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Always-On Internet For Cheapskates?

Posted by timothy on from the get-to-know-your-neighbors dept.

chuck writes "I like my broadband Internet access because of its always-on nature, but my usage doesn't really justify paying $40-$50 each month for hundreds of kb/s when all I really do is read and write email sporadically, light web browsing and IM. Are there any options for cheapskates like me to pay less for lower bandwidth (modem speeds would be fine) but still have an always-on connection for cheaper than cable or DSL? I have a $5/mo ISP that I use when I'm out and about, and my 2.5G wireless phone can give me internet access on a shoestring (with free evenings and weekends) but neither of those has that always-on quality. Any ideas?"

13 of 465 comments (clear)

  1. The cheapest solution... by Rick+Zeman · · Score: 5, Funny

    Piggyback on your neighbor's unsecured WAP. :-)

    1. Re:The cheapest solution... by fm6 · · Score: 5, Funny

      That answers the requirement for low cost and instant-on. But not the requirement for low speed...

    2. Re:The cheapest solution... by FrYGuY101 · · Score: 4, Funny

      Just use Internet Explorer on top of it. That should make it the hat trick!

      --
      "If we let things terrify us, life will not be worth living."

      - Seneca
    3. Re:The cheapest solution... by temojen · · Score: 4, Funny

      I believe the name for this service is "IP freely"

    4. Re:The cheapest solution... by bigman2003 · · Score: 5, Funny

      I work on a fairly large campus, with wireless access in a lot of places.

      When I am there, I turn on my Pocket PC just to see who is accessing the network at the time.

      It usually looks like this:

      Jenny Chu
      M. Choi
      Lynn Park
      Yokomoto Comp
      Sun Yee
      MaXHaXoR
      Martin Wong

      Gee...I wonder who that nerdy looking white guy over in the corner is...

      --
      No reason to lie.
    5. Re:The cheapest solution... by compjinx · · Score: 5, Funny

      They invented a new technology to combat clogged up wi-fi networks; they are called CAT5 cables. You can plug them between your cable modem and your computer and have up to 1Gbps all to yourself!

      --
      I will not lower myself to using a lame-joke sig... dangit!
  2. motionsensor + autoconnect by Lord+Bitman · · Score: 5, Funny

    feel like you're always on by having your computer connect as you enter the room ;)

    --
    -- 'The' Lord and Master Bitman On High, Master Of All
    1. Re:motionsensor + autoconnect by tverbeek · · Score: 5, Funny
      Right now Im wrestling with verizon to get me broadband. My neigbor has it and he lives on the same DRIVEWAY!!!!

      Don't get too upset; most ISPs won't even consider providing broadband service to the homeless.

      --
      http://alternatives.rzero.com/
    2. Re:motionsensor + autoconnect by Idarubicin · · Score: 4, Funny
      ("g33kb0y" and "g33kb0ycell" for example)

      You misspelled "c311".

      --
      ~Idarubicin
  3. A practical solution by Faust7 · · Score: 5, Funny

    my usage doesn't really justify paying $40-$50 each month for hundreds of kb/s

    Cancel your cable TV subscription and get BitTorrent. Your broadband cost will suddenly be justified.

    --
    The coolest voice ever.
    1. Re:A practical solution by Ian+Action · · Score: 5, Funny
      yeah but where are some good places to get torrent downloads these days, suprnova and lokitorrent are the shutdownohnoes

      Hey, no problem! Check out...

      Wait a minute... You don't work for the MPAA do you?

      --
      Why am I not rapping? I am rapping with you in a way.
  4. Try my ISP by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny
    My ISP, "Linksys", is said to have nationwide presence, and best of all, their service is free! They are Wi-Fi only, however; look around, they might be servicing your neighborhood.

    This is not a plug. I'm just a happy consumer, er, I mean, customer ;-)

    1. Re:Try my ISP by thecombatwombat · · Score: 5, Funny

      Linksys is pretty great. In my area they seem to be much more reliable than "default."