A modem allows users to connect to the cellular wireless network in areas that support HSPA. In areas that do not support HSPA, the HSDPA modem may not connect at all or may connect at slower speeds. This depends on the model of the modem.
Once the modem is connected, users can enjoy speeds of as high as 14.0 Megabits per second (Mbit/s). The speed of the connection is dependent on many variables. The key concern when trying to obtain the fastest connection is usually the signal level. In areas with higher 3G signals, the connection speed will be faster.