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 Review by linuxoverwin 
Posted: 1.5 years ago
member for 6.9 years, 21 visits, last login: 1.2 years ago
 Las Cruces,Dona Ana,NM
 $60 per month (12 month contract)
 about 1 days
 "high coverage, can use it anywhere i cant hijack a wlan"
 "make sure they turn off sms messaging to the cell number associated to your device. they charge 20 cents per message (spam)"
 "i like it. i use it a lot and depending on your environment (building) you get a good connection"
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so far i have been satisfied with the service. i wouldnt replace my land line dsl with it but i like that i can use it virtually anywhere (i wouldnt recommend it in the shower). the price is pretty much comparable to a land line dsl and cheaper than cable or satellite. the speed does fluctuate, but what can you expect from something susceptible to wireless interference (just like your cell phone). i havent tried setting it up on linux yet, but if/when i do, i will have a walkthrough on my website for it. i dont do macs so someone else will have to do that. on windows you have to install software for it so im not sure about using it with linux yet unless i use wine. anyway, im all around happy with it. be sure to call their support and ask them to remove the sms text messaging from the phone number associated to the account or you will be charged 20 cents per txt you get and i got a couple of spams on it.
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Review by rothenmr
Posted: 1.5 years ago
member for 2 years, 4 visits, last login: 265 days ago
Palmdale,Los Angeles,CA
 Business customer
$50 per month (24 month contract)
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Awesome service but inconsistant download speed in the same spot hour to hour, day to day. It seems like something changes. One day I am downloading at 2400 kbps and next my connection is 450 kbps. Then for the next 6 hours I am downloading at 1300 kbps. Overall the service is extremely useful and there are almost never any connection issues. I have traveled hundreds of miles in a car and had an network connection the entire time--Los Angeles to Fresno. This is using a Verizon Wireless/Sierra Wireless 595 card. Install is easy.
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 Review by beck
UPDATED: 1.7 years ago
member for 7.8 years, 3063 visits, last login: a few hours ago
On The Road
$59 per month (24 month contract)
about 1 days
"Works most places I go"
"Doesn't work if there is no Verizon tower"
"Works for me"
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Since I travel, this was the best option for me. Most places I go, even in some of the boonies there is a Verizon tower. I don't always get EVDO, only around big cities. But it even worked for me in the middle of the Mohave Preserve. It's worked way up in the mountains.
It doesn't work in most of Oklahoma. Oh well.
9/5/07 update:
Still works.  And they are expanding the EVDO and digital roaming. Last spring I had troubles with the new EVDO towers. Dropouts, can't connect etc. But once they got their bugs worked out, it's been ok.
3/14/08 update:
Still works. They have been adding EVDO Rev A almost everywhere they have their towers. So, I guess I'm pretty happy.
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Review by spbryant
Posted: 1.7 years ago
member for 5 years, 22 visits, last login: 1.4 years ago
Greenville,Greenville,SC
Business customer
$60 per month (12 month contract)
"It's the network"
"Expensive as a backup ISP, not really unlimited"
"Probably the best option if you're not in a major city"
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It really is the network. Pricing, equipment, installation, support, and reliability are basically the same across major carriers (and admittedly somewhat of a crap shoot at that). Check the coverage maps for your area and see which provider has the best high-speed coverage for the areas you will be using it in most often.
In my area (upstate SC, a small-mid size market with 1+ mil population in the 3-county MSA) Verizon is the only provider with high-speed access. I purchased a Sprint data plan nearly two years ago, and the sales rep said they would be upgrading the network within a year. As of today, still nothing. Cingular/AT&T also didn't/don't have high-speed (although that will probably change this year).
In Sep 06, a few months after I bought the Sprint card, Verizon came online with EVDO in the larger cities/interstates in my area. I then purchased a Verizon card also, and obviously it blew the Sprint card away in terms of speed. About 6 months after that, Verizon expanded EVDO along the secondary highways to smaller surrounding cities within about a 60-mile radius. I was impressed. I now have two Verizon cards for my business, and obviously Sprint has been cancelled (early termination fee and all).
