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Mobile broadband 5GB limit with ALL carriers

Posted By: HappyFlaMT on 2009-03-08
In Reply to: Help -- I need alternatives to dial-up - in the boonies

I signed up with Sprint last year when it was unlimited, and starting in July 2008, they put a cap of 5GB, which is what all the other carriers had done also. That said, if you are using the connection mainly for work, the cap should not be a problem. I downloaded a program that keeps track of my usage as well as use the Sprint site to check it occasionally. You can't be downloading tons of MP3s or watching a lot of youtube or other video things during each month, but it doesn't have to be completely avoided either.


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I use Verizon mobile and the rule of thumb with mobile broadband is...
Basically, it will work whereever your cell phone will work.  If your too remote, it may not work, but I do know a lot of campgrounds like KOA offer Wifi, which means you should be able to pick up that signal too. You can always call ahead to the campground etc. I use mine going down the road for the most part but every great while going through the mountains I lose reception.  
Sprint Mobile Broadband sm
I have been using this service for the last 3 months or so and would never go back to dial-up. However, be aware that there is a 5GB limit per month with any of the $60/month data plans offered by Sprint (starting next month), AT&T, and Verizon. I have been checking my usage, and even with downloading a ton of songs for my son's MP3 player, work, and occasional youtube type stuff, I am averaging about 3.5GB for the month. Also, check what service has the best coverage for your area. I went with Sprint because of the unlimited package they had at the time, but since that is going away, there is no difference to me in carriers except their coverage area. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me, and I can give you the website where I purchased my equipment. They have incredible customer service and even helped me get my modem switched out when it broke (my fault but I had the total protection plan on it, only $7 per month and well worth it).
Anybody use verizon mobile broadband?
Can you tell me anything about it? My dad is thinking about getting it and I wondered if I could use it at the campground they go to, but wasn't sure how it worked. Is there a limit to how much you can be online? Any info is greatly appreciated! TIA!
Questions - Working with Mobile Broadband Access

Hi ..


I need to set up to work away from home and am considering mobile broadband wireless. 


I would appreciate any information ya'll could give me - I know nothing about it, other than most service is 60.00/month ... specifically, what carriers and how much time does it get you? 


Thanks so much!  I have verified the major carriers provide coverage in the area I will need to be in. 


Merry Christmas!


LD carriers
What LD carrier is the best for at-home transcription? Thanks for any info.
Is this not sickening. Why won't HIPAA, in conjunction with the major insurance carriers SM
step up to the plate and do something about offshoring. Insurance companies definitely have to get involved because they are the ones paying the bills. Others paying the insurance bills in some instances (self-insured, Medicaid, etc.) are the patients or tax paying American citizens.
I use wireless because it's the only broadband I can get...sm

I  have a router on my main computer, which also speeds up the connection. Downloads .wav files in a flash. The router also allows The Boy to play his Xbox live in the basement.


I also have wireless broadband s/m

I don't have it because of the price ($55 a month), but because I cannot get DSL or cable.  I looked into satellite, but after explaining to them the work that I do, they said that I would easily exceed their limits in probably about three weeks, leaving me with week four totally down (they don't have an overage that you can buy).  I actually spent the time tallying one weeks' worth of voice files to give them an average of what my week looks like.


The weather doesn't really affect my wireless, I have had my satellite go out during bad weather, but my wireless is still up and going.


I would be interested in the cards mentioned, but I live in an area where cell phone reception is hit or miss, so that won't work for me either.


I use two different FTPs and also a WebTop platform for my hospital account.


I also have wireless broadband s/m

I don't have it because of the price ($55 a month), but because I cannot get DSL or cable.  I looked into satellite, but after explaining to them the work that I do, they said that I would easily exceed their limits in probably about three weeks, leaving me with week four totally down (they don't have an overage that you can buy).  I actually spent the time tallying one weeks' worth of voice files to give them an average of what my week looks like.


The weather doesn't really affect my wireless, I have had my satellite go out during bad weather, but my wireless is still up and going.


I would be interested in the cards mentioned, but I live in an area where cell phone reception is hit or miss, so that won't work for me either.


I use two different FTPs and also a WebTop platform for my hospital account.


