Planning to join the mobile Internet ranks in 2011? You’re not alone.

Mobile broadband subscriptions are on track to surpass 1 billion in 2011, according to a report by mobile network gear maker Ericsson.

Broadband usage, which allows users to log onto the Internet while on the go with their laptop, tablet computer or smartphone, has grown dramatically in recent years.

Ericsson said mobile Internet subscribers totaled around 200 million in 2008, and subscriptions passed the 500 million mark in 2010.

“Ericsson estimates that this number will double before 2011 ends,” the company said in a statement.

The largest growth is expected to come from the Asian Pacific region, which the group estimates will add around 400 million users in 2011. North America and Western Europe are expected to grow by 200 million subscriptions each.

The group said the pace will continue to pick up, estimating subscriptions to top 3.8 billion by 2015.