Guess I'll Be Going Offline Indefinitely...

[2naSalit]

End of the week.

Got my rectum bill yesterday, it's due Friday, they've raised the monthly fee by $20/mo each month for the last four months, not including the increase when the rural discount went away two months ago. I can't afford $100/mo for just internet access. I don't bundle anything, just have a laptop and whatever it can do with regard to being on DU, watching videos and streaming the news, mostly.

That's 10% of my monthly income before rent and everything else so fuckit.

I love you, DU, but I am now under pressure to go offline because I can no longer afford to be here as much as I normally am - I come here for access to news and conversation because I don't seem to have any friends here in town anymore... I don't fit in with the cliques I guess.

On the bright side, it's summer and I have a lot to do since I have decided that I'm probably relocating in the next year and there's a lot of stuff to get rid of somehow. There are also lots of plans that need to be made for such a change so this will compel me to get with the program out of sheer boredom!

I'll check in when I can, like when I feel like hauling the laptop to an access point or something. I'll be around until Friday-ish, not sure exactly when they'll pull the plug, when they do, I'll pack up their shit and ship back to them on Monday.

Greed, it's what will get us in the end.

2na

[Tetrachloride]

1. DU works fine for me on the phone

I get my fix from the phone far more than a computer.

hope this helps

[2naSalit]

8. I hate my phone...

Last edited Thu Jun 20, 2024, 11:09 AM - Edit history (1)

And touch screens, especially little ones. Not an option for my needs but thank you for the suggestion.

[PatSeg]

20. Same here

I rarely use my phone and I hate using it for the Internet. Also, it is very hard for me to type on a phone.

[Prof. Toru Tanaka]

29. I use a stylus with my phone

but that makes the typing considerably slower. Like you, I prefer using my home computer for the internet.

[PatSeg]

40. I have very small hands, but I have to use a stylus

to keep from hitting the wrong letters. I really like a regular keyboard and a reasonable size screen. When I was in the hospital, I had to rely on my phone and it was so frustrating.

[slightlv]

100. I thought I was the only person with small hands that

couldn't handle that tiny kb! I hate it!!!! I've picked it up to read DU while in bed with a flare, but I rarely try to type anything during that time frame.

[PatSeg]

136. I don't know how men with big fingers

text on these phones. It is exhausting to try and send even a short message.

[PatSeg]

137. I don't know how men with big fingers

text on these phones. It is exhausting to try and send even a short message.

[erronis]

23. Can you use your phone to be a WiFi hotspot? That's what I do.

The phone (Verizon, Samsung) gets better connections than what I got with a dedicated ISP/modem.

I'm between housing (homeless except spending $s on motels) so my hotspot is my go-to.

[AwakeAtLast]

27. Yes!

I second this suggestion!

[2naSalit]

41. iam not certain that...

My tracfone will allow it. I tried to do that before but gave up as there was something prohibiting completion of the process.

I do have an unlimited plan with the phone, I haven't been able to check on it again, yet.

[Lancero]

50. My old cell didn't support tethering either, but their are various apps that get around that.

I used PdaNet+ back then when the dsl was especially bad.

Maybe give that a try and see if it works?

[2naSalit]

103. Thanks, I'll try that!

[cotdom]

104. you should be able to use your phone as a hot spot.

Almost all phones do some form of wifi hotspot now, even older ones. This is your best bet.

[2naSalit]

107. Tried that a little while ago...

And it connected but wouldn't load anything once I connected.

[slightlv]

101. I hope you can find a workaround

that works for you, 2naSalit. I'll miss see you, and I know I'm not the only one who feels that way!

[2naSalit]

106. After all these suggestions...

There should be a remedy in the works pretty quickly, we'll see. Lots of companies are closed for the holiday so I'll know more tomorrow. Spectrum won't shut me off until at least Friday. They've seen their last dime from me, I may be inconvenienced for a spell but I will feel great knowing I'm not sending them my money every month.

Kind of looking forward to sending their junk back to them.

[catchnrelease]

126. Before you send their junk back...

Take photos of the stuff in the boxes, and send via UPS or someplace that will give you a receipt, so you can use for proof of sending and it should also give you tracking so you can prove they received it.

In my area (SoCal) years ago Verizon dumped us internet users and Frontier took us over. In the early days they were a disaster, and tons of locals complained about the non existent customer service. One man ( and a few others ) warned that he had continuing charges for non-returned boxes etc after he'd sent them in. He suggested what I said above.

So, when we eventually dropped our tv service with them I did all of those steps. Sure enough in the following month or so, I kept seeing charges for their equipment. So, I called and said 'Hey, I sent all of that stuff back to you.' (And note here--it was in the return boxes that I'd received FROM THEM WITH THEIR LABELS!!) The person checked whatever it was to be checked and said 'We have no record of receiving that equipment back'. And I got to say 'Well, I'm holding the tracking receipt that show it was received by your facility on X day at X time'. Silence.... 'Oh, let me get a supervisor'. In the end they had to admit that they DID get the equipment back, so the extra charges were removed. So, even tho' it's a pain to do those extra steps it's worth it to avoid them screwing you over even more.

Edit to add--if I remember right, the UPS guy told me how long it should take to get to Frontier's facility in San Diego, so I checked back with him to get the final receipt that showed it had been received.

Good luck!!!

[2naSalit]

128. Already on that page.

[slightlv]

133. You're so smart!

We didn't even think about that! We sent back all the boxes we had, and they still say there's one we're holding onto, and two that we sent back they didn't even have records on!

