Setting Up and Using Networks 51
Mobile Broadband (or Wireless Wide Area Network)
A Mobile Broadband network, also known as a Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN), is a high-speed
digital cellular network that provides Internet access over a much wider geographical area than a WLAN,
which typically covers only from 100 to 1000 feet. Your computer can maintain Mobile Broadband
network access as long as the computer is within a cellular-data coverage zone. Contact your service
provider for coverage of a high-speed digital cellular network.
NOTE: Even if you are able to make a call from your cellular phone in a specific geographical location, that
location may not necessarily be within a cellular-data coverage zone.

What You Need to Establish a Mobile Broadband Network Connection

NOTE: Depending on your computer, you can use either a Mobile Broadband ExpressCard or Mini-Card, but not
both, to establish a Mobile Broadband network connection.
To set up a Mobile Broadband network connection, you need:
A Mobile Broadband ExpressCard or activated Mini-Card (depending on your computer’s
configuration)
NOTE: For instructions on using ExpressCards, see "Installing a PC Card or an ExpressCard" on page56.
An activated Mobile Broadband ExpressCard or activated Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) for your
service provider
The Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility (already installed on your computer if you purchased the card
when you purchased your computer, or on the CD that accompanied your card if purchased separately
from your computer)
If the utility is corrupted or deleted from your computer, see the
Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility
user’s guide for instructions. The user’s guide is available through the Windows Help and Support
Center (see
"Windows Help and Support Center" on page13
) or on the CD that accompanied your
card if you purchased it separately from your computer.

Checking Your Dell Mobile Broadband Card

Depending on what you selected when you purchased your computer, the computer has a variety of
configurations. To determine your computer configuration, see one of the following:
Your order confirmation
Microsoft Windows Help and Support Center
To check your Mobile Broadband card in the Windows Help and Support Center:
1
Click
Start
Help and Support
Use Tools to view your computer information and diagnose
problems
.
2
Under
Tool s
, click
My Computer Information
Find information about the hardware installed on
this computer.