Can a computer...

Carmen

Have internet access without having a landline phone? If so, is it possible for Skype to work like this?
Thank you
Carmen x

superscaper

Broadband needs a phone line usually, only alternatives I can think of is cable, but not really necessarily worth it unless already have cable installed, otherwise there is satellite (but quite unusual and again could be costly. Lastly you could get gsm card (if you have laptop) to work over mobile network, but not really cost effective for speed. As for skype, that works no matter what your connection method.

albertross_2

Something has to carry the signal, so that's either the copper wire of a phone, mobile phone technology, or using a wireless service provided by a neighbour. City wide wireless is on it's way though.

magyar

If you have a wireless card (or know someone with a laptop who does) why not see if you pick up a wireless signal from a neighbour? You could always agree to share the access and halve the cost.

superscaper

magyar wrote:

If you have a wireless card (or know someone with a laptop who does) why not see if you pick up a wireless signal from a neighbour? You could always agree to share the access and halve the cost.

Although you must be aware that this may be against the ISP's terms and conditions. And of course connection to a neighbour's network without their permission is illegal.

Omertron

superscaper wrote:

Broadband needs a phone line usually, only alternatives I can think of is cable, but not really necessarily worth it unless already have cable installed, otherwise there is satellite (but quite unusual and again could be costly. Lastly you could get gsm card (if you have laptop) to work over mobile network, but not really cost effective for speed. As for skype, that works no matter what your connection method.

ntl: Telewest are doing 2Mb broadband for £10/month with £25 install charge, see here

Vodaphone and the like do "broadband" cards for laptops and PCs that use the mobile service providers' network for internet access, there tend not to be cheap though, about £25 or more per month charges. See here

superscaper

Omertron wrote:

ntl: Telewest are doing 2Mb broadband for £10/month with £25 install charge, see here

Which is fine if you have cable in your area, which is what I meant. Just checked and I can't even get cable if I wanted to.

Omertron

superscaper wrote:

Which is fine if you have cable in your area, which is what I meant. Just checked and I can't even get cable if I wanted to.

My post was in response to your "not really worth it" comment... But I take your point about availability

superscaper

Omertron wrote:

My post was in response to your "not really worth it" comment... But I take your point about availability

I concede my "not really worth it comment", they do seem to be good deals if you can get cable.

TheFaqqer

Vodafone do a 3G connection, but it's pretty pricey depending on the package you are on.

Some places do a satellite connection, but that's even more expensive.

Faqqer

Moneymaker

superscaper wrote:

And of course connection to a neighbour's network without their permission is illegal.

I never knew that. What legislation does it come under? How can they tell that you are using their connection? (apart from obvious flashing lights on their router!)