Subject: AT&T DSL Info - No landline needed
From: Jim Thomas (jthomas@math.niu.edu)
Date: Wed Jun 11 2008 - 14:47:49 CDT
I called AT&T today to check on DSL without a landline. Here's a summary
of the conversation:
--The AT&T/DSL general info as at:
--It *is* possible to get DSL *without* a landline; there is no
commitment for landline service. However, they indicated that you
would have to call at&t to set it up. You can't do it no-landline
online. The number for service or information: 800-288-2020
--As long as there is a jack in the unit, and there should be jacks in
all units (the number and location will vary depending on what the
original owner installed), DSL service can be started without having
technicians enter the unit. If you want a new jack placed where there
isn't one, then there will be a fee.
--There is no activation fee.
--A standard modem (that you purchase) is $49.99. Ask if there is
promotional discounts. The wireless/home networking modem is $79.99.
Monthly fees *without* landline:
--$19.95 for basic (about the same speed as Roddy's, maybe a bit
faster; We're not sure what speed he's getting on his new system).
For the other packages, it's $4 above the price for a landline
(eg, about $29; $34; $39).
If you don't have a jack near where you want the computer and don't
want to string a long cable, the solution is to get the wireless modem,
a router, router and hook it to the modem, and then pick up the
signal anywhere in the unit (assuming your computer has a wireless
card. If it doesn't, wireless receivers are inexpensive). I have the
wireless modem and a Linksys wireless-N router. Works great. (if you
get Linksys, get the "N" not the "G" version).
Last I checked yesterday morning, Roddy's wireless receiver is anchored
firmly to the northwest corner of the building. But, the cable is
just laying loosely on the roof, with the excess dropped under the
receiver and the cable itself just strung across the roof to the
access point on the northeast corner. Nothing holds the cable in place
on the roof itself, and tape and some makeshift wire holds it to the
access point. Presumably, it will eventually be anchored properly. See:
http://1250westvanburen.com/Temp/dish1.jpg
http://1250westvanburen.com/Temp/dish6.jpg
http://1250westvanburen.com/Temp/dish7.jpg
http://1250westvanburen.com/Temp/dish8.jpg
(Use your login id/pw to get in to see them).
Unless it's been anchored properly in the last 24 hours, the cable
is vulnerable to dislodgement by Alpine or others working on the roof.
In bad weather, there would likely be the same disruption problems as
with the tv, and if the satellite receive ices up in winter, this could
lead to disruption or termination of the signal.
Just something to think about, since we aren't being informed of the
details of the new wireless system and we haven't been given advance
notice of potential outages.
Jim
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