asked on

Baja Mexico - DSL service - ISP - and Hardware requirements to connect to the Internet - Vista system

A friend has a place in the Baja area of Mexico and his computer does not have an internal modem or any router attached at this time, and is a Vista operating system computer. He had a modem provided by Telmex which did work, BUT he asked that when they're not there for months at a time, not to have it used and billed. No one can use it, it's all locked up, but they billed him anyway and no recourse for non-use. This is all around the rental of their equipment (hardware modem setup). This is ridiculous, so the next question is ....

What kind of modem would work so that you don't have to pay Telmex or anyone else for their modems in the Baja area to connect to the internet? Found lots on google that have their own ATT DSL 5400 high speed modem along with a wireless linksys router that works just fine.

Not sure about the laws/issues between Baja Mexico and Internet connection options, but it sure feels unfair to me that someone could charge for equipment and services that are NOT ACTIVE and NOT IN USE, so seeking options and alternatives.

Thank you.

ElrondCT

Your friend may not be using the equipment, but he has it, which means that Telmex has paid for that equipment and can't use it anywhere else, so I don't see why someone should be complaining about paying for it. Presumably your friend could cancel service, and then he wouldn't pay anything, but that would probably entail returning the equipment, then waiting for who knows how long to get things set back up when he actually comes back and wants to use it again...

Anyway, DSL service is inherently connected to the local phone company (just like cable service is inherently connected to the local cable provider), because a DSL signal can only travel over about 3 miles of wire. Even if another company provides DSL service in an area, they're still using the phone company's lines and have to set up hardware in the phone company's offices (or rent usage of the phone company's equipment). The only ways I can think of to not be dependent on a local supplier are:

1) Dialup - use a dialup modem and call wherever you like, paying the cost of long distance if necessary and getting slower service.
2) Satellite - there are a number of companies offering satellite-based Internet service. I don't know if there are legal limitations on using that in Mexico.

Asta Cu

ASKER

He doesn't want to keep their equipment, since they have a rental charge. He has no problems paying for the ISP equivalent services, when there and in use. Do you know what other Satellite companies serving Baja in the event there are other options than just the one Telmex service? And do you know if he can use a standard High Speed DSL Modem and Router as others I've found have stated work for them in the Baja area?

I thought perhaps Skype would be of some help here, but unclear, based on what I read here: http://forum.skype.com/index.php?showtopic=23914

I'm seeking alternatives.... Proprietary vendors of any kind (monopolies) just don't feel right to me. People ought to have some choices, no? Thus, this query.

Trying to help him find alternatives so that he can get his own equipment, yet subscribe to DSL service in the Baja area without problems.

Hope I clarified, but if not, will check back with gratitude for your help so far.

":0) Asta

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

ElrondCT

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

Asta Cu

ASKER

Thank you, closing.

We'll have to research further, but appreciate your responsiveness.