[slightlv]

132. We dumped them and went with

AT&T Fiber. Because our phones are also AT&T, and Direct TV is affiliated with them, the billing is a nightmare... who gets paid what and when. But our experience with it has been SO much better than it was with Spectrum. When Spectrum shut down their office and directed us to Kansas City for everything (about an hour away), that was it for me. We're STILL getting offers and pleas to PLEASE come back! (LOL... never!). I had also heard rattlings that they were going to eventually be moving to WiFi only and drop the cable aspect. That also figured in our dropping them. Mostly, we were out more than we had service, the rates were ALWAYS going up, and you couldn't drop the darned Sports Channel to have any flexibility in your charges. I thought Road Runner was bad... Spectrum took Road Runner and killed the whole thing completely, IMO.

[Pompoy]

115. My son has a tracfone, when the router goes off, I see him using it as a wifi hot spot for the laptop.

[2naSalit]

119. I have friends who use their phones...

But I can't get anything to load once I get connected.

[mountain grammy]

157. So do I

But here I am on my phone. My fat fingers all over the place. Luckily my phone knows what I’m trying to say and supplies words for me to choose.

Please don’t leave us.

[2naSalit]

159. Oh, I'm not leaving...

I just have to find a new ISP and so I am doing that at the moment. Called my current provider and they told me to stick it so I'll be switching. I did find out, this morning, that I won't be cut off for about a week yet. Gives me time to secure a new ISP. I think I might have one, they just opened minutes ago so I am off to contact them.

Not going anywhere, maybe a brief interruption but I plan on sticking around on DU from wherever I am.

[question everything]

161. Keeping fingers crossed

[mountain grammy]

162. Glad to see this.

[DownriverDem]

14. I am one

who doesn't use their phone like a computer.

[birdographer]

84. Ditto

Medical offices are constantly texting me with links to 8-page updating "paperwork" and they think I am going to do that on my little tiny phone screen? I don't know how many times I have said the words "don't text me internet links."

[jmbar2]

2. Don't go just yet...

Check out internet service from PCs for people. I used them for a long time and was very satisfied.
https://www.pcsforpeople.org/internet/

[2naSalit]

11. That looks interesting!

Thanks, I am looking at it right now!

[2naSalit]

42. They're closed for the holiday...

I'll try again tomorrow.

[jmbar2]

80. I need to get back on their plan

I'm getting hit with the same increases as you. I was worried that going back to work made me ineligible, but just checked my tax return and I'm still poor enough.

[2naSalit]

85. Looks like a good deal...

I'm going to try the phone hot spot thing but I plan to look into this provider. Looks like they run on T-mobile network and they just got established here in the past 18 months or so which means they cover this area, according to their info.

I don't mind paying something but such a large amount for what I use is ridiculous and I'm not paying it.

The UPS store ships rectum their stuff so I'll just take it there and get rid of it. Kind of looking forward to it now.

[c-rational]

94. i can get DU on my phone just using cell service, i.e. no internet connection, and it does not seem

to use up much of my data allowance, so you should be good with an unlimited plan. Always enjoyed your posts, and how you you decided on your DU name. Hope to see you for a long time.

[2naSalit]

95. Thanks...

I don't use my phone for anything but calls and text. It would be cool if it would do the hot spot thing but I tried that and it connects but nothing loads, and I waited.

I would probably not post anything at all if I had to poke it out on my phone, I hate that thing but I would gladly use it for a hot spot.

There's a solution that doesn't involve depleting my monthly cash availability every month.

[iluvtennis]

62. My 87-year old mom had same issue as @2naSalit when the internet subsidy expired. Was thinking this would be

a good solution for her....but, they don't support California

Good luck @2naSalit as I'm sure oe of the solutions of letting you use your phone as a hotspot will come through for you.

[Niagara]

3. I'm so sorry for your financial hardship, 2naSalit

I certainly hope you see better financial days ahead.


On a side note: I'm laughing my ass off over

Got my rectum bill yesterday, it's due Friday,

[2naSalit]

12. It's called being retired...

And relying on SSI in a place where the price of everything is rising exponentially each week. It's tourist time so everything in the area has a needless 40-60%+ markup.



So all the (5) services available here all want the same amount per month. I'm not into that.

Besides, I have stuff to tend to and so I will be more motivated to get it done. The sooner I manage my belongings into something transportable, I'll be on my way. I've lived in the same cardboard box (for which I am grateful as there is nothing but my car to live in) for the last three years and I am over it. This is just another click in the draw of the cosmic boot pulling back to send me outta here.

[calimary]

33. Dare I guess it might be another pain in the ass?

My apologies. Probably shouldn't make light of it.

Hope you can stay in touch, at least to some extent, 2naSalit. Cuz otherwise we sure will miss you.

[Niagara]

34. It's difficult to tell with an abundance of autocorrect typos

I have plenty of autocorrect typos myself.


I'm sorry for 2naSalit's financial hardship as well, but the way it was worded I couldn't help myself from laughing out loud.

[Think. Again.]

4. If you have a cell phone...

...perhaps you can use the data allotment from that for some internet time?

[Easterncedar]

5. I'm not happy about this!

I hope you aren’t gone long. You will be missed.

[2naSalit]

10. Don't get too excited...

Like a bad storm, I might be headed your way.

[hlthe2b]

6. As much as I hate, hate, hate X-finity Comcast, once I dropped ALL cable & tv access, my internet access ONLY

(INCLUDING ALL TAXES) is $54.00 per month. I pick and choose among a streaming free trial now and then when I have actual time to watch anything.

I hope that might be an option for you. I'd sure hate to "lose you" here.


Oh, and another option is to add hotspot service to your cellular plan. That should not exceed your monthly charges by too much-- and lets you use your cell to connect your laptop.

