Need high-speed wireless internet access

[35mph]

Like many of us, I use a laptop to provide remote support to my clients. I just left the beach early because the local cable people couldn't/wouldn't get cable internet access up and running. I had taken my cable modem and router and lots of cables... for nothing. Dial-up was WAY too slow.

What's the latest technology and who are the providers for high-speed internet access, with or without the use of a land line? Cellular? (with or without roaming charges) Satellite?

I'm also planning a trip to Europe and need to have high-speed internet access there... not just email... full browser capabilities.

 

[gurner]

I can't vouch for the rest of Europe, but London is pretty much one big 802.11x WiFi hotspot.

you never know, there are tons of unsecured spots out there as well for cost free browsing, ha.

but most are well maintained and good for a one of cost or whatever.

Gurner

http://www.divineparadox.co.uk

 

[GlenJohnson]

Check out

http://www.wififreespot.com/

Good luck.

Glen A. Johnson
If you're from the Illinois, Wisconsin or Florida area, check out Tek-Tips in Chicago IL
To get the best answers to your questions, check out faq950-5848

 

[dgillz]

Most laptops come equipped with wireless modems, and most US hotels as well as airports, libraries, and even some restaurants and bars provide wifi access.

As I write this I am in a Best Western in rural SW Missourri, and I am getting the internet just fine.

I think all you need is a laptop with wireless access, and you'll be in great shape, at least stateside. I cannot speak for Europe, but I have to think it would be just as good there, especially if you are staying in a major metropolitan area.

Software Sales, Training, Implementation and Support for Macola, eSynergy, and Crystal Reports

http://www.gainfocus.biz

 

[phannah]

While you are in the US, at least, Verizon Wireless offers NationalAccess and BroadbandAccess. BroadbandAccess is essentially Wifi for Metro areas, NationalAccess is slightly slower (~400Kb/s) but available nationally:

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/...Professional/remoteAccess.jsp?action=mpRemote

Essentially it takes advantage of WiFi on your laptop, and a Cardbus Card provided by Verizon.

My experiences have been pretty good using the NationalAccess plan, there is a flat rate plan around 70.00 USD a month, and as I mentioned before, better than dialup speeds - latency is still in the dialup range though, around 200ms, but I must say, I'm impressed as I've previously used 19.2 Kb/s CDPD modems.

 

[gurner]

in the UK, if your not in place loaded with WiFi, theres always GPRS or 3G cards for dialup access via the mobile telephony network.

but the availablity of WiFi is almost every where populated, barr the smallest towns e.t.c.



Gurner

http://www.divineparadox.co.uk

 

[35mph]

Thank you all for your advice... but let's not stop here. It just so happens that our recent beach trip was to a location that had no cellular service... at least Cingular did not have a roaming partner there... so as far as cellular goes, I was out of luck.

What are (affordable?) solutions for those areas that have no cellular service? I've seen portable satellite dishes, but the ones I saw were about $2000US, and were as big as a desk... Are there smaller satellite dishes? Less expensive?

 

[gurner]

you'd pretty much covered around all of europe via WiFi and cellular with some thing like this.

http://www.vodafone.co.uk/cgi-bin/C...e+Connect+Card/Mobile+Connect+Data+Card+Range

(sorry if the link came out wrong, i can't go back and modify it now, ha, bit big as well)

Gurner

http://www.divineparadox.co.uk

 

[dgillz]

I never pay a penny for my wireless access, however I am reliant on the free hotspots provided by hotels, airports, coffee shops, etc.

Software Sales, Training, Implementation and Support for Macola, eSynergy, and Crystal Reports

http://www.gainfocus.biz