Mobile Broadband: 3G, 4G, & 5G

5G is the quickest but currently limited since it is the most recently introduced. 4G is much faster than 3G, but may not be available for people located 10 km or more from capital city centres. Speed is also affected by the number of people on the service at the same time, and the distance of the user from the nearest telecommunications tower.

Patient considerations for Mobile Broadband:

• The same tips as previously for DSL connectivity apply
• Ask the patient to check if their device is set to wi-fi or mobile broadband. Quality may be improved if the patient switches over to wi-fi.
• NOTE: If a person is on mobile broadband, this may have an impact on their data usage for plans with their telecommunication provider. They may wish to switch from mobile broadband to wi-fi or a DSL option (if available) in order to reduce their mobile data usage.
• Never use 3G connection on both ends (clinician and patient) as this will result in an unreliable line.