Best temporary internet solution?

[Melissa G]

Last edited Fri Nov 6, 2015, 11:56 PM - Edit history (1)

I am trapped in a dead zone between losing my Clear internet and waiting for google fiber to come online. It was supposed to have already happened. I am wired and waiting and waiting....

Clear just ended today and I need to power 3 computers. Advice needed.

Should I try a hot spot? Dial up or something else? Probably just need 3 months with no contract. Any recommendations? Mostly just email and the occasional foray to DU...

Edit to ask: Is it possible to use a wireless router on Dial up?

[Electric Mayhem]

1. Do you have a LTE phone service?

You can make your own phone Hot Spot easily enough.

Most carriers except Sprint doesn't care for it.

[Melissa G]

2. I have republic wireless phone which uses Sprint

Not sure what LTE means..

Edit to add was considering Karma hotspot but need to power 3 computers and not sure what 5Mbps gets me. https://yourkarma.com/how-it-works

[Melissa G]

5. Any opinions about best mobile hotspots? n/t

[PoliticAverse]

3. First do check for any public, free hotspots available to you.

Got a neighbor with wi-fi you can bribe for access for a couple of months?

[Melissa G]

4. Nope. Did the check.

Need some secure access because I do business stuff on the three computers. Happy to pay up to 50 bucks a month but prefer cheaper. Clear was only $50 for 2 devices! Google Fiber will eventually run 100 bucks.

[quakerboy]

6. You can usually get cable

with no frills for 40-50/month, no contract.

At least, you can around here.

[Melissa G]

7. Which cable do you use?

As far as I know Austin just has Time Warner with a contract. Looking around for other options.

[840high]

8. I have AT&T for 39/mo

[Melissa G]

9. I have a business address so they give me a way higher price.

This is true for AT&T, Time Warner and sadly it seems now Net Zero who uses Time Warner

[quakerboy]

10. Around here, comcast.

Usually seems there's only one cable provider per area.

Comcast offers contract services, but thats usually with perks (free this, free that). For just the low tier basic cable, Ive never had to have a contract, although they always try to rope me in

Having a business address would make it a bit tougher.

[hobbit709]

11. Hi Melissa. I'm still waiting too.

They originally said hookups in my area would start this summer. I'm still waiting. Getting more than fed up with AT&T.
And now AT&T bought up DirecTV and really pissed me off.

[Melissa G]

12. Hey Hobbit!

Last edited Sun Nov 8, 2015, 10:37 PM - Edit history (2)

It is annoying! Sprint killing Clear was a major bummer! Especially a pain since Google fiber won't commit to a start date.
Today I tried a Boost hot spot. Very mixed reviews!

I am thinking of adding Freedom Pop to get me through. Time will tell.
Good to hear from you!

[Melissa G]

13. Had a bad experience with a Boost Hot spot that died on the first day of use.

It took an unusually long time to get it up and the device failed permanently within about 4 hours. Needless to say, I did not want another try. I had asked midway during the long activation if there was a way to test the hot spot without losing my 50 bucks. The not helpful 'helper' said no.

Boost did not want to refund me the 50 bucks for the prepaid data card after the device failed. Lucky for me the retailer I bought from refunded it eventually.

I suggest buying your hot spot from a company other than Boost. But if you do buy Boost, buy from a trustworthy merchant rather than Boost in case you run into trouble. Also the hot spot device showed data leaking even with no devices were hooked up to it.

I am now trying a T mobile hot spot. So far, so good.. Fingers crossed. Also have Freedom Pop internet on the way. That may be my best solution!