I don't have any complaints about the overall experience. I had researched the modems online, so I already knew what I wanted when I went into the local corporate store. It took me about 15 minutes to purchase and add to my plan, and about 15 minutes to install when I got home (just download the latest VZAccess Manager program from their website, it's all you need). I haven't had any reliability issues, but I use it as a backup to my broadband so I'm not on it all the time. The speed varies, I usually average about 500k down at my house, so I wouldn't really consider it as a dedicated replacement for my cable broadband (and thus the bandwith cap has not been an issue for me either). I have only had to call support for billing questions, but overall (including my voice plan) the Verizon phone support has been quick and painless.
Your best option may be different if you spend most of your time in a major metropolitan area, but my experience has been that Verizon is the best option for the smaller secondary markets -- for now at least.
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Review by (hidden by request)
Posted: 1.7 years ago
(review was emailed from domain gmail.com)
Clearfield,Davis,UT
$67 per month (12 month contract)
"When not throttled and the system isn't sluggish, it actually has amazingly fast (200KB/s+) downloads"
"5gb/month limit"
"Avoid Verizon!"
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All I really have to say is Verizon's UNLIMITED Broadband Access [their capitalization - not mine] is *anything but UNLIMITED* and is only going to be less unlimited starting early March '08. Avoid if possible.
If you want more details:
Pre Sales Information: Their salesperson assured me that I could use the *supposedly* UNLIMITED Broadband Access to completely replace my broadband line. - == WRONG ==
Install process: Technically the software was easy to install. However, the usb card they sent be was defective and their tech support doesn't know enough about Macs to offer support so it took 3 WEEKS before they were willing to admit that it was likely a hardware issue and offer a replacement! == HELLISHLY FRUSTRATING ==
Connection reliability: When there is a connection, that isn't being throttled, it's typically a good quality/speed connection. Getting connected and staying connected are actually iffy, and I have to reconnect several times a day because of dropped connections. == RUSSIAN ROULETTE ANYONE? ==
Tech Support: As previously mentioned, the tech support individuals don't know squat when it comes to Macs and OS X. == I HAVE A BRUISED FOREHEAD FROM BANGING MY HEAD ON WALLS ==
Services: UNLIMITED *ISN'T* Unlimited, in fact it is far from it! - == LIE & FALSE ADVERTISING! ==
Value for money: How do I get them to terminate my service so I don't have to pay a stinkin' ETF? == ADVISING ALL TO AVOID VERIZON ==
As mentioned by J_Walker on another EVDO site, "If they're so stretched on bandwidth that they have to keep a 5 GB cap, I don't want to go anywhere near their network." I only wish I knew about the 5 GB cap before I committed to a year.
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Review by dkdowell
UPDATED: 1.8 years ago
member for 9.1 years, 117 visits, last login: 95 days ago
Bandera,Bandera,TX
$65 per month (24 month contract)
about 2 days
"Available where DSL and Cable are not. Cheaper than HughesNet. Neglible latency."
"Still needs to be faster."
"For semi- remote areas, broadband wireless seems to be the best choice."
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DECEMBER 29 2007
After suffering with dial-up for years here at my vacation home, for the last two years I've used satellite service from DirecWay/HughesNet. Cable and DSL are not available. The RF Internet service offered by Indian Creek would require the installation of a 40 foot mast.
Satellite is okay for the money. By comparison I used to pay $100 per month for 128Kbps ISDN at my house in town before DSL became available. Bandwidth has always been important to me.
I signed up for Verizon Broadband a couple of weeks ago. I ordered the service and modem online and the modem (Sierra Wireless AirCard 595U) was delivered two days later. I installed the VZAccess Manager software and the modem in about 15 minutes and was connected. As expected the throughput is proportional to the signal strength. With five bars I get about 1.3Mbps down and 500Kbps up.
