Verizon Wireless Internet?

[frankielovesdinar]

I am thinking of getting rid of our home telephone (landline) and going completely with our cellular. I know many who have done this. Not a problem or a particularly big deal.
What I am wondering about is if anyone has tried the wireless internet service from Verizon? It looks like I would need to get an access card from Verizon and then subscribe. The plan I'm looking at is ~ $60 a month and gives you 5GB of service. They have a chart which shows you an approximation of what various tasks eat up in terms of bytes.
The coverage looks okay both in NC where we are and in AZ where we're moving. Would love to hear some thoughts on this from those who have used it or are using it. I know many on this forum are much more computer savvy than I. Thanks.

[Dinar=Dollar!?]

That is exactly what I do. I get a Verizon phone and air card from work and my wife has a Verizon phone. That is all we use. Here at home I get an average of 700 kbps down and 225 up. More than enough for what I do at home. Also, if you have a Mac, you can configure you air port card to create a wireless network and share the USB modem over wifi. Just don't let VZW know.:bandit:

[Baello]

I am thinking of getting rid of our home telephone (landline) and going completely with our cellular. I know many who have done this. Not a problem or a particularly big deal.
What I am wondering about is if anyone has tried the wireless internet service from Verizon? It looks like I would need to get an access card from Verizon and then subscribe. The plan I'm looking at is ~ $60 a month and gives you 5GB of service. They have a chart which shows you an approximation of what various tasks eat up in terms of bytes.
The coverage looks okay both in NC where we are and in AZ where we're moving. Would love to hear some thoughts on this from those who have used it or are using it. I know many on this forum are much more computer savvy than I. Thanks.

The wireless cards are fine for a lot of things, but be warned: If you have high speed internet and are used to downloading things, you may get frustrated with the speed. The wireless cards are great for general web surfing and email, but from time to time you'll hit a snag. Also, it depends on where you are as to what kind of speed you get. Various factors can impact the use of the card.

You should try one out, and if the service works as you expect, then you could make your final decision. As long as it meets your needs, there's no reason not to go that route permanently.

You might also want to look into how your 911 service is handled through the cell phone and your upcoming move.

[frankielovesdinar]

That is exactly what I do. I get a Verizon phone and air card from work and my wife has a Verizon phone. That is all we use. Here at home I get an average of 700 kbps down and 225 up. More than enough for what I do at home. Also, if you have a Mac, you can configure you air port card to create a wireless network and share the USB modem over wifi. Just don't let VZW know.:bandit:

No mac. just an old PC user here. Thanks for the comments. I knew someone here would have trod this road before myself. Sounds like it will suit my needs pretty well. It just doesn't make sense to be paying as much as I'm paying for a home phone that doesn't get used.
next question..... who do you use for your e-mail? I have always just used my bell south that comes with my internet service.

[frankielovesdinar]

......
You might also want to look into how your 911 service is handled through the cell phone and your upcoming move.

I'm not sure what you mean. I've lived here so long, I've never thought about 911. It's just there. I think I might be even more of an un-techie than I thought. :thinking:

[Joel57]

Unless you need/want to use your computer extensively while outside your home, $60/month is pretty steep for (hypothetically) 700k down. If you can get high speed cable where you are moving it would probably be cheaper, and much faster.
Air cards are great if you have the need, ie; business, or the money to burn for the novelty....
JMO

[Dinar=Dollar!?]

Unless you need/want to use your computer extensively while outside your home, $60/month is pretty steep for (hypothetically) 700k down. If you can get high speed cable where you are moving it would probably be cheaper, and much faster.
Air cards are great if you have the need, ie; business, or the money to burn for the novelty....
JMO

That is a good point. If I didn't get the card for free, I probably would not have it. It is nice while traveling, though. If you are not traveling a hard line may work better for you. Keep in mind that if you have data service with no voice service is they will still want to charge you a line fee (~$10/mo.), so be careful and ask lots of questions if you go that route. This year I traveled from the Midwest to Los Angeles to Atlanta to Baton Rouge and back to the Midwest. The air card is quite handy, and it actually gets better service than my BlackBerry. Email wise, I get my accounts from you office's domain server. I have used Google and Yahoo. I you use mail clients like Outlook, go with google because yahoo charges for pop/forwarding while google provides it for free.

