Author Topic: No Internet at Home? (Read 14343 times)

MinimalistMoustache · « **on:** March 04, 2014, 09:17:18 PM »

I'm experiencing a challenging tug o' war with the ISP I've had for over 15 years. No cable, no landline -- just internet for one laptop = $75 per month. Until January, the monthly fee ran approximately $45. It then increased to $75. After asking for a discount for being a loyal customer, I was told that the fee I was paying was a courtesy for the past two years.

After shopping around, it appears the immediate competitor offers a discounted price for one year. Then, the fine print states the fee increases to a cost close to what I'm now paying with my current ISP. And I'm not sure the speed is comparable. Then there's the whole buy or rent the new router required.

Beginning to consider the possibility of no Internet at home for a while. I have the option of checking email and MMM at work during lunch or take my laptop to the library if needed. It possibly would free up a lot of time. The Internet has become a sort of "Surrogate TV" - LOL! I could then use the time to read the shelfful of books, start and maintain a real fitness routine, get out hiking more . . . or just go through a tough cold, withdrawal from online activity. Let's see $75, plus tax, compounded over 10 years . . . :-)

Has anyone else gone hardcore and eliminated their home Internet service?

Khao · « **Reply #1 on:** March 04, 2014, 09:22:25 PM »

This would be really hardcore! I think you could still try calling your current provider and telling them "Competitor X is offering $ per month for the same service, if you don't give me an equal discount I'm leaving". Normally that's the way to get what you want with these crappy big companies.

Jags4186 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 04, 2014, 09:31:07 PM »

I'm of the opinion that internet access is a necessity, not a option. That said, you could try FreedomPop or Netzero for a minimal amount of FREE data a month so you can at least check e-mails/catch up on news from home from your laptop. You'd have to buy a MiFi from their service and make sure you have access to their networks...I'm sure Seattle is covered. Better than nothing.

Also, you could do what I did and get an iPad (which I use way more than my laptop now) and get it with the free t-mobile data package. Again good for e-mail/web browsing.

dragoncar · « **Reply #3 on:** March 04, 2014, 09:32:48 PM »

I've done it... it's fine if you have internet on your phone and at work.

Not sure I would want to do it if I couldn't look something up on my phone.

Milspecstache · « **Reply #4 on:** March 04, 2014, 11:07:11 PM »

I did it for 6 months because I had internet at work and I had data on my blackberry so I could quickly look up questions and get answers via google.

warfreak2 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 05, 2014, 05:28:21 AM »

I really can't see cutting home internet as a profitable move. Being able to look up prices, how to fix things, &c. is worth a lot more to me than what I pay for it.

If you still have internet on your phone, then OK, I understand. My "home internet" is the internet on my phone, tethered to the laptop.

Russ · « **Reply #6 on:** March 05, 2014, 05:49:15 AM »

did this for a month. I walked two blocks to the local coffee shop any time I wanted some 'tubes (the library is considerably further away). It was a pain in the ass.

The $30/month I pay is definitely worth it to me to have all the world's information at my fingertips. Instant recipes, DIY info, look up store inventory before I go buy things, etc. Plus those cat videos.

$75 is pretty steep though

AlanStache · « **Reply #7 on:** March 05, 2014, 05:50:45 AM »

75$/mon is definitely on the high side and I would be looking for options too.

MMM himself shares an interwebs connection with some neighbors maybe this is an option? To lazy to google the article. Else just a shared wifi and price with a neighbor if you are close?

At that high of a price you could come out ahead adding data to a cell phone plain from a 'traditional' carrier. Might loose netflix streaming but would be fine for basic surfing. You cell bill might go up but your total expenses would come down. Might cost you 20$ for a usb dongle to plug into your laptop to pick up the cell signals.

PMG · « **Reply #8 on:** March 05, 2014, 06:27:31 AM »

Wow. Surprised at the response to this!

Do it! At least try going without internet for a few months. It could be life changing!