[Niagara]

7. I forgot to add hugs to my reply

[Walleye]

9. Don't stay away too long, I do everything on my phone now. I have Verizon and unlimited Internet

I’m on my brother’s family pan, about $40 a month. I think I will get a new iPhone, which will add $20 a month for my bill but I don’t have to pay for it upfront. Don’t lose faith you’ll find a way

[OAITW r.2.0]

13. Sorry to read this.

I agree with hlthe2b...plug your phone into the laptop and use the hotspot option on your phone..

[2naSalit]

15. I tried to do that once...

And I could never get it to work. But I'm willing to give it a try again.

jmbar2 had a great link for me to check out but I have to make sure they serve my area.

But first, I have to go somewhere for a couple hours.

Back later.

[DownriverDem]

16. Are you a senior?

There's some resonable programs for seniors. https://www.seniorliving.org/internet/

[JoseBalow]

32. I assume everyone on this site is a senior

[underpants]

67. Get off my lawn!!

[Niagara]

74. I so wanted to say this last week to another DU'er.

The problem was I wasn't joking, so I didn't reply.

[3Hotdogs]

17. Many libraries have free internet access.

Maybe, when you shop for groceries, ....

[2naSalit]

51. Did that while I was...

Living in my car. Served as a warm place indoors too.

I can't be spending as much time at the library as I would. If all else fails, that's what's going to happen.

[LuckyCharms]

18. Gee, I'd miss your presence here!

I hope you can find a way to work it out.

I'd go on my normal unhinged rant about Spectrum, but I'd probably blow a blood vessel in my forehead.

In my neighborhood, they pretty much have a monopoly. About every 3 days or so, I entertain my wife with wild hand movements and insane ramblings about how much I FUCKING HATE Spectrum.

Hope to see you back at some point...

[mnhtnbb]

56. Spectrum had a monopoly

in my neighborhood until last week. Since Saturday, I have been connected to Google Fiber! Yay, happy dance!


Not only better speed and reliability, but $22./mo less expensive!

[Wednesdays]

19. Does dial-up still exist?

Maybe there's a 56k dial-up available for $5.99 a month somewhere?

You couldn't load videos or even large pictures, but you'd at least be able to read text on DU. Just a thought.

[mitch96]

21. I don't know what kind of phone or computer you have and sometimes I use my phone as a

hot spot. I use the bluetooth feature to sync up the two.
A thought..
m

[2naSalit]

53. Thanks...

If Tracfone allows it. I need someone to walk me through it the first time, tried it before and I was unsuccessful.

[littlemissmartypants]

22. Oh, no! Hurry back! ❤️

[10 Turtle Day]

24. Some libraries loan out mobile hot spots just like books

My sister in rural KY checks out a mobile hot spot on a regular basis. Perhaps your library system has these available for loan outs as well?

[yorkster]

25. Well, 2na....nutz. You are a positive presence

here. Hope u can work around this. The hairy edge can be a drag.
Hope some of the suggestions offered are feasible for you. All the best and keep DU in the loop when you can.

[2naSalit]

58. I'm checking them out...

But some are not open today which is okay, there's tomorrow. I am NOT giving rectum another cent, though. enough is enough.

I'll get it figured out, the option mentioned here, on DU, are far more possible than anything I can find locally. I am going to see if I can share with my neighbor, I used to share mine when I lived elsewhere. Sometimes I was the sharer and sometimes the sharee.

I will be working on it, I'm a problem solver and this is just another, it's just that it pisses me off to no end.

[Diamond_Dog]

26. Hope you can find a way to be back with us soon!

I agree, internet bills are highway robbery!

[BluesRunTheGame]

28. What about WiFi at the local library?

When I lived in Kalispell I’d save money by canceling my internet and taking my laptop to the library.

[2naSalit]

55. But they aren't open at 3 am.

[BluesRunTheGame]

83. This is true.

[KS Toronado]

30. I've had several people tell me they can search for local WiFi

that is not password protected and they'll use that for their internet connection. Little searching and you
might get lucky. Moving a long distance or across town?

[2naSalit]

61. I am looking into all possibilities...

Especially some of the great suggestions here, some have to wait until they open tomorrow.

The move is to a different state, this red one is squeezing me out of mind.

[barbtries]

31. Greed, it's what will get us in the end.

It is. I've been saying exactly this for years. My son and I just had a long conversation about it. We're a sick society and many people believe that greed is good. No, it's not.

Try your congressperson to see if you can get assistance to keep your broad band. There may be a program in place that will work for you. I hope so!

[2naSalit]

65. The only elected official in office in my state...

Who is on that page is Senator Jon Tester. The rest are greedy ne'er do well cult members using the state for their peachtree dish of corruption.

[StarryNite]

35. Oh no.

I hope you're relocating to a place where you can get affordable service.

[Warpy]

36. Those are some steep hikes

I was luckier when I was living on $800/month (my PITI was $560), I'd been grandfathered in to the most basic of DSL services and it was pretty cheap, cheap enough to keep if I lived on beans and rice, and I like beans and rice. It was still grim, but that cheap, 2 hour lockout DSL kept me saner than I would have been otherwise.

One thing the Biden administration has been working on is affordable internet access in rural areas, so I suppose your provider is putting the screw to everybody because they know the gravy train will soon derail. They're shooting themselves in the foot since I doubt you're the only subscriber they'll lose. Stupid greedy bastards.

I will miss your posts while you're offline. Maybe you'll be able to get better service soon. I hope so.

[judesedit]

37. I use my phone for everything. No laptop or desktop at this time.

It's been that way for me for at least 7 years now lol. The worst part is the smaller buttons. Takes longer, but if you have a cell phone, try it out. You can speak your message if you'd rather, too.

[FakeNoose]

38. Do you have access from your local library?

Many public libraries have computers for free use, but sometimes you have to sign up ahead when others are waiting. It sounds inconvenient, I know, but maybe you can stay in touch that way.

