how-to block ads
|
»next review in page
Review by ggultra2764 
UPDATED: 6 days ago
member for 310 days, 353 visits, last login: a few hours ago
 Cambridge,Washington,NY
 $59 per month (24 month contract)
 about 212 days
 "Large amounts of rural coverage, beats dial-up, great connection speeds."
 "The 5 GB monthly download limit, BroadbandAccess speeds make it tempting to go over 5 GB quickly."
 "Worth it if you are often on the go, but can be a problem if you use more than 5 GB in a month."
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings match consensus)
|
For six months after I left college, I was desperately searching around for broadband Internet for my laptop. DSL and cable connections were tempting. But, they had no coverage in my area and TimeWarner Cable wanted me to cough up over $900 to get a cable out where I live which was way too costly for me, especially since I just got out of college. And I heard enough evil things about sattelite Internet so I didn't want to venture into their territory.
But while Christmas shopping for my family at Best Buy, I came across a Verizon Wireless salesman selling wireless USB modems. He was quite understanding of my situation and gave me plenty of information about Verizon's wireless Internet network, including the NationalAccess connections possible in places that couldn't normally get dial-up. Tempted, I subscribed to the network right on the spot and the cost for the USB modem was reduced since I now had a subscription.
Installation of the modem was simple enough once I installed the hardware for it on my computer via CD and setting up the modem for one of my computer's USB port. The installation of the modem only took me about 5 minutes.
As for connections, I can only get the NationalAccess connection out where I live, but the connection's quite good and I can get download and upload speeds 4 times faster than my old dial-up connection on AOL when I ran a speed test on the modem (120 kbps Down/ 123 kbps Up).
There are two major problems that I do have with Verizon Wireless's services though. First, would be the 5 GB monthly download limit. With my regular Internet use at college, I would normally use about 25 to 30 GB a month doing Internet browsing, video streaming, and peer-to-peer downloads using Bittorrent. My laptop only has about 25 GB of hard drive space so I can't overhaul my laptop with downloaded files as heavily as those with higher storage capacities for their computer. 5 GB is a bit limiting for what I would like to get off my new connection, especially since I can only get the NationalAccess connection from Verizon Wireless out where I live.
Second of course, would be the limitations of what you can do with Verizon's connection. Verizon Wireless's Terms of Service specifically state their service is only meant to be used for basic Internet uses such as Internet browsing and e-mailing. Peer-to-peer programs and video streaming, my two frequent uses of the Internet at college, are of prohibited use in their services and I've heard of enough folks who made the jump from Verizon to Sprint because they felt limited in what they could do online while with Verizon Wireless.
With both of these issues, I think Verizon Wireless has a poor preconceived notion of what they think all people like to do online much like sattelite Internet providers have with their Fair Access Policies.
If you live in the boonies, can't get DSL or cable out where you live, and can't stand dial-up or sattelite Internet, then Verizon Wireless could be for you. Just be prepared for a limited online experience if you like doing more online besides Internet browsing and e-mailing.
UPDATE (12/14/07): During the past few days, my area was hit by a series of snow storms. This obviously effected how good my connection was as both my download and upload rates had dropped into the lower-90 kbps on Thursday and my connection was at two bars most of the time up to early today. Right now, my connection is back up to three bars and my download rate improved from Wednesday's speed test.
UPDATE (4/6/08): It's been over four months now since I went on Verizon Wireless for an ISP. I can still only get NationalAccess connections here at my house and even with an antenna I bought for my USB modem, I can still only get NationalAccess. The only benefit with the antenna is an improved signal with my connection.
My Internet use during the week is normally close to or over 100 MB a day since I work most of the day and around 200 MB a day on weekends. A good chunk of my data usage comes from seeing videos on Youtube, frequent downloading, and updating my virus and spyware protection.
NationalAccess seems more of a blessing for me since videos and downloaded files do take time to load up on the 1XRTT connection of NationalAccess. I would be more tempted to use more of my monthly data if I did have BroadbandAccess capable speeds out where I lived which could give me problems thanks to the 5 GB cap VZW has set up. It would be better if they either gave higher data usage for the month or actually give Sprint a run for their money by actually offering unlimited data usage at a cheaper price.
Otherwise, the connection has been able to hold up very well and I rarely lose my signal. If VZW were to just lighten up on their Terms of Service and their monthly caps, then I could do more with the connection without worrying about my data usage.