[frankielovesdinar]

Unless you need/want to use your computer extensively while outside your home, $60/month is pretty steep for (hypothetically) 700k down. If you can get high speed cable where you are moving it would probably be cheaper, and much faster.
Air cards are great if you have the need, ie; business, or the money to burn for the novelty....
JMO

yes. $60 is a little steep. But I am currently paying a cell phone bill ~$85, a landline bill (with internet) ~$85, and a satellite bill ~$80. Theoretically, I could save $20-30 monthly. Not much, but every little bit counts. I'm just trying to explore my options. The days of paying bills without looking for ways to save a few bucks are no longer here for me. My husband accepted a job on the other coast and we are supporting two households for at least a couple months.

[Baello]

911 Service is tied to an address physically tied to your phone number, and the phone company has that info in a 911 database. Cell phones aren't always linked to a 911 database, and can cause issues in getting service to you. Most of the time, not an issue, but if you are going completely wireless, it makes sense to check with your cell carrier and make sure you're covered.

As far as email with the Card, I'd consider:
Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, any of a number of providers. The Verizon service may even have an email account since it's acting as your "ISP", or have one available fairly cheap.

[JPmonopoly]

ummm... Im pretty sure you dont need to pay $60 a month. I havnt dont this but Im told all you need to do is get a data service for your cell phone (around $25 a month) then hook up your cell to your comp and use it as a modem.

[Copedawg]

I am thinking of getting rid of our home telephone (landline) and going completely with our cellular. I know many who have done this. Not a problem or a particularly big deal.
What I am wondering about is if anyone has tried the wireless internet service from Verizon? It looks like I would need to get an access card from Verizon and then subscribe. The plan I'm looking at is ~ $60 a month and gives you 5GB of service. They have a chart which shows you an approximation of what various tasks eat up in terms of bytes.
The coverage looks okay both in NC where we are and in AZ where we're moving. Would love to hear some thoughts on this from those who have used it or are using it. I know many on this forum are much more computer savvy than I. Thanks.


Iv'e been down this road already and this is what I found.
I got Verizon wireless card because I wanted to keep it all on 1 bill ( we have verizon cells). We got it home and it was JUNK! It was hard to get a signal and I hated going outside to use it (I live in a DC/Batlimore/Annapolis suburb).
We took it back within 30 days (as stated by the contract) and "86'd" it. We then went to SPRINT (wich also has a 30 day return) and it works much better! And not only is it cheaper it is unlimited use! As far as speed goes, I can stream shows and movies @ hulu.com with no problems.
I hope this helps! Please let us know what you get and how you like it.

[Baello]

ummm... Im pretty sure you dont need to pay $60 a month. I havnt dont this but Im told all you need to do is get a data service for your cell phone (around $25 a month) then hook up your cell to your comp and use it as a modem.

Yes, this can be done, but it's generally not as good. Think modem.


Sprint, Verizon, whomever, you're always going to have the concern about "where" you get good reception. Really depends on their coverage area and how the wind blows sometimes.

[frankielovesdinar]

Iv'e been down this road already and this is what I found.
I got Verizon wireless card because I wanted to keep it all on 1 bill ( we have verizon cells). We got it home and it was JUNK! It was hard to get a signal and I hated going outside to use it (I live in a DC/Batlimore/Annapolis suburb).
We took it back within 30 days (as stated by the contract) and "86'd" it. We then went to SPRINT (wich also has a 30 day return) and it works much better! And not only is it cheaper it is unlimited use! As far as speed goes, I can stream shows and movies @ hulu.com with no problems.
I hope this helps! Please let us know what you get and how you like it.

so if I understand you correctly, you have verizon cell service and sprint wireless internet? And it's still cheaper? I hadn't thought of looking at other cell carriers for wireless.
I knew I'd get a variety of good advice here. Thanks for commenting and I'll definitely let you know what I do and how I like it.

[Dinar=Dollar!?]

