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Simba7
join:2003-03-24
Billings, MT | Re: Ya think Drop Alltel? They're the only ones with Unlimited Data. Everyone else has 5GB caps. | |
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| ShellMMG
join:2009-04-16
Grass Lake, MI
 ·Alltel Axess
| We are living on borrowed time with Alltel. I went with them because they do NOT have a cap, and I'm trying to figure out a way to extend my contract before Verizon's cap comes down on us. I'm in the same boat you are -- it's Alltel/Verizon or satellite. I'm a former WB customer and learned the hard way that caps are NOBODY's friend.
I'd like to see Google use it's corporate weight as leverage against these caps. | |
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trebzon
join:2001-09-03
Grandville, MI
 ·AT&T Yahoo
| Re: Ya think said by ShellMMG  :I'd like to see Google use it's corporate weight as leverage against these caps. I would love to see that as well but don't hold your breath. Remember this is the industry that think Google should pay for the pipes as well. Let me see...I already paid for the pipes myself *TWICE*. Once as a subscriber and second as a tax payer.
If the companies don't begin to at least pretend to serve the public good along with profit I say we take the spectrum back. You guys keep your lousy pipes but we will hold the spectrum and allow it to be used by those who don't abuse that right.
It is our spectrum not yours you jerks! | |
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Piggie
I Actually use Windstream
Premium
join:2005-11-23
Orange Springs, FL
 ·HughesNet Satellit..
·Windstream
| Re: Ya think said by trebzon :If the companies don't begin to at least pretend to serve the public good along with profit I say we take the spectrum back. You guys keep your lousy pipes but we will hold the spectrum and allow it to be used by those who don't abuse that right. It is our spectrum not yours you jerks! Considering we just did give up public airwave free bandwidth called TV channels to the cell companies, it seems to be heading the wrong direction.
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| Speedstream 4200 Modem - 3m/384 plan | W98-W2KSP4-XPSP2 - All AMD | Buffalo WHR G54S with Tomato 1.18 | 3 downstream switches feeding 6 total clients (no wireless) | Including the Data port on the side of my neck | | |
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| | elray
join:2000-12-16
Santa Monica, CA
·SONIC.NET
 ·RoadRunner Cable
·Verizon Online DSL
| said by ShellMMG :We are living on borrowed time with Alltel. I went with them because they do NOT have a cap, and I'm trying to figure out a way to extend my contract before Verizon's cap comes down on us. I'm in the same boat you are -- it's Alltel/Verizon or satellite. I'm a former WB customer and learned the hard way that caps are NOBODY's friend. I'd like to see Google use it's corporate weight as leverage against these caps. Its my spectrum too. I suspect, if we all wanted to use it as you do, that the effective cap would be much lower than 5GB.
Caps make sense on today's 3G. The $60 monthly charge may seem extreme, but it is what invites competition.
Tomorrow, with WiMax, you'll probably get four times the cap for 2/3 the cost.
Today's entry-level bandwidth is 3x faster than it was ten years ago, at 1/4th the cost. Similar measurements apply for 3G used as rural broadband.
When Time Warner disclosed the terms of their cap, after the bad press, I was disappointed to see them withdraw their offer, which would have saved me, along with dozens of kinfolk, about $300 a year. Caps are friend to many. | |
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| | | sonicmerlin
join:2009-05-24
Cleveland, OH
| Re: Ya think Don't be a corporate apologist. You don't even know half the story. Regional carriers offer better data plans than the likes of AT&T and Verizon, and yet those 2 own all the special access lines that everyone rents from them to provide bandwidth for their 3G networks. It's been well-documented they put huge, huge markups on the price of the lines.
Exorbitant profit doesn't encourage competition when the barrier of entry to the market is insurmountably high.
You can go to Europe and buy a completely unlimited *pre-paid* plan for $70. That should tell you about the "fairness" of the 5 GB cap. | |
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| | | iansltx
join:2007-02-19
Golden, CO
·Comcast
·Qwest.net
 ·magicjack.com
·BeeCreek Communica..