UPDATE (4/8/08): I checked Verizon's Terms of Service today and it looks like they have lightened up on what you can use their connection for. Online gaming and streaming are now allowed. I still wish they can lighten up on their monthly caps.
UPDATE (6/2/08): I now have BroadbandAccess Rev. A coverage out where I live. After doing a speed test, I got 953 kbps down, 500 kbps up. While the greater speed is a great asset to me, now I'm gonna have to be more wary of how much I download since I can get things faster. I still think VZW should lighten up on their caps.
UPDATE (6/3/08): Speed tests came up with 831 kbps down, 397 kbps up. And the speeds I got from yesterday had me tempted to do some downloading which within an hour, I already used over 100 MB of my data usage. I've already used over 3 GB of my data usage for this billing period so far and it won't be for two weeks until my data account is reset for the next billing period. I see no reason to having such a large amount of download speed if I have such a small monthly cap put on it which is why I could deal with NationalAccess easier since it took me longer to get stuff downloaded.
UPDATE (7/13/08): As of Friday, I went over my 5 GB cap yet so far I haven't been throttled which must mean my area isn't too reliant on the wireless tower near my house. And topping off the fact that I signed up for VZW back in December of last year, I also don't have to worry about overage fees so I'm in a bit of a lucky situation at this moment. But, this doesn't change my criticism of being wary of Verizon's caps, especially if you got a contract with them after March of this year. Latest speed test results are 778 kbps down, 380 kbps up.
Followup comments:  
Balooka
@shawcable.net | 5 GB Limit With your speeds I think it would be very difficult to hit the 5 GIG limit vzw has. Look for VZW to lift that limit in the future. | |
| | ggultra2764
join:2007-09-13
Cambridge, NY
edit:
December 3rd, @01:16AM
| Re: 5 GB Limit What would make you think they would extend their limit? | |
| ydoucare
join:2003-03-12
Rensselaer, IN | ... NationalAccess, which is 1xRTT, can only do 144 kbps max, so your Day 3 test is either wrong, or you are somehow on a very terrible EVDO connection. | |
| | ggultra2764
join:2007-09-13
Cambridge, NY | Re: ... Has to be a bug with the speed test then. Because I was dropping my mouth in shock over how the download rate was even though NationalAccess's speed is comparable to IDSL connections as you've mentioned.
But what I got was what I got. | |
| | |
ExtremeHobo
@myvzw.com | Re: ... The limit states that after 5 gigs it lowers your speed to 200Kbps which is should still be plenty fast for most people. Has anyone actually achieved this limit to see? | |
| | | | bullet087
join:2006-05-17
Kingwood, TX | Re: ... Very true. If your on 1x anyway, there is no way in hell you will be going over 200kbps (with EVDO, however, you can), so no need to worry about the 5GB/month limit | |
| | | | | ggultra2764
join:2007-09-13
Cambridge, NY | Re: ... So if I went over 5 GB on Verizon's NationalAccess connection, I wouldn't have to worry about having my bandwidth throttled or being penalized to pay more for going over the cap? | |
| | | | | |
DRK0010
@myvzw.com | Re: ... Verizon WILL cut you off and they couldn't tell me if you will still be responsible for the 'early termination' fee.. | |
| | | | | | | ggultra2764
join:2007-09-13
Cambridge, NY | Re: ... An angry, unsatisfied former Verizon Wireless customer I take it? Unfortunately, money's too tight for me right now to consider jumping service providers. Christmas shopping cost me enough money. | |
| | | |
DRK0010
@myvzw.com
| with rev.A and the newer hardware I am able to achive over 2Mbps download speed, faster than my DSL at home! (my service area is Washinigton DC/Baltimore area) 1gb over an hour is very easy to achive if I don't move my laptop too much from point a to point b.. | |
|
DRK0010
@myvzw.com
| Sprint Vision Just got off the the Sprint site and kept a transcript of my question regarding the 'unlimited' usage issue for Sprint Vision..
I am making the switch now.. sprint vision is a real 'unlimited' plan! unless someone really abuse the network of course.. | |
| pete7973
join:2008-07-19
Florence, AZ
|  Verizon wireless business paradigm
| |
| | | |
| Forums » comments on review of Verizon Wireless Broadband |
 | »next review in page (previous review)
Review by Gregg K1
Posted: 13 days ago
member for 3.2 years, 168 visits, last login: 2 days ago
Mendocino,Mendocino,CA
$59 per month (24 month contract)
about 4 days
"Coverage in rural area"
"5 Gigabyte monthly maximum download."
