AT&T 3G Connect Card

I use Sprint 3G while on STX and it works fantastic.

Sorry I can't help you with the AT&T card.

I use sprint 3G also...works for me on STX

The AT&T aircard service is the same price per month (plus taxes and fees) as you're paying now. I'm not on STX, but pretty much if you get good AT&T 3G cell phone reception (your phone will tell you if it's on the 3G network or not), you'll get good coverage from the aircard.

A tip: If you want to use the aircard but need to put the antenna someplace with better reception than your computer's USB port allows, buy a USB extension cable so you can position it somewhere else.

Keep in mind that AT&T has a 5GB/month data limit. If you go over it, you will pay through the nose!

I have been using one on STX for a week. If you use it inside a building the signal often isn't that strong. Most of the time my download speed is about 256kbps. Outside I sometimes I get 600 - 700Kbps. With the limit on how much data you can download without going over your 5,120 Mb cap. Forget about streaming any video above and beyond short clips from YouTube.

Even AT&T tells you their service was never designed to be your primary internet service unless all you want to do is check e-mail a few times a day and do some occasional web surfing.

It is a handy service to back up your primary ISP or for traveling.

Jim

Thank you all for your comments and advice. I might give the 3G card a try and see how it goes. Can't be any worse than my current connection. Will report back with an update. Thanks!

I kept ragging on Broadband VI untill I got what I was paying for. 4 visits and three techs later and it works to spec.

I have Broadband, and I'm happy enough with it. I also have the ATT 3G card for my netbook. I don't use it much because I have the wireless already, but when the power goes out, it's great. I use it inside or out and around the island, as well as off island. No complaints.

Tellmeister,
When you buy the card, they will give youj 3 or 4 days to try it out. If it doesn't work in your area, you can return it.

A friend of mine has the Sprint card that connects to a USB port. Since he doesn't get much signal indoors, he connects a USB cable to the card and sticks the card out the window so that he gets enough signal. I've been thinking of getting a card, but I really don't want to have to be that...um...creative in order to get a signal.

I use the AT&T card extensively as I am an IT professional. Yes, it works great on the island. Yes you lose signal the further in to concrete and steel you go ( but still acceptable). Yes, you do have a cap, but I've never hit it even as much as I use it.

The one drawback I've found (and this may be the case for all aircards), you cannot expect to leave it powered up continuously like your broadband wireless service, as the hardware is not meant or engineered to be heated for that continuous period. It will degrade. I just received my third card (under warranty) since April.