Tech: Broadband in Clearwater, Fl

Subject: Tech: Broadband in Clearwater, Fl
From: John J
Date: 18 Nov 07 - 09:44 AM

My wife is off to spend a couple of months with my father in Clearwater, Florida. Can anyone advise if it's possible for her to have (ideally broadband) internet for that short time.

Here in UK we have 'Mobile Broadband' where a mobile telephone company provide you with a special modem (which is actually a cellphone) that gives you access to broadband from where-ever a mobile telephone network exists - and it's cheap. Something like this would be great although she'll go for anything that works!

My wife is no techie so whatever solution is found will have to be easy. There is a computer dealer local to where she's staying: Compusa at Sunset Point.

Many thanks in anticipation.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: Broadband in Clearwater, Fl
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 18 Nov 07 - 11:37 AM

I can't give info specific to Clearwater FL, but many "semi-civilized" communities have at least a few "wireless hotspots" where connections might be made if the computer is equipped for it.

Borders and Barnes & Noble in most places I've been to recently have wireless hookups, although they do charge a modest fee (per connect, with a time limit) in my area. Rumor is that there's at least one McDonalds in my local area that lets you hook up for free, but I don't know if that's "policy" or just the local operator.

A fairly robust Federal Program has "wired" nearly all legitimate libraries in the US, and it should be fairly easy to drop in and log in - assuming she doesn't have overdue books back home. At libraries I've heard of, you have to use their machines, which may be maimed and crippled by local admin's rules, but reasonable browsing should be possible. It might be advisable to ask the Clearwater library before arriving, just to be sure they'll let her in the door.

My own local library is "extremely primitive," but I think that's partly due to a lack of skills on the part of some of the help. (They would check with her library back home to make sure she didn't have any unpaid late fees in the UK before letting her on.) Friends in one small Texas town (population about 300) seem to drop into their library and get access almost at will, or at least when the librarie's open, and firends' emails indicate they can barely read and certainly cain't spel. I'm not sure that either of the ones who use that library the most even has a library card.

Most truck stops have wireless hookups, but it's mostly a "trucker's only deal" - dedicated network(s). I'm not sure if she'd get on even if she rode into town in a 4-by, although she'd probably get a friendly reception.

Based entirely on rumors, she should absolutely avoid hotel hookups, as they can have lots of hidden - and very expensive - "extra costs."

You do need to check with your travel agent about restrictions on bringing computers in/out of the US, if that's part of your plan. There seems to be more difficulty taking one out (or back out) than bringing one in; but it may be necessary to get a separate visa for the machine (exaggerating? - maybe).

Is there a friend in the area who might have a hookup?

John

Subject: RE: Tech: Broadband in Clearwater, Fl
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 18 Nov 07 - 11:51 AM

Google shows Internet Service In Clearwater FL with about 40 listings in the phone book.

The "major providers" like AT&T may try to insist on a long term contract, but there seem to be lots of smaller business, likely with their own servers, that might be willing to sell a couple of months worth.

One local Winfield KS service has been offering "duration of the festival" hookups at our big local fest (about 2 weeks for $30 US) so it can be done if you can find someone willing. It probably is easier if the service touts wireless, since there's virtually no "site prep" required - you just have to be close to an existing node.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: Broadband in Clearwater, Fl
From: John J
Date: 19 Nov 07 - 03:56 AM

Thanks for this information John - very useful. I've tried some of the providers listed but they seem only to want to provide a year contract, although that may yet be an option.

I'll have another try to find a 'small-time' provider who may be able to load the necessary software for her - otherwise it will be a cheapie year contract, provided she can get someone to do the techie bits for her.

Cheers,

John