The dryer breaks and you need to look up how to fix it? You'll make time at work or the library. I keep a little list on my phone of things to look up when I have internet.

I do miss streaming music but that's a small sacrifice to make for so much freedom.

Rural · « **Reply #9 on:** March 05, 2014, 06:33:17 AM »

It sounds like it's worth trying for you. It's not like you have anything to lose; both companies will still sell you service if you determine you hate not having it. $75 is way too much, for sure.

If you decide you hate not having home Internet, then add it back. Consider whether you have any options for making more with an online side gig than the service costs you; that's what I do, plus it lets me telecommute one day a week.

Russ · « **Reply #10 on:** March 05, 2014, 08:14:25 AM »

Quote from: PineMountainGirl on March 05, 2014, 06:27:31 AM

Do it! At least try going without internet for a few months. It could be life changing!

I guess my post came off as pretty negative... I definitely agree it would be worth a try! worst case is *gasp* you don't have internet for a little bit! you can sign back up any time.

burly · « **Reply #11 on:** March 05, 2014, 08:22:57 AM »

Try to make it 3 months, then you can usually get the 'new customer' promo rate.

simonsez · « **Reply #12 on:** March 05, 2014, 09:14:53 AM »

Yes try it.

We don't have it and it has worked fine* for the past 3 years.

*we both have smartphones, we live in an apartment complex that has free wifi at the leasing office (they have a small room with tables and chairs where I telework once a week), there is an excellent library about a 10 minute walk. Without the smartphones it would still be doable, just now we are accustomed to the luxury of searching for stuff on a whim

Nickyd£g · « **Reply #13 on:** March 05, 2014, 10:06:32 AM »

I don't have internet at home either - used to have a laptop, then it broke and I never bothered buying a new one. I have a TV, with free channels only (Freeview in the UK). My phone is fairly new but my package has 1mb of data (plus unlimited texts plus 500 minutes calls) for £14 per month. I use the internet at work :) - lunchtimes/before/after, of course!

the fixer · « **Reply #14 on:** March 05, 2014, 11:04:36 AM »

I went "without" Internet for a month and a half last summer living in our van traveling across the country. We stopped at Starbucks, McDonalds, or a few other places when we needed to get online for a bit. I had to keep an "Internet to-do list" to make sure I got everything done that I needed to on the occasions I had it. My wife had a Blackberry with data on it that we could use on the road, but it's not exactly a "smart" phone and provided limited utility.

When we got an apartment in Seattle I tried going without Internet and just using a FreedomPop plus several nearby coffee shops. It didn't work; I would drain my entire laptop battery when I went and still not get everything done (managing investments, bills, software updates, figuring out how to do X, ordering Y online, ...) The FreedomPop's 500MB isn't really enough for any regular use, I had a 2GB promo for the first month and just barely ran out at the end of the month, despite doing a ton of stuff at public Wifi hotspots whenever I could.

My wife didn't have as much of a problem because she had an office with Internet access; I do not. That could potentially make a big difference.

MrFancypants · « **Reply #15 on:** March 05, 2014, 11:07:07 AM »

I would call back and threaten to jump ship to a competitor if they don't offer a lower rate. If they didn't give you the lower rate, I'd jump ship. In a year when the new service provider raises rates, do the same thing to them and switch back if you can get a better deal.

dragoncar · « **Reply #16 on:** March 05, 2014, 11:17:34 AM »

I actually prefer to stay late at work doing internet things vs. going home and using my laptop. My laptop is like 6 years old, whereas my work rig has three monitors and is relatively fast.

