I mentioned in an earlier post that Comcast denied servicing my new address. I suspected that was false information,but didn't really want to subscribe to their internet service anyway, so I called around to see if there was anything else available. I had no luck. Management confirmed Comcast and only Comcast is my internet provider. Darn.
I called again and was transferred to three different people in my attempt to get connected. I first spoke to someone in billing (how I ended up there I don't know) who told me to transfer my digital cable equipment from my old address to the new I would need to talk to sales. (Even though I have an HD TV, I can't receive digital channels without Comcast boxes. Why? It's not the fault of my TV because I was receiving them for months before they were blocked.) It took her 30 minutes to complete the transaction.
I then asked how much it would cost to add internet service. She said she could mail a cable modem that would be $99 and a wireless router that I could rent for $7 a month. "Why can't I go to Best Buy and get my own equipment?" She thought I could but was not able to answer my questions about which modem to buy, why did I need to visit their office to pick up a CD, or if the wireless router I already own would work with Comcast service. So I was transferred again to billing (Why?) who could not help me and sent me to tech support.
Tech support confirmed I did not need a CD to install their software, which is good because my netbook does not even have a CD drive. He informed me that my modem was a DSL modem which would not work, but any of the major brand cable modems at Best Buy would. Forgive me for being skeptical after 2 phone calls, 3 transfers, and 45 minutes of my life that I can never get back.
While at Best Buy, I discovered the prepaid Broadband modems offered by cricKet, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Some are instant hot spots that can connect 3 or more devices at once, and some are like the one in the photo above (mine). The modem cost $80. (Damn! I could have ordered it from Amazon for less.) I didn't have to wait 5 days for it to be delivered, I don't have to rent a wireless router, it works everywhere there is a cell phone tower, and took only 5 minutes to install. The service plans range from $30 to $60 a month based on allotted data. I chose the $30 plan. After I download/upload 1GB of data within a 30 day period I still get unlimited email and basic web browsing, I just can't upload or download anything. If I find I need more I'll change plans. There are no contracts, no late fees, no credit checks, and no Comcast customer service folks to deal with.
I'm now surfing the internet in the air-conditioned comfort of my new recliner. Hooray!
To see what plans are available in your area, visit cricKet's website.
15 comments:
they work really good...had a friend that swore by them...sounds like my battle with verizon
They work really good for some people. Since I don't watch movies or play games online I think it will be ok.
i hate it when i have to try and get sence out of the customer service people, if they can speak any english at all they are all like robots, they cant vear of the script they've been given! Glad you're all sorted!
The trick is to upload when you've free service. Develop a taste for green tea and do whatever you need there.
Everyone has a nightmare story about these gobshites.
Sounds good to me!
You're right, Vince. I do have free service at the clubhouse.
Woo hoo! Finally. :)
Oh you wouldnt believe the hassles we have with Telstra here...but I digress. Im mobile Broadband to, I can go anywhere and use this laptop, sitting on the beach, out bush... pretty much anywhere...love it!
One of the best things about Australia is that we only have one major network so we dont have any of those hassles with different suppiers in differing areas.
I'm glad you found something that works for you! I would use something like that if I got better cell service at my home.
Americans are very anti monopoly. I remember having just one phone company and just one electric company, but they were forced to allow competition. I'm glad I can use someone else, even if it's not perfect.
@Kelly: While researching online, I ran across some very unhappy customers that lived in rural areas. I would strongly encourage anyone looking into this to check out the coverage maps.
Welcome back to the land of the cool and connected Jen.
Glad to see you back with us!
Mine has to work everywhere because I am on a yacht, so wireless is the only way. I get 4GB per month for A$30 which is less than rent most pay for a land line. However, wireless (Cell, mobile) is another matter entirely and costs heaps!
@Stafford Ray: Which company gives you 4GB for $30? I may have to find out if they service my area.
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