Internet Options?

jenn-b · Post by **jenn-b** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 10:11 am

Okay...as some of you know, I have moved to the middle of nowhere. Which is great for traffic, quiet weekend, etc. But that means that it is super-crappy for internet connection options. We cannot get DSL. We cannot get Cable. Right now, we have dial-up. And we hate it. Is there any options that any of you can come up with?

HELP!!

Sugarflower · Post by **Sugarflower** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 10:44 am

I'm sorry to hear you have stone age internet right now.

But I bet you are super happy to be living in a peaceful area.

I know I would!

Have you checked into satellite internet? It may be possible that some satellite companies, such as Dish Network or DirecTV, may offer internet services. It may not be as reliable as cable or dsl (possibly losing signal during rainy or poor weather conditions) but it's worth a shot. Hopefully it wouldn't be pricey. It's been a few years since I last checked on satellite internet.

shellie · Post by **shellie** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 10:51 am

I'm in exactly the same predicament you are, jenn. In my digging around, I have found a couple of options (neither of which sound spectacular, but would be better than dial-up, I hear):

1. Get satellite internet. Hughes.net and wildblue.net are the only ones who do rural satellite internet that I can find so far. From what I understand, it's expensive, the connection speed is better than dialup, but barely, and the customer service is absolutely horrible.

2. If you can get a cell phone signal, you could get a good data phone, pay for the unlimited data/media package and pay for "tethering" which allows you to use your cell phone as your modem. It's expensive too, and I don't know anyone who actually uses it, so I haven't heard any horror stories about it. I'd love to learn more about this option.

I'll be very interested to hear anyone's input on this subject too. We haven't actually moved out to our new house yet, but I'm already dreading the loss of my high-speed cable internet connection.

RoboFlonne · Post by **RoboFlonne** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 11:26 am

I think Satallite and Cellular are your options...

They do cost alot though...

Cloud · Post by **Cloud** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 11:26 am

Oh. The anonymous "they". How often?

Post by **JWR** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 11:38 am

I have used satellite internet for the last 4 years first with direcway and now hughes since they bought out direcway's service.

Yes there is a cost of original set up (Dish , modem , installation) but they do have specials that pay for some of it. My service costs $50 a month and works great. The only problems were covered by warrenty and I was credited for the days it was down.

With the latest modem , my speed matches dsl.

All & All I have been quite happy with it.

shellie · Post by **shellie** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 12:00 pm

That's encouraging, Joe! I haven't heard any tales from "happy satellite customers"!

Can you run a wireless modem on a satellite connection? We have 2 computers and 2 DSLites that run off my one cable modem, and as I understood it, that might not be possible with either satellite or cell phone connections. (To have to tether my laptop to the wall will make me sad!)

Post by **JWR** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 1:11 pm

Shellie , not to make it sound like I work for Hughesnet but I have had good luck with my system since I upgraded to their latest modem/dish system. I don't use mine with a wireless router but from what the installer I had out told me is that you would plug the router into the modem and it works fine. only drawback is the more using at a time will slow the system down. (I would expect you might have simular with your current set up)

The important thing when going with satellite is to make sure they set you up with a strong satellite signal to your dish otherwise you can have some problems with bad weather. Since I upgraded , I have not lost a connection with mine.

RoboFlonne · Post by **RoboFlonne** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 1:24 pm

Sometimes the newer modems have built in wireless.... I have a friend who has one that is a modem/wireless router in one.

Maybe you can ask the satallite provider if they have those?

Cloud · Post by **Cloud** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 1:24 pm

How do you know this person?

jenn-b · Post by **jenn-b** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 2:25 pm

Hmmm....my parents have the satellite set-up...and are a little less than impressed. They are only 1/2 mile away from us, but will be able to get a wireless connetion. While we love our setting amongst the trees, it blocks the wireless signal. *sigh* I am currently looking at the cell connection...I will post an update when I learn more!

miz ducky · Post by **miz ducky** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 12:16 am

I know some one out here who uses
http://www.clearwire.com/

He likes it, but I guess you have to see if they cover your area.

shellie · Post by **shellie** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 7:31 am

Never heard of that one before, ducky. It seems to be an interesting option if you're in a big city, though. It's only available in one city in my state. (I knew it probably wasn't a rural option when in searching for my address it asked what floor I was on.

)

Thanks for the info!!

RoboFlonne · Post by **RoboFlonne** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 12:51 pm

I'm thinking of getting clearwire.

Maybe you can get a bigger antennae and have better reception?

It would be nice to have internet anywhere i go