Left · « **Reply #17 on:** March 05, 2014, 11:19:23 AM »

hm... I know people mentioned going without internet if they had a phone... but could you use a smartphone as a hotspot for your computer? I'm on sprint (with their "promised" unlimited data) and I tether it to my laptop when my internet service goes out... not the cheapest but at $30-50/month (depending on plan/discounts) it's slightly cheaper than your current rate. But speeds aren't great, though you get a phone out of it...

dcheesi · « **Reply #18 on:** March 05, 2014, 11:23:22 AM »

My gf did this for a long time, since she lives on top of a mountain (no cable buildout, and she's never had a landline phone). A smartphone works wonders for connectivity, so long as you don't try to stream video (most cell plans have data caps these days). It helps that she's able to pick up a ton of OTA TV broadcasts from multiple cities, by virtue of her lofty location.

She finally shelled out for a 4G "hotspot" plan when she went back to school. It costs her almost as much as my cable modem for way less bandwidth and total data, but she has to have it so she can submit assignments, etc., electronically.

Elaine · « **Reply #19 on:** March 05, 2014, 11:24:44 AM »

I went without Internet for about 6 months. It was a huge pain in the ass. Kudos to you if you can do it though- I'm too wired.

Milspecstache · « **Reply #20 on:** March 05, 2014, 11:52:25 AM »

Quote from: eyem on March 05, 2014, 11:19:23 AM

hm... I know people mentioned going without internet if they had a phone... but could you use a smartphone as a hotspot for your computer? I'm on sprint (with their "promised" unlimited data) and I tether it to my laptop when my internet service goes out... not the cheapest but at $30-50/month (depending on plan/discounts) it's slightly cheaper than your current rate. But speeds aren't great, though you get a phone out of it...

I tried tethering for a while but it was problematic. Also probably not going to provide enough bandwidth to do Netflix if that is important to you.

nottoolatetostart · « **Reply #21 on:** March 05, 2014, 02:42:27 PM »

I would totally try it. You can always get it set back up.

Since I work from home, I have to have internet (so it saves me gas, wear and tear on my car and time for the 42 we pay per month). If I didn't work from home, I would seriously be evaluating giving it up, especially at your 75 per month.

DH and I were talking recently about how a few years ago neither of us had internet. It did make life a little simpler. It is not a necessity. As others pointed out, you could do a small data package on your smart phone, keep a running list of things to get done when you are in a wifi area, use the library, etc.

BlueMR2 · « **Reply #22 on:** March 05, 2014, 03:32:14 PM »

I did no Internet for the couple of months from when I bought my house until I got married and the wife moved in. It's not too bad, frees up a lot of time. Did the bare minimum online stuff at work after working hours/before coming home each day.

Kriegsspiel · « **Reply #23 on:** March 05, 2014, 04:00:08 PM »

Great timing with this thread, not 30 seconds ago I just cancelled my home internet. When I lived in Germany I didn't have home internet either. Whats up my fellow Luddite!?

FuckRx · « **Reply #24 on:** March 05, 2014, 05:47:57 PM »

gosh this really has me thinking...
i'm embarrassed to admit that the common area in my apartment complex downstairs has free internet...

i tell you what OP, if you agree to cancel your internet then i'll join you...
maybe start a new threat and throw down the mofo gauntlet...

i really use it for netflix, emails and google documents...

MinimalistMoustache · « **Reply #25 on:** March 06, 2014, 07:49:36 PM »

Kriegsspiel: indeed - I almost signed my initial post as "Luddite." The Fixer: Another (former) van-dweller here! When I finally took an apartment, long days were spent "catching up" with everything on my list.

Thanks everyone for your feedback. You've helped me sort through a bunch of concerns and consider alternatives to paying $75 each month. As my flip phone - don't be hatin' - will not lend itself to Net access, I have decided to cut the cord this weekend.

Thanks again - The MMM community has helped me undertake some surprisingly wonderful changes. And I'm eager to experience more.

:-)

rocklebock · « **Reply #26 on:** March 06, 2014, 08:21:54 PM »

I just found out that someone who who works in my office doesn't have internet at home (family with a little kid)

A friend was going without it last year and just used her smartphone. I don't know if she's still doing that - I'll have to ask her.

I used to live in an apartment building with free wi-fi in the lobby, and a lot of tenants were down there every night using it.

I'm kind of envious.

