Need to find a new internet service provider for home laptop...need advice please.

[fizzymk]

Since about 2009, I have had Cricket high speed internet service, Initially I had to buy this little USB plug in device, which was about $80. and every month I pay $60. It has been great, never had any problems whatsoever with the service, the internet is VERY fast, I click on something, and Im there within a second or 2.

But I found out yesterday, Cricket is discontinuing its internet service in 2 months, so Im looking around trying to find something similar or better (price wise). Im going to stop in a local T Mobile store tomorrow, as it looks like they have a pretty good (prepaid ) internet service, as I guess thats what this type of plan really is, as there is no contract, as long as I pay my bill within 2 days of it being due, I continue to have internet.

I have looked at WIFI, but all the available ones close to my house are either secured with a password, or have a weak signal. I have read a little bit about WIFI antennas you can buy at radioshack, but Im not sure about relying on WIFI, Ive heard the signal strength can vary widely depending on time of day, etc.

I have direct tv for my cable here at the house, but I dont know if they offer any kind of broadband service..??

Does anyone know which direction I should go? It seems in 2014, high speed internet should be pretty cheap, as popular as it is now. I should also mention Im using this internet on a regular widescreen Dell laptop...I have internet on my smartphone, but who wants to browse the internet on a 5" screen, constantly having to 'spread' the pages so you can even see anything on the sites? LOL

 

[thujone]

Wasn't Cricket bought out by AT&T? They will probably be offering an AT&T-branded version of the same service over the same infrastructure. Might as well stick with a data stick from a mobile provider since you will be able to access the network over a large service area plus you will be served by high-power cell sites. The main issue with WiFi is that most connections are being served over consumer-grade routers that are very low power and don't have a great effective range. The typical high-gain WiFi antennas are Yagi type, which is probably what RadioShack is selling, and that is a somewhat directional design so you could improve the connection strength by aiming it in the direction of the WiFi router you're trying to connect to. You will also need a WiFi adapter with an SMA or UFL connector, depending on what the antenna comes equipped with. All in all it's easier/safer to just get another data stick

 

[baggerr]

Get whoever your local cable TV/internet Co is.You said "home" So if you already have cable TV... And unless you need it for work, dont waste time money on a data card, there is plenty of free wi fi if you need to connect away from home. And if you're going to be at home, you dont need wifi, plug the damn thing in, its faster plugged in.