The vast majority of broadband
connections in homes and businesses have a phone line. Technically, it is easier
for companies to provide broadband internet when the household or business has a
phone line. Essentially, the internet data is sent down the copper (or fiber)
telephone network. But there are options for those looking for broadband without
a phone line.
Standard broadband connections do not suit everyone, not least because it adds
extra expense. Five or ten years ago, the telephone market was very different.
Mobile phone use and ownership was not as extensive as it is now. Today, the
mobile phone is exponentially more important than the land line telephone,
particularly in the domestic market. As a result, many people regard land lines
as an unnecessary expense.
There are other reasons why broadband connections that require land lines do not
suit everyone. Some people move often or plan to move in a short period of time.
Other people have more than one residence. And for others, there are technical
reasons, i.e. standard broadband is not available or is impossibly slow.
So, what are the options for those seeking to get broadband without a phone
line?
The first option is via the same infrastructure that gives us mobile phones. All
of the mobile phone providers offer mobile broadband and WiFi options. They may
not work everywhere as the quality greatly depends on the coverage of the
network. But if you plan to use the broadband in a populated area - a town or a
city - then this should be the first option you should explore.
4G is where it is at now, but the infrastructure is still being rolled out, so
it is not available everywhere. If all you can get is the old network you will
have something that just barely qualifies as broadband. If you have 4G the
speeds are super fast - fast enough, in fact, to change the broadband market
forever. In the very near future we could regard mobile broadband as more
convenient, fast and suitable to our needs than what is regarded as a standard
broadband connection today.
Another option is satellite broadband. The speeds of satellite have been
improving and it is available absolutely everywhere. If you can position a small
satellite somewhere so that it can see the sky, you will have broadband. It is
often the most expensive option and there are usually minimum terms to the
contracts available, but it is the only truly universal broadband without a
phone line option.