Wireless Broadband/Sprint, etc.
Posted By: MTMQ on 2007-11-13
In Reply to:
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!
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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).
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.
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.
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.
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
A laptop, wireless router or a card from say Sprint, good battery
you could work anywhere. Being wireless has great benefits, say if you are in the hospital, dying, why you could make a few bucks to pay for the funeral.
I love the Sprint commercial where Donnie Osman is talking to Sprint guy
and says now he can call all his relatives so on and so on and Tito. Then Sprint guy says Donnie doesn't have a Tito in his family. So funny. A play on Michael Jackson's family. I love the Sprint guy anyway.
Can you get Sprint? sm
Sprint has unlimited usage per month for the same price as the 5MB plans from Verizon and AT&T. Go to www.evdoinfo.com, and there is information about how much usage 5MB is. The audio files for transcription are basically the same (as far as usage) as any other audio file like a music download. If you do decide to go this route, the online store associated with that site is incredible and can assist you with any information you need, even before you buy anything. I have had mine for just over a month now and would never go back to dial-up 
Have you tried Sprint?
Sprint offers wireless broadband too. I have an unlimited plan for $60 a month and I use just over 5 GB per month working full-time. In addition, I also watch all my TV shows online, so I am sure that accounts for a lot of my usage as well. They have a map on their site so you can see if you are in their covered area. It is very reliable (have been using it for a year now with no outages ever) and faster than DSL if you are in an area with a good signal. When I signed up, they did offer a 30-day trial period where you could cancel without penalty. A plus is that I can no go anywhere and have internet, so when I go to visit family, I just take my work with me.
Both Sprint and Earthlink have
"air" cards that allow you to go wireless provided you are in their service area. The service is about $50/mo I think and then you have to buy the card. I think the card is about $200, but they have deals sometimes where if you commit to 1 or 2 years that you get the card for free. You can probably go to the websites of both companies to check to see if you have service in your area.
We also have a service in my area called Clearwire. They have a modem that you plug into an outlet and you can take it and plug it in and get service anywhere within range. They have different levels of service, similar to DSL, where the faster the download the more the $$. I think the cheapest package is $25/mo. They may have the same service under a different name in other areas.
We also ran into this problem, but it was with Sprint. sm
My "unlimited" LD was $19 a month (plus taxes), but was of course limited. They offered me a small business for about $50 a month, with completely unlimited. So I just switched my LD from the main line, saved $19 there, and it cost about $30 extra a month (of course there are always extra taxes). However, they also wanted to switch my DSL, which runs $50 a month, and would have changed that to $80 a month. I said no, thanks, don't use it that much (since I use a C-phone). It costs a little extra, but no one should bother you again about limiting you "unlimited" LD. Life is complicated out here, but not impossible. Good luck.
Ack, Sprint that is, NOT Spring...nm
z
I use Sprint & have it through a router sm
My Sprint USB card is in my husband's PC, connected to a Linksys router and then to mine with Ethernet cables. You just have to run the internet connection sharing wizard on XP. I've been using this for almost 2 weeks now and absolutely love it. Also, Verizon has a cap on how much bandwidth you can use each month (5 GB) and you have to pay for overages. Sprint has unlimited usage for the same amount per month ($60). If you have any questions about it, I can give you the website where I purchased my equipment. My e-mail is pixie.chick@earthlink.net.
Sprint Air cards
I agree with the above poster, however, I know that when I visited North Carolina a little over a year ago, my cell phone coverage was terrible. The thing to remember with air cards whether they be from Sprint, Verizon or Cingular is that the speed that you get with using one of these is very dependent on how close you are to a cell tower. I have the USB air card from Sprint and can use it with either my desktop or my laptop.
air card Sprint or AT&T?
i looked at verizon and don't think i want that one. I was going to go through Sprint/Nextel, but then noticed that AT&T has a network as well. any advice? 
Sprint or Verizon
I had nothing available for my area. Even Sprint and Verizon wireless cards (you can get one for a USB, you just have to ask specifically) say that it will not work in my area. My employer let me try one of their cards and it worked great even though no signal. Verizon would still not let me purchase one being "outside" the service area even though I had one proven to work. Sprint did let me and I believe they have a 14-day guarantee that if it doesn't work you can return it. A bit expensive on the front end for devices, even with rebates, but well worth it. I have never lost a connection...even in the most rural of areas.
Still have unlimited with Sprint.
Last time I checked I was close to 6 GB, but I do watch all my TV online.
What's Sprint EVDO? (nm)
.
PC card/Verizon & Sprint ?
I don't mean to hijack the OP question, but you mentioned you use a PC card for your Internet since you live in the country. I too live in the country and do not even have cable available - only dial-up.
I recently purchased a laptop and it only came with an ExpressCard slot (which it is my understanding that laptops in the future will be built with these and not PC slots). The ExpressCards have not hit the local Verizon or Sprint stores yet but I hear they are to soon and I plan to try one. I hope to be able to drop my dial-up ISP and just use my laptop for my on-line job. I also have my own local account where I pick up tapes and deliver their transcription and I can continue to use my regular PC for that work if I choose to.
Anyway, I would really appreciate knowing how you like your "card" for connecting to the Internet and how well it works out for you. Do you know if Verizon or Sprint has more coverage area? Have you traveled much with yours to see if you are able to get connections? How reliable has this been and how fast of a connection rate do you get on average?
I sure would appreciate any info you could share regarding this. Thanks so much.