·Sprint Mobile Broa..
| Bandwidth doubles on the backbone for the same price in what, nine months? EvDO is actually REGRESSING with the 5GB cap; a few years ago everything was cool, with DSL-speed EvDO Rev. A being deployed in many areas (like mine) and bringing competition to terrestrial broadband outside areas where cable and DSL have deigned to go. Now you pay $12+ per GB.
To compare, around here a T1 can be had for $600. That's under $1 per GB at 100% usage, maybe $2 or $3 per GB if used moderately. However bonded T1s are a bit cheaper, weighing in at maybe $550. Heavy-duty bandwidth, which can (and is) being wirelessly backhauled, can be had even here for $150 per megabit or less, or less than 50 cents per GB. The botto line: $12 per GB (and $50 per GB on overages) is ridiculous.
You might be right in saying that mobile broadband was never meant to replaced fixed broadband, but you try using a stellite connection for a month and see whether you want to go to mobile...or even dialup. Seriously, I like browsing over dialup better than mucking with sat internet, as long as I can get at least a 33.6k connection. | |
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S_engineer
join:2007-05-16
Chicago, IL
·Comcast
1 edit | Re: The Future said by trebzon :I am coming to the conclusion that true competition in the age of the mega corporation is a delusion. Its really a delusion when these mega corps are in collusion. The trends of these carriers are a slap in the face to the very people that made them "mega" in the first place.
This is a commercial for a bank....watch it and notice how applicable it is to broadband carriers today!
»www.youtube.com/watch?v=suBGbef5p3g
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BF69~~~Please stop suffocating gerbils! | |
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| | iansltx
join:2007-02-19
Golden, CO | Re: The Future Dang, I want that CD.
Seriously though, barriers to entry are way too high for entry into the broadband market, mobile or fixed. | |
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Piggie
I Actually use Windstream
Premium
join:2005-11-23
Orange Springs, FL
·HughesNet Satellit..
·Windstream
| said by trebzon :With the way things are trending Land Line based broadband will shortly be billed at the same insane way as wireless. I see no hope for improvement on the wireless front. The "free" market place has failed us. The problem is of course is that it is neither "free" nor a "market place". I am coming to the conclusion that true competition in the age of the mega corporation is a delusion. Sorry for my morning cynacism. Too big to fail, too big for competition to hurt.
Not exactly my form of capitalism.
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| Speedstream 4200 Modem - 3m/384 plan | W98-W2KSP4-XPSP2 - All AMD | Buffalo WHR G54S with Tomato 1.18 | 3 downstream switches feeding 6 total clients (no wireless) | Including the Data port on the side of my neck | | |
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hroo772
Darkness Fears Me
Premium
join:2002-04-05
Mclean, VA
clubs:
1 edit | iPhone users I don't think there is one person in that 48% who owns an iphone. I have one and would never give up the 3g, its too useful. | |
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gigahurtz
Premium
join:2001-10-20
Palm Coast, FL
clubs: | Re: iPhone users I agree. Unfortunately, I do not have 3G where I live. | |
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| | Mattie_B
join:2008-05-16
| Re: iPhone users said by gigahurtz :I agree. Unfortunately, I do not have 3G where I live. What a suprise I don't have 3G in my area either  Although it is creeping towards me. About 25 miles away now....
Ironically I use my KR2 hooked to my Verizon Air Card to get 3G on my iPhone via Wifi at home and the job has a real connection. | |
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tiger72
SexaT duorP
Premium
join:2001-03-28
Saint Louis, MO
clubs: | HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
right. | |
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| Michael C
join:2009-06-26
Cedar Park, TX
| Well.....I have a 1st gen iPhone and what's kept me from upgrading to a 3G or 3GS is the higher cost for the data plan. Frankly I'm happy with Edge when I'm out and about, but when I'm on a WiFi network, I don't want to be paying extra for the 3G service I'm not using. Maybe when 4G comes around it'll be worth the upgrade. | |
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| | iansltx
join:2007-02-19
Golden, CO | Re: iPhone users You must have the upgraded EDGE. Around here it's 100kbps or so with relatively high latency. If it was 200kbps or so with decent latency color me happy. 3G should be coming here in six months. Of course, they said that six months ago. | |
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Mr Matt
join:2008-01-29
Eustis, FL |  Mobil broadband contracts are allot like leprosy!