UPS or broadband air card maybe ?
Thanks to the posters below. After more investigation it sounds like I could get a fairly good UPS battery backup for the money a generator would cost. Of course it would not last as long time wise. I just wish I knew for sure that our cable high-speed internet would still work w/o power. The customer service guy put me on hold, then came back and said yes, but I am leery. I guess I could test that by buying a battery backup...charging..hooking it up and cutting the power via the main switch and see if the cable works but that would only test if MY house is without power not if the power were cut to the area. Been thinking about cutting the cable internet and going with an "air card" (broadband off cell towers?) Then, with a laptop, I could take my work with me too ?? I am Soooooo low tech it is agonizing !!!
I bet other insurance carriers have insurance for their employees. Why not Wal-Mart? nm
:+
Broadband/Internet Phone - sm
Hi - I've been using USA DATANET (it's available in my area) without any problems on a Lanier and DVI (Like C-Phone). Mine is $24.95/mo for unlimited long distance. I can turn my Internet modem off at night, and therefore, can't use the phone if that is off. Otherise, no problems. Hope this helps.
i love my satellite/broadband!
I too do not have DSL/cable available in the boondocks where I live...but a small local broadband company started up a year and half ago at good rates and I jumped on board. I love it! I have never in 18 months or so had an outage other than when we had severe weather with power outages. I have a neighbor who had satellite with one of the big companies (Hughes, I think) and said the service was fine but too expensive. I have been using satellite for at least three different accounts with no problems...the only problem is when a company doesn't "allow" satellite.
Wireless Broadband/Sprint, etc.

Hi to everyone!


 


Is anyone out there using the wireless broadband, like Sprint or Verizon (not so unlimited)?  I am currently using Verizon and have now found out the unlimited is not so.  I have ordered Sprint and the USB modem will be here in a few days, but am now paranoid about 0ver-Use on that!


 


I just moved to a house in the country, with no DSL, no cable and am unsure about Wild Blue for satellite because of the start up cost and then not being satisfied.


 


Any country living transcriptionists out there with advice?  I am in northern CA.


 


Thanks for any help!


I just got fixed wireless broadband
And I love it! No lag like satellites. I thought I'd never get broadband since I'm a mile from the nearest house but this is a very nice connection.
Satellite/WiFi/Broadband
I am going to return to working at home soon.  My husband has retired and we are going to be spending a portion of our time in Scotland in a private residence with a wireless connection.  In looking at the requirements of several of the company websites I have found, they apparently do not allow satellite or WiFi connections.  Do any of you travel and use your laptop for work?  If so, what sort of connection do you use?  When I was working for Medquist I worked from Scotland with a wireless connection, password protected, in two separate private homes, no direct computer to modem connection, and had no problems with this at all.  This was a couple years ago.  I am currently employed at a local hospital, so I cannot ask my current employer about this.  Many thanks to anyone who has an answer.
Broadband/Internet Telephone Service
Does anyone use a broadband/internet telephone service for transcription, such as Vonage, Covad, Lingo, SpeakEasy? I have a local long distance account and am looking into this type of service for a monthly flat fee for unlimited minute usage. Otherwise, the long distance fees would eat me alive. Any info on any company, good or bad, would help me tremendously in making my decision. I am researching several via the internet, but once again, any info would help.

Have a save and sane 4th of July!
Lillian
Have you looked into Verizon wireless broadband. sm
It might be available in your area.

Don't worry about the ESLs - just takes getting used to their voices, and practice makes perfect. I had a hard time at first, but over a few weeks, the clarity came as I got used to it. Ask your supervisor for samples, too. Samples really help - and they will help you master the voice, too.

verizon has broadband internet card
for laptops..  it is about 15 dollars/wk but you can write it off.. i do lots of stuff in the car and verizon works everywhere..
SuddenLink broadband service good ?
Would appreciate any input anyone can give me with this. Considering switching from phone line to cable broadband. Thanks.
I'm using a fixed wireless broadband connection
And so far, so good. The tower is just across the cow field, though. I haven't had any cutting in and out and I feel like a kid with a new toy since I'm able to watch You Tube, etc. now. My provider (SEIdata) came and did a site survey before installing it first and told me I had an excellent signal. They put a small box on my roof and ran cable to my office. I plug into an Ethernet modem and I can WIFI it with a router if I want to, too.

I've heard mixed reviews on the "cards," but I would recommend fixed wireless if you have a provider that does a site survey and installation.


I pay $40 a month unlimited wireless broadband...
And I work on Bayscribe for two different MTSOs. I never have a problem and have no limit to 5GB or anything. It's through a company called Cricket if there are any in your area. I also have dial-up as backup just in case weather conditions interfere with my wi-fi connection (Bayscribe works great with dial-up, too, BTW!).

I, too, can't at this time afford satellite or cable, so I'm making do with wi-fi and dial-up and saving myself about $25 a month. It doesn't sound like a lot but in this economy, every little bit I can put back in my pocket helps.

