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I note that many are still making their Internet connections through telephone “dial up,” and that this limits their ability to hold live conversations online, which can add greatly to their spirituality. And while I realize that purchasing a broadband connection, such as cable, DSL (telephone), and fiber optic connections are impossible for some, it could be more affordable and it could actually reduce monthly expenses if you are willing to consider some alternatives.

How much are you currently paying monthly for the following utility services:
• Telephone (including long distance)?
• Internet Service Provider (ISP)?

Here in Florida (USA), we will pay at least $60/month for phone services and possibly $20/month for our ISP (such as AOL or MSN). Yet, the cost of the most expensive broadband (cable) connection is about $45/month (and less if you already have cable for TV), which includes your ISP. And using an Internet telephone service (which includes all services such as caller ID, etc., and long distance) costs between $20-$30/month. So, at the very worst, broadband Internet connection will only add $5-$10/month to our bill here. Yet, even less expensive options are available.

The fact is; telephone companies, cable providers, and satellite providers are all locked into a head-to-head competition for your business, and this can be very good for you. Many telephone companies now offer DSL, a less expensive broadband connection, but you must be located fairly close to their switching offices to receive the full benefit. Here the cost is less than $20/month. Yet they may also offer much faster fiber optic connections (which are more expensive) and cable TV. So, check around and see what’s available.

Unfortunately, both the telephone company and the cable company also want you to sign up for their telephone service, and this is always a bad deal for you… no matter what they offer. With online telephone connection costs at $30/month with all features and long distance, why should you pay $45 or more a month for their services. Also, if you can do without hard-wired telephones and use your computer as your only telephone, your savings could be even much greater. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Thanks Jim,

Hope this info helps to encourage those folks who don't have BB to get hooked up because it is a great service to have.  If some of you have problems getting DSL, like I did, there is also a service called Clearwire (@ Clearwire.com) that uses your Ethenet connection.  Works great and costs about half of what DSL charges.  I'm on the West Coast, so depending on where you are, it might get even better than that.

:heartbeat:,
Leisha  
About 7 years ago I didn't have a choice but to have dial up. I started a "career" on ebay and I bout went out of my mind with how slow it was. I'd be so close to finishing up an auction and then whamo, I'd get cut off. I started harrassing our phone company calling almost everyday to find out when DSL was coming and I demanded to be put on a waiting list, and voila, I was the first person in my town to get DSL. The day cable internet was available I got that too. Now, I'm one happy camper.

I just signed up for Vonage today, but I have to find out about how 911 works. I don't think it works the same way as it does with landlines. It's a little disconcerting since I have two small kids living with me. It's about $60 less than my regular phone bill. But if they have a wonky 911 set up I'll stick with my current phone company for piece of mind.

Spud
About three years ago I crossed over from minimalist to simpleton. In other words, I was spending so much time "dialing-up" that it became economically more feasible to cable up, regardless of the extra 20 bucks a month. But I hung in there for another two years and I figure it cost me thousands waiting, waiting, waiting at minimum wage. Count the cost.

If your time is worth anything...dial-up is a dinosaur.

gus
I wish cable bb was available to me!

When we moved in August '06, we left behind cable bb for dial-up. There is no cable service where we live now, so we have to have Dish---which I HATE!!!! :rant::angry:

Not even the phone company offers DSL out here, and neither does Vonage. We may not be able to get broadband for another few years! And I miss it so much!

But hey, I was out for over a month because my computer crashed, so I'm blessed just to be here with all of you, dial-up or no!

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:


PS. Before my computer crashed (even on dial-up) the smileys worked. Now, they don't seem to. Anyone have any ideas? I miss being able to see what people are expressing with the smilies.

sis Micah:neo:
Thank God!

Micah...you've had quite a few worried to death over you. PM me, would ya? We need to find a better way to keep in touch, folks.

Your smilies are workin' on this end, Micah.

gus
MOst cable companies offer the "Triple Plan", Cable, Internet and Telephone, for a nominal fee. I pay about $30.00 for each service, which adds up to about 100.00 a month after fees and taxas. Pretty reasonable. Of course, for those of you who love cable and have all the premium channels (e.g. HBO, starz, Etc.) the cost if much higher. I just have basic cable.

RR
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