Internet for the Boonies

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ronbo613 · #1 Post by **ronbo613** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 11:52 am

I've moved way off the beaten path, no cable, no DSL, no mail delivery. My internet choices are few; satellite, which is expensive and everyone tells me sucks, or dialup, which will seem extra slow after having DSL for years.
Somebody told me there is a way to plug a cell phone into a laptop and get internet service that way. Anybody use this or know anything about it?

Website · #2 Post by **tfflivemb2** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 12:01 pm

I know that Alltel, which I use, offers this unlimited service for $19.99/month. I haven't used it myself...yet. I have been considering it for when I travel...or even at work, where I don't have access.

#3 Post by **tomh009** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 12:06 pm

Sprint (EV-DO), Verizon (EV-DO), AT&T (EDGE/HSDPA) and T-Mobile (EDGE/HSDPA) all offer this type of WWAN access. Cost is typically around $50/month for unlimited data; speeds are better than modem but worse than cable/DSL.

Take a look at their web sites to see coverage and pricing plans ...

P.S. You can also plug a WWAN card directly into your ThinkPad instead of using your phone as a modem.

#4 Post by **JaneL** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 12:13 pm

I've done this for years (this is the original source of my hot button about in-line images). Depending on your particular phone/connection/plan service can run the gamut from works-great to remember-the-days-of-14.4 speeds and stability. The first thing you need is a cell phone that will work as a modem along with either a cable or Bluetooth connection to your notebook. I've used Motorola's Startacs, a V710 and now an E815.

This link from LifeHacker covers the basics (read the comments for more details than exist in the article itself):

http://lifehacker.com/software/cell-pho ... 175048.php

Additional info can be found in the links at:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=us ... e+as+modem

anthean · #5 Post by **anthean** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 1:01 pm

There are a few areas in the US that have High Capacity Spatial Division Multiple Access (HC-SDMA, but often marketed as Iburst), which is a technology used most commonly in Australia and South Africa. Anyway, I'm lucky to be in in one of those areas, and am quite happy with it. Access is via a PCMCIA card (as are EVDO or HSDPA--but of course HC-SDMA requires a different card), and Redwood Wireless charges me $35/month for unlimited useage. Speeds are intermediate between cable and dial-up.

skitty4gzus · #6 Post by **skitty4gzus** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:12 am

OP I have a verizon V710 like Nonny talked about. I dont use the phone anymore, let me know if you want it to use as your modem if need be.

dsigma6 · #7 Post by **dsigma6** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 7:30 am

On T-Mobile, I use their T-Zones $5.99 internet on my smartphone. It's not intended for use on these devices, but a little proxy setting makes it work.

You can tether to your computer at speeds above dialup, but certainly below DSL.

I believe the Sprint SERO plans offer unlimited data for an extremely cheap price.

ronbo613 · #8 Post by **ronbo613** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 8:06 pm

I'm on the 30 day trial with the Sprint Mobile Broadband card. I get 40-80kbps out here in the woods and about 100kpbs in the "best" coverage areas. Sounds lame, but I mean I am really out in the boonies. Water from a well, septic tank, the whole schmear. Heck, the biggest town near here has only 8,000 people.
I gotta check on the cell phone as a modem deal, that may be the best call since I need a cell phone anyway. I don't think Verizon has coverage here, just the Pony Express, I think they may be out of business.

ronbo613 · #9 Post by **ronbo613** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 12:44 am

Kind of been out of touch, but I've got to vent about the Sprint service.
First off, if you live in a big city, the Sprint Mobile service might be great, but where I'm at, it averages 50kpbs and only gets 115kpbs in the "best" areas.
My complaint is about the service. They told me I would have a 30 day "risk-free" guarantee. After a week, I knew I did not want to pay $60-80/mo. for 50kpbs. Shortly thereafter, I received a bill for $135. I couldn't access the account at sprint.com(trial version) and the telephone techs refused to cancel the service. So, about ten days of crap service, $135. Paid the bill with my credit card, now I have to dispute the charges.
I love computers, but I think after this it will be one or two trips to the library for WiFi per week, I've had enough.

#10 Post by **GomJabbar** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 6:07 am

T-Mobile (EDGE/HSDPA)

Unfortunately, regarding T-Mobile, no HSDPA (3G) for you

(In the USA)

A recent thead from Howard Forums: TMobile data slow as hell...

However, T-Mobile does offer HSDPA in Europe.
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at&t (Cingular) does offer HSDPA (3G) in the USA, but 3G coverage is still quite limited. In the state of Colorado where I live, at&t still only has EDGE and no HSDPA. at&t's 3G rollout appears to be going at a snails pace right now.

Here is a list of cities and towns currently with at&t 3G coverage:
http://www.wireless.att.com/coveragevie ... Up_3g.html

Internet for the Boonies

Internet for the Boonies

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