Is There A Way To Get WiFi?

There are still some parts of the country where it’s impossible to get high-speed Internet. A reader has a friend with that problem. “I have a friend who lives in an area where she cannot get wifi – she has to use dial-up for her computer – I asked her if there was some way she could get wifi and she said where she lives there is nothing – so I have been looking to see if there is something that could help her – she lives in Sonoma area of Northern California.”

Just to clarify, what your friend can’t get is a high-speed Internet connection. WiFi networks can pretty much be set up in any home by adding a router,  but you have to get the high-speed Internet there first. It’s a big problem in her area of the country.

I can think of a couple of possible options for your friend. Using a phone as a hotspot or getting satellite Internet.

I don’t know if your friend is able to receive good cellular coverage where she lives. But if she can, and she has a smartphone, it’s not too difficult to turn that phone into a mobile hotspot.   She’d have to talk to her phone provider about whether her current plan supports this. But this is how easy it is to do on my phone.

I just open up settings and tap on Mobile Hotspot and Tethering. Then turn on Mobile HotSpot.

The name of the network and the password appears.

Then I open up the device I want to go online with and log on.

If you don’t have a smartphone, you can also purchase prepaid mobile hotspot devices. She’d need to check with companies like Verizon or AT & T in her area.

Another good option that you can get anywhere in the country is satellite Internet. HugestNet is one of largest providers in the country with plans starting in the $50 range.

All your friend needs is a clear view of the Southern sky. You can learn more about what they offer by clicking here.

~ Cynthia