Free wireless phone service is a bonus in most people’s lives in this troubled economy. You can save quite a bit just by making a few phone calls and asking. A news reporter was able to lower her bills by $318/year. She was able to secure better rates from her cell phone provider, local newspaper delivery, internet service, as well as her cable television bill. So how do you get free wireless phone service? Just call your carrier and discuss the options they can give you.

We all know we love to talk about negotiating. We’ve talked about purchasing a car, lowering your medical bills, getting a better insurance rate, and how to negotiate cheaper cell phone rates and eventually getting free wireless phone service. The secret to success in negotiating lower bills is really about being okay with hearing, “no,” while also finding a way to make the other person say, “yes.”

It’s not about winning or losing. It’s about going all the way to free wireless phone service. You’ll need to find common ground and a solution where both parties win. The best way to do that is to listen, really listen to what the other person has to say about why the answer is no. Start by bringing up the bill in question and explaining that you have a question and believe the charges are too high. Listen closely to the response of the billing agent. At all costs, remain calm and cool, even if you don’t like what you are hearing. I’m not saying don’t be angry, I’m saying don’t express your anger with aggression. Remember your goal…Free wireless phone service.

Answer the no’s with your reasons why your phone bills are too high, even if it’s just that you can’t afford it right now and need a concession. Don’t push to fast on the rep, but ease your way from one comment to another. Psychology today says, “If you never hear ‘no,’ when you negotiate, you haven’t asked for enough.” Getting to no gives you a place to start from where you can find enough common ground to get a yes. Certainly the representative can agree that a small payment is better than none. Now you’re one step closer to free wireless phone service. Remember your goal.

Provide your argument logically and calmly and follow up in writing on any agreements received over the phone.

By: Philip J Smith

Broadband internet is relatively a new concept used, in place of dial up connections. Broadband internet is faster and offers a host of advantages in them. The speed is usually faster than a dial up connection, which facilitates in watching many online live shows and movie downloads etc.

There are various types of broadband offered nowadays. ASDL, SDSL, cable, wireless, satellite, LLU etc are some common types.

ASDL is the most common types of broadband used. This is delivered through the already existing BT telephone utilising a special router or modem. This also facilitates in receiving and making calls, with the same single telephone line, even when the internet is on. They use special filters called micro filters to get clear and un-interfering voice calls.

An SDSL is another type of broadband which is more or less similar to an ASDL connection, just that ASDL is faster downloading data and a bit slower uploading data, when compared to an SDSL connection, which acts vice-versa. Also SDSL requires extra telephone line, so as to not interfere in the voice calls. This is more commonly used in businesses that have lots to upload and send.

LLU is another way in which ASDL and SDSL can be provided, without having to use BTs’ exchange systems. Otherwise they are similar to the SDSL and ASDL providers.

Cable is another option, wherein the cable operator provides internet connection. This needs a special modem which is attached to the cable TV box. Another type of broadband connection is the wireless connection. This is more common in the rural areas where ASDL and cable connections are not available. Here, a small antenna is placed outside the house, which gives signals to the computer point placed inside, and this is connected to the computer. A telephone line is not required in this type.

Similarly a satellite connection is also used in places where ASDL or Cable connection is not available. This is usually the last resort, and needs a satellite dish. In a one-way connection, data can be received, but nothing can be sent. In two-way connection, data can be sent and also received from the same connection. The latter is expensive to install apart from having monthly subscription charges as well.

The laptop users mostly opt for the wireless internet connection, because the advantages are more when compared with the other types of connections. This wireless connection helps the user to be online or they can also send and receive data easily and quickly, where this is not possible in the ADSL and SDSL connections. The trend has now changed towards data card. After the arrival of these data card, there is no purpose of using the modem and bunch of wires to connect with the internet. It comes in a plug in format and also it is highly portable for the users to use.

By: Fredrick Joy

When you’re searching for the right internet service provider, you come across a lot of information designed to sell you the service. It can be very confusing to sift through all the hype, only to find that the service you want is not available in your area. This is why searching online for internet providers by zip code is the easiest and fastest way to find out more about what is available where you live.

All the major internet service providers have search engines on their site where you can enter your zip code, and see what they offer you. Finding an independent site that will allow you to search for multiple providers by zip code and compare their plans is really the best way to begin your search. With a site that compares and reviews providers, you can compare the different services side by side, rather than playing the guessing game of going from site to site.

