Vodafone tops mobile broadband speed league

New research from broadband comparison site www.broadbandexpert.com.au has found Vodafone is the fastest mobile broadband provider in Australia with an average speed of 2.2Mbps. The average mobile broadband speed for all Australian mobile broadband providers surveyed was 1.88Mbps.

Broadband Expert collected data from 1,724 mobile broadband speed tests conducted via Broadbandexpert.com.au between July 2009 and December 2009, and the average mobile broadband download speed clocked in at 1.88Mbps; around half of the average home broadband speed in Australia. Broadband Expert reported in February the average broadband speed being delivered to Australian homes was 3.5Mbps.

Rob Webber, Commercial Director at Broadband Expert, believes the speeds, despite averaging just over 50 percent of average home broadband speeds, are still encouraging. Webber goes on to explain that there are a number of factors influencing mobile broadband speed including distance from the nearest mobile tower, network congestion and the availability of 3G coverage which facilitates faster speeds.

“Mobile broadband is a relatively new technology and speeds are on the increase,” he said.

Webber suggests at present many consumers see mobile broadband as an addition to their home broadband connection, allowing them to get online when on the move.

“Mobile broadband is often used to browse websites and send emails when people don’t have access to a fixed broadband connection,” he said. “The average mobile broadband speeds currently being delivered are more than adequate for this type of use.”

However, Webber believes mobile broadband will struggle to compete as a replacement for a home broadband connection at present.

“Due to slower speeds and lower download limits, mobile broadband is less suitable for activities such as downloading or watching movies or online gaming. Until the introduction of 4G mobile broadband, the next generation of mobile broadband which will allow much faster speeds; mobile broadband is only likely to be seen by most consumers as an addition to their home broadband rather than a replacement.”

To view the full table of results click here