Here at the lake, I get about three bars and 800Kbps/200Kbps. (The HughesNet satellite service has never done better than that even though I paid for the Professional Plan which is supposed to give you 1Mbps/450Kbps.) I got adventurous and turned on Internet Connection Sharing on my laptop. I then shut down DHCP on my Wi-Fi router and disconnected the satellite modem. After restarting the network on the two other PCs in the cabin, they are connecting to my laptop through the wireless LAN and out to the Internet through the Verizon Broadband connection. Everything seems to be working fine.
One of the things that is most frustrating about the satellite service is the latency. I use VPN and terminal services for work and the satellite service makes those very difficult if not impossible. The Verizon Wireless Broadband delivers responsive service for both VPN and Terminal Services.
Because my cell phone service is with Sprint, I originally tried using their broadband service. I purchased the same exact modem, the AC595U from them. I knew from looking at their coverage map and also knowing the kind of cell service I get up here in the hills that broadband might be a stretch. Sure enough, I got service but the majority of the time it was one or two bars and really slow. So I took advantage of the 30- day money- back guarantee and turned the modem back in and canceled the service. Verizon just put a new tower in about a mile up the road so I figured I'd give it a go.
Now I'm sold. So, anyone want to buy a satellite rig? I'll make you a good deal.
FEB 1 2008 UPDATE
************** I originally put the following in a comment below but, if you don't mind, I think it belongs here as a continuation of my original review. **************************
My small company moved into a new building the first week of January. While waiting since then for our T1 to be installed, I have used my Verizon Broadband USB modem (AC595U) hooked to my PC with Internet Connection Sharing enabling me to supply Internet access to four users on the network.
The connection has been very stable. Up- times for the connection varied between 24 and 60 hours. Connection speeds were as high as 2.7Mbps down and 985Kbps up.
The T1 was installed today and I'm it using now.
So, my experience with Wireless Broadband to date brings me to a fairly obvious conclusion concerning its value. That is, if you are in an area where your provider has good coverage and you are in a facility that doesn't interfere with the signal, you will get good service. The best test is your cell phone I would think. If you get good phone service with a modern phone, you'll probably do okay with their broadband offering.
I'm certain the equipment is a factor as well. I chose the AC595U because it seemed the most versatile with regards to using it on different systems. Also, being able to use the cradle and move the modem around seeking the best signal strength was a plus. An external antenna is offered as an option and I may purchase one for my cabin in the hills. The service there is good, but it is outstanding with better signal strength.
:-DD-:
Followup comments:  
Alex
@comcast.net
| Dissatisfied Verizon wireless broadband customer I just canceled my service, and I've been pretty unhappy for several months; I've just been waiting until my contract was up. Signal strength indoors is generally poor; dropped calls are frequent; and speeds during the day were slow. I'd often be drumming my fingers waiting for pages to load despite having 3 bars.
So I tried canceling a couple weeks before my contract ended, and they told me I couldn't cancel ahead of time, and to call back on the termination date. Of course, I got busy, so when I called back a week after, they told me I would be billed for the rest of the cycle. Bastards. So here I am, ripping them. Hope they lose more money than I did. | |
| dkdowell
join:2000-10-19
Katy, TX
2 edits | See Above I updated the original review above. | |
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Review by Shooz
UPDATED: 1.8 years ago
member for 8.2 years, 393 visits, last login: 187 days ago
Syracuse,Onondaga,NY
$44 per month
about 8 days
"F A S T, I can buy almost as much bandwidth as I want."
"Actiontec router - I replaced it with a Dlink"
"Great Value"
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20/5 Service. Installer knew his stuff.
Followup comments: central1ny
join:2007-02-07
Frankfort, NY | How did you get the cheap price? I live near Utica NY. I was wondering how you got the $44 monthly price? I see it listed as $59 | |
| | Shooz
join:2001-08-20
Syracuse, NY | Re: How did you get the cheap price? There was a special offer when they announced the service availability. | |
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 Review by OSUGoose
Posted: 1.9 years ago
member for 1.9 years, 653 visits, last login: a few hours ago
Columbus,Franklin,OH
$83 per month (24 month contract)
about 1 days
"Great Connection When you have coverage"
"Verizon does not have coverage everywhere!"