Hoping the best for you, my friend!

[Hermit-The-Prog]

39. There have to be other options. I'm now on fiber, unlimited, 100Mbs, $65.

Thanks to Joe's Infrastructure Act. Before, I was limited to cellular access (essentially a hotspot without the phone) at 5Mbps.

If you have a cell phone, set it up as a hotspot for your laptop.

[Marthe48]

43. If you can get to a library

You could check in. I hate to think you are isolated from friends and companionship.

It is a damn shame that Internet access rates continue to rise. I cut cable tv in 2018 or 2019 and my bill dropped from $150.00 to 82. It is up to $96 with no changes on my end.

[onecaliberal]

44. Damn. I'm gonna miss you. I hope it is figureoutable in short order.

[Tarzanrock]

45. Spectrum has a low income discount for Seniors

Spectrum has a low income discount for Seniors. Why don't you get your Congressman involved? That Congressional Office would likely help you get internet service at some more reasonable pricing.

https://www.spectrum.com/internet/spectrum-internet-assist

[2naSalit]

52. Thanks...

I was on that program which ended 6 weeks ago, they have nothing else to offer me that I can afford. We have limited option here for low income people.

And YOU try and talk to fucking ryan zinke about it, if you can find his sorry ass.

I've been with rectum for three solid years and this is how they treat their customers. I looking for some other provider because I'm done with these greedy bastards.

Sorry but I'm now also dealing with a friend's internet woes now, different issue entirely and too long a story, just as unpleasant, not in the best of moods right now.

[Tarzanrock]

60. Why is your Spectrum internet so expensive?

I'm in Los Angeles. My Spectrum bill is under $100 bucks and I have the fastest internet they sell. I know that they offer lower speeds for $49 per month.

[2naSalit]

63. That's the STARTING rate...

In other words, the base rate where if you exceed the limit on data, you automatically get charged at least $6 for each additional mpcs-or whatever the measurement is. So one can easily blast through the limit and budget, for me, that might take a week.

I have been calling all the advertised services in my rural area. This is Montana, we don't have all amenities available. I'm impressed we have high speed internet already... if you can afford it.

Out here where it's used to be affordable to live even if you weren't rich is too expensive, everything is too expensive anymore so this old girl is thinking about self deportation, as mittens calls it.

[bobnicewander]

46. I would like to help

if there is anyway to get a one time donation to you to use anyway you want.

[2naSalit]

70. Thanks...

But that's not really the issue, it's that they not only KNOW that I am a senior on SSI, they keep demanding more every month. I'm okay as long as I don't give them my $$ which is my plan, I just want folks to know where I went. I'll be back, could be that I find something tomorrow and there will be no interruption of my presence.

[txwhitedove]

47. I cut cable cord years ago, and got T-Mobile wifi. They send you router, only $40-45 per month.

More dependable than Comcast or Xfinity and they don't jack the price up every other month. For TV, one time purchase of Amazon firestick gets lots of channels.

[Doc Sportello]

48. Hope you find a solution so we don't lose you

ATT has a senior program but the downside is less bandwidth. Sounds like you don't use much so it fit you.

[llmart]

57. AT&T tried to raise my rate twice in two months.

I don't take stuff like that sitting down. I filed a complaint with the BBB (this was the second complaint I've filed against them in a few years) and immediately got a call from an AT&T VP asking me what they could do to keep me. I told them to put my rate back to where it was which was $45 a month and they did. It's only for one year, but that's a start. They also increase my plan to a higher speed.

We have only two options in our neighborhood - Comcast or AT&T.

[Daylily]

78. Just did that to me!

They just did that to me. I’m looking into a new service from Mercury. More gigs and faster speeds for $50 a month. I’m now at $70.

[llmart]

86. The lame excuse they first tried to tell me was...

because they were installing new fiber optic for their customers. I had already checked to see if my neighborhood was getting any new fiber optic line and was told no. So I flat out told the first person that I wasn't paying for them to install new lines for other people.

I can be relentless when it comes to corporations gouging. My sister worked at the BBB and she was a master researcher. She is an expert on holding companies responsible. She is even more relentless than I am since she lives on just a small social security check. I can afford these increases, but it becomes a principle for me. I think about all the people out there that can't afford it. It's just my small way of keeping them on their toes.

[pwb]

49. Mine went up to where it was before.

Congress pukes would not fund the internet access bill that reduced low income users rate. All I have now is WiFi, a Roku t v so I get antenna t v, you tube etc.

[2naSalit]

102. That's what happened here...

But they were raising the monthly cost even with discount so I was already paying the pre-covid rate, then they kept raising it each month. I'm not following that path to financial ruin for internet. I don't know how people subscribe to all kinds of apps and subs for web sites and not go flat broke by the fifth of the month.

[DJ Synikus Makisimus]

54. Wifi SHOULD Be Available from the Post Office.

I feel you with internet costs. My recent change of location led me to a rental with "free" wif. It's part of the rent, which is a marked change from the last location where it was expensive. However, given that rent can go up almost at a whim (I signed the longest lease on offer), it isn't comforting. There may be relief if we can elect more progressives, though that seems iffy at this juncture.

Part of the progressives'/DSA's legislative ideas to provide critical services to "remote" and "underserved" communities (read: rural and communities of color, just not exclusively) is to mandate that USPS provide wifi. Conservatives and liberals tend to hate it, because it would potentially mean lower profits for corporate interests who contribute mightily to their campaigns and PACs (money is speech and speech gets 'ya elected); but it could reach more people at a lower cost than the commercial services. Post offices are everywhere, and they're often under-used. It's very anti-DeJoy, too. It would require some USPS Board repurposing - they'd have to have people on it who actually knew what they were doing.