What is most important to you in an internet service provider? Is it cost, speed, dependability, extra services, or a combination of any of those? If you are just looking for basic internet service for email and browsing the web, you’ll want to compare cost and dependability. If you use the internet for work, secure financial transactions, downloading videos and music, sharing photos, or social networking, you’ll want a higher speed. That’s where you will find that side by side comparisons really help you to decide on the right combination of speed, cost, and network dependability.

Sites that feature internet service providers reviewed for everything that affects a customer will give you a real eye opener. Not only do you find the latest promotions which can save you money, but reviews will tell you about customer service, how often the network goes down, overall cost, and the quality of bundles, installation, and overall experience. Saving money on the cheapest provider will not result in overall savings if the network goes down frequently, or if customer service is nothing but a hassle. Reading reviews will help you really get an good view of who you want to give your business to when it comes to internet connections.

It really pays to be thorough about choosing your internet service provider. Remember to not only compare cost, speed, reliability, and promotions, but also look into actual customer experience that tells the whole story! Be sure to check if there is a minimum contract required, and be sure you understand what you are signing up for.

By: Ruth Suelemente

Wireless Internet isn’t cutting the mustard these days. The 3G systems promise a lot in terms of speed and connectivity, but most of the time they just can’t deliver. You end up paying a fortune and still not being able to get online when you want. Even if you do manage a connection, the speeds are nothing like what you truly desire.

Fortunately, wireless Internet infrastructures are improving. Just as laptop computers are getting smaller and faster, the next generation of wireless connections is getting leaner and faster, too. You can now reach out for the web with a system that really does deliver speed and consistent connectivity as it promises.

The new system is 4G wireless. It is up to 4x faster than comparable 3G coverage so that you don’t have to put up with hours of buffering or waiting for pages to finish loading. Forget about all of that once and for all. You’re going to be able to hit the web on the go with speeds that you’ve never experienced before.

You’ll also get better connectivity overall. Now you have to hop between different hot spots, which may or may not be working that day. It’s a royal pain to have to walk around trying to find a decent connection. With 4G system, you don’t have to go to the hot spot. The hot spot comes to you, as long as you are within the coverage area. You can start at home, drive to work, go to lunch, and meet a friend without ever losing your connection.

Another freedom is the ability to tell your cable Internet provider to take a hike. The new 4G system doesn’t rely on wired systems to provide the initial connection to give you a wireless house. You can get out of your bundling contracts and really set yourself free from the legacy providers. They charge an arm and a leg for their service, and you aren’t getting what you want, so why not switch to a better infrastructure?

The same goes for the Internet you may be getting from your cell phone provider. Spotty coverage and expensive data plans just aren’t what is needed in today’s world. Their 3G systems are full of limits and restrictions, and you may find that if you go over you have some expensive bills to deal with at the end of the month.

With the new wireless infrastructure, you can avoid those end of month bill worries and get unlimited access. It may seem revolutionary, but the technology behind 4G can offer you unlimited access for the same prices–and maybe even lower prices–than what you are paying with your current limited plans. It’s a definite motivation to switch, as why should you pay more but get less.

The current systems for wireless Internet access just aren’t cutting it anymore, which is why you should count yourself lucky to live in a day and age where better wireless Internet infrastructures are coming online. Soon, you’ll be able to cruise the web in 4G, bringing your world with you wherever you go.

By: Laura Williamson

New idea and new technologies bombard our lives, between television and the Internet we are saturated with information. There are times when it is hard to filter out what is real and what is not. Here is a clear list of how 4G wireless Internet is useful in your everyday life. This way you can see if it is a right fit for you and your lifestyle.

1. Right now the world is operating at a 2G speed but unfortunately this means that the data rates are limited for most of the people connected. This makes it harder for everyone to stream applications such as videos, music or radio. These limitations have prompted a creation of new and faster way to stream online. 4G is already two times faster than 3G which has a maximum of 2 Mbps but 4G has the capabilities for up to 100 Mbps

2. The Internet goes where you go. Now you can roam all over your home or your business and get a great signal no matter what room you are surfing the web from. The wireless Internet needs no wires to connect to the Internet because all you need is a USB port and the Mobile aircard to connect.

