Members OneFinger Posted January 3, 2011 Members Posted January 3, 2011 I currently use my local phone company for my ISP. But, lately, the quality of their service is lacking. Plus, I'm going to be splitting my work time between a couple of states. So, I'm considering getting rid of my phone company connection and going to a 4G air card that I could use at home and my work location. Any suggestions on air card services? I know several people at work that use Sprint which claims to provide unlimited usage for about $60 per month. My cell phone is with Verizon and I understand they also offer 4G but it is NOT unlimited. Would welcome any thoughts or suggestions for those that travel or use a wireless ISP. And, if I decide to go with a limited service (like Verizon), does any know what the "average" household uses per month? Also curious if some wireless ISPs block certain sites (such as this one). Are there privacy issues I need to consider? FYI, relatives have suggested using my cell phone to piggy back an internet connection. But, my cell phone is ONLY a cell phone. I don't have text message, e-mail capabilities, a camera, etc and am not really interested in changing from a basic cell phone. Quote
Guest FourAces Posted January 3, 2011 Posted January 3, 2011 Not sure if you have me on ignore but I will throw in my thoughts anyway First do not tether with your cell phone. Your Verizon will charge you for the data used and you will not get the best connections. Next check the areas that you will be in and see if they are covered by Verizon and Sprints 4G services. Chances are you will want a 3G/4G card in case you end up in a area that is not covered by WIMAX (Sprint) or LTE (Verizon). Keep in mind that some carriers use the term "unlimited" but cap you at 5GB. So be certain that Sprint is truly offering a unlimited plan. If not you need to find out the overage fees, if any, for both Sprint and Verizon. Remember that if you use 4G you will go through your data allowance faster than on 3G. I would also check with T-Mobile. They have HSDPA+ which is their 4G service and their prices are usually better than Sprint and Verizon. But again all I mentioned above needs to be checked first. Other data card options can be your cable provider or independents. As far as privacy goes ... you always want to make certain your firewall and AntiVirus is up to date. WHen you use a air card you are somewhat more vulnerable than using a fixed service like DSL. Common sense will keep you protected. When it comes to blocking sites none of the above I mentioned block any site. If you see this I hope it helps. Quote
Members Lucky Posted January 3, 2011 Members Posted January 3, 2011 One Finger- 4Aces offered some good advice on this in the thread above this! Quote
Members MsGuy Posted January 3, 2011 Members Posted January 3, 2011 One Finger- 4Aces offered some good advice on this in the thread above this! LOL Quote
Members OneFinger Posted January 4, 2011 Author Members Posted January 4, 2011 One Finger- 4Aces offered some good advice on this in the thread above this! Not sure what thread you're talking about since this was at the top of the list. I did look at the AT&T thread by Totally Oz. But, I understood very little of what was said there. Talked with my company today. They use Sprint 4G and indicated they might just give me one of the company air cards to test drive when I start going on the road and getting set up in my new (part-time) location. Quote
Members lookin Posted January 4, 2011 Members Posted January 4, 2011 . . . if I decide to go with a limited service (like Verizon), does any know what the "average" household uses per month? I've been wondering the same thing. The folks at the Apple Store turned me on to this AT&T data calculator, which helped me figure out that streaming video chews up a lot more bandwidth than plain text email. They also told me it's pretty easy to start with an entry-level data plan and upgrade later, though I haven't confirmed just how easy. Hope this helps. Quote
Members Lucky Posted January 4, 2011 Members Posted January 4, 2011 Aging attacks again! I meant to say in the post above this!!!! Quote
Guest FourAces Posted January 4, 2011 Posted January 4, 2011 Aging attacks again! I meant to say in the post above this!!!! He would not have seen it anyway. He is a bit touchy about a post I made that had nothing to do with him when things kicked off here in late July. So he has me on ignore. But thanks for trying old man Quote
