Question

looking for companies that provide wifi anywhere service

Asked by: courtenayt

Hi,

I'm looking for a list of companies that provide wireless internet access from almost anywhere.  My understanding is Verizon has such a service, but I'm wondering if there are any other companies doing this and if so, what people think of them in comparison to Verizon.

Thanks,
Courtenay

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Asked On
2007-12-17 at 09:15:45ID23028421
Tags

access

,

anywhere

,

wifi

Topics

Telecommunications Providers

,

Wireless Network Access Points

,

Wireless Technologies

Participating Experts
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Points
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Comments
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Answers

 

by: that1guy15Posted on 2007-12-17 at 09:19:59ID: 20486255

Most cell phone service providers also offer this service. Depending on where you live and your coverage area determines the quality of service. I use Verizons VZaccess and in my local area and places that i have traveled get really good service and speeds but if i get into an area that has bad service then i am getting speeds slower than dial up. It all depends on your reception.

 

by: JJB-ZenfulPosted on 2007-12-17 at 18:30:58ID: 20489663

Most cell phone providers supply this type of service.  Two things to keep in mind when going ahead with this type of plan are coverage and discounts.  

Coverage is most important, who is your provider?  Check their coverage maps.

Your current cell phone company (if you have one) would probably be the best choice to go with as you will receive a discount from your rate for having two plans with them.

Verizon Coverage = http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/CoverageLocatorController

AT&T Coverage = http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/

T-Mobile = http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/

Nextel = http://www.nextel.com/en/coverage/index.shtml

and the list goes on...

 

by: courtenaytPosted on 2007-12-18 at 10:10:41ID: 20494092

Hi,

Thank you both for the help - my current provider is t-mobile pay as you go.  Do you happen to have the link to their coverage page?  Is it just the same thing as their regular coverage for wi-fi coverage? I thought wi-fi networks were separate, or do they just convert wi-fi to their service?  I have a treo smartphone with wi-fi and was wondering if I could rig up a way to get broader wi-fi coverage - especially if it costs less than the outrageously priced data plans all of the providers offer!

Thanks,
Courtenay

 

by: that1guy15Posted on 2007-12-18 at 11:08:59ID: 20494486

http://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/

The map will detail of you can get data coverage or just basic cell phone coverage. Another option is if you have a data plan you can tether your cell phone to your laptop and use it as a modem. ITs a little slow but it works. You will have to call T-Moblie to see what they can offer you in terms of data plans and broadband access

 

by: courtenaytPosted on 2007-12-18 at 11:21:38ID: 20494595

I guess what I was looking for is pure wi-fi access.  Verizon seems to offer something like this to use your laptop anywhere.  Maybe I'm just hopeful that that is true wi-fi not just cell phone data connect plans.  Is there actually any regular wi-fi connection available other than just at hotspots?

 

by: that1guy15Posted on 2007-12-18 at 11:29:17ID: 20494663

What do you mean by "pure wi-fi" ? All the providers that we have been talking about use their Cell phone towers to provide internet access.

 

by: courtenaytPosted on 2007-12-18 at 12:30:32ID: 20495155

Oh, I see - the way Verizon advertises at least it sounds like you use your laptops wi-fi card to access their network wirelessly, but they must provide some sort of special non-wi-fi card to do that.  What I mean by "pure wi-fi" is you can access it using the 802.11 standard, not using GSM or GPRS.

 

by: that1guy15Posted on 2007-12-18 at 12:35:26ID: 20495182

Yeah any of the cell providers give/sell you a access card. This card either slides into your PC card slot on your laptop or is a USB device. They install and act as a modem in your system. I know a lot of newer Dell laptops have them built into them as well.

None of the broadband Internet service you are looking for will use the 802.11 standard. The only time you will find that is at airports, hot spots or if your city has Metro wifi. The reason for this is because 802.11 is limited in range.

Hope this helps

 

by: courtenaytPosted on 2007-12-18 at 12:42:12ID: 31415530

Thanks - that makes sense that it is limited range - hopefully someday it will expand!

Thanks,
Courtenay

 

by: that1guy15Posted on 2007-12-18 at 12:44:35ID: 20495250

well with the new 802.11 standard soon to be approved (802.11n) the range has expanded but its nothing significant.

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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