"5 Gig per month kills it. But Hughes is worse, so I may have to go Verizon."
| |
5 Gig per month kills it. But Hughes is worse, so I may have to go Verizon.
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Verizon Wireless Broadband |
| »next review in page (previous review)
 Review by dogtired1278
Posted: 24 days ago
member for 221 days, 123 visits, last login: 3 days ago
Beaumont,Jefferson,TX
$54 per month (24 month contract)
about 2 days
"It has worked like a Charm so far, Only had it 2.5 months"
"None as yet"
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings above consensus)
|
I ordered my USB Broadband online. While I have only had it for a little over two months It was easy to install and has worked like a champ every time I use it. While the ads seem to say it is unlimited service for around 54.00 I did see that the service is limited to 4g per month. That is not bad for just surfing the web, but if you were to do a lot of downloads it could start adding up after the 4gig.
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Verizon Wireless Broadband |
| »next review in page (previous review)
Review by kingfisher
Posted: 24 days ago
member for 1 year, 386 visits, last login: 1 days ago
Webster,Monroe,NY
 Business customer
$60 per month
"Has never failed to work acceptably when I needed it"
"I am usually hard wired to the internet so don't use it much"
"Good when traveling and as a backup to my cable internet service"
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings match consensus)
|
I use the service by tethering my BlackBerry to my laptop. Serves the purpose for which I obtained it.Performance is acceptable in every geographic location where I have tried it.
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Verizon Wireless Broadband |
| »next review in page (previous review)
Review by CFDFF339
UPDATED: 42 days ago
member for 4.1 years, 30 visits, last login: 28 days ago
Cumberland Center,Cumberland,ME
$59 per month
about 1 days
"Reliable, Portable, Good Speed, Safer than wifi hotspots"
"Coverage is not universal, and can vary in rural settings"
"I would hate to live without it. It turns unproductive wait times into good time use."
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings match consensus)
|
I’ve been using Verizon’s online services since they first started their “1xRTT” network. I’ve progressed to EV-DO rev 0 with the Sierra Wireless card, moved to the internal Dell 5700 mini card and now to the Dell 5720 Rev-A card. I’m also a network and software developer.
The internal cards from Dell are nice because I don’t worry about snapping off the card jutting out the laptop; but the software for them isn’t quite as good as Verizon’s.
*** The following is somewhat out of date ***
If I don’t shut down the connection and exit the connection software when I hibernate the laptop, often I can’t use the card again until I reboot. This is getting better with subsequent updates, but its not perfect yet.
---------------------------------------------------------- Updated 6/7/2008 -------------------------
*** There is a new version of this software from Dell, however it isn't listed as an update for the D820 laptop I have. It is, however, listed for the D830. I installed the update anyway given that the hardware is essentially the same. It works like a champ ****
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Although these cards connect to antennas built into the frame of the laptop, reception does not appear to be any better than using the slot on demand cards.
Overall, using EV-DO from Verizon Wireless is excellent. The “real speed” that you feel when you’re using it is comparable to a home DSL connection. I’ve tested in many hotel rooms, and usually the EV-DO from Verizon performs better than the hotel network connection.
Rev-0 EV-DO is like a low end DSL with speeds usually around 800kbps download and only 60kbps upload. Moving to Rev-A is awesome, as the download speed tend to average closer to 1000kbps and the upload speeds are much better. I know I’m seeing over 120kbps and I think I may be seeing as much as 400+ some times (not enough info yet).
I travel, and being able to open the laptop in any cab, airport waiting room, lobby, restaurant, or whatever and never have to pay the extortion for a hotspot is sweet. Its just “there”. It is much cheaper to pay the monthly fee to Verizon than pay in each hotel or hotspot and it is much more universally available. It is also nice to know what I’m connecting to. I don’t like to hunt down open hotspots because you don’t know who’s using them to capture data.
The best thing is the hundreds of hours spent waiting for my kids at one soccer practice or another; while I’m just there with nothing to do for two hours (they don’t like parents at the practices to be involved). Open the laptop and I’ve got DSL speeds.
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Verizon Wireless Broadband |
| »next review in page (previous review)
Review by clementw
Posted: 56 days ago
member for 271 days, 1 visits, last login: 56 days ago
Cocoa,Brevard,FL
Contract price not specified.
