Have dial-up...anything better out here in the country?

[suesue4]

We live in a very rural area. I put in my phone number to see what internet services are available, but neither FiOS or DSL are available. Someone told me about a air card or something that I can use to get faster internet. Does anyone know what this is or how I can get faster internet? This dial-up is just awful.  Thank you!

Sue

[smith6612]

An Air card that someone is talking about would have to be something along the lines of 3G or 4G USB adapters. These are of course, Wireless data plans that use the cell phone towers so you'd need to make sure that signal is good out where you are anyways to even get that. Other than that, it's slow as heck satellite or trying to convince Verizon to set up pole-mounted DSLAMs somewhere within 2 miles of you for DSL. ISDN could be an option though I don't think Verizon installs those too much any more, and they would only give 128k of bandwidth anyways, despite lower latency.

[suesue4]

Where could I get a USB Adapter?  Do you know the cost?

How could I find out if I have good signal where I am? I have a pay as you go cell phone, and sometimes I can get signal at my house with it.

Thanks!

[lasagna]

Visit your local Verizon Wireless store and ask them.   If you have a laptop with WifI, you may want to investigate a MiFI from Verizon as it would potentially allow several computers to share the connection.

I believe Verizon has a 30-day program for trying new services with the ability to cancel within that window if it doesn't work out.   YMMV.  Talk to the local Verizon rep.

If they can't do it, there are several other wireless providers who may have coverage in your area ... the trick is to find the one which can give you the best signal.

[jmw1950]

If you are really out in the country, 3G or 4G network service may not be available to you, in which case Verizon will be faster than Dial up, but it won't be any dramatic improvement.  If you want speeds in the mbps range, you are probably going to have to go via a sat connection, something like Starband , WildBlue or Hughesnet.