 Mobil Broadband contracts are allot like leprosy! Hard to get rid of. I am sure if it was not for those pesky contracts customers would be canceling in droves! | |
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dcdeadbeat
join:2008-10-07
Washington, DC
·Covad Communications
| I dropped mine As soon as the company said that it would stop reimbursing for 3G cards, I dropped mine as quickly as I could dial AT&T. The service worked great here in DC. But $70 (after taxes) a month is more than my electric bill.
By comparison my 23Mbps down, 4Mbps Comcast connection at home is $25/month (including taxes).
3G wireless cards are too expensive for normal users to pay without company reimbursement. | |
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NeoandGeo
join:2003-05-10
Harrison, TN | . I'm still waiting on fair prices before I even consider a mobile broadband package. | |
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brianiscool
join:2000-08-16
Miami, FL | well If you can not afford to go anywhere then there is no point having 3G. You're better off using your internet connection at your house. | |
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| albie
join:2002-03-17
Decatur, IL
| Re: well well
If you can not afford to go anywhere then there is no point having 3G. You're better off using your internet connection at your house.
Because I gave up my cell phones long ago, I can afford to leave the house quite often, and when I do, I can afford to enjoy myself when I am out of the house.
What is freedom, in a free country? In a free country there is as many answers to that question as their are individuals.
Freedom to me is leaving my house, and driving and walking around unplugged and unencumbered by technological intrusion.
And if you really want to get crazy, never wear watch either. | |
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| | brianiscool
join:2000-08-16
Miami, FL | Re: well Well, this is why we need nationalized bandwidth. Then people can afford 3G on their cell phones. | |
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manfmmd
Premium
join:2003-01-14
Earth
clubs:
1 edit | Re: well said by brianiscool :Well, this is why we need nationalized bandwidth. Then people can afford 3G on their cell phones. I'm content paying for my own internet access...I don't want to pay for everyone else's too.
The Federal Government needs to start following the 10th Amendment.
edit to add:
In a higher phase of communist society, after the enslaving subordination of the individual to the division of labor, and therewith also the antithesis between mental and physical labor, has vanished; after labor has become not only a means of life but life's prime want; after the productive forces have also increased with the all-around development of the individual, and all the springs of co-operative wealth flow more abundantly—only then can the narrow horizon of bourgeois right be crossed in its entirety and society inscribe on its banners: From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs! - Karl Marx
and no thanks.
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If the road to Hell is paved with good intentions, what is the road to Heaven paved with?
Obama 2008 - Where Transparent = Opaque | |
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| | | | sonicmerlin
join:2009-05-24
Cleveland, OH | Re: well You obviously know nothing about Karl Marx if you think a government controlled communications infrastructure is communist. | |
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manfmmd
Premium
join:2003-01-14
Earth
clubs:
| Re: well said by sonicmerlin :You obviously know nothing about Karl Marx if you think a government controlled communications infrastructure is communist. Who do you think funds these government projects? You cannot be that naive.
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If the road to Hell is paved with good intentions, what is the road to Heaven paved with?
Obama 2008 - Where Transparent = Opaque | |
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chronoss2009
join:2008-09-23
1 edit | "tight economy" "worst recession since WW2"
( um does anyone know how well the 30's before WW2 went ? )
Not much further to go eh?
