Wireless broadbAnd without contract?

[swbsam]

I'm in Brooklyn, ny and both veriZon and cablevision tell me that it'll take atleast a month before they wire my house (block full of new houses). Since my experience with NYC providers tells me that 1 month will turn into 4, I'm thinking of getting prepaid wireless broadband - what are my options? I have an AT&T cellphone and can go through them, but don't want to extend my contract or sign a new one

 

[swbsam]

bump?

 

[frostedflakes]

Maybe look into tethering, I think generally you can get that without a contract (whereas for a datacard plan they try to rope you into a two year contract). At least that's the case for my provider, though, could be different with AT&T.

Keep in mind they tend to be very strict about data usage as well, I think AT&T caps at 5GB/mo like most providers. They may have stricter limits for tethering as well. Another AT&T person could probably provide more insight, I have Alltel myself.

 

[swbsam]

I thought of tethering but my wife simply refuses to let me jailbreak her 3G iPhone (my iPhone is a corporate phone that I shouldn't mess with, and it's edge anyways).

I think I'll call AT&T and ask them if there's anyway to get a data only plan added to our account for just 2 months... Otherwise, a 2 year contract for 2 months of email checking would be silly.

Any other suggestions? Thanks!

 

[frostedflakes]

Well they probably have a trial period for data plans although I have no idea how long it is, maybe a month or something along those lines. I really doubt you're going to get them to let you have the datacard plan without a 2 year contract, though.

As far as tethering, there isn't any way to do it on the iPhone without jailbreaking?

 

[Modelworks]

How many are there in the area that would want to use the internet ?
If you can get enough homes together to justify the cost, you might consider setting up a wifi link with someone that can get access. If you can get line of sight you can probably set up the connection for $3-400 . Split between 4 homes would be only $100 each + service from whoever provides the access.

 

[swbsam]

Originally posted by: Modelworks
How many are there in the area that would want to use the internet ?
If you can get enough homes together to justify the cost, you might consider setting up a wifi link with someone that can get access. If you can get line of sight you can probably set up the connection for $3-400 . Split between 4 homes would be only $100 each + service from whoever provides the access.

What do you mean a "wifi link?" I can only really speak for myself and my tenant, since we're brand new to the area, but your idea is pretty interesting - maybe I can get a less consumer (T1? I haven't kept up with this stuff!) and see if my tenant wants in on it.

 

[frostedflakes]

T1 are pretty expensive, you'd probably be looking at a few hundred dollars a month at least. Just not worth it IMO.

 

[Modelworks]

Originally posted by: swbsam

Originally posted by: Modelworks
How many are there in the area that would want to use the internet ?
If you can get enough homes together to justify the cost, you might consider setting up a wifi link with someone that can get access. If you can get line of sight you can probably set up the connection for $3-400 . Split between 4 homes would be only $100 each + service from whoever provides the access.

What do you mean a "wifi link?" I can only really speak for myself and my tenant, since we're brand new to the area, but your idea is pretty interesting - maybe I can get a less consumer (T1? I haven't kept up with this stuff!) and see if my tenant wants in on it.

T1 would cost too much.
Wifi link is basically finding someone within range that already has an internet connection, and setting up an antenna pointed your way so you could receive the signal on your end. Requires a wifi router on each end and antenna.

Distance to them can be very far, but you really need line of sight, so you need to be able to see the other antenna from where your antenna would be mounted.

Also since you are in a city check out here , there may already be a wireless isp in the area, all you would need is them to install an antenna+radio .

http://wireless.theispguide.co...e.NY/findwireless.html

Also free access in your area:
http://www.wififreespot.com/ny.html


A better link for wisp in NY
http://www.bbwexchange.com/wisps/newyork-wisps.asp


Found these guys that are not far from you.
http://www.lrcommunications.net/products.php

If you have a wireless router already, use it to scan and see what signals it already gets. Then you can use that information to track down who is offering service.

 

[arrfep]

Cricket Wireless does no-contract, monthly wireless broadband plans, if you have them in your area.

 

[frostedflakes]

Doesn't look like they have coverage in NYC, which is a shame because that's a pretty good deal they have for wireless broadband. $40/mo and no contracts. Sounds like they cap at 5GB/mo, though, despite advertising the service as "unlimited" on their website.

 

[swbsam]

Cricket does seem pretty nice, but no NYC service.

Virgin mobile has prepaid service in NYC for $60 (1gb) - a bit pricey but may just work for checking email/facebook.

 

[StarsFan4Life]

Don't do it!