Good luck!!!
Anybody have any experience with Verizon Broadband Wireless (air card)...
Hello, I'm looking into buying as USB720 from Verizon Wireless.  It is for wireless broadband access and simply is a modem with an antenna that plugs right into your USB port which I could use with my PC.  It is $99.99 after a $50.00 mail-in rebate.  The service itself is $59.99 a month with a 2-year commitment.  I live out in the boonies with only satellite internet and dialup available to me.  Also, I believe that it is compatible with a VPN.  This certainly would be a nice alternative to pokey diaup and satellite.  It is cheaper than satellite (the initial cost anyway) and it is faster with speeds up to 700 kbps.  According to the map at Verizon, it is not yet available to me in the Las Cruces/El Paso area.  But according to two reps at Verizon, it is available.  I get a strong signal here at my house and there is a 30-day trial period.  Is there anybody in this region that has been able to get this service with success?  Also, any experience at all with the Verizon air card would be welcomed.  Thanks in advance!  Shelley
I just want to be mobile

I just want to be able to move around the house with a laptop, which I am still looking for a good deal on.  I am looking for a 17 inch screen.  What is your laptop?  Give me the specs please.


Thanks


KC


Mobile...
I have used ATT and with the $60 package you have unlimited use...It worked good for me.
Usually there is no limit.
As an IC, you are not considered an employee where the company would only give you a certain amount of time.  I have taken time off sporadically as an IC, and the company has not said a word.  They actually thanked me for giving notice.  I guess on the norm even notice isn't required.  I just thought it courteous to give the company a few weeks to maybe find a replacement for that time period.  It has never been a problem whether it be a day off or 10 days off.  If I only need a day off though I don't even tell them, I just don't take the work.  The IC position I have though is an actual IC position in that I am not assigned work.  It is a typing pool basically, so if I do not want to work that day, I just don't take any work.  It has neve been a problem.  This type of arrangement in my opinion is true IC status. 
If you want to limit yourself, as IC that is your
x
Age limit
Is there any age limit to be a transcriptionist? Could a 16-year-old do it? Thanks!
age limit
Not sure about age limits, but you need to check out training programs before anything else. Check out this link: http://www.ahdionline.org/scriptcontent/mtschool.cfm
Mobile Infirmary sm
Beth, where would you be moving from?  I did hear today that Mobile Infirmary bought Knollwood which is also a hospital in the Mobile area.  I don't know anything about working there, though.  I just accepted a position at Providence Hospital in Mobile and started today.
Mobile transcription
I am really just fishing here. I don't start this itinerate life until February, so I am hoping to here from more people who are out there on the road earning a living.
Mobile Transcription

Interesting question!  I own a small MTSO that is essentially a family business.  My Dad is retired, but does sales and bookkeeping for me.  My Mom is retiring August 1st, and she is planning on getting back into transcription, working for me.  They own a big RV and are planning on being "snowbirds" - living in Arizona for at least 3 months of the year.  The place they are going to is a big RV community which has WiFi internet, so they can both work remotely. I am also an avid camper, so we've been looking into remote internet options.


We explored the different satellite options, but it was very expensive initially for the equipment and the setup at each stop seemed kind of complicated.  The other problem was the upload/download speed - I can see why many services won't hire someone with satellite service.  We ended up going with Verizon Broadband access - anywhere I can get a cell phone signal I can get internet.  The speed isn't the greatest, but it works for us.


What I've found is if you work for a company that requires you to be logged on to the internet the whole time you are working, this option won't really work because of the connection speed.  However, we use a product called DocShuttle by Bytescribe that allows my staff to download the audio and disconnect, type the reports, and then connect and upload the documents.  It works great for that - I even have an employee who lives in the country where there is only dial-up available, and she works just fine like this.


It can be done - I've worked while camping several times this way.....


Mobile transcription
I have just heard from one person so far, and she just did this for about 6 months. I will keep in touch.


Mobile transcription
I'm a fairly new MT, and my husband and I are going to start living in our RV and traveling around the country moving about every 3 months. Is there anyone out there doing something similar? I'd love to hear from you.
Mobile homes are many here in NC, and
they are not a good deal, IMO. Every tornado heads straight for them like they are magnetized, and they seem to burn down a lot. Now I had a townhouse that I lived in for 11 years, and I made quite a nice profit due to the fact they were attractive, had a bit of land and nice landscaping, and were in a good location. I think I paid $85,000, and sold it for $119,000 11 years later. Not bad for a townhouse.
I am mobile with a laptop and use a....sm
Microsoft Elite keyboard. Many years ago I started transcribing with my keyboard in my lap. This has served me very well and is the only way I work now, even at home at my desk. Ergononically, it is great with no stress on arms, neck etc. Just be sure you have the computer at the right height. Sometimes I have to put a few books under my laptop depending on the height of the chair I am sitting in. I love being mobile!
Mobile internet
I need to go mobile with my laptop so I can work away from home.  Anybody else out there who does this?  Any suggestions.  Good carriers?  Any advice greatly appreciated.  Thanks. 
Okay, I decided to try mobile

wireless internet through Verizon.  I currently have a Verizon cell and have no problem with reception in my home, so I'm hoping this is a go.  I also have a 30-day trial period, so I'll know for sure if I have any glitches. 


