54 Setting Up and Using Networks
The wireless activity indicator displays whether your computer’s integrated wireless devices are enabled
or disabled. When you turn the wireless networking function on or off, the wireless activity indicator
changes to display the status.
For more information about the Dell QuickSet wireless activity indicator, right-click the QuickSet icon in
the taskbar and select Help.
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 a Mini-Card or an ExpressCard with PCMCIA adapter to
establish a Mobile Broadband network connection.
To set up a Mobile Broadband network connection, you need:
• A Mini-Card
• An activated Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) for your service provider
NOTE: Only Cingular and Vodafone need a SIM card. Verizon, Sprint, and Telus do not use a SIM.
• The Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility (already installed on your computer if you purchased the card
when you purchased your computer, or on the media 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
(click Start→ Help and Support)
or on the media 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: