Just curious to know how many squadrons out there have internet access at your meeting location.
I've recently transferred to a unit that meets on a military installation. We don't have any sort of access to the internet or the base network, and due to the nature of the building we meet in (fallout shelter), it is impossible to use a cellular air card. These days it's getting harder and harder to conduct normal business without access, particularly considering that we have a handful of cadets that don't have internet at home.
Curious to know how other squadrons address the issue... It's tough for a small squadron to justify $14/mo+ for 8 hours of use/mo. I had heard that there might be some money available from national to subsidize the cost, but can't find any info about it. Any assistance would be appreciated!
There was a program through Earthlink, but I'm told it will end in October. Anyone have anything concrete on that?
It is tough to get by without Internet access. When I first joined, we had one PC with a dial-up connection. It got used about once a month. Now it's a server with 6 desktops, a couple of laptops, plus a computer lab for the cadets, with a high-speed connection.
Hey Josh,
It might be worth it for your CC to reach out to whoever the local DSL ISP is and see if they would be willing to subsidize or waive your internet connection charges. Even then, $14 a month is pretty good but I think you're talking about dial-up.
Earthlink is gone, but you could try this http://www.netzero.net/free
Netzero would not be good since Josh says they have NO phone line access.
You could pickup up a Kyocera KR2 wireless router, which will use an aircard or tethered USB cell phone, leave it "topside" where it can get a signal and use the 802.11 wirekess for PC access down in the basement.
Quote from: BillB on August 09, 2011, 09:28:25 AM
Netzero would not be good since Josh says they have NO phone line access.
He did? DSL is a non-starter then.
Quote from: jks19714 on August 09, 2011, 09:52:26 AM
You could pickup up a Kyocera KR2 wireless router, which will use an aircard or tethered USB cell phone, leave it "topside" where it can get a signal and use the 802.11 wirekess for PC access down in the basement.
Excellent idea! I was thinking an Android phone with Wireless AP mode but most of those don't have enough range. But before doing any of the wifi options, check with the base IT department, most have specific rules about wifi on base.
We're on a base and have free access to the morale and welfare internet connection, wi-fi at the BX, member's phones, and a few aircards.
We have no Internet and never have had it. I'm just happy when the roof doesn't leak or fall and the electricity works.
Our squadron's Internet connection is hanging on a pole about 100 feet away from the building...and maybe one of these years the cable company will find the time to run a line from the pole to us.
Another option you might consider is a MiFi wireless hotspot card. I have one through Virgin Mobile that I use when I'm traveling. The MiFi will support up to five wireless devices. It might be a bit pricey for you, though...$50 for 30 days of unlimited bandwidth (but, there's a catch -- they throttle the speeds down from 3G to who-knows-what after the first 2.5Gb of data).
Mike
Quote from: mjbernier on August 10, 2011, 05:46:06 AM
Our squadron's Internet connection is hanging on a pole about 100 feet away from the building...and maybe one of these years the cable company will find the time to run a line from the pole to us.
Another option you might consider is a MiFi wireless hotspot card. I have one through Virgin Mobile that I use when I'm traveling. The MiFi will support up to five wireless devices. It might be a bit pricey for you, though...$50 for 30 days of unlimited bandwidth (but, there's a catch -- they throttle the speeds down from 3G to who-knows-what after the first 2.5Gb of data).
Mike
It's typically around .01MB, which is even below 1X...
Thanks everybody. Still trying to figure out our options. DSL is kind of an issue since we are tied into the base phone system- we have phone service, but apparently we can't use the line for internet due to post restrictions.
Unfortunately there isn't MWR wifi locally since it's an ANG base. No BX or anything. Still trying to work with IT/Comm to figure out a solution... an air card might work, but we'd have to figure out a way to weather proof the antenna and maybe run the cable down through the roof... our office is on the top floor of the building (no windows) and is tight enough that I can't get a cell signal in or out.
And for those interested, I did a bit more research and the national subsidy for Earthlink ended in March of this year for new subscribers. All squadrons will terminate from the subsidized program at the end of this month.
Quote from: FlyerJosh on August 10, 2011, 01:59:17 PM
Thanks everybody. Still trying to figure out our options. DSL is kind of an issue since we are tied into the base phone system- we have phone service, but apparently we can't use the line for internet due to post restrictions.
Unfortunately there isn't MWR wifi locally since it's an ANG base. No BX or anything. Still trying to work with IT/Comm to figure out a solution... an air card might work, but we'd have to figure out a way to weather proof the antenna and maybe run the cable down through the roof... our office is on the top floor of the building (no windows) and is tight enough that I can't get a cell signal in or out.
And for those interested, I did a bit more research and the national subsidy for Earthlink ended in March of this year for new subscribers. All squadrons will terminate from the subsidized program at the end of this month.
Well, you might be SOL then... >:D I will tell you that Springfield does not have an internet connection on the ANG base and like you, has a hard time getting aircards to work due to the building design. They seem to work OK without internet, although I'm sure it's not without sacrifices.
I'm in your area. If you PM me I would be willing to offer any help I can.
I'm certain that you can find an outdoor antenna. I remember seeing a setup like this somewhere.