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General discussion

Broadband for Snowbirds

Jul 21, 2006 1:50AM PDT

I am a snowbird traveling between Connecticut and Florida. I presently have DSL in CT and dial up in Florida Does anyone know of a broadband service either cable or DSL that allows me to pack up my dsl/cable modem and laptop and set it up in Florida.
I have Comcast in both locations but they say they are different entities. The same goes for sbc yahoo. I can pay 2 broadband prices one in CT and the other in Florida but that's not exactly cost effective.

Discussion is locked

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I don't think so, but
Jul 21, 2006 1:10PM PDT

you should be able to use the dialup account you get with SBC DSL in CT down in Florida. Also if you can catch those SBC DSL special deals (12.95 for 1500/384) in CT and Florida for year contract ea., 25.00 is not to bad for broadband.

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Re: I don't think so, but
Jul 21, 2006 1:43PM PDT

Big Ed:

I was beginning to think that you weren't in the house.


End Of Message
07/21/06

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Have you considered wireless broadband?
Jul 26, 2006 9:20PM PDT

While not cheap (at the moment), Verizon's wireless broadband works very well. If it is available within the areas you need, it would be an easy solution. Pricing will only go down as popularity (and competition) increase - plus it would give you connectivity while traveling.

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broadband for snowbirds
Jul 26, 2006 10:11PM PDT

If your laptop is wireless capable, there may be several places in your area where you can connect for a small fee or even free. Check the area at http://wi-fi.jiwire.com/.
If your laptop does not have wireles, an adapter can be bought for it. Check with your local comp shop.

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Also
Jul 26, 2006 11:08PM PDT

Thought maybe I'd found a goody with Cnet's broadband power search but it won't work for me. No matter what info I input, it keeps coming back with info for an address in Ky that is not mine. I am in Ky trying to get info for a south Al. address.

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Re Snowbird in CT & FL
Jul 26, 2006 10:18PM PDT

Since you travel between these 2 states and have Comcast as your provider, consider contacting Comcast & having them setup your account with Seasonal Rates. Seasonal Rates are greatly reduced and keep you acc't active at a much reduced price. You simply need to let them know the dates when you wish to have the access activated in each state & they can make the needed adjustments to each acc't so that each is turned on & off at the appropriate time. You may also wish to consider High Speed using Cable but I'd recommend purchasing a modem for each location and leaving it dedicated to that location & each acc't having an email acc't dedicated to it which you can access from either location. To make inquiries to set it up simply call 1-800-Comcast and choose the Cable Billing Option. You may also contact the Local Office in each area re getting seasonal rates setup. These can be found at www.comcast.com and by choosing, Support & Services, Contact Us, then enter your address & Zip Code for each area, and the Local Office for different purposes will be displayed for you to choose with contact phone numbers & addresses nearest you as well. In addition assistance is avilable 24/7 even on holidays by simply calling 1-800-Comcast.

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snowbirds
Jul 27, 2006 12:35AM PDT

one of these days a larger isp needs to look at this traveling group and do something for them. set it up so that as long as they move at least 250 miles there is no charge to transfer their survice. with the large number of folks that travel to fl.,tx. and az. it would be a great promotion to keep/gain customers.
as i sit here and write this i am thinking of what my parents go through each year. if an isp were to offer a package of tv., voip phone and internet, their lives would be so much easier! the ability to have the same phone # alone would be enough to seal the deal!

back to the OP. an option you have is to use one of the adapters fron the cell-phone providers. it was mentioned before but i need to add that almost all carriers provide this service. the only drawback is cost, $40 - $80 a month for the different plans. it may be great while on the road but back at home base that is an awful lot to pay for internet

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Snowbird
Jul 27, 2006 3:45AM PDT

Sprint has the better product with their new EVDOrevA wireless card. When the Sprint networks are completely upgraded, you'll see 600-800K Download and 300-400K upload!!!! To my understanding Verizon's upload is approximately 100K

Also, Both companies offer ''unlimited'' data usage plans. However recent reports are that Verizon limits your usage and you are not permitted to use the card in a router. Sprint doesn't limit your data at this time.

Check out the coverage for both providers. Our customers love the Sprint EVDO card...we sell a lot of them. Price w/ 24 month agreement and good credit> $49.99 for the equipment. $59.95 per month for unlimited...if you have a Sprint/Nextel cell phone account.

Hope that helps....from Olando FL

PS....Up/Down speeds are affected by your proximity to the tower, and the number of users at that time. So speeds do vary

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Check into Clearwire
Jul 27, 2006 8:35AM PDT

You may want to explore what Clearwire offers (www.clearwire.com). I didn't see that it offered anything in CT but it did have a few FL areas. It is wireless broadband where you take your wireless modem with you. I don't have it since my DSL is just fine and less expensive. As long as you are within range of one of its towers all you need is power. No phone line needed.

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Mediocre Service
Jan 28, 2008 1:04AM PST

Beware of Clearwire. I have tried using their service and it was spotty when I was living within blocks of two towers. They indicate in the fine print that they don't support and will not troubleshoot any streaming media difficulties.

The representative made no indication that streaming media was not supported and this information is not clearly stated in their materials. In addition, they require hours of time spent wandering about your house trying the modem in different locations.

At the very least, do not enter into a contract with them. It would be better and more reliable to obtain service from a G3 mobile network via a PC card in your computer or your teathered phone.

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More bad news about Clearwire
Feb 5, 2009 10:18AM PST

I had Clearwire for 2 years (because of the contract). It worked ok but was kind of slow.
What makes me mad, though, is that when it comes time to cancel their service, they won't let you return the modem to the store where you got it. They tell you that they will send you a UPS Label in about 2 days. Then you have to send it back to them AND your contract does not end until Clearwire receives the modem from UPS. So you end up paying for time when you don't even have the modem. And Clearwire DOES NOT prorate their monthly fee. If UPS takes too long getting it back to them, you end up paying for an entire extra month.
Stay clear of Clearwire.

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Prodigy???
Aug 2, 2006 3:00AM PDT

I believe Prodigy offers a portable enrollment program for our generation.

weedonald

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Broadband for Snowbirds
Feb 2, 2009 3:13AM PST

I had the same problem. I did away with landlines altogether. I now use Sprint wireless card for internet and DirectTV satellite for TV.