The Land Down Under is miles ahead of the pack when it comes to wireless broadband services. Claiming “the world’s largest non-line-of-sight wireless broadband network” is Unwired Australia Pty Ltd., which uses a Texas-made technology to cover some 1,200 square miles in and around Sydney (3.5 million potential customers). Unwired is also eyeing Brisbane, Melbourne, and other big cities.

Unwired Australia customers use portable modems that work anywhere the service is offered — no Wi-Fi base needed — and can often make connections in moving cars or trains. And compared with broadband offerings from 3G cellular networks in the U.S., Unwired’s a bargain: about A$189 (US$146.74) for the modem and A$35 (US$28) a month for the service.
— Chris Tucker