You Americans better start obeying the Chinese masters, or they cut off the debt cash. | |
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jmn1207
Premium
join:2000-07-19
Reston, VA
 ·Verizon FIOS
| Re: "tight economy" said by chronoss2009 :You Americans better start obeying the Chinese masters, or they cut off the debt cash. No kidding. If we lose the ability to fund our military, who will be left to protect Canada when China swoops in to take their precious resources? | |
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chlen
Ethically Challenged
Premium
join:2001-01-16
Albany, NY
| love to but can't For many people 3G has really helped out with work and it is worth the extra money to keep things moving along.
I work in IT as a developer/engineer and as any other office job you are expected to be connected all the time. VPN at home BB or whatever on the phone...etc...
With 3G I have more personal freedom, especially with the Palm Pre having a full browser. I have all my email synced and have access to secure sites I need in case of emergency. I have VPN and aircard in my laptop in the car and this allows me to stay out of the office, get errands done, and live a better life. 3G (Sprint for me) has given me the flexibility to be able to go play tennis during the day with the added bonus of getting my corporate email and connection with laptop and doing the work.
We have less meeting because everyone is connected and less time in the office means more time at home with kids for many.
I would love to just have voice cell, but it is simply not possible in the my type of profession. My cousin is in real estate and it saves him many trips and unnecessary office visits and client meet ups. In fact since I set his IT his business has flourished because it is so easy for him to control listings and clients from the golf course or from home.
Everything is on the Sprint network.
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This is not the greatest post in the world, no, this is just a tribute!
Слесарь-гинеколог | |
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chlen
Ethically Challenged
Premium
join:2001-01-16
Albany, NY
| Re: love to but can't said by iansltx :I see your point. I'd have a hard time giving up 'net access on my phone if Sprint suddenly decided to kill off my plan. I'd probably switch to an Everything Plus option, which is just $20 more than a regular plan. For business mobile data is a big deal, but as a personal deal (which the survey seems to indicate, since it's including TV) I wouldn't think twice about killing it. Then again, not everyone needs MBB for their line of work. My dad uses a Tracfone (and I get him sub-nine-cent minutes most of the time). Voice and text are sufficient; the family definitely has home broadband but he doesn't need internet on the go (keyword: need). I do. The availability of 3G in most areas has allowed me to be out of the office more and have a better quality of life.
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This is not the greatest post in the world, no, this is just a tribute!
Слесарь-гинеколог | |
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| | | iansltx
join:2007-02-19
Golden, CO | Re: love to but can't Keyword: office. 3G is a great work tool. However if it's used for mainly personal reasons (seemingly the survey topic) it's a want rather than a need. | |
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chlen
Ethically Challenged
Premium
join:2001-01-16
Albany, NY
| Re: love to but can't said by iansltx :Keyword: office. 3G is a great work tool. However if it's used for mainly personal reasons (seemingly the survey topic) it's a want rather than a need. I completely agree. | |
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en102
Canadian, eh?
join:2001-01-26
Valencia, CA | I would Drop 3G if I already had home broadband (I actually have home, and dropped 3G)
If I had 3G w/o caps, strick ToS, I'd drop broadband.
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Canada = Hollywood North | |
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MrMaster
What If
Premium
join:2000-12-16
Austin, TX
clubs:
·RoadRunner Cable
| i think the article is talking about aircards $60 a month is too steep for me. Would I get a lot of use out of it? yes, but at that price I still can't convince myself it is worth it.
There should be a HUGE discount for those of us that have a full data plan already.
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One never notices what has been done; one can only see what remains to be done. -Marie Curie | |
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macflauaus
join:2005-10-08
Nashville, IL
| I'd love to but... Like a few on here already posted, I can't because it's my only broadband connection. While being screwed over by AT&T four times saying we can get DSL, we just stick with EVDO cards. 5GB/month sucks horribly but we get by with it. I'd give up 2/3 of my 2.2Mbps for an unlimited connection. | |
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ebb0ts
Premium
join:2008-01-14
Tucson, AZ | Re: I'd love to but... I agree...it was great for years but as soon as DSL became available in my area. I switched without a second thought. 59.00 with 5gb cap vs 14.95 with no cap..hmmm
made sense to me. | |
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BlakePaulson
join:2008-08-06
Alexandria, MN
·AT&T Wireless Broa..
