Non-POTS broadband options in SLC, UT?

[Xtremist]

I am sick and tired of paying $150+ each month in telecommunications, not even counting DSL that is billed directly to my employer. I really want to give the axe to Qwest's outrageous pricing/taxing, and general business practices. I know it's a pipe dream to think it will put a dent in their operations, but at least I'll feel better about not contributing to their efforts anymore. Getting rid of Qwest will save me about $1,000/year (maybe then I can get a nicer car 😉) At any rate, enough ranting and complaining.

I've identified the following options:

- AT&T Broadband Cable: I really don't like AT&T either to be honest, however I'd rather pay them than Qwest. I'm also certain my online experience will degrade by moving to them. I've never enjoyed even the concept of cable Internet service, at least where I live (Utah). I know it's a different story elsewhere, but here it rather sucks.
- DirecTV-based satellite: Large install cost and significant latency. The speeds aren't par with DSL or cable for the most part, however I do like the company better.
- Fixed wireless: I know these places exist, but where!? I can't locate any of them. If I could qualify for it, this might be my most preferred method to be honest. Again, these require a higher install fee than cable or DSL...

Any others? Thanks for your time. Any suggestions on hardware for this stuff is appreciated too. I've only had experience with the Netspeed/Cisco series of DSL routers.

 

[Maverick]

Find a Fixed Wireless ISP here

Satellite has horrible latency and doesn't always have a two way signal (still need dialup for upload).

Cable or DSL is still the best choice...find out from here to find out which is the better choice in your area.

 

[Macro2]

Your TV cable provider doesn't provide internet access?

I've never seen DSL at $150 a month in the US. What else are you getting for $150 a month?

Mac

 

[Xtremist]

Shiva112 - Thanks for the link. Will check it out. Luckily, I would be able to get 2-way satellite if it came to it, but you're right, the inherit latency leaves much to be desired.

Macro2 - AT&T IS our cable provider 🙂 and was the first on my list above. I also said $150 on telecommunications, not DSL. In fact I said my employer foots the DSL bill. At any rate, by telecommunications I mean 2 land lines and 2 cellular phone lines. And no, I definately don't need all of those for my wife and I. That's why I want to get rid of the land lines 😉

As another note, I would've got rid of the 2nd land line a long time ago, unfortunately my infinately wise self decided it would be a good idea to put the DSL on the 2nd line so I didn't have to install filters all over the place, since there's only one phone attached to the 2nd line. At any rate, I'm ready to get rid of both now 🙂

Thanks for the links, hopefully they'll help me decide 😉

 

[Macro2]

OK...now I got it.
First thing you should do is get rid of your Long Distance Carrier. Just simply tell the phone company you want none. Use a calling card and/or a "dial around" for long distance.
Ths will save you 10-20 a month depending on haw many LD calls you make just because of all the BS taxes and fees ATT charges. Works for me.
As you stated you can get rid of one of your lines.
Get rid of the premium stations off your Cable TV bill.
Cable internet is usually cheaper than DSL. Also, if you pay $5 a month for modem rental you might try to buy a cable modem. seen them for 30-60. You'll make that uo in 6 months to a year.

Mac

 

[Xtremist]

Yeah, I already don't have LD on my land lines. Of course it just pisses me off even more because by having no LD, they charge you a $2/month toll blocking fee. D@mn them! We use our cell phones for our LD since it's essentially free.

I actually have DirecTV instead of cable. And that wasn't even included in the number above. That's another $40 I suppose. I have the Total Choice w/ Locals package, which is nice for me. I don't mind paying as much as I do for the sat though, it's worth it. Thanks for the idea though.

I just called Covad to see about their DSL and it's an interesting idea. Of course, I'd still have to have at least a 'basic' phone line, which might not be too bad. I then called Qwest and they "say" they can get me one land line, and a 2-line cell family plan for about $80 out the door. I had basically conceded to the fact that I'd have to pay my $80 Voicestream bill, so if I can get cell and keep a land line (for DSL), I'll just do that. I mean, I am a DSL-advocate and don't want to get rid of it :-/ At any rate, thanks for the pointers. I've done most of that already, but it's good advice for anyone who may not have.

D@mn those toll-blocking fees!!!