What is wireless Internet?
If you have never used wireless Internet, you have missed something. It's very convenient. With unlimited wireless Internet, you can surf the web and work from your computer wherever you want, as long as you're near a wi-fi signal. So you're no longer chained to a desk day in and day out.
Sounds good, right?
Right.
So if you want to know more about what wi-fi is and how it can improve your everyday life, read on. This article explains just that.
What the heck is wireless Internet?
Wireless internet is the Internet without wires - no hard lines at all. So, you need to be near a wireless signal to connect to the Internet.
Related Article: unlimited high speed internet for rural areas
The difference with mobile Internet is that mobile Internet uses 3 (or 4) G technology, which is the same technology used in your cell phone. With mobile Internet, you don't have to be near a (router) WLAN signal but within range of your provider's transmission towers.
This means that with "Wi-fi" Internet, you don't have the range of flexibility that mobile Internet offers. You must be at home or in a facility that has wireless Internet access.
Equipment for wireless Internet - What do you need?
You will need some equipment for wireless internet access:
Modem: A modem is required to connect to the Internet (via landlines or wireless lines). Modems take analog information and convert it to digital so your computer can display it.
Router: Routers take information from the modem and pass it on to your computer.
Wireless card or USB: You need something that can receive the signal sent from your router. This is what a wireless card or USB does. They are an external modem.
However, a wireless card, USB, or modem is not always necessary. For example, many laptops have a built-in modem that can receive Internet signals. Tablets and cell phones can do the same.
All of these devices can be rented or purchased through your ISP, or you can buy them at an electronics store or online at Amazon or Newegg.com. Expect to pay $30 to $200 for a router and modem and $10 to $200 for a wireless card. USB port or modem for your laptop.
Do ISPs offer wireless Internet services?
There are not many service providers that offer true wireless service. In other words, no landline, just a wireless router, and modem.
Clear Wireless is the only major Internet provider that offers this. They provide you with a wireless modem and router, and their packages are similar to 3G Internet.
The difference, at least with Clear Wireless, is that they have unlimited data plans. Also, that's a good thing because a data cap would make the service pointless for normal home use. Also, there are no annual contracts.
But you don't need a dedicated ISP for wireless Internet service, and if you already have Internet service, you're almost there anyway. All you need is the equipment mentioned above, properly installed and configured. So aside from the cost of the equipment, adding wi-fi to your home network shouldn't cost you anything extra either.
Providers - phone numbers
We have gathered the phone numbers of the largest internet providers in the US. Contact us now and find a plan that fits your needs.
- Provider phone number
- DISH 833-826-1132
- FRONTIER 855-917-9691
- Hughesnet 855-917-9685
- Centurylink 833-270-5717
- Windstream 833-826-1196
- spectrum 855-917-9721
- ATT 855-917-9634
- Verizon 844-603-6536
Wireless Internet Coverage
Wireless Internet coverage depends on your equipment and somewhat on how it is set up. For example, you can expect better wi-fi signal strength from routers with multiple antennas if those antennas are pointed at your laptop or tablet. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can assume a range of 100 to 300 meters.
However, keep in mind that the quality of the signal and the speed will decrease as more people use the connection or the farther away you are. The location outside/inside your home also affects the signal strength and Internet speed.
Free wireless (wi-fi) coverage
Many free wireless options allow you to connect to the Internet for free (aside from being in your own home).