For those worried about putting your internet flow in the hands of the government, are you more comfortable with it in corporate hands?

[mnhtnbb]

59. Oh, no!

I hope that one of the options people are mentioning on this thread will work for you so you can stay connected to DU!

[2naSalit]

71. Me too...

So I'm checking them all out. Some are nonstarters, I am not fond of the library option because hours and stuff that follows me home from the internet on community wifi. They have a 1 hour limit for use on computers.

But some look like they'd be doable but I have to wait until the holiday is over.

[Tarzanrock]

64. The Internet is a National Securty Issue.

The Internet is a National Security Issue. My personal view is that it should be "nationalized" and run by the Federal government for the benefit of all Americans irrespective of their ages. If not "nationalized," the Internet should be bundled with Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid and/or other state services and availed and provided to everyone over the retirement age of 62 "free" of charge who wants this Internet service. With every passing day and with the coming growth of Artifical Intelligence, the Internet is going to become ever more necessary for the national economy of the United States and for our National Security. The Federal government needs to make this economic investment as soon as possible.

[2naSalit]

73. I agree...

In fact, we need to nationalize the utilities and water too.

[iluvtennis]

66. Tracfone's Frequently Asked Questions say you can set it up on the phone

https://support.tracfone.com/en/brands/Blu/TFBLB130DG/faq/3090773/

To turn your phone into a mobile Wi-Fi® hotspot, follow these steps:
From the main screen, slide the screen up to display your apps.
Note: If Wi-Fi is turned ON for your phone, turn it off by sliding down from the top of your screen to display the Quick Settings panel. Tap the "Wi-Fi" icon to disable it, then press the HOME key.
Tap the "Settings" icon.
Tap "Network & internet."
Tap "Hotspot & tethering."
Tap "Wi-Fi hotspot."
Tap the slider at the top of the screen to turn Mobile Hotspot "On." The Hotspot name will be displayed and you will now be able to connect your devices to this network just as you would any Wi-Fi network.
Note: To see your Hotspot password, tap "Hotspot password."

[2naSalit]

77. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am charging my phone right now, I was going to try it right away but the charge is low so I'll try that in a little bit. Just might be the answer! I only pay $20/month for my phone.

[2naSalit]

87. Well...

Last edited Wed Jun 19, 2024, 05:40 PM - Edit history (1)

I got all connected and nothing would load, open or anything. The intended URL would show in the little window at the top of the screen but that little circle just keeps spinning even with one single page/tab open.

The device claims I can run up to ten other devices but I can;t get the first one to work. I'll keep trying.

[iluvtennis]

120. So, you were able to successfuly turn on your Hotspot. It's just when you connectted to Hotspot and tried to

connect to a website (e.g., www.democraticunderground.com) that you get "spinning".

Double check that the WiFi on your laptop is connected to "the name of your Tracfone Hotspot" and not the name of the Spectrum WiFi.

Let us know how things go.

[2naSalit]

121. The two options are distinctly different on the menu...

Also the password works when you tap it, I wasn't asked for one. I left my browser open and toggled between the two options and the hotspot only gets 3 bars and nothing ever loaded no matter how long I waited. I tried with the bluetooth on and off but if the indicator show I have connection, I have connection, it just won't load anything.

I'll call that place mentioned in post#3 tomorrow, not open today. I can probably get that service and be fine. I probably won't get disconnected from rectum until sometime Friday. I am not giving them another cent. I'll go without first.

[iluvtennis]

127. OK, sounds good. Fingers crossed that all you need to do is call to activate the service with Tracfone.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[ancianita]

68. Love you, 2na.

I know you're badass enough to solve this shit and not give up, so just do what you gotta do, and take your time.
We'll miss you, be thinking of you and hoping the best for you. And we'll be here.

[2naSalit]

79. Thank you!

Good thing about making this announcement on DU is that... Look at the rapid response and with some good sounding options that I wasn't considering because I didn't know about them or how to access so I may have the problem solved by this evening!



I love DU!

[lostnfound]

135. DU is the best!

Genuinely feels like a loving community most of the time, which is pretty amazing for something on the internet.

[ancianita]

165. My friend...

So are you!

[moniss]

69. I hear you

and would also note that much is changing all around us and not for the better. I know some people who have families and between the streaming services, phone plans etc. they're paying over $400 per month. It's insanity. I also know one man who has no cell phone and no streaming or cable etc. He has a little old 19 inch TV that he got at a neighborhood rummage sale for $5.00. Rabbit ears. Doesn't watch much other than the local weather report and the sports report. He does like getting "Perry Mason" reruns. He takes walks, goes to the library, likes to go to areas of shops he's never been before and just walk around and he likes to go to art fairs and sit in the park and read books.

When I first met him the differences between him and those around him were very apparent at least to me because I am an observer and make note of things like that. He was not hurried or seeming to be "on the way to somewhere". He had an easy smile on his face that had no problem in quickly going to a toothy grin when I made a dry humor observation of the scurry of our surrounding companions. He was more "laid back" (there's a phrase you don't hear too often anymore) than me by a little. Moving easy as possible has been my motto since my earliest days. Part of that developed as I embraced pacifism. People around me said I'm just lazy. I smile easy too.

[PatrickforB]

72. I am sorry. I too pay out the nose for high-speed internet, which I need for working from home, as

well as cable and a dinosaur land-line.

You know, it might be worth your while to speak to your local elected officials because the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) has billions of dollars for high-speed internet buildouts. In addition, some communities have also decided to 'nationalize' broadband access as a utility and offer it much more cheaply to their constituents. I have a colleague who lives in the northern part of my state that was able to cut her bill pretty much in half by accessing this local-government provided utility.

