3-month Internet access in sub-let??? (Chicago: subletting, apartment, landlords)

[missbonfig]

Hi,
I am relocating to Chicago on Saturday and will be subletting an apartment (close to De Paul University) for three months. The place does not have Internet access, which I desperately need.

Does anyone have any recommendations on how I can get wireless access for three months without having to install a land line? I'll also be needing a local cell phone. Does anyone know if there are any good plans that offer both? Pros and cons appreciated.

PS: Any other watch outs I should know before moving to the Windy City?

Thanks in advance. People on this site are always so very helpful.

[long101]

I just got a deal from comcast for internet and its 35 bucks a month for cable and it only cost me 50 bucks to have a jack installed. I move in 5 months so that was the best deal I could find. I dont know if there is much out there that include cell and internet. Your not around a cafe or something that you could just snag their singal are you?

[Drover]

First thing I would do is see if there are any unsecured wifi networks you can pick up and sponge off of. Short of that, ask a neighbor with wifi if you can hook up to them for a few months. Offer to pay them a reasonable amount, perhaps $30 or $40 a month.

[missbonfig]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the info. Don't know the area well enough to know if I'll be close to a cafe or something. Hopefully I can tap into someone's wifi.

If not, and this might sound ignorant, how can a "neighbor" hook me up? Do they have to do some programming?

[eevee]

Originally Posted by long101

I just got a deal from comcast for internet and its 35 bucks a month for cable and it only cost me 50 bucks to have a jack installed. I move in 5 months so that was the best deal I could find. I dont know if there is much out there that include cell and internet. Your not around a cafe or something that you could just snag their singal are you?

be VERY careful w/ Comcast, a lot of their advertised prices are "introductory" prices and if you cancel before the time period is over, they charge you a lot more than what they've advertised

I suggest just finding a Panera to hang out in, or heading to the library if you can't pick up an unsecured network

[Avengerfire]

Go to the library; it is free.

[Mel2882]

I pay $29 a month for AT&T wireless DSL without a phone line or cable, which isn't introductory (they can do it without the phone line, but they still have to come and switch something on your phone jack). Yeah, any Chicago Public Library and a ton of coffee shops/restaurants offer it free as well.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by missbonfig

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the info. Don't know the area well enough to know if I'll be close to a cafe or something. Hopefully I can tap into someone's wifi.

If not, and this might sound ignorant, how can a "neighbor" hook me up? Do they have to do some programming?

No, all they have to do is give you their wi-fi password. I meant hook you up figuratively, not literally.

[missbonfig]

Thanks for all the info and yes, the AT&T offer sounds the best (as long as there is an existing phone jack in the apartment). Have to check, but the offer sounds great in theory. No contract, reasonable prices. Just don't know how the reception is.
But I got lucky; there are 3 Starbucks close by, the library is not far either so thanks for the tip. But best of all, my sub-let landlords lent me their AT&T wi-fi card for free!!!!
Thanks all.