What I don't understand is this lingo about voice files, etc.  I'm on the Bayscribe platform, so any info would be greatly appreciated.  Please "dumb it down" for me, as I am not a PC person.  The lady that signed me up told me that the limit is 5 GB and that that generally means about 35,000 web pages a month.  How does this correlate to voice files?  Do I even use voice files on Bayscribe?  I'm assuming so since I have an audio player. 


At least I know if this doesn't work out, I can cancel and not lose anything.  Then I'll have to sign up for satellite, which is about $300 upfront and $60 to $90 per month for service.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Verizon will work for me.


Thanks for any info.


but limit I think 250 lines a day...nm
x
There is not a limit, but for some reason it
deletes entries and you have to start all over again.
limit internet
I, like you, want to make more money this year. . I am going to start by trying to limit my time surfing the net while working. . I have had a problem getting bored in the past. . but my resolution is to just stick to my 8-hour work day with maybe only 1 little internet break during the shift. .
If you retire and go on SS, there is a set limit--sm
you can earn per month, if you continue to work, or they will reduce your SS income per month by how much over the set amount you are allowed. NOT a pension retirement, SS retirement.
I don't think there is a time limit -
I live in Georgia also and the only reason we ever had notes on the charts was for insurance purposes. If the note is not transcribed, you are not supposed to bill insurance. Other than that, there is really no legal reason that the chart has to be dictated.

Now, ethically and for continuation of care purposes, yes, it needs to be done.

The doctor I worked for used to dictate, but it might get transcribed in a week and it might get transcribed in a month.
Anybody seen how Time Warner is going to start charging "heavy broadband users?" sm
http://www.news-record.com/content/2009/04/02/article/time_warner_cable_will_track_charge_by_internet_usage
...and regarding the mobile devices (more information)
http://www.intel.com/business/casestudies/mckesson_integrated_digital_hospital.pdf

Ladies:  Looks like we should be investing in some of these companies...Intel/McKesson on cutting edge, and VOIP companies (we currently use a VOIP phone)...

If we can not make money in transcription, maybe we should invest in its future?

Quote:  "Medical Transcription will change more in the next few years than it has in the last 100."

It is an odd thing, but I actually like typing and will not like it when it is gone. 
Mobile Infirmary Medical Ctr
Have applied for a full-time MT job at Mobile (AL) Infirmary Medical Center.  Has anyone experience working for them?  I would appreciate any information, as this would involve a move for me.  Thanks in advance--
Mobile Infirmary Hospital
I don't know much about Medical Records except that they have a BIG turnover. Always hiring. Say a little a prayer before you except, it may be that it works out great for you.
Mobile home buying

Shop around for repossessed homes. I have a double-wide Palm Harbor that we picked up for about 60% of book. Yes, they do depreciate like cars, and some brands hold value better than others. Palm Harbor and Patriot seem to have the slowest depreciation rate, and do have pretty good records for storm survival (always remember, they have earned the term Tornado Bait honestly!)  Our home was barely lived in, with very little evidence of wear, and a great price.  Try to look for a repo-only lot - they are usually run directly by the mortgage company and if you have good credit, a good deal can be made, especially if they have had the home back for a while. They can also show you homes alreay set up in parks, or on lots of 1/2 to 1 acre or even more, and if you like the location, won't even have to wait for moving and set-up. Make sure they are able to demonstrate that the heat and air work properly, even if they are lot-set in a temporary sales lot. Don't know about AZ, but in Texas they do have to have certain warranties for roofs, appliances, etc. for at least 90 days.  New home dealerships often have some repos, but they are usually dogs to make you want the new ones.  Shop around, take as much time as possible (we stayed in contact with the repo dealer we brought from for about a year, and he called when he got in what he knew we were looking for) and you can find a deal, especially if you have great credit. We are way more happy with the mobile home we bought when we remember how little we gave for it. Stay away from Fleetwood, Shulte and SOUTHERN ENERGY (run-don't walk-away), unless they just give you one, then be prepared for problems anyway.  I am running on, aren't I? I just wish someone had steered me this direction in the first place.   21st Century Mortgage Company is a good lender for mobile homes. There are not many companies out there who still do trailers, but you can find them if you look. Hope this helps. Contact me if you want more info. 


My advice if you do buy your own is to get a laptop so you can be mobile. nm
.
Lots of people are mobile.

Be sure that you're using a secured wireless network/hot spot. Your laptop should have the wireless card already installed, unless you're using an old model. Try Google search for VPN to learn more.


Most importantly--make sure it is allowed by your company!!


We put frank away. as for your questions, please limit them
to inquiries about chapstick.  Number one, do not leave them in the sun as they will melt.  Any and all other questions I'm forced to get back to you at a later time, be vague or better yet not respond to you at all.  Good day.