posted on September 16, 2010 07:59:00 AM new
I've heard that there are now phones that will act as a modem for your laptop - long term.
I was wondering if anyone has one or knows of a good one.
I'm looking for something that will work in remote rural areas. Also a plan for unlimited usage would be a big plus even if it cost more.
TIA
[ edited by ebabestreasures on Sep 16, 2010 09:16 AM ]
posted on September 16, 2010 09:26:20 AM new
If you know anyone who works in your region that travels around the area, I would consider contacting them and find out which carrier they use. It really depends on the carrier.
I have a Samsung Vibrant through TMobile which has been great. Superfast, easy to navigate the web.
One feature it has is tethering (linking computer to wi fi through the phone), but there is one problem... most carriers are working to disconnect this ability or start charging or restrict excessive usage even if you have an unlimited plan. I heard someone is developing software to allow most smart phones that have tethering to use their system. Don't know what that involves.
I have wi fi on my smart phone, but i also pay $30 a month for a wi-fi service through comcast allowing me to use my computer around town. I basically cut off our business internet service ($65 a month) and now bring this unit with me. It is slower, but for what I do at work it doesn't matter much. I launch all of my listings from home anyways.
posted on September 16, 2010 02:09:25 PM new
Thanks that's good advice.
My husband has AT&T and his phone works in the rural area so I may have to go with them.
I may ask a few people in that area as well.
I guess I'll just go to an AT&T store and see what they have to offer or maybe Best Buy.
I'm trying to consolidate some of our bills and hopefully save money and get a better internet connection in the rural area we own.
posted on September 16, 2010 02:53:25 PM new
Virgin Mobil sells a MiFi card with UNLIMITED Broadband usage for $40.00 per month. Virgin Mobil uses the Sprint network.
Now, this is only Broadband usage, not a phone. However, if you do not need a new phone, or may require more than the allowed usage, this is a great substitute.
posted on September 16, 2010 03:22:13 PM new
Thanks Bill
But I already have Virgin Mobiles Broadband2Go and it stops working half way to our property on the Gulf. I was paying $20 (which they now discontinued ) for 300 MB that I used with my laptop locally and going to south Florida etc. That was more then I needed but worth it if I needed to research something before buying it.
I know that AT&T has the same device (call something else) which requires a 2 year contract.
I seldom use my cell phone - I use Virgin Mobile pay as you go and spend about $20 every 3 months. So you can see that the cell phone isn't that important to me. But I'm am hoping to eliminate my home phone and the phone at our property on the Gulf, which I keep mainly for internet access. It is painfully slow dial up.
Ever heard of Steinhatchee, Florida? Apparently cell phone companies haven't either!!
posted on September 17, 2010 05:25:35 AM new
Winstream serves many rural areas,they bought Iowa communications which serve Midwest farm communities,and they have a deal,100 dollars includes landline with DSL,Dishnetwork satellite TV .
I am sure other small phone companies have similar packages,may be you can ask if you can get a deal for both your primary residence and your second home?
*
There is no 'Global savings glut',only wild horses and loose bankers.
posted on September 17, 2010 08:01:36 AM new
I don't know how Sprint is in your area - my daughter got the new Samsung Epic 4G and it's supposed to be able to act as a Wi-fi hotspot for up to 5 devices. She doesn't use that feature (have to pay extra) but is pleased with the phone overall. http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/samsung-epic-4g-review/
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posted on September 17, 2010 08:02:04 AM new
i didn't want to mention other carriers b/c I have no experience with them, but I've also heard that At&t has good reception in rural areas.
It has been years... like 10 years since I used at&t, and I clearly remember getting reception back then when I was on Mt. Hood which is not only rural, but there are mountains all around which affect reception.
Also, consider that most companies allow you to try their service for 2 weeks before committing to a phone and their service. Use that time to test everything and do it a few times to make sure it will be consistent.
What you refer to is called, "tethering". I recommend googling the term and see what phones/services may allow this. I am sure that At&t offers wireless travel cards as well. One thing I noticed about at&t with their iphones is that they offer lower data plans that cost $15 a month. I checked this a few months ago, so it may have changed. I suggest cruising at&t's website before going into a store. that way you have some research behind you, you know what plans are available and know what you want.
one last thing to consider is where you purchase your phone. often, stores like best buy, walmart or car stereo shops will offer better deals than the at&t store on the phone... but they may not offer all of the at&t plans (particularly smaller plans) because they get kick backs for selling the service. this is where they compensate for discounting the phones.
posted on September 17, 2010 08:18:48 AM new
"one last thing to consider is where you purchase your phone. often, stores like best buy, walmart or car stereo shops will offer better deals than the at&t store on the phone... but they may not offer all of the at&t plans (particularly smaller plans) because they get kick backs for selling the service. this is where they compensate for discounting the phones"
Also, check into sites like Tech Bargains, as they will often run super specials on phones/service.
) for 300 MB that I used with my laptop locally and going to south Florida etc. That was more then I needed but worth it if I needed to research something before buying it. 