GMP cable internet vs. Verizon DSL

[Warron]

How much is it to buy/rent a modem? The main thing I need is a wireless modem, and I'll have to buy that if I go with cable. Anyone know how much wireless modems are and where I could get one?

You can get a linksys wireless router for around $70. You will also need the wireless network card which cost another $50. I bought mine at that place in the plaza with nicollettes on 235. You can get a modem there that works with gmp service as well for around $60. Sounds like a lot of money, but it costs $10 a month to rent a modem, which is not wireless. So it would be about a year and a half to break even.

On newegg.com they have a combined wireless cable modem/router for $123. You still need to buy the wireless network card though. So you are looking at around $175 for the whole setup either way.

 

[jazz lady]

Go with GMP for your Internet service.

I would if I could.

But in talking to the folks at GMP, they are offering service only to the most populated areas and where it would be cost effective for them. They did do a site survey of my property and for them to reach me, according to them, would be cost prohibitive. But that was only factoring in MY house and not the potential of the neighborhood. I don't really consider where I live in the boonies, but it is fairly rural, the power cables going to the houses are buried, and the houses mostly well off the road.

I haven't seen any studies done in my area to see how much interest there would be. It is a shame that there is a fairly upscale area in the county and the only thing you can get is dial-up or satellite. DSL is not available either. I would be interested in seeing what the cable franchise agreement says and how they are doing their actual planning for expansion. The same goes for Verizon's plans for DSL.

I did see an article about SMECO doing a pilot project using power lines for internet service. It looked very interesting and hope it is viable in this area.

 

[CableChick]

I would if I could.

But in talking to the folks at GMP, they are offering service only to the most populated areas and where it would be cost effective for them. They did do a site survey of my property and for them to reach me, according to them, would be cost prohibitive. But that was only factoring in MY house and not the potential of the neighborhood. I don't really consider where I live in the boonies, but it is fairly rural, the power cables going to the houses are buried, and the houses mostly well off the road.

I haven't seen any studies done in my area to see how much interest there would be. It is a shame that there is a fairly upscale area in the county and the only thing you can get is dial-up or satellite. DSL is not available either. I would be interested in seeing what the cable franchise agreement says and how they are doing their actual planning for expansion. The same goes for Verizon's plans for DSL.

I did see an article about SMECO doing a pilot project using power lines for internet service. It looked very interesting and hope it is viable in this area.

Here is the link for the franchise agreement.

http://www.co.saint-marys.md.us/cable/FranchiseAgreement2-18-03.PDF


See page 14

 

[jazz lady]

Here is the link for the franchise agreement.

http://www.co.saint-marys.md.us/cable/FranchiseAgreement2-18-03.PDF


See page 14

That's the problem. I'm NOT 300 feet or less from the termination of the cable system according to them. I'm a little over half a mile. There are definitely more than 20 homes per mile, so that part does apply. For whatever reason, they ran cable down Chingville Road, then go left onto Medleys Neck, completely ignoring the people in the other direction. :shrug:

If I wanted to pay the $17,000+ it would cost to get them to run it to me, I could do that, but it's NOT an option.

 

[renegadeslave]

I would suggest calling GMP for the details (301-373-3201).

I did. I was on hold for over a half hour, so I gave up.

I have a wireless card already, which is why I want to get a wireless modem. Is the combination cable modem/wireless modem compatible with GMP? Seems like they wouldn't want me using someone else's modem.

 

[pappascw]

Renegadeslave,

First of all the GMP only charges 2.95 a month to rent a modem. You will need to get a wireless router, those can be had for 10 bucks after rebate if your timing is right. Heres a Dlink router at Amazon for 8.00 after rebate..

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000088NO8/ref=nosim/fatwalletcom/103-6044380-5499052

You can buy your own cable modem for around 50.00 actually GMP may sell them for less then that. But if your not completely sure which way to go I would rent then buy. You can get the combo stuff but it's nice when one goes bad not to replace the whole deal and if GMP owns the modem then they have to replace it. I bought my modem but if it goes bad I'll pay the 2.95.

 

[911Carrera]

I did. I was on hold for over a half hour, so I gave up.

I have a wireless card already, which is why I want to get a wireless modem. Is the combination cable modem/wireless modem compatible with GMP? Seems like they wouldn't want me using someone else's modem.

You can use a "wireless router" ($75 to $80 available at Staples, Best Buy, BJ's) with a cable modem to acheive your goal.

Try one more time. 301-373-3201.

I'm sure they can help you.

 

[renegadeslave]

Thanks for everyone's input. I found out that DSL isn't even offered here and that I would have to sign a one year contract. I decided to go with GMP and they did an excellent job. They had to run a new line to my house, but it wasn't a big deal. I haven't gotten the bill yet though.

If anyone cares, Staples has good deals on broadband/wireless routers right now. And the rent on the cable modem is $2.95. Not too shabby.

 

[bennydafig]

Thanks for everyone's input. I found out that DSL isn't even offered here and that I would have to sign a one year contract. I decided to go with GMP and they did an excellent job. They had to run a new line to my house, but it wasn't a big deal. I haven't gotten the bill yet though.

If anyone cares, Staples has good deals on broadband/wireless routers right now. And the rent on the cable modem is $2.95. Not too shabby.

I just set up a wireless network, using NETGEAR products, and going with 802.11G Modem and wirelss PCI card (54MPS)it came out to $90, and a $20 rebate coming back. G is MORE then I needed, and probably could of saved some money going with a 802.11B network. I NEVER use more then 5% of the wireless G band.

 

[renegadeslave]

I used LinkSys as my wireless router. It was $79.99 with a $10 rebate, so I guess we got the same deal. I think it's a 802.11G, too, but I'm going to have four other people sharing it with me.

I also got some USB wireless cards for my friends' desktops. Anyone ever heard of or used those?

 

[Lokiskoll]

It may depend on whether you use a land-line or not. If you have a land-line phone, then your DSL will only be $30/month. Otherwise Verizon makes you get a running land line. Verizon also takes their sweet time when installing; it can be over a month's wait to get set up. Comcast, I know, will usually install that week.

Anyone have opinions one way or the other? I'm too impatient for dial-up.

 

[Lenny]

I just set up a wireless network, using NETGEAR products, and going with 802.11G Modem and wirelss PCI card (54MPS)it came out to $90, and a $20 rebate coming back. G is MORE then I needed, and probably could of saved some money going with a 802.11B network. I NEVER use more then 5% of the wireless G band.

Give it time. The G-bandwidth will soon be too little. If you want to wire your home to play your MP3s or TIVO signal throughout the house, they say you MUST have G-band. I'm getting ready to upgrade from 801.11b to .11g with wireless and ethernet (can't give up on the cabling we put in three years ago).