In a typical household, it's normal to have a landline phone, cellphones, cable, and internet.
For some time now, I've managed to consolidate all of my phone needs into one Tracfone, for an average of about $5 a month. I've been very happy with that, and for some time now, I've been looking for ways to do the same with my internet.
Unfortunately, while I rarely use a phone at all, I am a complete internet junkie. In my own defense however, I do not have cable or even Netflix. So, my only source of entertainment centers around being online somehow.
Recently, I've been experimenting with a mobile 4G hot spot device from clear.com. It is unlimited 4G data for $40 a month, my home and most areas near work have coverage, and the speeds can rival my DSL, which I am currently paying $50 a month. Best of all, because the device is portable, it means that my iPod Touch has data access similar to an iPhone, except with 4G speeds!
In other words, for the price of shaving $10 a month off my internet bill, I also gain mobility with it! A typical iPhone alone would cost a minimum of about $55 a month. Home broadband would be a separate bill. However, with this one device, I am able to do it all for just $40 a month! Combined with the Tracfone, all of my household bills are only $45 a month (not including gas, electric, and water bills).
There is one minor downside: I now carry three devices on my belt: The cellphone, iPod Touch, and now, the hot spot device. I feel like Batman. 
Internet switch
September 13th, 2010 at 03:47 pm
September 13th, 2010 at 06:28 pm 1284398909
Toying with making changes in this department myself. Things are changing so fast and prices dropping, it's hard to know where to begin! I just can't make up my mind on some things.
September 14th, 2010 at 01:07 am 1284422852
September 14th, 2010 at 02:30 am 1284427827
September 14th, 2010 at 06:00 am 1284440401
September 14th, 2010 at 06:02 am 1284440555
Retire: No, I rarely ever get telemarketing. However, I also leave my phone powered off half the time (to save battery). Finally, I also believe that your mileage may vary, as my friends have gotten numbers whom the previous owners must have been pretty popular (or infamous). They constantly get calls looking for so-and-so. Still though, telemarketers are pretty much no longer an issue for me.
CCF: Hehe, thanks?
Baselle: Always have!
September 16th, 2010 at 07:07 pm 1284660429
September 16th, 2010 at 07:45 pm 1284662705
Anybody can use it... up to 8 devices at the same time (but it can be password-protected so that only your approved devices will work on it).
September 17th, 2010 at 06:49 pm 1284745791
September 17th, 2010 at 06:59 pm 1284746362
http://www.clear.com/spot/4g
By the way, you may want to make sure you have coverage first.
http://www.clear.com/coverage
It seems that you're seriously contemplating this route, and let me just say that, so far, the speed and reliability of 4G is still not as good as regular cable or DSL internet, and 4G coverage tend to still be limited.
However, if your family is a relatively light internet user, and you don't mind not having constant and complete coverage, then this may be a problem.
Really, the only advantage to going this route is the fact that it is portable. I carry mine on my belt pouch, but it can just as easily slip into a pocket or purse.
And while I'm here, they also have a 3G/4G combo device that is bigger and more expensive, but will be better if coverage is a top priority. 3G will be much slower though. Conversely, they also have a 4G-only just for iPod, iPhone, and iPad devices, and the advantage there is that it's only $25 a month.
http://www.clear.com/spot?intcmp=index_d_rnav_btn_2
They offer more than just portable solutions, and you can see it all on their website.
September 18th, 2010 at 12:04 am 1284764683
sending husband to do some math.
September 18th, 2010 at 12:58 am 1284767886