If a person has neither cable TV nor a home phone, what is the cheapest way to get high speed Internet?
I’m thinking about cancelling my cable TV service because I don’t watch TV enough to justify the cost. I also don’t have a home phone since I only use a cell phone. I currently get Internet through cable. What are some other options if I cancel the cable TV service?
I am interested in finding out myself.
Try AT&T:
http://www.att.com/gen/general?pid=11523
Compare their plans here:
http://www.att.com/gen/general?pid=11575
Their plans include free WiFi at places like Starbucks.
You can also add TV and/or Phone service later if you want.
If you search (like Google) you may find introductory
offers and rebates through resellers.
In order of cheapest to most expensive
1. Wireless service like Clear or Clearwire – if available in your area. Costs are competitive with DSL but less than cable
2. “Naked” DSL – some telephone providers will supply you DSL service without phone service – cost is about what you pay for cable
3. Cell based service from a provider such as AT&T or Verizon – costs more than cable, but service is available anywhere you have cell phone coverage
4. Satellite Internet – expensive and somewhat flaky, but better than nothing
Before you jump – consider these items
Performance – if you do a lot of downloading, beware of wireless systems. They either have data limits or speed limits that can cause problems
If you are a gamer – the same applies – wireless systems will drive you crazy
Data limits – Cable systems let you download anything, all the time. It’s almost impossable to exceed Comcasts data limit for example (250GB/month) – Not so with wireless systems, especially the cell based systems. And the cost for exceeding the limits can stop your heart.
Location – DSL requires that you be within a fixed distance of a switching station. For wireless you must have coverage in your area. Sattilite requires you can see “the bird”. Make sure you are not on a “fringe” area. Spotty reception or service can have you talking to yourself in short order.
Have Fun
just tether your phone to your pc. almost every new phone can be connected to a pc via a “tether” (the usb plug) and then your pc uses the cell phones internet plan to surf the web. if your phone has bluetooth you connect without a tether you just need a bluetooth usb adapter for your pc. not necessarily high speed but gets the job done.