Rural Internet users out in “the country” have long been shackled to crummy, slow dial-up Internet access. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) such as Cox and AT&T have been reluctant to extend high-speed (also known as “broadband”) service into the boondocks, as they can’t justify spending many thousands of dollars building lines to rural locations that may only give a return of a few hundred dollars per month.
Many residents of east Norman understand this situation all to well, as they purchased expensive homes in quiet neighborhoods only to discover that they could not get high-speed DSL or cable TV/Internet service. Some people have had success with wireless Internet service from companies such as UnplugUSA, while others are simply out of range, or face high equipment costs. Satellite dish equipment from DishNetwork or DirectTV solves the television entertainment problem inexpensively, but satellite Internet service costs big money, with the equipment alone running around $500. Many folks have decided that’s just too much to pay, and so they continue to limp along with frustrating, sluggish dial-up service.
In development for a few years, practical and affordable broadband Internet options are finally becoming widely available. Piggybacking on cell phone technology, companies such as AT&T, Verizon and Sprint are now offering high-speed wireless Internet modems that will work with any modern computer that has a USB connector. These devices work almost anywhere that a cell phone signal can be received, freeing customers from copper telephone wires and fiber optic cables.
Initially intended for traveling, mobile “on the go” laptop users, it’s been discovered that these devices also work quite well with desktop computers. This is a boon for rural homes that cannot get DSL or cable Internet service. I’ve been waiting for one of my rural customers to finally start using one of these new wireless USB modems, and the report is in. They like it. They like it a lot; it beats the pants off of their old dial-up service.
The story gets even better. If you sign up in the store at Best Buy, the AT&T Sierra 881U USB Connect Broadband card, which normally costs $280, is free. The Verizon Wireless UM150, normally $230, is also free. A 2-year commitment is required, and monthly service is around $60; however, an existing cell phone contract is not required. If you work for a qualifying business or school (Norman school teachers with norman.k12.ok.us email addresses qualify), you may be entitled to additional discounts from AT&T.
$60 a month may seem a bit high, but you have to ask yourself: how much is my time worth? How many hours have I wasted sitting around waiting for my old dial-up service to do something, or to do anything at all? In that context, $60 a month may seem downright cheap. For about $35.00, you can add a more powerful antenna to the Sierra 881U, resulting in even faster connect speeds. Add a special wired or wireless router and everyone in the house can connect. If you find yourself in the can’t-get-cable-or-DSL boat, these new high-speed Internet options are about the fastest game in “the country.”