Warm regards!

[2naSalit]

81. Thank you...

I was on that program until it ended in May. The only elected official who cares about anything I care about is Sen. Tester, the rest are cruel, heartless magats.

I had to stop talking to them so I wouldn't get arrested.

[oasis]

75. I've been using my phone since IPad

broke down.
Delayed posting for many months, but it’s crunch time now. Gotta stay as well informed as possible.

DU is a valuable source of information.

[Daylily]

76. AT+T RAISED MINE TO $70.

I started 3 years ago for $39. Now it’s up to $70 and they got that high by raising it $10 a month the last two months without a word. A company called Mercury is offering different accounts in this area starting at $50 a month. My brother is due to go on line with them next month. We’ll see how his works and then decide if we’re going to go with them.

[2naSalit]

82. Thanks...

Let me know how that works out, would you?

Welcome to DU!

[MontanaMama]

88. Hey 2na, are you using Spectrum for internet?

I have a friend…she’s a senior…she went into the Spectrum store locally and told her she could get what they call Senior Internet/Cable. Her bill was $200.90 a month and they knocked it down to $115. This includes 16 and the internet. It would obviously be lower with no TV service. I wish we had mother options in MT other than spectrum. They’re just crooks.

[2naSalit]

91. If there's one of their stores in...

Bozangeles, I would consider going there but they probably won't make it low enough and then they'll keep increasing the rates like they have been.

I am looking for alternatives to spectrum because I've been with them for three years, this month, and they just want my money, more of it every month it seems.

[MontanaMama]

167. I just got the phone mumber

specifically for the senior discount….i got it from my neighbor who is basically housebound and can’t go to the spectrum store. Also, going to the spectrum store is a giant pain in the ass and the lines are long. My neighbor also got a deeply discounted rate for his services. It’s worth a try anyway. 1-833-516-3606. He got a letter advertising lower pricing, and this phone number was on that letter.

Avoiding going to go BozAngeles is something I support. Speaking of all that isn’t Montana but is now part of our existence, the Yellowstone film crews are back here in force. Nobody likes it.

[2naSalit]

168. Thanks...

I'll give it a try, I called the regular service number on my bill and they were not budging for anything. Maybe the folks at that number are different.

I kind of like this set up here

https://www.pcsforpeople.org/internet/

For which I qualify and beats anything spectrum has to offer at $15/mo after a one time purchase of the modem at $60. You can buy months in bulk too. I think I'll go with that.

Ugh with the film crews, they'll be swarming the county seat here soon enough, not many here are thrilled since we already have the park traffic nightmare.

[SayItLoud]

89. Got my rectum bill yesterday? What am I missing here? NT

[2naSalit]

92. I loathe the company...

So much that I can't bring myself to use their proper name.

[Hotler]

142. Rectum! ... It damn near killed him. ...

[Emile]

90. AT&T just raised our Internet $10.00 per month.

No reason, but $80.00 per month for only 350 gb limit is ridiculous. Not sure what's available out here in the country, but I plan on shopping around.

[2naSalit]

93. I even called...

CenturyLink and they weren't any better.

[jimfields33]

109. When everyone cut the cord, I thought no way the

Cable companies going to lose money. I knew this would happen. It’s going to be just as expensive as having cable in a decade or less. It’s inevitable.

[2naSalit]

110. Probably by next year.

I have no doubt.

[jimfields33]

122. True.

I’m not sure what the thought process was with cutting the cord. Instead of cable and internet being one price, it will be just internet one price. I think some did save money for some years, but those days are over.

[2naSalit]

123. Somebody doesn't want us to be informed.

[jimfields33]

124. The cable companies for sure.

[Wild blueberry]

96. Our public library leaves WiFi on all the time

You can use it at 3:00 am in the parking lot. Lots of libraries provide WiFi spots all over town.
Also, our small town's community building keeps the WiFi on. There might be more ways for you to keep connected.
2na, we need you!

[2naSalit]

98. That's my last ditch option...

But I don't think they leave it on at night because of homeless people wanting to camp out there or something but they weren't doing it when I was using the library exclusively. I'll pass on that for now, it's not like it's a block away.

[jmbar2]

129. Most McDonald's offer free internet as well. In a pinch, get a cup of coffee and nurse it.

[2naSalit]

130. There are places that are open during...

The day but I get up in the middle of the night and I have little to do but go online and see what's going on elsewhere. I'm not in a very user friendly place, it's best to have your own access if possible.

[debm55]

97. I'll miss you 2naSalit.Love. Debbie

[2naSalit]

99. Thanks!

Some of the options above, one in particular, look like the answer to my issue and I will be calling them when they are open tomorrow. Might not have to go offline at all if that works out.

[jimfields33]

105. Mine is 185 a month. I feel ya.

Higher and higher. Every bill the same. Increased!

[raccoon]

108. I hope that you can come back soon!

[CrankyMa]

111. Are there any other providers in your area? Check here:

The Affordable Connectivity Program ended June first because Congress did not renew the program. https://www.fcc.gov/acp

Please read the "Fact Sheet" to see if you have any benefits left with your provider. There are some cases where you could keep your provider at your old rate for a while longer although I suspect this may not be the case for you 2naSalit since you said your bill had been going up monthly. efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/ACP-Fact-Sheet-Post-ACP-Ending.pdf

Here is the FCC National Broadband map. https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home

If you put in your address, it should show you most of the fixed broadband providers in your area. The list is updated twice a year so sometimes a provider will be available and not on the list or drop off the list before an update.

From there, you can look to see who, if any, has a special offer for new users or a better rate, of course provided you have options to choose from.