Yes, this can be done, but it's generally not as good. Think modem.


Plus Verizon charges an extra $10 if you want to tether your phone. :eek: How bout that for ridiculous. Honestly, I would use AT&T if I were me looking to buy service. I honestly don't know what my plans cost, but it seems like Verizon is usually the most expensive from what I hear. My set up has worked well for me in my areas, but check with people where you live. Have friends with different carriers come over and see how you home works. And, most importantly, make sure there is an unconditional return policy for some length of time.

[Baello]

Another option to look at is "ClearWire". I don't know if they are available where you are going, but you can check here: http://www.clearwire.com/index.php

[JPmonopoly]

Yes, this can be done, but it's generally not as good. Think modem.


Sprint, Verizon, whomever, you're always going to have the concern about "where" you get good reception. Really depends on their coverage area and how the wind blows sometimes.
from what I understand its the same as getting a card, same speed. Also look for a phone that has a antenna jack

[Dinars4Jesus]

Have been with Verizon for almost a year on a two year contract. I will not renew. Reason: Constant signal loss daily. I sit in the same chair with foldaway table everytime I use my laptop and some times I can actually get some work done when the signal is strong.

I've run the VZ Access wizard, unplugged the card, shutdown and rebooted and it runs for awhile. When I contact Verizon they give me the run around and have me do all the above. I have suggested the USB card is faulty and/or the Verizon/Vista has a conflict. Am not getting the results I expected for $60 a month. "Can you hear me now" is a joke.

[Luckydog]

In the fine print Verizon states that if you go over a certain amount of data, that they have a right to cut your speed back. Please be aware of this.

[Dinars4Jesus]

In the fine print Verizon states that if you go over a certain amount of data, that they have a right to cut your speed back. Please be aware of this.

I know I don't have that problem. I find that their service is not all its cracked up to be.

[AmericanGirl]

The large text give'eth :handshake:

The small text take'eth AWAY!!! :headbang:

[SNAFU]

so if I understand you correctly, you have verizon cell service and sprint wireless internet? And it's still cheaper? I hadn't thought of looking at other cell carriers for wireless.
I knew I'd get a variety of good advice here. Thanks for commenting and I'll definitely let you know what I do and how I like it.


So what did you go with and how do you like it?

[kevguy400]

I have had the Verizon Wireless usb plug in for a month now and it works great. I can go almost anywhere and connect to the internet. It can plug into any usb port on your laptop and work great. Best choice made so far. It's not the cheapest thing out there but for the quality service, I don't mind paying alittle more. You should definitely get it !

[SNAFU]

I have had the Verizon Wireless usb plug in for a month now and it works great. I can go almost anywhere and connect to the internet. It can plug into any usb port on your laptop and work great. Best choice made so far. It's not the cheapest thing out there but for the quality service, I don't mind paying alittle more. You should definitely get it !

hey kev, I am glad you like it...I didn't, it cost more and it has limited service you have to pay extra if you go over X amount of "jigawatts" sprint is unlimited for less money. If you are in your 30 day window...I would recomend to try sprint.

I don't have stock in either so I am not trying to sell one or the other. I am just trying to get the best service for the best people. Just a thought take it or leave it. I just don't want anyone to get a raw deal.

[kevguy400]

Dosent Verizon have two differnt options. The one I have, well the rep said that I would prob never go over the allotted time, but the other one didnt have much flexibility.

[SNAFU]

Kev! you prolly won't if you only get TEXT e-mails w/no pics and don't open PDF files and lord forbid if you watch a video....and if you are like me ...porn files can be very large! Please brother, look in to it before you get locked in and it is too late!
Like I said I am just looking out for us good people. After this dinar thing takes off, well not even then..Verizon wireless is a gimmick like a bank or credit card when you go over or miss a payment it goes to %30 APR till you close it.
Atleast check it out

[guardian]

Friend signed up and Verizon ended their service because they were using too much bandwidth.

[frankielovesdinar]

So what did you go with and how do you like it?

I still haven't made any changes. As it turns out, I am not moving which was part of my desire to go entirely wireless. I have talked to more people who have the Verizon card and they seem mostly happy.
I'll definitely revisit the thread when I decide what to do. At the moment I've got bell south (at&t) internet and verizon cell service.

