Wireless Internet Provider?

[jwinslow]

I'm moving this summer, and my new location (Pataskala) has absolutely no broadband options (I've called them all to make sure). The only satellite internet option appears to be wildblue, and I'm not wild about $300+ in equipment fees. It seems I will have to settle for a Verizon Wireless PC card setup for 60-70 a month (for my laptop). However, I also have a desktop I use for most of my design work.

What would be the best way to get internet access for the laptop?

a) Buy a PCI-PCMIA card and plug in the PC card directly?
b) Set up a home network through the laptop for the PC?
c) Hook up the PC directly (by cable) to the laptop to mooch it's internet?

 

[OCBucksFan]

What about the DirecTV internet? My Fiance's aunt bought some land out in the mountains and had a house built and obviously there was no way to get any broadband but directv's wireless went out there (It's a satelite connection).

If you are using the Verizon service you might want to connect the two machines together and use ICS (Internet Connection Sharing), or just setup the laptop to connect to the internet and use it do your file transfers.

 

[jwinslow]

I checked with both Dish & DirecTv, and both were prohibitively expensive ($60 month, but $300-400 for equipment ). I believe DirecTv abandoned their satellite internet plans (and go through a third party now) and used that equipment for their HD services.

Thanks for the heads up on the ICS.

 

[Best Buckeye]

fwiw Jwins check this out
http://www.surfglobal.net/products/index.php

 

[Deety]

I move my Verizon card between laptops with no problem. Works pretty well so long as I'm in an area with good reception, but Josh, I am not sure it's a good choice for you if you will be sending/receiving large amounts of data. I tried to download some games one month and received a notice that if the usage was as high the next month, it would be canceled. I hear Sprint's network may be better for speed and not have the same limitations, so you might want to check with them.

 

[Thump]

Why the hell are you moving to Pataskala?


BTW, welcome to my world. People who live in the city don't believe me when I say there are very few internet options but dial-up in rural areas.

 

[exhawg]

Why the hell are you moving to Pataskala?


BTW, welcome to my world. People who live in the city don't believe me when I say there are very few internet options but dial-up in rural areas.

Is Pataskala still rural? Last time I was there the only green space was my dad's cousin's farm.

 

[Thump]

Is Pataskala still rural? Last time I was there the only green space was my dad's cousin's farm.

My sister and brother in-law live there. Still rural where they are.

 

[jwinslow]

I just happened across a wireless ISP named Celerity, I'm going to check them out tomorrow.

I'm moving to the country surrounding Pataskala, so it is definitely rural. Thump, we got a great deal (from a friend) on a house to rent (at the rate of a small townhouse). It's also close to my wife's work.

 

[Thump]

I just happened across a wireless ISP named Celerity, I'm going to check them out tomorrow.

I'm moving to the country surrounding Pataskala, so it is definitely rural. Thump, we got a great deal (from a friend) on a house to rent (at the rate of a small townhouse). It's also close to my wife's work.

Cool man.

Good luck with it.

Oh, and make sure you hit up the Kirkersville Tavern some time.

 

[jwinslow]

Here's then intel I have gathered (in case another has this need later) for Central Ohio locations without broadband:

1. Sprint - best option (Sprint Users' forum was very informative). Sprint offers PC card plans, but the best is PAM (Phone as Modem). For $40, I get unlimited internet on my phone... and can use that phone as the ISP for my PC/laptop. If I wish to cancel PAM later (ie broadband arrives in pataskala), I can cancel that feature (tho my voice phone contract will remain).

So my wife and I can switch to Sprint cell service this summer (when VZW runs out), and then add on the wireless internet until it is no longer needed.

If it becomes a pain to tie up my cell with the internet, I can add an additional line for $9.99 to handle those duties. Fortunately my existing e815 (from 2 years ago) is up to the task of connecting to their EVDO network.

2. Verizon - Similar to sprint but pricier. They over PC card & PAM options. Their coverage map did not appear as extensive as Sprint's.

3. Celerity - Wireless ISP with various hotspots around town (see map), too far for my location.

4. DirecTv/DishTV - Very expensive equipment ($300+).

 

[jimotis4heisman]

jwins i got it all figured out...
buy this
on one of these

and hook up in town...

 

[jwinslow]

You going to help me bury the wire?

 

[exhawg]

Here's then intel I have gathered (in case another has this need later) for Central Ohio locations without broadband:

1. Sprint - best option (Sprint Users' forum was very informative). Sprint offers PC card plans, but the best is PAM (Phone as Modem). For $40, I get unlimited internet on my phone... and can use that phone as the ISP for my PC/laptop. If I wish to cancel PAM later (ie broadband arrives in pataskala), I can cancel that feature (tho my voice phone contract will remain).

So my wife and I can switch to Sprint cell service this summer (when VZW runs out), and then add on the wireless internet until it is no longer needed.

If it becomes a pain to tie up my cell with the internet, I can add an additional line for $9.99 to handle those duties. Fortunately my existing e815 (from 2 years ago) is up to the task of connecting to their EVDO network.

2. Verizon - Similar to sprint but pricier. They over PC card & PAM options. Their coverage map did not appear as extensive as Sprint's.

3. Celerity - Wireless ISP with various hotspots around town (see map), too far for my location.

4. DirecTv/DishTV - Very expensive equipment ($300+).

Wait so you say you can hook a Sprint phone with data to a computer and use the Internet? I may have to check on this. Those bitches are giving me free data.

 

[jwinslow]

Wait so you say you can hook a Sprint phone with data to a computer and use the Internet? I may have to check on this. Those bitches are giving me free data.

I believe it has to be EVDO compatible.

There are "Vision" plans for data, starting at $15. These don't allow you to connect your laptop to the internet (at least not legally).

The "PAM" ($40) plans allow you to do both.