Posted by Lisa Prestegard on 3/2/07 12:24pm
Msg #177901

Prepaid wireless internet... anyone??

Looking for a provider, and can't find a prepaid service (like a prepaid cell phone).
I do not want/need monthly service ...for my intended purposes, it would be overkill at this time.
Anyone care to opine??

Reply by Becca_FL on 3/2/07 12:38pm
Msg #177905

Verizon does have a prepaid phone program and they have phones capable of wireless internet, but I don't know if they offer the prepaid service for internet. You no longer need a wireless card for connection with Verizon so you might want to check them out.

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 3/2/07 1:28pm
Msg #177917

Verizon: Nope, not what I'm looking for :( n/m

Reply by PAW on 3/2/07 12:39pm
Msg #177906

I think that may be difficult to find since most ISPs, including wireless providers, want "contracts" for service. Unless you buy an "unlimited" connection, a prepaid is hard to enforce and has a high overhead to monitor activity to insure the user doesn't go over their alloted time and then to "disconnect" the user if they do go over their limit. It's easier to bill for time, so that's the reason for contracts: $xx.xx for so much time, and then $xx.xx for each increment of time over the allotment.

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 3/2/07 12:39pm
Msg #177907

Here's One Option...

http://www.budgetdialup.com/prepaid-wireless-internet.htm

I know absolutely nothing about this company as I just did a search on the Internet. This is one that popped up.

Reply by PAW on 3/2/07 12:48pm
Msg #177909

Re: Here's One Option...

The problem with these programs, is that they're not really pre-paid nor or they completely wireless, since you have to use your cell phone as a modem. That means, you connect your PC/laptop to your cell phone (using a wire ) and call some tel-com number, and pay for cell phone minutes. Granted, the internet access time is prepaid, but the additional costs on your cell phone may be extremely prohibitive.

Reply by MelissaCT on 3/2/07 12:50pm
Msg #177911

I've actually done that in a pinch

I try to only use my cell like that nights & weekends, when my minutes are *free*. The connection speed is VERY SLOW, but it does work in a pinch.

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 3/2/07 1:29pm
Msg #177918

Budget Dial Up: Nope... not what I want :( n/m

Reply by Ndwa on 3/2/07 1:06pm
Msg #177913

Most or all wireless provider have monthly limited bandwidth plan without contract. Much like air time, but you have to watch the bandwidth usage. Bandwidth limit is the amount of data you up/download through their wireless internet portal.

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 3/2/07 1:30pm
Msg #177919

I want an ethernet card for my laptop, and want wireless internet with no contract. I have unlimited cell phone minutes, but my provider does not offer internet.
I am so frustrated! lol

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 3/2/07 2:12pm
Msg #177921

There are Numerous Retail & Food Outlets...

...who are offering free wireless Internet access. Here in St Louis we have 20-25 St Louis Bread Co (Panera Bread) locations which offer that service. I've availed myself of their free wireless Internet several times over the past few years when we've had power outages in our subdivision. If you're going to use your laptop, this might be an option for you to consider.

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 3/2/07 5:56pm
Msg #177953

*sigh* a great alternative, but not what I'm looking for :(

sorry... n/m

Reply by MikeC/NY on 3/3/07 2:59pm
Msg #178142

Lisa - even if you find prepaid wireless access...

... aren't you going to have to be near one of their access points to use it? Maybe the first question should be "which companies have the most Wi-Fi hot spots in my area?", and then find out if they offer prepaid plans. No point dealing with companies that only offer coverage in inconvenient areas...