[Thaiville]

FrankielovesDinar,

I just got off the phone and asked about Verizon High Speed Broadband internet. Not available in Arizona as of yet. However they do have DSL for use in AZ and many other states. I know about AZ cause the Rep of Verizon wants what I want but its not available as broadband in AZ but DSL is available.

Verizon Communications is the Parent company of Verizon Wirelsss. Verizon Communications handles the internet portion and they are not 24/7 but Mon-Fri and here is their number 1-888-581-1070. Not a free call from cell phone since it will use the minutes.

They have HOME INTERNET which is for use with your Desktop Computer and doesn't require the PC Card but not sure if it includes HIGH SPEED BROADBAND.

FRANKIELOVES DINAR, looks like you get my 100th POST!!!

Didn't get the details of that but didn't matter since I need 24/7 customer service so I'm stuck with Comcast at $68.00 a month. DAM

[waterbird808]

I have a verizon phone and im using a magic jack for a home phone that i bought for $39.95 i think. I pay $19.95 a year. It works ok with me. I just plug it in my puter and call anywhere. Free long distance. Only problem i get is people think they are calling a long distance phone when they call me. Yeah check for more info at MAGICJACK.COM.

James

[Dinars4Jesus]

After complaining about my internet card being part of the problem they finally gave me a new one. This took several months and many hours on the phone. This last time I was on the phone for two hours as we went through their steps to check all possibilities.
Each time you call them, even though you may have followed their technical procedures to fix-it, you have to go over each step again. They have to follow what their screens tell them to do. Even after telling them I did this, I did that, they want me to start from scratch. Only once did I get that one person who said, lets try this.....he said, "sounds like a card problem, let me send you a knew one." Took all of 5 minutes, someone does listen.

Still a problem is the signal strength. When I'm right in the middle of a research project, the internet signal goes dead and I have to Disconnect, Run Wizard and reconnect. Then I have to refresh the pages I was looking at. It is frustrating to say the least. My recommendation is try to avoid Verizon at all costs.

[zajacik]

FrankielovesDinar,

I just got off the phone and asked about Verizon High Speed Broadband internet. Not available in Arizona as of yet. However they do have DSL for use in AZ and many other states. I know about AZ cause the Rep of Verizon wants what I want but its not available as broadband in AZ but DSL is available.

Verizon Communications is the Parent company of Verizon Wirelsss. Verizon Communications handles the internet portion and they are not 24/7 but Mon-Fri and here is their number 1-888-581-1070. Not a free call from cell phone since it will use the minutes.

They have HOME INTERNET which is for use with your Desktop Computer and doesn't require the PC Card but not sure if it includes HIGH SPEED BROADBAND.

FRANKIELOVES DINAR, looks like you get my 100th POST!!!

Didn't get the details of that but didn't matter since I need 24/7 customer service so I'm stuck with Comcast at $68.00 a month. DAM

This information cannot be correct. There are 1,000's of RVers (motorhome, not dinar) using Verizon Broadband and I have used mine in PHoenix. Unless you are in a remote area I would call again and also check their coverage map online. Broadband usually has excellent coverage and speed along major routes and in major population areas. Outside that they usually use local wireless which can be less speed. I have had mine for one year and am very happy with it. I have used mine traveling between Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas. Nationwide Verizon is still considered the best. Sprint is also good but not quite as much coverage. ATT is coming up 3rd but is strong is certain areas.

Here is the verizon coverage map. Click on Broadband below and zoom into your area.

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/CoverageLocatorController?requesttype=NEWREQUEST&market=All

If you are not traveling with your broadband then just check all of the services and see which has the strongest signal in your area.

Ray

[Thaiville]

HIGHSPEED BROADBAND If you notice I mentioned the other broadband as being common and available. I'm referring to the high speed not available everywhere. Comparable to Comcast high speed.

In review Broadband is available but High Speed Broad band is not in AZ and NM according to the phone call to 611. 1-800-567-6787 ext 2686 P.O.C. Patty @ Verizon