Please help me escape CenturyLink

[hermetic]

I just opened my latest CLink bill and nearly had heart failure.

I want to switch to an ISP that only offers WiFi in my area. I have a 10-yr old Toshiba Satellite laptop running XP. I want to buy my own modem/router but there are SO MANY to choose from. The ones that say "Wireless" that just means you don't run a cable from the box to the computer, right? I think I might want it to be able to use DSL, for later. I also want to use a VOIP service. Could someone just give me some idea of what I just basically need in a modem. Don't have Cable. Don't have a cell phone. I see prices running from $40 to $140. I was thinking around $60 for just a really basic setup.

I also see that some come with an installation charge. What's that all about? I just want to plug and play.

Thanks.

[Spirochete]

1. Don't know if it's available to you

but you could see what these guys have to offer.

http://www.clear.com/

They've been taken over by Sprint, though.

[hermetic]

2. Thanks, they don't come here though

I already know the company I will switch to for WiFi, a little local co-op. But I need to buy a modem. I don't know what to look for, though.

[Mnpaul]

3. First you need to know how you will hook up to the modem

DSL, cable or other(some cities connect via wifi). Then you need to know if the company requires you to use their modem. If they supply it you only need a wireless router. If the don't you will need both or a unit that has the modem in the router. If you are in Mn., I could help you out. I have a whole box of routers(and few modems) that I picked up on an auction lot. I would sell any of them for under $20. I bought the lot for the external hard drives in it and used one of the routers for myself so I have no use for the rest.

[hermetic]

5. Thanks for the kind offer

I no longer live in MN, though. Moved a few states further west. I just got my wireless service set up and they sold me a router which I am very happy about because I hated paying rent on one every month. Say howdy to my old home town for me.

[Sentath]

4. I work for a Wireless ISP.

I don't know if we work the same as the one you are talking to, but Usually the ISP will provide (rent, or sell to you) only the gear required for them to provide one port of Ethernet that you can plug to a desktop or router. Ours consists of an outdoor unit that contains the microwave transceiver and an indoor unit that passes power back up the data cable to the transceiver. The indoor unit has one Ethernet port on it and that is the line of demarcation where out responsibility to provide service ends. We will help with router and computer issues if we can.

They may offer to sell you a router. Get the manufacturer and model and check Google for pricing. There may be considerable markup. However this markup may support their support for that router.

I also want to use a VOIP service.

Do you know which VOIP Service you are interested in? We* can check their webpage for equipment descriptions and requirements. That way we should be able to tell you what features the router must have to support the VOIP.

The ones that say "Wireless" that just means you don't run a cable from the box to the computer, right?

Generally, yes.

I think I might want it to be able to use DSL, for later.

DSL might be what you have now? You mentioned CenturyLink. Most (practically all) routers are able to be configured to work with DSL Modems** just fine

I see prices running from $40 to $140.

Reasonable wireless routers can be had for $20(+S&H)

* Spirochete and Mnpaul and whomever stops by to help.

** It is a separate box that plugs into the phone line and translates high frequency noise into something a computer or router can deal with (that something being Ethernet)

[hermetic]

6. Thanks for your reply

You really helped clear some things up for me. I just got my new wireless service installed and they sold me a router instead of renting it to me, which made me very happy. It's all in, seems to be working fine, and now I will have extra money for beer!

[Sentath]

7. Yaaay ( :

Beer