The phone lines in my neighborhood do not have DSL available. There is no cable TV here either. For TV, we have to use DirecTV or Dish if we want those channels. Even when I used dial-up internet access, I could only connect at 26K, as the phone lines are old.
I've considered Hughes-net for internet access, and watched their infomercial, but their infomercial never said how much it costs. I've heard it's expensive.
There's another type of wireless access for rural people, with the signal being broadcast from the top of a grain elevator or other tall structure to an antennae mounted on the house. That cost $49 per month, plus installation cost and a contract is required.
So wireless broadband thru my cell phone company seems to be my best option, and it is portable with my laptop. Right now, I pay $59/month to Verizon. I know Verizon has a wireless plan for $39/month, but I'm not sure it allows enough access time, and I don't want overage charges.
Still, I really don't like having to pay $59/month for internet access, and the service is not that great. Does anyone know of any better options for me?
It bugs me - cable and DSL are only 1/4 mile from my house...
Wireless Broadband
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A friend of mine uses Verizon wireless, and my ex just bought that nifty little HP with 3g built in for wireless access.
They both seem to enjoy it for what little they use it for (web browsing, email, chatting and facebook).
However the data limit sounds unreasonable to me. If you the above it might be ok, but if you plan to do anything kinda heavy like watching hulu.com, streaming netflix movies, or video games online it's pretty much out of the question.
My $0.02.
posted by INeedCoffee on Dec 13, 2009 at 11:11:31 pm #
The Verizon WB is okay, but it's not very fast here in Toledo. Ive taken my laptop to Detroit and Cleveland and it works a lot better there.
I live near Basspro, where I-75 and the turnpike come together. You'd think I would get better service here. I wouldn't mind if it weren't my only source of internet access. It's slow & frustrating - that's why I'm asking if there's anything better, as my 2-year contract if up now, and I am free to change.
$59/mo for internet broadband isn't too terribly bad. I currently pay about the same for 8mbs cable through Buckeye. Now, that's unlimited access at a substantial speed (8mbs is above the normal rate). Still, $59/mo isn't as outrageous as you think.
Sorry to say, you don't have a lot of other options since cable and DSL are out. I would call your local Verizon store or go in and speak with them about getting a wireless card for your laptop. Find out the different plans and pricing and see if they can work a discount by combining internet with your pre-exissting phone service.
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