3. Because 4G is on the go, you can stream from anywhere. Don’t like what the cab is playing on the radio or need to go a conference call with a business partner no problem. You can have uninterrupted calls and radio from your computer while you travel across the city.

4. If you take your kids in the car while you are doing errands occasionally they can become very bored or drive you a little crazy. Grab your computer while you go to the bank and the grocery store and let your kids run free on the Internet. They can play games to occupy their time or chat with their friends online.

5. At home the television is not always in the kitchen but now you can bring your favorite cooking show to you, the chef. You can stream the recipes you want to follow, so you can stop and pause if you are interrupted by a phone call or anything else. That way you have the freedom to cook how you want but also attend to your life without writing down the recipes from a television show.

6. Not only can you enhance your computer you can also have great benefits with your phone. You can check your voicemails through your e-mail account, so if your phone is dead or out of service you can still attend to your voicemails. Also there is the option to forward calls to many phones, so if you are out of touch you can forward your business calls to your secretary or your business partner.

7. The service is great. 4G allows for crystal clear video chat and voice service. This is because of the mobile WiMax capabilities and they provide wide area connectivity. As the demand rises more and more WiMax networks are being built and cost are declining which allows for more area covered with this great service.

No matter if you are a stay at home mom or a top executive 4G has something to offer everyone. It is clear that new technology is here, so take hold and hop on to the future in wireless Internet.

By: Jason Tandle

Broadband phones, also known as “VOIP” are catching on faster than ever. And no wonder, since the monthly cost of broadband phone service, including long distance, is probably cheaper than what you pay to your phone company for just a dial tone. Yes of course you need a highspeed Internet connection that you connect your broadband phone to, but a majority of homes have that anyway, so this is just another service that takes a minimal amount of that speed away, and only uses it when you are having an active conversation on that phone.

Yes, broadband phone service is extremely popular. In fact, about a year ago the number of new phone activations in the US that were broadband phones or VOIP phones surpassed the number of new traditional phone services for the first time in history! Yes, there are advantages, as well as some neat features offered by some (not all) of the broadband vendors. But there are also some disadvantages, so let’s take a brief look at both angles.

The Advantages

As stated earlier, broadband phone service is significantly cheaper than traditional phone service. Most broadband phone services include “unlimited” long distance calling in the continental US, as well as locally. With traditional phones, you either pay a huge premium for the unlimited feature, or even with a discount long distance plan, you are still paying about 2.5 to 3 cents per minute (or more) for long distance calls.

There are many vendors and companies offering residential broadband phone service, it seems like everyone wants to get in on this. But from what I have observed, the most expensive place to get it is from your cable company! Yes, your cable company, the same one who provides you with cable TV and maybe also cable Internet service, will typically offer you broadband phone service for almost TWICE what you can get it for elsewhere. It pays to be a knowledgeable shopper!

Yes, almost everyone has heard of Vonage, and this service can be purchased at places like Best Buy, Circuit City, even Walmart. But again, you are paying about 20% more than you need to, if you realized what else is available out there.

For long distance, some broadband phone plans include Canada for the unlimited calling area, and some also include Puerto Rico. Some like Packet8 have separate plans to allow you to call Europe and/or Asia. Be aware of where you want to call and verify if that is included in the carrier’s plan.

A word regarding the “unlimited” part – it’s not really unlimited, at least not according to the definition of unlimited that I read in my Funk & Wagnall. Most carriers allow about 3000 to 4000 minutes per month, then they may call you and ask you about such excessive usage, maybe thinking you are a business (higher rate) or using some kind of auto-dialer (a strict no-no).

The Disadvantages

Remember that with broadband phone service, you make and receive you calls via your highspeed Internet connection. You need to have a GOOD connection, not on the fringe areas of DSL. And if all you can get is satellite Internet, then hang it up, because VOIP on satellite is not going to be pretty at all.

Since you are using your Internet connection, it should be stated that if your Internet connection goes down, so does your broadband phone. That’s right, so if you need phone service and your Internet connection is not reliable, you may want to think twice about VOIP phone service.

Do you run part of your business from your home? If so, is fax any part of that? Today, from virtually any carrier on the planet, fax is not reliably supported, sending or receiving, via a broadband phone connection. If fax is important to you, you will want to have a phone line from the phone company dedicated to your fax machine, or subscribe to one of the online fax services.