EK · « **Reply #27 on:** March 06, 2014, 08:45:07 PM »

When my husband and I first moved out on our own, we didn't get Internet set up for a couple months (I can't remember why, but we did). Every morning we went to a cafe on the corner and used their Internet to check email for work-related things. It probably ended up costing about the same as having Internet thanks to coffee and bagels, but we got a lot more enjoyment out of that money then than we do now out of paying the Internet bill! It's liberating to not have access to the Internet 24/7.

escolegrove · « **Reply #28 on:** March 07, 2014, 12:54:24 AM »

I thought about getting rid of the internet and doing just a hot spot off my phone. I have unlimited data, so I figured that might actually work well.

kt · « **Reply #29 on:** March 07, 2014, 05:52:25 AM »

i've got a friend who hasn't had internet at home for a few years. she has a data allowance on her phone and can use the internet at work during lunch. she does have a tv for mindless relaxation. i have internet (need for work) but no tv (so use internet for my mindless relaxation and can't imagine being without personally)

going2ER · « **Reply #30 on:** March 07, 2014, 01:08:55 PM »

I don't think we could do no internet at home, but I don't have a cell phone. We did look at cancelling our cable, but unfortuantely where we have a bundle most of the cost is for internet and we wouldn't end up saving if we even just signed up for Netflix. I would love to see some less expensive options for internet, but wasn't able to find any around where I live.

Kriegsspiel · « **Reply #31 on:** March 07, 2014, 04:02:27 PM »

Quote from: going2ER on March 07, 2014, 01:08:55 PM

I would love to see some less expensive options for internet, but wasn't able to find any around where I live.

That's the way it is here to. I guess it's a 'Go Big or Go To the Library' kind of situation.

stripey · « **Reply #32 on:** March 09, 2014, 04:36:40 AM »

I only have internet on my phone (~1Gb/month) which suits me fine. Done this for years. I check personal emails, etc. mostly at work (after business hours). I am not downloading movies or music though (either at work or via my phone).

MinimalistMoustache · « **Reply #33 on:** March 09, 2014, 02:33:25 PM »

I'm eager to see how my experiment in "no Internet at home" goes. Afterwards, I may look into the Freedom Pop option, announced by MMM:http://www.freedompop.com/offer/mustache/

ascZend · « **Reply #34 on:** March 09, 2014, 03:40:51 PM »

As an avid internet user, this is something I'd never be willing to get rid of or be without at home. I use it regularly for communication, information, education, personal finance (banking, investing, budgeting), entertainment, self-expression, and occasionally for job applications or shopping.

I recently moved to a new residence, and due to numerous delays and errors in transferring/installing service, I'm having to borrow WiFi for now. The good news is that I was able to upgrade my internet plan from 3 MBPS (maximum available speed at my former residence) for $26 a month, to 40 MBPS at around $31 a month for one year. The new modem is $99, but I'm going to ask that they reduce the price (or my monthly bill) as a result of the 4-week-delay.

MinimalistMoustache · « **Reply #35 on:** March 09, 2014, 04:01:17 PM »

Quote from: ascZend on March 09, 2014, 03:40:51 PM

As an avid internet user, this is something I'd never be willing to get rid of or be without at home. I use it regularly for communication, information, education, personal finance (banking, investing, budgeting), entertainment, self-expression, and occasionally for job applications or shopping.

I recently moved to a new residence, and due to numerous delays and errors in transferring/installing service, I'm having to borrow WiFi for now. The good news is that I was able to upgrade my internet plan from 3 MBPS (maximum available speed at my former residence) for $26 a month, to 40 MBPS at around $31 a month for one year. The new modem is $99, but I'm going to ask that they reduce the price (or my monthly bill) as a result of the 4-week-delay.

Wow! That's terrific ascZend! Good job on the price negotiations. Sounds like the cost of your Internet fully delivers value for you.

