Internet options for out-and-about? (modem, wireless, how to, work)

[lovingthegreen]

I am a little confused by the options that are out there on how to get an Internet connection through a cell phone line (i.e. with those wireless cards that you plug into your computer and which give you the Internet essentially wherever you have access to a cell phone connection, such as on a bus on the highway or otherwise away from home and possibly even on the move somewhere).

Hopefully one of you can help me understand my options. Essentially I am looking for a plan/card where I can access the Internet wherever I can get a cell signal (can I sign up for unlimited access or is there a limit before I start being charged exorbitant rates?). What would the approximate cost for this be, both for the card and activating it in addition to the normal monthly charge?

What are the major companies offering this? Verizon, AT&T and Sprint? Do I have to sign up for a cell phone plan with these companies too, or can I just get the wireless card for my computer? Or is there enough of a price break to get a cell phone plan with them too that I might as well do that? (I have already met my minimum two-year agreement with my current cell phone plan (Sprint) so have no qualms whatsoever about changing companies if need be)

Thanks.

[bs13690]

All the major companies offer air cards or more often these days USB modems. You do not have to have cell service with the company in order to get a card/modem from them but it may be cheaper to bundle if you are using both.

As for the charges, I think it is impossible to give you an idea without pulling a number out of the air. Every company is different and they often have specials. In addition, there are lots of taxes and fees that wind up on your monthly bill.

Finally, if you hav a cell phone that can access the Internet ask your provider about tethering the phone. This allows you to use the phone as a modem for your PC, essentially. However, you can't make or receive phone calls while you are tethering.

[ToucheGA]

Originally Posted by bs13690

<snip>
Finally, if you hav a cell phone that can access the Internet ask your provider about tethering the phone. This allows you to use the phone as a modem for your PC, essentially. However, you can't make or receive phone calls while you are tethering.

The Droid from Verizon can do this, if you have OS 2.2 installed.

[lovingthegreen]

Originally Posted by bs13690

All the major companies ...

Thanks for the information. One follow-up question ... do they limit how much you can use in a month? Some places say things like only x amount of gigabits allowed per month before overage charges are enacted or something like that. Or does that only apply to downloads? I would be using the service almost entirely to surf the Internet with very little downloading. Thanks.

[southgeorgia]

I think most companies limit you to 5GB per month for data cards or tethering. It applies to everything; just browsing websites requires your device to download information.

I use my blackberry as a wireless modem, through a program called Tether (aka tetherberry). Its a one time fee of $50, and it uses the blackberry's unlimited data plan for internet use; no additional fees. It can be purchased through the blackberry app world. blackberry tethering speeds are decent for browsing; tethering a droid will give much faster speeds; helpful if you'll be streaming any video.

If you're just surfing the web occasionally, 5GB should be more than enough. I was checking my usage recently, and between the phone browser and tethering, I used about 500MB in a month.

[lovingthegreen]

Originally Posted by southgeorgia

I think most companies limit you to 5GB per month for data cards or tethering. It applies to everything; just browsing websites requires your device to download information.

...

If you're just surfing the web occasionally, 5GB should be more than enough. I was checking my usage recently, and between the phone browser and tethering, I used about 500MB in a month.

However, I'm guessing that using this all the time, like 200 hours in a month, probably would not work if I have a 5GB limit. But if it's more like 50 hours or so, it might be okay.

Thanks for the information - very helpful in helping me get a ballpark idea of how these things work and what my options may be.

[southgeorgia]

Originally Posted by lovingthegreen

However, I'm guessing that using this all the time, like 200 hours in a month, probably would not work if I have a 5GB limit. But if it's more like 50 hours or so, it might be okay.

Thanks for the information - very helpful in helping me get a ballpark idea of how these things work and what my options may be.

I don't think 5GB would cover you for an entire month.

[GPStechRULES]

I highly recommend satellite service. You are guaranteed service even with the remotest place. I mean your source is the freaking satellite in space, dude. Beat that.

[ToucheGA]

Originally Posted by GPStechRULES

I highly recommend satellite service. You are guaranteed service even with the remotest place. I mean your source is the freaking satellite in space, dude. Beat that.

Where can I get mobile satellite internet service for $50/month or less?

[GPStechRULES]

Ah, google? I googled and there is a $39.95/month that pop up.