New pricing plans for embedded wireless broadband (3G) capability could soon make the technology financially viable for laptops.

IT analyst Gartner predicts that the technology could become standard in new notebook purchases for moderate to extensive travellers by 2009.

Ken Dulaney, vice president and analyst at the firm, said that previous recommendations against embedding wireless WAN cards in notebooks were based on lack of global coverage, high costs and poor asset protection, but these have been overturned by new technology and pricing systems.

"Users have three choices. They can go for embedded modules, external cards or handsets used as wireless modems," he added.

"All have their pros and cons, but only embedded modules have the superior performance that comes from specially designed antenna systems that provide superior signal propagation over the alternatives."

Last week, online self-help service BroadbandChoices.co.uk claimed that Internet service providers should aim for greater price parity between broadband prices in urban and rural areas.



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