Cell companies are supposed to include their claimed 4G/5G home broadband offerings on the map as well. I know you said you didn't want to use a cell phone but others might so I'll add that if you look on the top right of the page it says "Mobile Broadband". Click on that and the page will show 3G, 4G, and 5G providers at your location. Verizon and T*Mobile limit the number of home internet customers they allow per tower and those slots open and close as customers come and go so if that is something you want but it isn't available today, try again later.

Using "Location Summary" in the upper left corner and zooming in will show areas with and without coverage in high detail- right down to individual houses on rural roads.

Finally, do a search here at WISPA, or Wireless Internet Service Providers Association: https://members.wispa.org/members/directory/search_bootstrap.php?org_id=WISP

WISPA describe themselves as "small, innovative entrepreneurs" who "got started because a nearby incumbent provider either did not, or could not, extend their network to reach prospective unserved customers, or deemed the costs to extend unjustified. For those who find themselves on the wrong side of that termination point, or in a hard-to-reach area of the country, WISPs rise to the challenge. Roughly 9,000,000 Americans now receive internet service from WISPs who use their entrepreneurial spirit, get-it-done work ethic, and innate agility to deliver the right tool for the right job no matter where it is."

You can learn more about WISPA, what they do and why, here: https://www.wispa.org/about-us/

I'm sorry to hear of your troubles and good luck!

[BumRushDaShow]

112. Yikes!

I hope you can get the phone hot spot working. Sometimes that can be dodgey (some do it by bluetooth and others by wifi).

Can't NOT have my 2na!!!!!

[2naSalit]

114. Life sucks without DU!

I have to wait for some places to open tomorrow but I have checked with everyone that shows up as a provider in my community and they are all the same. Those who advertise those $50/mo plans are so limited that you either get a modem that shuts down when you reach the limit or you end up being charged for every 5mgps over the limit which ends up costing even more than $100/mo by the time you get the bill. Went through that noise with verizon several years ago, never again.

I'll find a fix thanks to all the suggestions I got on this thread!

[Dem2theMax]

113. I sincerely hope someone has given you the solution.

Because you are one of my favorites on DU, (are we allowed to say that?) And I would really miss you!

I have a desktop, and I used it exclusively, until it died during covid. Then I had to learn how to use my phone. I've never turned the computer back on, even though I have had it fixed.

Is your phone new enough that it will allow you to dictate into it? Like you, I have very small hands, (and really bad arthritis.) I cannot type on a phone keyboard of any size. One day I noticed the little microphone and I thought, hmmm, I wonder if that will allow me to dictate texts and emails and everything else? Bingo! I'm really slow at this tech stuff.

Anyway, see if your phone gives you the option to dictate. So much easier, and a lot faster! Hope you get to stay.

Also, I don't have Wi-Fi. I use my phone as a hotspot. I'm lucky in that I have unlimited data through Verizon. I'm sure they hate me. And I don't care!

[2naSalit]

116. I hope so too...

I'll keep working on it until I find a pathway to get what I want.

[Dem2theMax]

117. Good.

Because you are wanted and needed here!

[Pompoy]

118. I got comcast to lower the rate when it got too high, call the internet provider and ask what they can do.

I just told them that with the price going up, I would have to consider other options going forward. Didn't even threaten to cut it.
They got it down to $70 for a very fast service because I use it for tv, and 4 laptops. Probably cheaper for just browsing speeds and one laptop.

[AllaN01Bear]

125. we will miss u.

[marble falls]

131. Been stewing about this all afternoon. Pretty helpless about it.

[2naSalit]

134. That's the feeling I have.

Won't improve until I resolve this which is taking more time than it should.

Now my favorite livestream site is overtaken by I don't know what but MSNBC isn't playing. I'm thinking I would have been in good shape if I hadn't got out of bed today, if only I could stay horizontal that long!

[FarPoint]

138. Maybe someone could set up a " Go Fund Me" account for internet?

Find a friend to help....maybe some DU Wizard could help as an option? This is a good cause for a real communication hardship...

[MarcoZandrini]

139. Please send me.....

…..message. I’ll see if I can help.
Marco

[Tarzanrock]

140. Why are you paying $20 bucks a month for your phone?

Why are you paying $20 bucks a month for your phone? There is "free" phone service readily available from the Federal government for low income Seniors as well as from States under "Lifeline" plans. They will even give you a modern "Smart phone." See, some of the information available at this Link: https://www.seniorliving.org/cell-phone/best/free/

[diva77]

141. Oh noes!!! So sorry about the greed problem causing you to have to lose your internet.

We will miss you...hurry back!!

p.s. dang, I missed the post where you revealed the origin of your DU handle!

[question everything]

143. Oh no! You are a bottomless source of information and suggestions

I read the whole thread and it seems that there are many specific suggestions.

If you are going to relocate would the new place offer better options?

We will miss you. Wishing you the best and hoping to still see you on these pages, even less frequently.

[Grumpy Old Guy]

144. Oh no! Sorry to hear it.

Please try to keep in touch. You will be missed, especially in the photography forum.

[applegrove]

145. Can you go dutch with a neighbour's wifi? Pay half

of their cost and get their wifi password?

[2naSalit]

149. I'm going to inquire...

With the one neighbor who is close enough to make that work. I used to share with one of my neighbors when I lived elsewhere, even the place I lived before this was a shared internet set up with the landlady which worked great until her son browbeat her into selling the place three years ago. Fucked up both our lives and he doesn't care.

Anyway, in about an hour I can start making calls.

[applegrove]

169. Hope it works.

[2naSalit]

170. Sounds like it will...

I have to give them a couple docs and open an account and things get rolling from there.

I have to scan to docs and didn't get to it today as I ended up having to give my buddy a ride to a place not so close by. Tomorrow's another business day and I can get 'er done then. I have about a week left on the current ISP.

