jlsoaz
join:2005-06-17
Rio Rico, AZ
1 edit | Economics vs. Verizon Tethered I noticed that I could tether my verizon wireless phone to my laptop and get service. I don't have to take out a contract (apparently). Apparently I can just start or stop this service as needed for what works out to be $2 per day.
The speeds are seemingly a bit slower than Slingshot, for my connection, but not that bad.
Since so much of the economic comparison boils down to factors like the contract (or lack thereof) and the hardware investment, I think the economics have shifted for me and starting and stopping data service on a tethered Verizon phone might be the way to go. This would make my slingshot modem a bit of a stranded asset, but I think I'm ok with that. At least I didn't get locked in to a 2-year-contract with a Verzion data card at $720 per year for a service that I don't use that often.
This particular PDA type phone cost me $181 on a comparatively short contract (I opted to pay a bit more to avoid a 2 year contract with a wireless company to which I am new) so this sort of tethered solution isn't for everyone. However, if you are coming to this fresh, then it's possible that the costs would be lower for someone seeking occasional pay-as-you-go wireless internet use. The key for me is i don't have to do a 2 year contract with a Verizon card. I can cancel or start the service at any time, no charge. I only pay per day, I think (still need to verify a bit I think). |