"Get it, but be ware of the 5GB cap/month"
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Got great speeds while in town, droped down to basic DSL range speeds outside the city, about 30 miles away from the city limits. However Verizon claims they have the most reliable network, however even in their own POTS territory there coverage is spotty, I could be inside a customer's home and get no signal, while outsite at my truck (Sat TV Installer) i would bairly get signal. Whole reason I switched from AT&T was i was told i would have better coverage where i had holes from AT&T at.
Price is 83.99/mo, because it was a Blackberry I was using for coverage/service, i did not have a seperate broadband air card to test those speeds.
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 Review by freethought
UPDATED: 1.9 years ago
member for 9.8 years, 1384 visits, last login: 1 days ago
Carrollton,Denton,TX
$59 per month (24 month contract)
about 1 days
"Good Mac OS X support; decent speeds; no dropouts"
"Does not include e-mail or Usenet servers with access account"
"A good option for travelers or mobile info workers who don't want to depend on Wi-Fi hotspots"
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After totaling up how much I was spending (and charging my company) for a Wi-Fi hotspot add-on to my T-Mobile cell phone bill ($19.95/month add-on) in addition to $10-15/night for hotel broadband connectivity in most better hotels ($80-4150/month), it made sense to try out the Verizon EVDO-Rev A-based cellular data broadband access.
I figured I could use the datacard for access everywhere I'd normally use the T-Mobile hotspots (American Airlines Admirals Clubs, Hyatt hotels, Starbucks) as well as everywhere T-Mobile doesn't have a hotspot. So, I'd get more connectivity, at a lower price.
I chose Verizon because they officially support Mac OS X with their software; Sprint doesn't, but gives customers a link to 3rd-party sites that provide utilities.
Account setup was quick with a single visit to a company-own Verizon Wireless store near my house. The sales rep worked with her manager to get me a discounted price on the ExpressCard34 access modem, saving $70 off the $159 price. After a week, I decided to exchange the ExpressCard34 modem for the Verizon Wireless UM150 USB modem, which is more useful since it would work on any laptop or desktop with a USB port, and not just my MacBook Pro with an ExpressCard34 slot.
The Verizon Access Manager software for Mac is very good. Install is done well, and once the software is installed, connecting using the wireless modem is easy. You can use either the Verizon Access Manager to initiate the connection, or simply choose the National Access connection profile in the Network System Preferences, and click Connect. Either way works fine -- using the VZAM software gives you connection stats including speed, bytes transferred up and down, connect time, and signal strength. The VzWireless Web site also shows you your total bandwidth used to date for the month, so you can keep an eye on your 5Gb limit.
So far, everything has worked just fine. I am able to use all the apps I want to through the connection, including Webcam with iChat under Leopard, streaming radio with iTunes, and even my company's VPN connection with a Cisco VPN client.
I'm about two weeks into my 30-day trial period, but I think I'll be keeping the gear and stay on the Verizon plan, even though the 24-month term is a bit odious to me. I expect to be needing to rely on a connection option like this when we retire in the middle of next year and begin traveling across the country in an RV, and again not need to depend on Wi-Fi hotspots.
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Review by charter_tech
UPDATED: 2 years ago
member for 4.7 years, 376 visits, last login: 292 days ago
Becker,Sherburne,MN
$49 per month (6 month contract)
about 2 days
"Havent found an area it doesnt work"
"None yet"
"If you need mobile id use verizon"
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So far all is good. I average about 1.6 down and 300 up. Rain seems to slow it down other then that it works good.
11 - 18 - 07 Well the last time I left a review was in MN. Just recently came to Slidell, LA for work for a few months and found verizon to be 100 percent better then they were in MN. Maybe its due to the storm and verizon having to repair or replace their equipment. Going to miss the quality, moving back to MN. Here is what I am recieving for speeds off of My Moto Q. Download is close to 2.3 and upload is close to 1 meg. I was actually shocked and redid my speed test over and over. All in all I love Verizon. I havent had a one issue with them yet.
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Verizon BroadbandAccess
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