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Internet Provider help!
James Shepered
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
I live in an area that cable internet of anykind isn't available. I haven't been able to play online gaming.
Now, my family has been using HughesNet (which is satellite) as our ISP. We want to switch ISPs soon, since are contract is up and we are not happy with HughesNet, and it doens't support online gaming (at least with our plan, and has a download threshold). So, I have been trying to do some research but haven't been able to find any realy help.
So, I want to play video games online, right? The only options for internet here is wirelesss something. Sucks. So I have to wonder, does anyone know of an Internet Service Provider that will work with online gaming, has a large download threshol, with little to no consequences for exceeding it, etc., that is WIRELESS?
Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
Now, my family has been using HughesNet (which is satellite) as our ISP. We want to switch ISPs soon, since are contract is up and we are not happy with HughesNet, and it doens't support online gaming (at least with our plan, and has a download threshold). So, I have been trying to do some research but haven't been able to find any realy help.
So, I want to play video games online, right? The only options for internet here is wirelesss something. Sucks. So I have to wonder, does anyone know of an Internet Service Provider that will work with online gaming, has a large download threshol, with little to no consequences for exceeding it, etc., that is WIRELESS?
Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
James Shepered on
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What city and state do you live in? See if there is a wimax-type solution in your area (like Cricket, Clear, Sprint's 4G, or something along those lines) and what they cost.
Also, you only mentioned cable and you're currently on sattelite, so I am assuming DSL isn't available in your area, right?
Definitely check on DSL. At my current place of residence, I thought only Comcast cable was available which I did not want at all costs. I went online to Verizon and AT&T to check for DSL and both said it wasn't available, online and over the phone...but then I found out that AT&T's UVerse is actually a form of DSL (VDSL). I have no idea why checking availability for DSL doesn't also cover that, I almost missed it. But I bought it and have been using it and it works great!
It's dumb because most of them don't call it DSL anymore, it's "high speed internet," because Comcast has made DSL a dirty word.
http://www22.verizon.com/Residential/HighSpeedInternet/CheckByAddress/CheckByAddress
http://localization.att.com/loc/controller?cdvn=landinglocalization&pid=1080<ype=res&prod-snip=res_internet_services
http://www.att.com/u-verse/availability/index.jsp?q_address=true&wtSlotClick=1-002TRX-0-1
So I have been using Verizon Wireless through my Blackberry. I just pay an extra $30 a month on my normal phone bill. I think you can just get one of those Wireless USB adapter things and skip the phone bill. Anyway, my speeds are no where near as good as Cable or DSL would be, but they are acceptable to me. Takes me about 5-6 hours to download 1gig. I can't really play online FPS, but MMOs are fine. My ping in say LOTRO is usually ~100 some.
Look in to Wireless internet, AT&T or Verizon or someone else, I think it's your best bet.
I live in Michigan. The only DSL that I can get would be phone line, old school dial-up. I have looked at Verizon's FiOS and High Speed Internet, each not in my area. Now, the two roads I live in between can get cable internet (and phone service) which is pretty nice. It's just not on my street...
I really don't know much about internet service at all really. Just that all we can get (and in fact avaible) is some sort of wireless or sattelite.
EDIT: I am doing some Googling on Wimax, I'll get back on that when I find something out.
lol, yes, MI has a lot of countrysides. Anyways, earlier today I was looking at Verizon. Their High Speed Internet isn't avaible for us, but their wireless services are. My neighbor has one of Verizon's USB things, but it doens't allow gaming and has a 5G DL (they accidently exceeded it, and were charged some $400) so I am trying to find something else.
Looking around... but running into a lot of dead ends.
Yes, and it seems the only internet I can get with AT&T is their dial-up.
So, Cricket and Clear seem to be out...
Do anyone know of good wireless products/plans from Verizon? And AT&T is still an unknown...
Well...
Seriously though, do you have a good relationship with your neighbors? Maybe you could work out a deal depending on everyone's proximity. You loan them a wireless router and pitch in on the bill, they give you access?
It would be kind of expensive (you'd have to pick up a high end router and a decent antenna to get a long range connection going), but if your only other option is dial-up it all the ridiculousness involved might be worth it.
I'd have to see... it's not a ridiculous idea. My parents would prolly go for this Verizon wireless thing instead, which would be a better idea, I just know it doens't support online gaming and isn't... that.... great. :?
Verizon Wireless has been ideal for me. Sure I can't play FPSs online, but I can play MMOs just fine (which is what I prefer anyway). Some things may take a day or so for me to download, but I personally don't mind (far better then the dial-up alternative). I can stream videos via Netflix on my 360. Plus it means anywhere I go I have fancy internet, which has been very helpful since I find myself all over the country a lot. All for a lot cheaper then Satellite. However, I think I could get much better speeds if I had the USB adapter whats-its instead of using my Blackberry.
Heh, not saying Wireless internet is the bees knees. Just that if your choice really just comes down to either that or Satellite then I'd take Wireless any day.
Make sure and keep an eye on it, because overages for a data plan are through the roof. They'll usually waive an overage for you the first time it happens if you call in and complain, but after that you're stuck with the bill. Unless things have changed since I worked there, The 5GB plan is $60 a month, and I think the overages afterward end up being between $0.10 and $0.25 a megabyte.
Also, you won't get a free or discounted aircard unless your parents sign a one or two year contract. You've got 30 days to try it out where you can return it ant not be liable for the rest of the contract, but if your parents get set up with Verizon in March and you get a letter from CableCo saying they are about to expand service into your area in May than they'll be regretting it.
Axen - Alltel offered an unlimited plan for some really, really cheap amount per month. When Verizon purchased Alltel they were required to grandfather in all existing Alltel customers on whatever plan they were using for the duration of their contract plus however long the customer felt compelled to keep month to month service afterward.
But, that doesn't mean they aren't doing everything they can to move people to the 5GB Verizon plans. If you ever have to change to Verizon equipment they will require you to switch to a Verizon plan.
Basically what I am saying is, hold out as long as you can, because if you're on the converted Alltel plan I think you are on, you're getting a pretty sweet deal.
Acknowledged. On that note, is there a USB type that connects into that back of a wireless router? Something I can send to all the PCs and Xbox 360 in my house?
There are ways to share you internet. Uh, the best way is through Windows very own Internet Connection Sharing. With that I had my desktop, laptop, and 360 all using internet from my little ol' Blackberry.
@ SmokeStacks
You are more then likely correct. It's pretty much the conclusion I came to as well. It's also the reason why I have not gotten one of the USB things, despite it giving me better speeds.
I am on 1xEVDO I believe. At least my phone says 1xEV at the moment.
I have always wondered, but the phone companies cannot seem to give me a straight answer. Is DSL taxed like a phone line is taxed? As in, taxed out the ass?