Sandi
Also - new vs old Sprint for unlimited usage sm
Any new Sprint accounts as of 11/2008 are subject to the 5GB cap. From what I am understanding, accounts created before then say that they can throttle your speeds, terminate service, or charge overage fees for going over 5GB but so far have not really done so.
sprint limited usage
Do you work more than your 5GM? I just wondered since I am thinking about getting a card. I think Verizon and ATT do the same. My daughter has 5GM on her cable and she went over once, but they did not charge extra.
Thanks a lot.
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 !!!
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.
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!
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.
Sprint advertises they have the largest coverage area. They should have
a map on their website showing coverage area. I haven't used a broadband card yet. I know someone who used a Verizon air card and they said they were able to get service everywhere they went. They were on the west coast, where it seems more reasonable that there would be a wider range of service. You can check Verizon's website for coverage area too. Another option may be for you to get dial-up at your mother's house. You can get People PC for $10.95/month, but I don't know if they require a contract. If none of the big ISPs have a local number you can get service through a small local provider and they usually do not require a contract. I have traveled extensively and have spent several weeks in some places where dial-up was the only available option at the time and even though I had an ISP they did not have local service.
Another option is to try the free trials with various ISPs if they have service in your mom's area. There is no charge is you cancel before trial period is up.
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
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.
Mobile broadband 5GB limit with ALL carriers
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.
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!
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
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.
wireless
I have 4 systems throughout the house on wireless from my cable company since my cable line only comes in at one corner of the house and it's way to costly to run it elsewhere.
Wireless has been working fine for me.
wireless
I hated my wireless keyboard and mouse. It was not dependable. Stopped working for no reason now and then.
Wireless
Does anybody live way out in the country like me where there is no cable, no DSL, and dial-up is a lousy 24? We just got wirelness with an antenna for the home computer. Wondering if any companies allow this for MT work. Does anybody out there work with wireless from a remote location?
wireless
I work off a wireless network because my husband and I both have computers. You have to have a very good wireless network because the transcription companies can not guarantee that it will work. The first wireless we had was an older Dell and would lose the connection very easily. We now have a very good Belkin with 3 antennas and I have no trouble. It is very frustrating to be typing along and lose the connection. In fact, with the first wireless network it would lose the connection before the program could even be loaded.
Wireless
I want to be able to move around when my granddaughter is here. My office is in a corner of the house out of site. I would rather keep the wired connection but son-in-law thinks I should go wireless. Haven't decided yet. We live out in the boonies so not sure others could access mine or not. Thanks
How to go wireless?
I am so sick of all the wires! I have a cable modem, router, mouse, and keyboard all with wires, a laptop in my house with a cable modem plugged in by Ethernet, The wires drive me batty!
So what can I do to eliminate some? If I want to use the laptop in an area of the house not near the modem, how can I use the wireless net on it if we aren't in a wi-fi zone? Would a wireless router work?
wireless
i went wireless, use a router downstairs and installed (myself) an adapter to upstairs computer.......After a few weeks of frustration, turned out the adapter wasn't installed good enough so i just had to push a little harder and all the prongs connected. Now my daughter is on wireless. I believe Linksys (what I have) reaches 500 feet.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Cindi
how are you wireless with everything?
I'm a new MT and obviously have little experience. I am currently working for a hospital in acute care. This is the only job I've had. They supplied the computer, dictaphone, etc. for me to work from home. I cannot add anything to this computer, even a wireless mouse! (have one on our home computer and love it!) I just wondered what type of set up you have, or company you work for that allows you this freedom that you don't have to have the dictaphone, etc? Please give further info so this newby understands! Don't you have to have a dictaphone or similar equipment?
wireless
You can go to the website of the manufacturer and they will help. I have Linksys. Be sure to write your # down if you do choose to use a secret code. I was told that even if you don't, Windows XP etc., and your Spyware will prevent hackers. I hope so. I think we are well protected. "Wireless" doesn't mean less wires, I have wires all over the place but it's nice to use my laptop actually on my lap!
wireless
You can go wireless on your own, but you will need to go to your ISP website and get their instructions on they do it. They have help available if you need it and they will walk you through every step - do not be afraid. If you can transcribe the dictation done by the American doctor, you can set up a router.
HOWEVER, most companies will not let you use wireless. You get knocked off your network a lot with wireless, just because in any given neighborhood, you are likely to have several different ISPs and they bump each other off the airwaves, so to speak. Most MTSOs want to use an ethernet connection.
But, ask the company you are working for what their policy/preference is.
If you have DSL, isn't that on every phone in your house? Does the back bedroom have a phone?
Good luck to you on your new job.
can I go wireless-sm
I am starting with a company that is providing a computer. I have a PC with DSL in the corner of my dining room. I would like to put their computer in a back bedroom. Can I go wireless? What do I need to do? What should I be asking them about their computer, if anything? Where can I buy the router box (which I assume I will need?) Do I need a computer tech to do this or can I do it? Not terribly literate about all this. Thanks!
Wireless...
I have a router for my broadband internet so understand the principle. A router cannot make your connection faster, as far as I know...all it does is allow you to access your internet connection on another computer somewhere else in its range. I use a router so I can use my laptop for internet anywhere I want in the house and its great. But if you are looking at it in hopes of making your connection faster, I would speak with a customer rep for the product before assuming it will do that. Hope that helps!
Wireless
Thanks so much for the information. I appreciate the help.
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