High Speed Wireless Internet

For those looking at getting a wireless broadband provider one company worth a close look is Cricket.  We talk about them a lot on this site as well as other carriers but there is a reason for it.  Here is just a simple break down of pro’s and con’s with out all the bull.  Do your own research in the end but this should help you get some quick facts.

PRO’s

•  Unlimmted Web surfing.  Most companies charge .25 cents per MB once you go over you limit but Cricket does not
• NO CONTRACTS.  If they piss you off then boot them.  ( I told you this was a blunt and quick review)
• Cost is 40 a month which is lower then anyone for what you are getting
• Yes 3G speeds
• All in all after using the service I can tell you it is way faster then dial-up but don’t expect it to be as fast as dsl at 1.5MB.  This is more about mobility then speed but it will work well for any web-surfer.  Just don’t expect to download large movies in a flash.
• You do save 5 bucks when you have a phone plan with them as well.  So for 100 bucks you can have unlimited phone and Internet.

Cons

• You need to purchase the modem so even if you cancel your service you are stuck with it.  I guess you could always sell it on Ebay.
• It is slower then DSL but all 3G networks are.
• You can not share the connection at the same time.  So if you have multiple computers you need to unplug the modem and plug it into the other computer.
• You need to sign on EVERY BLOODY time you want to get online.  I think it is a little bit of a pain but not a big one.  I just like to always be connected.  Every Wireless broadband carrier is like this.

All in all for the 40 bucks a month it is well worth it for people who always find them selves out of the home and in need of Internet service.  The coverage in Omaha, Fort Collins and Phoenix are great.  These are the places I have been with mine.  If it does not work well for you then youcan just return the device right away and get a refund.  Just be sure to ask up front what the requirements are.

You also need to pay a 25 dollar activation fee that you would not get back if you cancel.  For a very limited time Cricket is offering a free modem after rebate.  Click HERE for more info on this.  Just note that rebates do take forever to get so consider this when purchasing as well.

In today’s post we are looking at the difference between DSL and Cricket high speed internet access. We are going to look and compare several things.

1.    The cost of hardware
2.    The difference between Speeds
3.    The difference in Price
4.    The difference in Contracts
5.    The difference in Customer Service
6.    Pro’s and con’s as well as final thoughts

Cost of Hardware

For Cricket Broadband wireless you are required to purchase the Modem. In most cases you are given a few options for the type of modem you would like.  These modems have no difference in speeds and the cost variation is minimal.  In most cases your total cost will be around 60-70 dollars after mail in rebate of around  50 dollars.  This is the only hardware you are required to purchase.

For DSL we are going to look at Qwest.  Keep in mind that other providers of DSL will be very similar in costs for hardware requirements.  For DSL you are given the option of renting a modem for 3-5 dollars a month or purchasing a modem for around 60 dollars.  In many cases the DSL provider will not ask if you want to purchase the modem.  By default they often just put you on a rental plan.  You may need to ask about purchasing a modem if that is the way you want to go.  So the total out of pocket cost is very similar to Cricket broadband wireless.

Cricket Broadband Vs DSL on Speeds

With Cricket you are not given speed options. The max speed is 1.5 MBPS.  In reality you are most likely going to get speeds of around 756KBPS.  This is still 12 times faster then the max dial-up speed.

With DSL you have several options when it comes to speed.  Not all areas of town may be able to get these options.  You will need to call your local DSL provider to find out the exact speeds that are available on your city block.  Normally the Speeds will range from 1.5 MBPS all the way to 12MBPS.  As we stated earlier your area may only be eligible for the 1.5 MBPS.  The actual DSL speeds tend to be a little faster then the Cricket wireless broadband service.  You will notice a difference when surfing the web.  However the Cricket speeds are still far superior to Diap-up but not par with DSL.

The Difference in Price between Cricket Broadband and DSL

Cricket in almost all cases has a 25 dollar activation fee. However they tend to always offer the first month of service for free.  The total cost per month is 40 dollars for unlimited internet access.  You do have to add taxes.  You will get a slight discount of around 5 dollars if you have a phone plan with them.

DSL.  The cost of DSL will vary depending on the speed of service that you want.  Keep in mind that you are required to have a land line to use DSL service.  The lowest cost for a normal phone line is around 15 dollars but after taxes it will be closer to 26 dollars a month for the phone line.  Almost all DSL providers offer an introductory price.  This can be as low as 15 dollars a month to 50 dollars a month with a special phone package.  In most cases you should expect to be paying close to 60 dollars a month for the phone line and internet service at the 1.5 MBPS.  IF you want the higher speeds then add on another 10-30 dollars depending on the speeds you want.  While you are in an introductory period the cost can be as low as 40 dollars per month for 12 months of service, this includes the cost of the phone line.

The Difference in Cricket Contracts Vs. DSL

Cricket has no contracts or gimmicks.  This is one very big plus for many people.  You can cancel your service at any time and not think twice about it.

DSL providers:  In almost all cases you are required to do a 12 month contract in order to get any special deal that me be going on.  Some contracts I have seen are 2 year contracts.  This can be hard on some people if they run into tough times or if the DSL company makes you mad.  You are put into a corner.  However you can always opt out and not do a contract.  If you already use a land line and know you will be needing internet access for at least one – two years then it is fine to get the special and a contract.

Cricket Customer Service Vs DSL Companies

This is were Cricket really shines.  It is my personal experience and opinion only that Cricket offers way better customer service and satisfaction.  I think this is because you are not on any contract and they know if you get mad you will drop the service.  DSL providers have far more overhead then Cricket.  They also have many of their customers under contract.  This is not to say you won’t get good customer service.  Often times I hear stories of Qwest operators staying on the phone with customers for over an hour working out troubleshooting issues for internet support.  You will most likely have a longer wait time for a DSL provider then Qwest but all in all you should still expect par customer service.  Of course this is not always the case but do expect them all to listen to your needs.

Final thoughts and pro’s vs cons of Cricket and DSL service providers

So what carrier is right for you.  I can’t answer that.  But hopefully be posing a few questions your way you might be able to make an informed decision.

If you have more then one computer in your home that needs internet access then you will need to either get 2 Cricket broadband modems or go with DSL and get a wireless router.  For most people who want friends to be able to access the internet when they come over your place with their own laptop or if you have other computers that need internet access then going with DSL is the better choice.  With DSL you can purchase the regular modem and a router and then have wireless access on as many computers that you want.

The best thing I can say about Cricket broadband is you can have access to any were their phone coverage is.  This is very nice for students of sales people who are always on the go and need access while on customer sites.  You just pop in the USB cable modem and you are connected.  They are a great alternative for those who do not have or want a land line.  The biggest down side is you can only have internet access on one computer at a time.