Saving on internet

[Radiance]

So I cancelled my cable internet service at $60/mo and switched to broadband USB for $40/mo
And now...how about buying an iPad an paying just $25 for internet?

Are there other internet options?

[disneysteve]

I would not go to an iPad as my only net access because it isn't so easy to type on them and I do a lot of typing to online forums like this one and send a lot of emails. However, I did see somewhere that you can hook up a regular keyboard to the iPad so that would make it a good option.

The problem, though, is that AT&T no longer offers the unlimited data plan. If you are online a lot or do stuff that requires a lot of bandwith, like streaming video, you would use up that $25 allotment quickly. You also would only have net access on the iPad. If you have any other net devices in the house, you wouldn't be able to use them. DW and I each have iPhones, DD has an iPod Touch and we have a Wii that we use for streaming Netflix. All of those need net access, too.

[Radiance]

Since I hardly ever download anything...how about a mobile hot spot then?
I can always download from my local Starbucks

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by Radiance

Since I hardly ever download anything...how about a mobile hot spot then?
I can always download from my local Starbucks

The iPad might work great for you. I just know that in our case, it wouldn't be sufficient with the $25 plan. But there are 3 of us using the internet on a daily basis and doing things like streaming movies and tv shows. If you don't do that stuff and just browse sites like this and send and receive email, the $25 plan would probably be more than enough.

[greenskeeper]

Saving on internet

steal wireless from your neighbors...free

[Thrif-t]

Originally Posted by greenskeeper

steal wireless from your neighbors...free

ha, I don't know how people do that. My neighbors signals are weak at best in my house. Now if i go outside and stand in front of their house I might be able to pick something up. But with the snow and the temps here, ya I think I'll continue paying for my internet. I wanted to research windstream??? I heard a commercial for lifetime fee of 89.99 for digital phone, cable and internet. I pay right around there for all I have now but I'm sure that price will be going up up up in the future.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by Thrif-t

ha, I don't know how people do that. My neighbors signals are weak at best in my house.

Aside from it being illegal, it doesn't work for many people. It is more of an option if you live in a condo or apartment where you are very close to your neighbors. And, of course, they have to have unsecure networks.

Now I have had times when we were traveling where our hotel had free WiFi but with the location of our room, we got a very weak signal from our hotel but a very strong signal from the adjacent hotel across the parking lot, so I used their network instead.

[couchrobt]

Do not rely on just iPad when you work online. Or when you use the net most of the time. It is likely that you will need to be on 24/7 even. Find those unlimited packages if any. Else, be a regular at the nearest Starbucks too. I see lots. True! lol

[MrPolarZero]

hmm... I think buying an iPad is a good option. That would definitely cut down your entertainment expenses.

[Radiance]

An update

Im keeping my $40/month broadband with 5gig/mo, I noticed I hardly get to 3gig/mo. After 5gig they would just get me to a slower connection, but no extra cost.
Not investing on an iPad for now...

And I have a cell plan with unlimited everything for $50/month including data plan.

I researched the mobile hot spots but they have either a high cost up front for a 3G device that will be obsolete soon or the plans start at $50. so,nope

[MrPolarZero]

Well that seems to be a good idea. However, think twice before grabbing the ipad. You will find out soon enough that this would actually cost you more than you have expected.

[Radiance]

You will find out soon enough that this would actually cost you more than you have expected

.

Now I am intrigued... It so happens that my laptop is asking for replacement, so I am considering getting me a desktop for home and Ipad for on the go.
[long story short, I want a strong desktop to do some music work)

But now you tell me the iPad might translate into more cost, how come?

[Naz56]

Originally Posted by couchrobt

Do not rely on just iPad when you work online. Or when you use the net most of the time. It is likely that you will need to be on 24/7 even. Find those unlimited packages if any. Else, be a regular at the nearest Starbucks too. I see lots. True! lol

Yep, starbucks is really the best place if you want to save on your internet bill.

[YourLifeSolution]

I was overpaying at about $65 a month but since I work and live on the net I decided to let the cost slide. Then... the geniuses at Comcast cut my cable line to install my neighbors cable leaving me without internet. After this happened and they merely offered to give me a week free while they fix the problem I went and had a conversation with my neighbor saying they cut my line and I was outraged and would boycott them.

Solution:

pay neighbor $250 for a year of access to his 20megabit connection (extremely fast, you wont notice you're sharing). Connect my ethernet to his modem and he connects to my wifi. It cut the cost of my net by about 60% and it puts money in his pocket.

Yes, it is legal to share internet with your neighbors with their permission. If you live in a condo think about sharing a connection with a pleasant neighbor. They likely wouldn't mind a $250 payday for doing nothing and it takes money out of the cable company's pocket.

[jerrycates]

Use the net only when you need them. Then no need for a 24/7 internet then this can be achieved.
who would not want to have a perfect one, but then it seems not.

[Frugal]

Yes, get a smart phone like I did, and try to use the internet there. A bit harder, but might save you money. I think the internet on my phone is pretty reasonable.

[CouponRefund]

Originally Posted by greenskeeper

steal wireless from your neighbors...free

Great Idea

[dawnwes]

you must live alone. That wouldn't fly at our house.....we have 3 computers, Roku boxes, an ipad, and we have internet based phone (Ooma.)

We pay $44/mo. which isn't too bad. I wanted to downgrade to the $29 plan, but it didn't support all of our devices.

We just found other areas to save on.

Dawn

[Frugal]

We thought about doing this, but I personally would not want to have to drive to Starbucks or McDonald's every time I needed to find a wireless hotspot to use the internet. That would be a pain. Overall, I think the best deal is paying for internet at home.

[Donaldo]

I hate to rub it in, but I pay $8.95/mo. for internet access.

O' course, I have Juno dial-up, but it's not so bad. If a page takes longer than I'd like to load, I get up off my behind and do something. Or, I'll have 3 windows open at the same time and while one window loads, I'm reading/writing in another.

Might not work for everyone, but it sure saves me a lot of money.