I live out in the country, where I can’t get Internet access through cable or DSL. The only option, I thought, was a satellite connection, which would cost a lot for the equipment and the monthly charges.
What would be the pros and cons of buying an “air card” where I would be accessing the Web through a cell-phone signal? They’re generally meant for laptops, but is there any reason not to use one on my desk top? Would the speed be dramatically different from a satellite?
Clearwire is exactly that, internet access through the cell phone. I use it on for my notebook computer and it is just as fast as my cable internet at home. I don’t know how much it would cost for a desktop computer. My mobile plan is only $20 a month for the first 6 months then $50 a month for the next 6. Check out the website and find out if it is available in your area.
I have used a couple cellular connections - Sprint & Verizon. I use it extensively in hotels while on the road. It really depends on the coverage in your area whether it is acceptable for your use or not. The cellular “broadband” is not the same speed as that you can get through a cable modem or DSL, but it is generally acceptable and generally a lot better than dial-up (again, depending on the coverage a your location). My advice is to make sure you have a clause in your agreement to let you try it at that location first and be able to take it back if it does not work for you.
I have a similar situation, being in the country without cable or DSL availability. I thought satellite or cellular were my only options, too. However, I found a wireless provider that could supply me with broadband at a price similar to cable or DSL. I have a satellite dish on my roof, but it’s pointed at a transceiver several miles away, rather than at a satellite. You might check for such an option in your area. It does require a line-of-sight with one of their transceivers, so that may be an issue, even if there is a provider near you.
I am not familiar with the availability outside of my area but a hot happenin one here is called Unwired Broadband. The businesses in remote areas LOVE THEM. One place is getting 8 megabit connections 7 miles from town where the DSL people would never bother.
I’ll check out Clearwire. Thanks. And making sure I can get out of a contract if the signal is poor is a good suggestion.
I’ve heard of these tranceiver arrangements in rural areas, but I don’t think there are any around here. Any thoughts on how to check? Is there some common name for them that I could Google, or any kind of Web site that tracks them?
I believe it’s called “fixed wireless” - the provider installs a small antenna on your house that’s aimed at their base station. Another term I’ve seen is “wDSL” - presumably the w is for wireless.
I live at 40th & Plum in central Arkansas and we were in that same boat. I’m near I-40 so we do get cell service but the $60 X month only gets us about 60 up and 125 down. 40 miles closer to Little Rock you can get much better speeds, same service. So find somebody in your area that is using it and go watch them surf for an hour… Yeah, just ask folks.
I did that and ended up on a satellite system. I went and looked at 2 Hughs systems (Direct TV ) and 2 Wildblue systems. I went with Wildblue. They will not sell anymore here until they get another bird up. Hughes is still selling and is pretty comparable. A few have the Cellphone option (AT&T - Cingular) and it is faster than dial-up but get down and dirty about the speeds.
Maybe a pack deal of TV, broadband and phone service will be cheaper in the long run. Last I saw, Hughs was Costing $200 for equipment. Cheaper than I paid a few years ago for my Wildblue.