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How to set up high-speed internet access for 1-2 months?

  • Is there a legal way to set up short-term (1-2 months) internet access without breaking the bank? My mom will be undergoing a major surgery this week, and I'm going to be living at her apartment in Mountlake Terrace, WA between 3-8 weeks to help her recover. She doesn't have a computer and has no need of internet access on her own, so she has never set anything up. However, I will need to telecommute for work, so I will need a stable and dependable connection. Since my mom will need me to be on-call for help, it isn't really an option to head to a coffee shop for several hours every day. I know from previous visits that there aren't any open WiFi networks to be accessed from her apartment. What's the best way to set up short term, non-dial-up internet access? I've considered tethering my iPhone, but that could get expensive with the data limit (I'll be uploading/downloading large files through dropbox; it would also be nice to set up some netflix instant for my mom while she's laid up in bed). I'm happy to pay, but I can't afford a year's worth of internet bills just to get access for one month...are there other options? I'd prefer to cap the expense at around $50/$100 for 1 or 2 months, respectively, and anything cheaper than that would be even better. Thank you so much in advance.

  • Answer:

    Comcast appears to offer service in Mountlake Terrace. They typically don't require a contract like DSL providers often do. You can https://www.comcast.com/Localization/Localize.cspx. If service is available it is worth Googling for special offers, various outside sales sites tend to have better deals than going through Comcast directly.

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I know from previous visits that there aren't any open WiFi networks to be accessed from her apartment. What about contacting her neighbours and offering to chip in to their internet bill in return for access? You give them money, they give you the password?

Brockles

How is the 3G network quality there? You could get a MiFi like they talk about in this http://thisoldnerd.finitecomedy.com/08-ditch-your-phone-but-stay-connected/ episode. It has very reasonable month-to-month unlimited data plans. The http://www.virginmobileusa.com/mobile-broadband/mifi-2200.html itself is about $150 but then for $50 for unlimited data (with no contract) it sounds very reasonable!

jillithd

I don't know where you are, but where I am, Comcast (unfortunately) has the best price/quality rate that I've come across. As much as I'd like to avoid legitimizing their monopoly, they've got the most affordable thing going right now. As far as I know, Comcast isn't done by contract. You can cancel whenever, but it's kind of a hassle (they'll transfer you to "retention" first, which is annoying--it takes longer to quit than to sign up). Just be firm with them when it comes time to cancel. If you go to their website and type in your address, you'll get to see whatever introductory rate they're offering, which should be 20 or 25 bucks a month. Don't tell them that you're planning to cancel service after a short time, or they might not give you a discount. Install could be between $25 and $50. Modem rental is something like 3 bucks/month. It should put you somewhere around $70-$100 for two months of internet.

phunniemee

Apparently I do know where you are, Mountlake Terrace. My bad. Comcast advice still stands, though.

phunniemee

I don't know if you can sign up for short term. But it looks like http://www.clear.com/coverage/address/98036 provides a 4G wireless connection in that area. Looks like it would be around $45 a month, I didn't click through the plans to see the details.

bitdamaged

Virgin MiFi! http://www.virginmobileusa.com/mobile-broadband/mifi-2200.html

k8t

I second the idea of pay and go wifi from Clear or Virgin is the way to go.

humanfont

Also. It's a business expense. Remember to deduct it when you pay your taxes (or better yet, convince your company to pick up the tab!)

schmod

Thanks so much for the recommendations! It looks like the price of Comcast monthly fee + installation + modem and router is roughly equal to the price of the Virgin MiFi device + a month or two of access...so I have two clear routes to explore. I guess the advantage of going with MiFi is that I'll have the device to use anywhere. Maybe I'll end up doing that. In any case, I'm definitely going to be able to do my work, so my problem is solved! Thanks so much, askme.

scarylarry

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