In many households, Internet service is truly no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Being connected to your widespread network of friends and family is just the tip of the iceberg where Internet access is concerned. The modern Internet is used for communications, for business, for banking and for entertainment, as well. However, if you don't know what options you have, you can easily make the wrong choice. One of the best options for your needs is 4G - what does it offer, though?

This type of Internet connection is one of the best choices out there, though it is far from the only one. You also have mobile Internet through your cell phone if you care to tether your laptop, or you can choose to use cable or DSL service. However, 4G has the potential to surpass all of these technologies, in myriad different ways. For instance, this type of access offers considerable speeds, at least as fast as traditional cable and DSL connections (or faster). That means that you can access the Internet at realistic speeds, no matter where you might be.

In addition, you will find that this connection is mobile. This means that you can take your connection with you wherever you go. If you have had to rely on a lousy cell phone signal for Internet connection, then you know the benefits of mobile technology, as well as the pitfalls associated with standard technology. 4G technology offers all the convenience of cell phone connections, without the problems. As an example, anyone who has ever connected via their mobile phone knows that signal strength changes in every geographic area, reducing your ability to stream media or even remain connected. This new technology offers a much more stable platform from which to surf the Internet. In addition, while 3G connections might be fast, 4G is faster.

Does this mean that you can connect at broadband speeds on your laptop or netbook from an outlying location? Absolutely - you will also find that you do not have to rely on those hotspots that seem to be so few and far between. Therefore, you are no longer confined to working or playing at cafes, bookstores and other areas like hotel lobbies. You are free to surf wherever you might be, even if you are riding in the car on the highway.

How does this type of connection work? What's behind this modern advent? This type of Internet connection works similarly to traditional cell phone signals, in that it is transmitted via towers. However, rather than having to tether your cell phone through a USB cable (which can be truly unwieldy), you simply connect a USB modem to your computer. This allows much greater freedom of movement, without sacrificing connectivity. In addition, it ensures that you are able to use your phone and the Internet at the same time. Anyone who's ever used his or her cell phone as a tether knows that it's impossible to talk while tethered.