Wireless Internet Service
Question: I have a wireless laptop. What do I need to do to use it? I would like the high speed computer hook up (I have AOL) for my home computer (Dell) and be able to use the laptop at home if needed. What should I do? Thanks John.
- Jullian, June 14, 2007 (name changed for privacy)
Answer: Hi Jullian, congrats on the new laptop! You first need to comparison shop for a high speed internet service provider. Have you tried entering your telephone number into our Check Availability tool?
Since your location determines which types of high speed internet service you can use, your options are generally limited from the start. Most people will struggle to chose between their local Cable company and Telephone company (DSL), Comcast Cable vs AT&T Yahoo DSL for example. Speed and price are what you need to consider most. Think of “wireless” as an add on, something that you can get with either one.
Verizon Online DSL high speed internet currently offers a free wireless modem to those who sign up for the Verizon Power Plan. Price starts at $19.99/mo for the 1st 6 months, $29.99 for months 7-12 and there is a one year agreement. The Verizon DSL high speed internet deal for June 2007 (on our site) includes a $25 Target gift card and the first 30 days free.
Our AT&T Yahoo DSL high speed internet deal for June 2007 doesn’t require a contract. Pricing starts at $14.99 per month for 12 months. AT&T Yahoo subscribers can earn up to $50 cash back and 2 months free. The only down side is that the wireless modem costs about $50.
Cable internet service providers tend to charge an “all or nothing” fee for high speed internet service. So while your cable internet service provider might seem more expensive, you are getting more speed out of the deal. The question you will need to ask yourself is how much speed do I need, and how much do I want to spend for wireless internet service? Those who want to download music and videos shouldn’t buy less than 1.5 mbps. Upgrading from 1.5 mbps to 3.0 mbps cuts your wait time in half for a nominal $5 more per month.
Those looking to replace their dial-up internet service will be happy to pay the same $14.95/mo for 768 kbps versus the slower 56 kbps speed of dial up.
So let’s say you decide on AT&T Yahoo DSL. Take a look at the Yahoo AT&T DSL self installation I did a while ago, some pictures included. Your final decision will be deciding weather to self install or schedule for a professional to do the installation for you. I’d say that setting up a dial up internet service connection is now at the same difficulty level as self installing DSL internet. Take a look.
Don’t forget to include the wireless modem while ordering online!
- John
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