Alternatives to Comcast and Verizon (Pittsburgh, Economy: apartment, live, price)

[metalforever]

Are there any broadband internet providers who arent comcast or verizon? I just want an internet package (no phone, no television. I couldn't find any besides clear. I can't get clear service in my new apartment.

[greg42]

Pretty much zip. I mean, there are probably a few other companies who will resell you a DSL line from Verizon or whomever, but the loop will probably still come from Verizon. May or may not be any better.

You could try a cell provider. T-Mobile has probably the most generous plan for wifi to cell router (MyFi, or whatever they happen to call it) but they're still going to throttle you I think if you use a lot. T-Mobile is also interesting in that they have some kind of repeater gadget (which you can use if your signal is not good at home) that does NOT require having another internet connection at home.

If it's price call Comcast and ask for "Economy Internet". Should be $25-30. Although, no TV, yeah, they might still want extra for no TV....

[ferraris]

I pay $40/month for Comcast's "economy" Internet. You could probably get it a little lower if you remember to call them every few months and play their game. It will be $47/month if you don't have your own cable modem.

[Velvet Jones]

Originally Posted by metalforever

Are there any broadband internet providers who arent comcast or verizon? I just want an internet package (no phone, no television. I couldn't find any besides clear. I can't get clear service in my new apartment.

HughesNet, but it wouldn't work in an apartment and the cost and speed would likely not be worth it.

[Bong477]

Not many choices. If you have minimal data needs (i.e. surfing and not streaming netflix), you might get by with your smartphone as a hotspot. This also assumes you get reasonably good cell service where you live, I can't get a steady LTE signal in my home.

Another option in an apartment building might be splitting service with a friendly neighbor.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by ferraris

I pay $40/month for Comcast's "economy" Internet. You could probably get it a little lower if you remember to call them every few months and play their game. It will be $47/month if you don't have your own cable modem.

Can you stream videos with the economy? Is there a data limit that you cause additional charges? I currently pay for the fastest internet Comcast has available, but I seriously doubt I'm truly getting my money's worth since it's darn slow sometimes.

[ferraris]

Originally Posted by Hopes

Can you stream videos with the economy? Is there a data limit that you cause additional charges? I currently pay for the fastest internet Comcast has available, but I seriously doubt I'm truly getting my money's worth since it's darn slow sometimes.

No problems streaming, I watch HD shows on Hulu all the time. No data limit (at least not any different than the other plans anyway). I also play games online on xbox and PC a lot with no noticeable issues. The only time I notice a difference is if I am downloading a big file, like if i just bought a new video game through Xbox Live or Steam. But even then, it just means it will take 45 minutes instead of 10.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by ferraris

No problems streaming, I watch HD shows on Hulu all the time. No data limit (at least not any different than the other plans anyway). I also play games online on xbox and PC a lot with no noticeable issues. The only time I notice a difference is if I am downloading a big file, like if i just bought a new video game through Xbox Live or Steam. But even then, it just means it will take 45 minutes instead of 10.

Thanks! I'm glad to hear you don't notice a difference streaming. I think my gamer can live with longer download times!

[Hopes]

OP, I don't know if they are reselling DSL, but I'm finding via google searches that there are other DSL options besides Comcast.

This one is $39.95/month. PghConnect - Pittsburgh's Best Internet Service Provider(ISP) - PghConnect Main Page

[Bong477]

I think the slowest comcast speed is 3 mbps which is right around the minimum you'll need to stream HD.