"easey setup"
"monthly cap"
"wast of money, go with one of the other wireless providers"
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings match consensus)
|
Tried Verizon(2007) but they dropped me without warning while i was transferring my email off of my home server to Gmail. They just cut it off and dropped a letter in snailmail. It took a couple of phone calls for them to tell me, we're canceling you because you actually use it.
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Verizon Wireless Broadband |
| »next review in page (previous review)
 Review by bigdawwg
UPDATED: 62 days ago
member for 7.3 years, 1388 visits, last login: a few hours ago
Newton,Newton,TX
$59 per month (24 month contract)
about 6 days
"Low latency, decent reliable speeds, no rain fade-outs, good price"
"Low to medium signal strength, speeds could be better."
"Good reliable connection at a good price."
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings above consensus)
|
I was reluctant to order the broadband access package because of the distance from my residence to the tower. I did a lot of research, and decided to give it a try since Verizon offered a 30 trial. I have noticed that on a couple occasions, bad weather seemed to have an effect on my signal strength, but it wasn't that bad.
I now have passed my 30 day trial, and decided to keep the service. I am using a Wilson Omni antenna, and recently ordered a Wilson 811210 Amplifier. I was doing ok, with 2 bars of Broadband Access Rev A, but figured I could get more signal with the booster. I will update my review after I have had my amplifier for a few days.
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Verizon Wireless Broadband |
| »next review in page (previous review)
Review by flyingroach
Posted: 67 days ago
member for 4.6 years, 674 visits, last login: 16 days ago
Brooklyn,Kings,NY
$100 per month (2 month contract)
about 1 days
"slightly stronger signal in some areas of NYC and upstate NY"
"Big $, slower then my Sprint treo teathered"
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings match consensus)
|
Verizon BlackBerry 8830, usb teather (no Bluetooth DUN? looks like) using Vista Business Not Rev A and it seems slower most times. The Rev A usb modem works faster in my area
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Verizon Wireless Broadband |
| »next review in page (previous review)
Review by DonG
Posted: 73 days ago
member for 2.4 years, 117 visits, last login: 21 days ago
Calhan,El Paso,CO
$90 per month (24 month contract)
"Easy setup"
"Slow speeds"
"Not worth $90 a month!"
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings match consensus)
|
Verizon Wireless UM150 USB modem. The basic service is $59.99 per month, but other charges, taxes, etc. bring the cost for service to between $85 and $90 per month with a two-year contract.
The sales person on the phone told me I should get 800 kbps to 1.4 mbps download speeds. I was really looking forward to this as my present FairPoint DSL service is terrible here, about 50 miles east of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
However, what I actually GET with the Verizon Wireless modem is 200 kbps to 540 kbps. The lower speeds being east coast, and the higher speeds being west coast. Very disappointing.
Sent an e-mail to the sales person and never got a reply. Sent an e-mail to tech support and it took them two days to reply. None of their suggestions helped. So, it looks like I'll be taking them up on their 30-day return policy.
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Verizon Wireless Broadband |
| »next page (previous review)
Review by weaseled386
Posted: 73 days ago
member for 97 days, 122 visits, last login: a few hours ago
Port Orange,Volusia,FL
Business customer
$60 per month (24 month contract)
about 1 days
"Very fast for being cellular!"
"Expensive."
"If you need access on the road don't look anywhere else!"
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings match consensus)
|
I work in the telecom field, and I'm constantly on the road checking jobs & remotely logging into systems for testing. With my job 100% uptime is a absolute must.
I first went to (the former) Cingular since I have my cell phone through them. I won't go into details since this isn't their review, but the experience was poor at best. I returned their card and went straight to Verizon.
I've had this service for a total of 3 years. For the first two years I used one of their PCMCIA cards that was excellent. It wasn't very obtrusive, and it had amazing reception. I then moved to a laptop with an expresscard slot and was forced to move to a USB solution. The USB card is REV-A compatible which added around 20kbs to my UL & DL speeds. In Metro areas I'm consistantly around 125kbs.
The only CON is that they require a 2 year contract for the $60.00 price. If you press hard enough you can get 1 year contracts, but the price of the hardware is higher and your monthly fee is $80.00. However, this is for the UNLIMITED plan. They also offer pay as you go....
My other option was Sprint-Nextel, which I briefly had. While Sprint-Nextel was a little quicker, the coverage and software wasn't nearly as good.
As stated as my "bottom line" if you need quick an constant on the road access I believe Verizon is the way to go.
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Verizon Wireless Broadband |
|
|
Verizon Wireless Broadband
·
·
·
·