Wireless Data Cards From nTelos.

[Lone Gunman]

Didn't see this mentioned in the first couple of pages so thought I'd post the setup info for what I use for broadband internet service and please note that I stated "broadband" and not high speed. Data cards only ping slightly better than a dialup connection but they do pass a BUNCH of data!

I'm not able to get either cable or DSL. I do have a cell phone with nTelos though and I can usually get at least 3 bars sig strength on that so two years ago I decided to look into a data card for internet service.

After looking at all the plans out at that time, I decided to go with nTelos as theirs was the only one offered that was unlimited. They did have a 1.2mb connect limit but there was no limit as to how much I could download. I got one of those and never looked back.

At that time I connected that USB datacard to a Windows XP desktop computer and then enabled ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) so other computers on my LAN could us it also. It worked really well so I went looking for a router that would use that data card and found a Cradlepoint MBR-1000 on fleabay for $140 buy it now. Bought that thing and man, that setup has been great! I can usually pull down a minimum of 125kbs and sometimes I've seen it as high as 300kbs. On average though it's usually in the 175 to 200kbs range.

So now nTelos doesn't offer the "unlimited" plan that I have but they do still have the best deal going. They offer a 5gb plan for $39.95 plus tax and if you want a larger piece of the pie, then they have a 10gb plan for like $49.95 a month plus tax. Please check this on their website though as it's been a few months since I looked.

So if you're in an area that has nTelos cell service and you can't get anything else as far as broadband goes I'd look into one of their data card plans. Oh, and if signal strength is too low you may be able to get a roof top antenna that will make it work at longer distances.

IT ROCKS!

[Lone Gunman]

UPDATE: Seems that Virgin Mobile has come up with an UNLIMITED plan for a USB data card that's $40 a month NO CONTRACT. It's also advertised as full 3G speed too. I'm thinking about dumping my nTelos 1.2 m unlimited deal when the contract is up in January of 2011 and going with Virgin Mobile instead for the larger full 3G pipe.


Broadband2Go - 3G Mobile Broadband Service | Virgin Mobile

[eurosport]

Thanks for this info. I have been stuck with dial-up for years! This may be a good idea for us as I really don't want to go satellite.

[Stargazer]

If I am not mistaken, Virgin uses the Sprint network for their service.

[truckracer]

I have a myfi 2200 from virgin mobile. Good speed. Yes ping is slow but ok. Can't beat 40.00 and no contract.