Quote:
Originally Posted by kazbates
DG - I looked into getting a mobile broadband card so that I could connect from anywhere. We have Sprint. I thought I could just add another phone to my account and pay an extra $10 per month and as long as we stay under the total family minutes, it would be okay (we don't even come close to using all our minutes each month). Unfortunately, that's not the case. I would have to get a separate plan just for the broadband card because they charge that by Data Usage. The plan would cost about $60 per month and I would be additionally be charged for any data usage over 5GB, which the girl told me would only happen if I download a lot (which I don't). 
Needless to say, if I want to use my netbook anywhere outside of my house, I'm going to have to find places with the WiFi sign!  |
Yup! The carriers have got a lock on the mobile data service right now, and are making hay while the sun shines. There are ways to get mobile broadband cheaper but generally involve a lot of hassle. One way is to get an AT&T GoPhone, provision it for “MediaNet” which is AT&Ts marketspeak for mobile broadband, then put the SIM card in your broadband card that you bought on eBay. Twenty bucks a month, no contract. Did I mention hassle? Also there are bootleg ways to tether a cell phone, but like stripping DRM, don’t get caught.
Here in Hawaii we have a local cellular company called MobiPCS that has mobile broadband for $35/month no contract. You might check out the local guys in your area.