Broadband phone service can save you a bundle, but you need to understand your usage requirements and needs before selecting which carrier is best. It is more, MUCH more than different carriers just having different pricing. You need to look at the whole package to ensure you are getting what you think you are paying for.

By: Jon Arnold

When the cell phone first hit the market, it was not intended to replace the home phone. However, in 2009 that is exactly what happened. For the first time since its invention, the home phone became less popular than another form of communication, the cell phone. With more and more people of more ages signing up for cell phone plans every year, the need to pay double for essentially the same service just isn’t there. Home phones are seen more often than not as an emergency backup, and are rarely used as a prime phone line anymore. Now the question is whether or not something similar is happening in the world of internet connectivity.

For many years people have used internet at home, or at work exclusively. With time, Wi-Fi hotspots, public internet cafes and private computer labs have gained popularity. Much of the market for such services has been driven by the fact that the internet is no longer something that people simply sign onto for casual communication or entertainment, but something they actively need on a regular basis throughout the day. People need to access the internet for school, for work, or to make important connections, and find themselves constantly seeking out a viable source. It’s high time that the internet’s equivalent to the cell phone set internet users everywhere free.

Of course there are services like 3g wireless, but the fact of the matter is that a full broadband connection is required, not just an abridged version of what would be considered a fully functional high speed connection. That’s where 4g wireless comes into play. With download speeds being tested for 4g networks between 6Mbps and 12Mbps, these mobile networks are fast approaching the point where they could conceivably equal and even surpass the functionality of terrestrial networks. However, there are still things the very best T1, T3, DSL and cable networks can do that mobile internet can’t.

That brings the average internet user to the question of whether 4g wireless is a service to be switched to, or one to add onto the list of technology services to which one subscribes each and every month or year. Should the latest mobile internet technology be used only for when ‘on the go,’ ‘out and about’ town, or should it be considered a replacement for a terrestrial broadband connection? Of course, the answers to these questions will vary widely depending on the user. Specific needs necessitate different internet connections, and for now, that is likely the best answer any internet user will get. Budget and availability concerns will play into the equation as well, with bigger budgets allowing for multiple internet connections. The average home phone line only costs a small amount of money per month to maintain, while a terrestrial internet connection can be quite expensive, meaning that the various services are likely to be in direct competition in the near future. For now, the average internet customer should feel optimistic that the world of internet connectivity is finally offering up and offering something everyone could use a little more of: choice.

By: Jason Tandle

Wireless internet is the most preferred form of internet connectivity today. With more people using laptops, connecting to the internet is easier and more convenient through the use of wireless routers. However, this system is also prone to hacking. Wireless networks might be infiltrated by hackers who want to take advantage of your internet or what you might have in your computer.

One way to check if someone is using your internet is to notice the speed of your internet transmission. Call your local internet provider and find out if there is something wrong with your connectivity. If there isn’t, your slow connection might be caused by an outside party trying to leech wireless internet from you.

Here is how to confirm this suspicion:

Step 1: Turn on all the computers in your local area network. Also turn on your router.

Step 2: Use the main computer that is connected to the wireless network and then get the IP address of that computer. To find the IP address, open the command prompt. Type “ipconfig” in your command prompt. Hit the “enter” key. Do the same procedure with your other computers so you can get the IP addresses. Now write down all the IP addresses from your computers.

Step 3: Go back to your main computer and then open a web browser. On the url text box of your browser, type the IP address of the router. 192.168.1.1 is the usual IP address. Press enter key and this will direct you to the configuration page of your router. It might prompt you with a username and password. Type the username and password.

Step 4: Click the option tab and then click “log files”. This will list all the IP addresses that have been using your internet. Refer to the list of IP addresses you have written down previously. Find out if an address does not match from the list you have written down.

Step 5: Immediately secure your internet once you have identified a foreign address. You need to change your password and the SSID of your computer. Also enable the WAP or WEP of your network so other people will not be able to detect a signal from your network. This will make your network invisible from computers.

Step 6: You might need to reset the password from your other computers as well so your other computers can have access to your internet.

