I prefer the Sprint plug in for computer online rather than the satelite. But you should check with your neighbors as to what works best. Remember, the satelite reception at least for TV does not word during storms. I'm not sure about computer access. There's a reason they say "works so long as you have a CLEAR view of the sky"...
RIi.
We checked w/Sprint--no coverage in this area; 1/2 mile north in the forest yes; in town--no! Go figure!
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We live in the country with no cell service and are stuck with sattelite internet/wi-fi. A MAJOR problem with sattelite internet is that you are limited to how much bandwith you use per week. We are limited to 2 gig per week ($90 per month) which is download and upload combined. We have to warn our guests that they can not send or receive large files, updates, download movies or streaming video. Last week one of our guests obviously didn't pay attention, because our service was cut off with no warning. The sattelite company said we used 1.2 gig in one day which put us over the limit for the week. It's so frustrating!
As far as no cell phone coverage, you can offer a guest phone with unlimited long distance coverage, but the real problem is that parents are very anxious and can't relax if grandma or babysitter can not call them if there is a problem or emergency. What I've done as part of my check-in process is to inform them there is no cell coverage (panic on their faces at this point), and make sure that they have given the child care provider our business phone as an EMERGENCY number. I then have to assure them that we answer the phone 24 hours a day (yes, even at 3:00am) and if there is an emergency, we will come and get them. At that point, they are able to relax and accept the fact that are not connected.
These are two huge issues for those of us in the country, but we still love all the positives that come along with it too!
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