·Charter Pipeline
| Less Bars wherever you're lucky enough to have service! Since I can't get 3G (currently don't even have service while visiting my parents) I'm completely hosed anyways.
My hometown doesn't have 3G but it's along interstate 94 in Minnesota and 24 miles away In Sauk Centre (of all places) they have 3G service there.
I probably won't even see 3G service at my hometown by the time my contract is up. | |
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sonicmerlin
join:2009-05-24
Cleveland, OH
| FCC The FCC needs to regulate Verizon and AT&T to prevent them from continuing to put huge price hikes on the amount they charge cellular companies to rent their special access lines.
Better yet, take away the lines from them entirely. What's the point of having a giant national communication backbone under the hands of a greedy corporation? | |
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podstolom
@kanren.net
| 3G costs too much Ohh, how I love the Politics of it all. What the "I'll pay for my own" pundits forget to realize is that when you subsidize "everybody else's" internet, they in turn are also subsidizing yours. The same with National Health Insurance. Education. Welfare. Housing allowances. And just about everything else you can think of. The simple fact of the matter is that the Private Sector charges TOO MUCH for far too little value. $60/mo for 5Gig? How about $39.99 for only 250 Meg!! (VZW) or even 50 Meg (Sprint). Tethering? Another $15-30 /mo on top of the $30/mo phone data charge. Tethering should be free. I shudder to think what AT&T is going to charge for it on the iPhone 3GS.
I love 3G, but absolutely abhor the outrageous monopolistic price-fixing (everybody pretty much charges the same and caps data now). I say throw the corporate oportunists in jail under RICO statutes (racketerring laws), Nationalize their assets through siezure (not bailout) and subsidize the whole thing for cheap. Yes, I am aware of the 4th Amendment to the US Constitution prohibiting unreasonable search and siesure, but this action would be more than reasonable in my book. | |
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dib22
join:2002-01-27
Kansas City, MO
| with att its $60 for the first 5 gigs then $510 for each additional gig
on sprint its $60 for the first 5 gigs then $51.20 for each additional gig... what a value!
until they quit gouging customers people will continue to drop their services. | |
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| | ophelus
join:2004-01-11
Denver, CO
| Re: 3G costs too much said by dib22 :on sprint its $60 for the first 5 gigs then $51.20 for each additional gig... what a value! Sprint is $30 a month with the sero plan + phone service.. and there is no cap.. according to the forums here they don't even enforce the caps for the rip off data cards at $60 a month.. | |
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ebubman
join:2002-01-17
Enola, PA
·Comcast
·Vonage
| a waste of money i yield at the outset that ymmv, however, i have broadband at home and i have broadband @ work. did not want to give att one stinking cent for a data plan so i opted for a 2nd gen touch which gives me broadband in an astonishing # of places. there comes a point of sheer overkill----and paying a cell carrier for mobile broadband is, imho, a waste of hard earned moolah. | |
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duder
@rr.com
| need it i dont think so mobile broadband do you really need it what a load of crap people make me sick next you will need gps in your hand just to go to the can. whats next? stop buying this crap read a book no i need to see what the weather in china is like or some porn or some other crap save your money i said this before stop acting like drug addicts get of the net no you cant your hooked right
to bad for you good for them . | |
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Madness
A flea circus at a dog show.
join:2000-01-05
Quincy, MA
·Verizon Online DSL
| Water Under the Bridge Don't even own a cellphone anymore. Cheap landline & DSL from Verizon. If I really need to make call on the run, I'll use a payphone (remember those?). I can blab all I want for half-a-buck.
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No keyboard present or keyboard error. Press <F1> to continue.... | |
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48% Would Drop 3G Service To Save a Buck (Or Sixty)
The Future