By: Alan Cassidy

You might be on the fence whether you want to go completely wireless with your Internet connection or not. Going wireless doesn’t just mean using a wireless router or a wireless modem. Wireless Internet service means you get your online fix through the cell phone and the cell phone alone.

There is another option where you can use a satellite card provided by your cellular provider. The card plugs in via USB port and runs a wireless signal from the cell phone company through to the computer. Still wireless, but not on your phone, but the computer.

More and more companies are offering this service as phones get bigger and more sophisticated. People who live in rural areas often don’t have any options like DSL or cable, so the wireless satellite card is a great option. If you do get a wireless service it is a bit more expensive, so you’ll want to utilize it to the maximum.

How to utilize you wireless Internet service:

Save time and multi task. If you are on a plan that bills per text search or minute, choose what you search wisely. Don’t upload, download or have friends send you pictures that you will open on the phone. Save it for later. If you don’t have a limited plan, multi-task your chores so you can save time if you aren’t saving money.

Check your email when you are waiting in line. A person spends three years of their life waiting in some type of line, so that’s a lot of time to surf the web!

Surf the web as you sit in traffic. Don’t try to do this if you are moving in traffic, only if you are in an accident or construction and stopped for long periods of time.

Save money by combining services.

Companies love to reel you in by giving you a discounted rate if you purchase multiple services. The company you are getting the cell phone coverage with and then the wireless Internet plan will save you money. Sure, your cell phone bill will be higher because you are using text, but is it less than what you would pay for a cellular provider and a high speed internet provider?

Make sure to use the Internet.

If you need to do some research, why don’t you hit up the Internet before you put your shoes on, start the car and trek to the library. The library might not even have the most up to date information, like the Internet would. The Internet might not have the answers or the references you need, but you can take it one step further.

Many libraries have their card systems online, so you can browse their books and see what is available before you leave. Put a book or two on reserve so that it is ready for pick up when you get there. Don’t waste time looking up the index number or browsing through rows and rows of books unless you have to.

By: Laura Williamson

Though wireless networking has been used for several years, it is a relatively new feature for most people. In fact, a decade ago, most internet service providers actively discouraged the practice. Technology is eroding resistance. With increasing market penetration of broadband internet, more people are creating wireless LANs in order to share their access points. Sharing a home broadband connection is both convenient and cost-effective, especially for families.

Below, we’ll discuss the most important factors to think about when creating your own wireless LAN. We’ll take a look at the hardware you’ll need as well as how to expand the range of your network. We’ll also offer a few tips for making sure your new shared WLAN is secure from prying eyes.

Review Your Hardware Needs

You’ll need a wireless router. There are three types and all of them are designed based on the 802.11 protocol: 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n. The difference between them is speed. The slowest option is 802.11b, which can only support speeds up to one-fifth the throughput offered by 802.11g routers. 802.11n is the fastest of the lot, but comes at a steep premium because the technology is still new. If budget is not an issue, invest in “n.” Otherwise, “g” will give you more performance per dollar.

Expanding Your Network’s Range

Your WLAN’s range depends heavily on the distance the signal is forced to travel and the obstructions in its way. If the signal is traveling across open space, anyone standing within range of your router’s antennas with a wireless device can share your broadband access. On the other hand, the signal may have difficulty penetrating walls and windows without losing integrity.

The same is true for penetrating ceilings and floors. If you live in a multi-story residence, others who live on different floors may be unable to receive a “clean” signal. There are products that can enhance your router’s range by reducing the amount of signal loss.

Eliminating Security Risks

Unless you take steps to secure your network, your WLAN will remain open to others outside your home. This can lead to a few different problems. First, your broadband provider gives you a limited pipe that can only support a finite level of traffic. An open WLAN allows others to use that pipe. That can potentially reduce the average throughput for you and your family. Second, an unsecured signal allows others to tamper with it. A tech-savvy troublemaker can potentially use your online access to send spam or pilfer website passwords.

Change your router’s password before opening your wireless network. Then, enable WPA encryption. You can also use MAC whitelisting to control which devices can access your WLAN.

Whether you’re using DSL or cable for your home internet access, it’s relatively simple to create a wireless network so others can share your connection. Our advice? Invest in a 802.11g router, use a range enhancer if the signal needs to travel through walls (or floors), use WPA encryption, and change your password. You’ll resolve the most common problems before they can cause headaches.

By: Lawrence Reaves