connection fee is needed. You can find a new ADSL2 package at iiNet to suit your needs, compare all their available offers & sign up today.

Whether you can receive 3G or 4G in your area will depend on your provider’s coverage. Mobile broadband connection can also be affected by the weather and obstacles such as walls and roofs.

ADSL: Speeds

The speeds you receive from an ADSL connection will depend on your provider and its network, and the distance between you and the exchange. ADSL2+ for example has the potential to reach 24Mbps, but most users get much less than that.

As a guide, ADSL speeds range from 1Mbps to 1.8Mbps upstream, and 8Mbps to 12Mbps downstream, ADSL2 ranges from 1.3Mbps to 3.5Mbps up, and up to 12Mbps down, and ADSL2+ offers the same as ADSL2 upstream, but up to 24Mbps downstream.

Mobile Broadband Speeds

Mobile broadband speeds also vary according to the provider and its network, but there are a number of other factors that may affect the speeds you receive as well.

Speeds can vary according to how many other users are on the network, if the weather is overcast or stormy, whether you are connecting inside or outside, and how close you are to a tower.

Some 4G customers can enjoy speeds ranging between 2Mbps and 50Mbps download, and 1Mbps to 10Mbps upload. Those who can’t connect to 4G may be able to reach speeds of 1.1Mbps to 20Mbps down, and 550kbps to 3Mbps up on 3G.

If you are in an area that only has a GPRS connection, you can expect less than 1Mbps speeds or much worse. This can often happen if you are trying to connect in a regional area.

Check your speeds

If you are thinking of signing up to ADSL or to mobile broadband, it’s a good idea to check the coverage in your area first. If you live too far from an exchange, you may not be able to receive ADSL. If you live too far from a mobile broadband provider’s tower, you may experience slow speeds on mobile broadband. Most providers allow you to check coverage before you sign up.