How to get Internet - no cable or DSL available

[JustMeUC]

I moved recently and have been relying on my BB for internet while at home. trying to do stuff on a 2" screen is getting old quick.

I am unable to get Cable or DSL so my only real option is Dial Up or Satellite or a broadband card. Dial up is out of the question. The BB is better and I have tried a friends satellite link up and it is very slow. That leaves a broadband card. I am with Sprint for my cell service but their card is $59/month and requires a 2 year contract. I heard that another company is offering a card for a bit less per month with no 2 year contract which is something I would really like to avoid if possible. However, I am not sure how good the service would be with the cheaper no commitment company.

Any experience or advice?

[rescueme]

Depends on where you live. Here's a link to a local provider in my area:

Clear.com High Speed Mobile / Wireless Internet Service Provider

You can check the U.S. map to see if coverage is available in your area.

[JustMeUC]

Oh, should have stated I would love to have clearwire, but it is not in my area.

[kcowan]

Have you checked for local providers with repeaters that cover you (line of sight)?

[JustMeUC]

I'm not sure if this is what you mean, but I tried a local company that set a little box on the roof, looks like a mini satellite. It is only on about 90% of the time it seems and when it is on, it was really slow. I wasn't able to use skype at all it was so slow. I did numerous speed tests and it was averaging about 500 up 100 down. My BB is way faster, just that screen is so small..

I'm afraid I am going to have to bite the bullet and get a broadband card or kick my renter out of my old house and move back into it, lol

[Tesaje]

I have the same problem. The only options I have are an air card, dialup, and satellite. Google Chrome browser is a lot faster, even on dialup. If I get an aircard, I'm considering a cell antenna with a repeater to boost the signal inside my aluminum clad house. But I think I'll wait a bit before I make any decision to see just how internet addicted I really am.

[Martha]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustMeUC I moved recently and have been relying on my BB for internet while at home. trying to do stuff on a 2" screen is getting old quick. I am unable to get Cable or DSL so my only real option is Dial Up or Satellite or a broadband card. Dial up is out of the question. The BB is better and I have tried a friends satellite link up and it is very slow. That leaves a broadband card. I am with Sprint for my cell service but their card is $59/month and requires a 2 year contract. I heard that another company is offering a card for a bit less per month with no 2 year contract which is something I would really like to avoid if possible. However, I am not sure how good the service would be with the cheaper no commitment company. Any experience or advice?

I can tether my Verizon blackberry to my computer and get internet. If it is in the broadband area it is plenty fast. The charge with Verizon is $30 a month for the data plan with the tether, but there is no contract. You can turn it on and off at will. I don't know if Sprint has something similar.

[Tesaje]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martha I can tether my Verizon blackberry to my computer and get internet. If it is in the broadband area it is plenty fast. The charge with Verizon is $30 a month for the data plan with the tether, but there is no contract. You can turn it on and off at will. I don't know if Sprint has something similar.

Sprint does if you have the right plan. They won't allow it with any of the "Everything" plans. At least not legally.

[Maurice]

I have the same problem (sort of, cable is available but I don't watch TV so its a bad deal).

I have used the air card for years now. Verizon's. The price has been coming down.

[Janet H]

When you look at various cell options - be mindful that most now have data limits and you may rapidly run into problems.