OT: Internet help

Brokenwrench · Jul 25, 2008

Here`s the deal..

My wife is going back to college to finish some teaching licensure stuff, may be a year or better. Looks like she`d be able to do a fair amount online.

All we have is dial-up, and slow at that. We can`t get DSL, cable or wireless. Live too far in the boonies. Is there any other option out there, affordable satellite or something??

We don`t need anything blazing fast, but the way we stand, it takes her an afternoon to do what I can in a few minutes with high speed at the shop.

Any suggestions???

Anonymous-0 · Jul 25, 2008

try alltel cellular and using a phone as a tethered modem -

works great here in SE South Dakota

Patsdeere · Jul 25, 2008

You must be out in the boonies. I know there is satelitte, but don't have the clue on the cost. Other than having her go some place where there is high speed, I can't think of anything else that would be reasonably priced.

Allan in NE · Jul 25, 2008

Have you checked with your cell phone company? Most all of 'em provide connectivity to the 'Net.

Not "real" fast, but better than dial up.

Mine wants $54 a month just for that service, so I still use the land line as a backup.

Otherwise, you could use a sat service. Not worth 6 eggs in bad weather and VERY spendy. But at least, it is fast.

Allan

Brokenwrench · Jul 25, 2008

We have pretty poor cell service at the house.
If I check into that, does it run off of some sort of antenna that helps pick up signal??

Allan in NE · Jul 25, 2008

I live way out in the boonies too and don't have any other choice except to use the satellites.

Hardware ran $700 "+" a copy and the subscription is over $200 a month. But, like I say, they are fast and they will move a lot of data.

Allan

Allan in NE · Jul 25, 2008

They use a special modem and just a plain ol' dish.

Work real well except for the weather thing.

Also, and just for what it is worth, networking just kills 'em (I've tried). Bandwidth has to be shared and it really cuts the throughput.

That's why I've got three dishes; one for each of the business machines.

Allan

Goose · Jul 25, 2008

See if your Internet service has something called "web accelerator" or something similar. My Internet service calles it "Speed Dial". Costs an extra buck or two a month, but it speeds most things up by a factor of about 5 or 6.

In fact, on my new computer, sometimes it's about as fast as my high speed at work. Only thing is, it doesn't work on secured sites, like bank accounts, etc.

Anonymous-0 · Jul 25, 2008

There are antennas for wireless broadband.

I really haven't looked into them (I use WB).

I do have a USB extension cable and keep my modem up on a window sill where it picks up pretty good signal.

Anonymous-0 · Jul 25, 2008

We had Wildblue satellite for 2 years, $60 a month. it got the job done, but we switched to DSL when it became available.

2x4 · Jul 25, 2008

have Wildblue, and dial-up. Not a lot of difference "cept wildblue is 5 times higher. Dial-up=very slow to build first page; all other pages are as fast as Satellite. Sat. will send bigger & faster email attachments. Rain or snow means no Sat. & Sat. will NOT let you watch or bid some auctions. The uplink loses the connection.

Mattlt · Jul 25, 2008

There are some wireless broadband providers. Clearwave is one; not sure where you're located.

Maybe check with your local REA / Coop Power provider. I think my local one sells Wild Blue, but maybe some push a different flavor.

Also, keep pushing your local phone company to install the right equipment in your area. You may want to ask them how far away it is from your house? Stop and talk to the tech's when you see them along the side of the road (or at the coffee shop!) They will know. Doubtful the person on the phone will.

Offandgone · Jul 25, 2008

Check out verizon wireless service. They are expanding their coverage all the time. I can get service almost anywhere I go and it is faster than dsl. $60 a month.

Mattlt · Jul 25, 2008

I just found this site. Scroll down and look for your state.

I have no idea if they're worth a hill of ...., but they provide links to many different providers.

http://www.onelasvegas.com/wireless/Broadband_Internet_Service.html

James Howell · Jul 25, 2008

Proud that your wife is a teacher and going back to college for additional teacher certification.

Here are a few alternatives you might look into.

Does the college library where you wife is enrolled have laptop computers available for students to 'check out'?

Does the school where your wife is employed have either DSL or Wireless connection?

Does her school have a laptop or desktop available for her professional development?

Is there a local community college or library nearby with either DSL or Wireless connection?

Does your church have with either DSL or Wireless connection?

Hope this helps.

IH2444 · Jul 25, 2008

Check out sprint.com they have good maps for their coverage of wireless broadband.
It is all except satellites that will work here. And my VPN will not work thru the satellite.

jose bagge · Jul 25, 2008

I don't really live in the boonies, but my cell and cable service would lead you to beleive I do.
I had to go with satellite, and went with Wild Blue. On a cloudless clear day it rocks...at the slightest hint of wind, rain or bird's gas it's outta business.

Still- better than dial up. And better than my crumby Sprint service.
get a laptop- get the satellite- become familiar with every local joint with WiFi for those stormy days when you have work that must be done

Kirk Grau · Jul 25, 2008

I will second the cell phone as a possibility. Try to see if somebody has a stronger signal than others. I only need it occasionally, but my t-mobile data plan only adds about $20/month to my bill. It has really saved my bocon a few times.

Good Luck whatever you decide,

Kirk

Anonymous-0 · Jul 25, 2008

Satellite dish systems work everywhere, just point to the correct sky and it works. Cost varies a lot. You have to compare packages, if cost is an issue combine with a TV package like Dish or Directv. Also get a Wifi card on the computer and anywhere near the school you will receive internet at high speed. Good luck.

T_Bone · Jul 27, 2008

Hey BW, are you still watching this thread?

send me a e-mail

T_Bone

OT: Internet help

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