Tell me how to get internet service in the backwoods of Indiana! I'm trying to figure out what my options are. We live so far away from everyone that we're contemplating just using cell phones rather than getting a land line. The local phone and cable companies have to do feasability studies and get back to us. So, unless I do my Hatracking from the local library once a week or two weeks, you shan't be hearing much from Jenny (unless a better solution can be found)!
Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
I have an idea! You could write me on my mission! Yay!
Hobbes Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
There are satellite options, but A)They're pricy and B) It's possible that the trees would block access to the proper area of the sky.
[ June 25, 2005, 10:52 AM: Message edited by: Noemon ]
Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
The cell phone idea's actually not half bad. A cell phone with bluetooth and an unlimited data plan can allow a computer with bluetooth (easy to install on one that lacks it) to use its connection.
Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
(you could also use other sorts of connectors and the like, but bluetooth simplifies things)
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
What's the bandwidth like with that option fugu?
Posted by Jenny Gardener (Member # 903) on :
We also have a field. Any links where I can research satellite options? We're also considering doing phone-over-the-internet. Anything. Then we can do a cost/benefit comparison.
Posted by Jenny Gardener (Member # 903) on :
Ooo, fugu, now you're talking. My hubby is a Delphi engineer in communications, and he's familiar with bluetooth. Does anyone know how I can get some hard data on these options? Price, service area, hardware needed, etc?
Posted by The Pixiest (Member # 1863) on :
DirectTV's DirecWay. It's expensive. But hey, it's less expensive than the computer you'd hook it to, right? And what is your happiness worth?
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Here is a page that gives pricing for one satellite ISP's services. I knew it was expensive, but holy crap! They're talking about $400 for the dish, $200 for the dish's installation, and then $60 a month for access. How many takers can they possibly be getting at prices like that? Of course, the answer is that they've got so few takers that they've had to set their prices at those points, I expect.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
For that kind of $, I think you might be able to get a microwave transmitter that will do Ethernet type speeds over several miles... then all you have to do is get internet service delivered somewhere with line of sight to your antennas and you're in business...
*roots around for equipment*
Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
I still think my idea was good.
Hobbes Posted by Jenny Gardener (Member # 903) on :
Thanks, Pixie! My first link to some useful info. Whoo, it's terribly expensive, though.
Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
Those are pricy, though . . . Cingular'll give you the PC card for free, with a 2 year contract, but their unlimited rate for usage is $79.99/month. Not cheap, but not out of the realm of possibility. Investigate satellite first.
Their unlimited rate plans for Blackberry and PDA connections are much cheaper -- $45 to $50 -- and at least some PDAs have bluetooth . . . Blackberry apparently uses a nonstandard implementation that disables connecting through the PC, though this may have changed.
That, plus a bluetooth phone, will likely enable you to connect at somewhat better than dialup speeds (twice as fast or so).
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
If you and a few others are willing to band together, you can use a Tsunami MP.11 set up (I think it's about $800 for a base unit and $400 per subscriber unit) to broadcast secure Ethernet out to 6 miles from the base unit. Incorporate, get a T-1 (about $400/month these days, I think) and become your own broadband ISP to the boonies!
Edit: and definitely go Voice over IP. Chances are your phone company already is anyhow, even if they don't sell it to you that way.
Posted by Wowbagger the Infinitely Prolonged (Member # 7476) on :
I've found some wireless isp providers in indiana here. Where exactly do you live?
Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
If you've got an even slightly unreliable connection, don't go VOIP.
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
Jenny, it's very distracting to read a thread entitled "If you ever want to see me again..." right after reading one of your recent posts at another website. And I'm married.
Just sayin'.... *wink*
Posted by Jenny Gardener (Member # 903) on :
Mwahaha! I'm so evil.
I think I may have found something! There is a wireless internet provider that even has a tower in my little town. It looks as if we're covered by at least 3 towers. Crappy website, hopefully better service. I'll be calling them. "GlobeSurfer" is what it's called.http://www.globesurfer.net/
Ya know, Bob, that's a pretty exclusive network there with an exhaustive list of restricted sites. I don't know if Jenny can get to Hatrack with that one... LOL
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