[Nammu]

I've tried looking into these things but I can't find the answers to my questions.

I think they are called wireless USB _____________ but I'm not sure exactly how they work.

1. If I already have a wireless service at home do I need to pay for additional wireless service for this/or is the price I pay for the USB a one time fee?

1b. If I get one of these and have to pay a monthly fee can it replace my home wireless?

2. Will this keep me connected where ever I go?

Anything anyone can tell me would be appreciated.

[Love/Hate09]

They normally come with about 90 days internet usage pre-installed. When that runs out you can just top it up and go again.

We have wi-fi in my building but the darn thing was just too slow all the time so i got a mobile USB device. They are not great if i'm honest but the wi-fi was utterly useless.

[Nammu]

I'm thinking of moving back to my home state, so if I got a mobile USB would it work from one state to another. In my case from TX to MN, and the places in between?

[buttrfli42481]

I have an air card for my work laptop, and it works anywhere. It is like having a mobile hotspot on your phone or ipad or like device. You usually have to pay a monthly fee, but it shouldn't cost an arm and a leg. The provider for our aircards is AT&T and it is pretty fast. I have used it at the library and in clients houses who don't have wi-fi. Look up air card and you might get some more answers to your questions.

[tinyrabbit]

In the UK we call these dongles.

[Perna]

Originally Posted by sidestepper

1. If I already have a wireless service at home do I need to pay for additional wireless service for this/or is the price I pay for the USB a one time fee?

1b. If I get one of these and have to pay a monthly fee can it replace my home wireless?
2. Will this keep me connected where ever I go?

Anything anyone can tell me would be appreciated.

It is not related to any other wireless service; you have to "choose" (you can use the one at home or this one when you plug it in). You pay extra for its service, usually from a phone company; think of it as how your cell phone gets wireless when it's not using 3G/4G.

Yes, it could replace your home's wireless but if you are paying for your home wireless anyway (I have cable, for example) then it will be an added expense.

No, it might not keep you connected wherever you go, only where there is a hotspot/wireless network you are allowed to connect to unless you have added service from a phone company.

I have an AT&T Aspire notebook I pay $50 a month for (and it cost me $40 from them initially) 3G/4G and I am connected wherever I go and can be my own hotspot when my home cable goes out so my husband and I stay connected. It works well in the car on long trips, out of the country, wherever AT&T phones work, in other words. I do not usually get my $50 a month worth out of it because my cable is better/faster but when there is an emergency/hurricane, etc. or I'm on vacation it is wonderful.

Think of it this way; a network is local, your home, the coffee shop/restaurant, etc., they each have their own network. To work "anywhere" you need phone service, 3G/4G. So, make sure if you want "anywhere" that you get 3G/4G, not just "network"/"internet". They are two different types of operations. If you have a cell phone, look; it probably has "both". You save money on your cell phone if you connect to a local network (your house) where you are already paying for the Internet; otherwise your phone data plan goes into effect and you pay through your phone. The phone is just a little computer these days, that happens to make phone calls

[Nammu]

Thanks Perna

A large part of why I don't understand all this stuff is because I don't have a cell phone. With limited income & being deaf I have been afraid to commit resources to cell phone companies w/ their confusing long term contracts. Unlimited texting is expensive and the less expensive plans seem to penalize harshly if you over text your limit. I have ATT wireless & phone at home for one low price, it may be possible to bundle in a USB from them. I can't find access to their plans unless I am willing to click the buy option, perhaps when I'm closer to accually moving. For now I'm trying to learn everything I can and gather info so I know my options.

[beauflow]

I don't like contracts either; and to bundle services I just don't have other services with another provider- Like Comcast has bundled services with phones, and cells, and cable- that just isn't me.

on Walmart's website (just for example, I am sure Bestbuy and Target have these things too); there are some Pay As You Go services and devices. And from what I understand it is also for Mobile Broadband (which is what I think you are talking about here right?)

You can get a stick and pay for a card for the data usage. just be sure the stick you get is able to take the card that is bought for it.

As far as services, rating- I am not sure with them. I don't have a laptop- I have a tablet that I sometimes use my phone for as a spot- My phone didn't come with an already option of "hot spot" like some of the smart phones do- but I bought an app that was for like $7 and it turns my phone into a hot spot

I agree SideStepper- shop around and learn about these things; hopefully you find one that works for you

And it may be cheaper with the carrier than buying pay as you go too- I think that may depend on how much you use/need for times.


It looks like sellers like Cricket, also do this too- and they have a $35 a month plan- no contract. I think Tmobil is going with No contract idea too, if that helps any?

[Nammu]

Thanks beauflow

Actually that helps a lot. Yes I'm looking into mobile broadband. I'm not sure what to call it. I'm so far behind technology now that I'm not working, all it takes is a few months and everything changes yet again.

[Perna]

Originally Posted by sidestepper

Unlimited texting is expensive and the less expensive plans seem to penalize harshly if you over text your limit.

Check into an AT&T "Go Phone"; that's what I have; unlimited texting is not expensive there, you get to choose what options you have, you don't have to have a contract. My husband's Go Phone (he never uses a cell phone) is only $25 for 3 months/10 cents a call is subtracted out of it (since he only makes 1 call every 6 months most of the $25 gets "wasted", but it's only $8 a month so not too bad for emergencies.

I think I pay $25 a month for unlimited texting (and calls, etc.) and $15 extra for Internet. The biggest thing was the cost of my phone (a Samsung Galaxy with really good/big slide out keypad; I can't type text messages on screens well).

[Nammu]

There was a time when the smallest, most loaded phone would have been my choice , but now I'm with you on preferring a large keypad, plus I like to have a good sized screen too.

I'm also considering a tablet, if I understand the tech correctly some have built in hot spots.

[BelieveInMe]

Depending on your provider, they are also called "USB Rocket Sticks"