That's what I like about rural life, there's always a tomorrow.

[mahina]

146. If it's Spectrum, I just got them to 62$/ month

I’m sure you can do the same if you care to bother with it. There is a notice in my June bill that promotions would be ending in my bill would be going up $35 a month.

I called them and told them if they could keep the rate comparable with what Tmobile is offering which is $50 a month if bundled.

He said the best he could do was 61.99 and I agreed to take it.

Cancelled TV, Only watch MSNBC and PBS anyway, and I can get MSNBC on Sling.

I’m sorry to be a bore and I hope any of this is useful.

[2naSalit]

148. Thanks for the info...

I will call them today but I am also looking into a different provider that is far less so my morning is cut out for me before I go to PT after lunch. I usually have to take a nap after those sessions because there's some serious pain involved and it wipes me out.

I appreciate all suggestions whether they are workable or not.

[mahina]

155. Wishing you all tue very best with everything!

Pt is work for sure. Hoping you are able to have access as affordably as possible. You are a big part of DU.

[electric_blue68]

147. Aw. Good luck w your eventual move. Hoping we'll see you again sooner than you think. 👍

[2naSalit]

150. If things work out this morning...

I might not be gone at all! DU is a wealth of help and suggestions, for which I am eternally grateful, and some or one of them should be the answer or bring me to it.

[CrankyMa]

151. Several Things You Can Do Today:

The Affordable Connectivity Program ended June first because Congress did not renew the program. https://www.fcc.gov/acp

Please read the "Fact Sheet" to see if you have any benefits left with your provider. There are some cases where you could keep your provider at your old rate for a while longer although I suspect this may not be the case for you 2naSalit since you said your bill had been going up monthly. efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/ACP-Fact-Sheet-Post-ACP-Ending.pdf

Here is the FCC National Broadband map. https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home

If you put in your address, it should show you most of the fixed broadband providers in your area. The list is updated twice a year so sometimes a provider will be available and not on the list or drop off the list before an update.

From there, you can look to see who, if any, has a special offer for new users or a better rate, of course provided you have options to choose from.

Cell companies are supposed to include their claimed 4G/5G home broadband offerings on the map as well. I know you said you didn't want to use a cell phone but others might so I'll add that if you look on the top right of the page it says "Mobile Broadband". Click on that and the page will show 3G, 4G, and 5G providers at your location. Verizon and T*Mobile limit the number of home internet customers they allow per tower and those slots open and close as customers come and go so if that is something you want but it isn't available today, try again later.

Using "Location Summary" in the upper left corner and zooming in will show areas with and without coverage in high detail- right down to individual houses on rural roads.

Finally, do a search here at WISPA, or Wireless Internet Service Providers Association: https://members.wispa.org/members/directory/search_bootstrap.php?org_id=WISP

WISPA describe themselves as "small, innovative entrepreneurs" who "got started because a nearby incumbent provider either did not, or could not, extend their network to reach prospective unserved customers, or deemed the costs to extend unjustified. For those who find themselves on the wrong side of that termination point, or in a hard-to-reach area of the country, WISPs rise to the challenge. Roughly 9,000,000 Americans now receive internet service from WISPs who use their entrepreneurial spirit, get-it-done work ethic, and innate agility to deliver the right tool for the right job no matter where it is."

You can learn more about WISPA, what they do and why, here: https://www.wispa.org/about-us/

I'm sorry to hear of your troubles and good luck!

[2naSalit]

153. Thanks!

I have already done all of those and have a plan that's will be in progress as soon as I finish this reply. I will call spectrum though I doubt they'll change anything but it could give me another month to set something else up. part of this being an issue is that they send my bill (dated on the 7th every month - dated, not sent) but it shows up three days before it's due on the 22nd. I can see that they want me to do all transactions online but I refuse for security reasons, I don't trust online transactions and they certainly can't have any of my banking info. Went through that crap in the early AOL days. At least I got them to stop filling my mailbox with junk mail.

Businesses are open today so my crusade for reasonably price internet begins now. I have almost all day.


Thanks for the info, I'll be using some of it.

[2naSalit]

156. So far...

Spectrum is out, called and they have NOTHING to offer me but I won't get cut off tomorrow, that - allegedly - won't happen until 7/4 so I have a few days to figure this out yet. WISPA doesn't have anyone that serves my area and the pcs place isn't open yet but I'm have them all dialed up, all I have to do is press "call". They have coverage in my are and I have two qualifiers to work with. I hope that works out because I really despise spectrum.

I tried, several times, to use my phone as a hotspot but after it connects, nothing loads... nothing.



Obviously, there is a certain faction who want to isolate us by making communication difficult or too expensive for most of us. Apparently, we're too well informed for the autocrats. The crunch is on with the election coming up real soon.

[BootinUp]

152. Hope to see you around then.

[2naSalit]

154. If any of the suggestions offered work...

I won't be going anywhere.

[Liberty Belle]

158. Can you find a way to boost your income a little bit? Maybe selling items online?

You'd be surprised what people will buy. There are probably items you're getting rid of that would take of that $20 a month for a few months at least. Maybe more at yard sales, flea markets etc. if that works out.

Some people make and sell hand-crafted items on sites like Etsy --jewelry, hand-painted wine glasses,T-shirts or whatever.

[2naSalit]

160. Not at the moment...

And I have no desire to stay with the current ISP, my phone doesn't seem to work so well as a hot spot and I have to just find a new ISP that needs less of my money. 10%+ of my income for internet is insane and I won't support the ripoff by paying it even once. Screw that noise.

[William769]

163. Please say it isn't so!

[2naSalit]

164. Okay...

It isn't so!

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10182025468

[William769]

166. Yes!