Personally, my frequent Internet use has not felt worthy of the $75 monthly fee, and daily hours of electrical usage. More important: It hasn't had a favorable impact on my off-line daily routines. Aside from financial savings, I'm eager to see where I land after a month without Internet. Today I pull the plug :-)

I'll post the results of this experiment in another month.

SnackDog · « **Reply #36 on:** March 09, 2014, 04:20:06 PM »

Cheapest option is to "borrow" unlocked Wifi signal from our neighbors. I know people who have done this for ages.

dodojojo · « **Reply #37 on:** March 10, 2014, 01:23:37 PM »

I took a sabbatical for a couple of months a few years back. Not to save money but because I was wasting so much time on line. I did have a Blackberry for email and very rudimentary internet access. I'm glad I did it but it wasn't a cure-all for certain issues. Generally, I have deep seated procrastination issues so even without internet available, I found other ways to waste time. And as soon as I restarted access at home, I was right back in the habit of surfing constantly.

dcheesi · « **Reply #38 on:** March 12, 2014, 10:38:42 AM »

Quote from: dodojojo on March 10, 2014, 01:23:37 PM

I took a sabbatical for a couple of months a few years back. Not to save money but because I was wasting so much time on line. I did have a Blackberry for email and very rudimentary internet access. I'm glad I did it but it wasn't a cure-all for certain issues. Generally, I have deep seated procrastination issues so even without internet available, I found other ways to waste time. And as soon as I restarted access at home, I was right back in the habit of surfing constantly.

Yeah, that journalist/blogger who went completely internet-free for a year said that he felt much more productive at first, but after a month or so his mind had found new distractions to replace the old ones.

highFIguy · « **Reply #39 on:** March 14, 2014, 02:12:23 PM »

I haven't had internet in my home for 9 years now. I don't miss it much. I do have a smartphone so I can browse when needed. I read much of MMM on my phone.

I am happy not having internet at home. I think I'd spend far too much time looking at it, just killing time. I already spend more than enough time at work staring at the glowing screen. It's nice to be away from it. But that's just me, your mileage may vary.

Glad to hear you've taken the plunge. Update us on how you do!

MountainMan · « **Reply #40 on:** March 14, 2014, 05:40:45 PM »

I've done it before. I would go to a coffeeshop or a public library for free wifi internet. The coffeeshop isn't completely free as they expect you to buy a drink. Some libraries have very nice workspaces to set your laptop. Or just hang out in a library armchair. You could try doing it that way for a while and see how you like it.

These days, I have internet at home because I do a lot of work online and I also stream Netflix.

uppy · « **Reply #41 on:** March 14, 2014, 05:59:19 PM »

I love shit like this. I can't talk the talk now, but I went YEARS without internet at home (2007-2013). And get this: I didn't have a cell phone either. Or a TV. Now I have basic internet and a dumb-phone. Still no TV. I get stared at when I pull out my circa 2000 bar phone.

What I've found is that, with the exception of a few sites like MMM, the VAST majority of the "free" and "abundant" information on the internet is inversely proportional to its quality. Even though the good stuff IS out there, it's presented right next to the horrible, the ad-laden, and the misinformed and you often can't tell what's what. For example, looking up "the pain in my foot" or other medical questions online. Most often you get a bunch of people or articles giving you conflicting information that all has the potential to be true. But you still can't act without knowing, i.e. seeing someone in person.

And it is a major time-suck, as so many have mentioned.

There are things it is *convenient* for (like DIY stuff) or collecting good ideas in one place, like MMM. But most of the time, convenient does not mean better. Actually most of the time those two things are opposites. Professionally published in a BOOK = 100x better in my opinion. 99% of the time, it works better, every time.

I will be canceling my internet as soon as my GF is done with grad school. (Inspired by this thread, I may even disable it on my laptop sooner than that...gasp!) Thanks for the thoughts, all.

bugbaby · « **Reply #42 on:** March 17, 2014, 06:21:18 PM »

I also had my internet hiked from $39 to 50 which is steep for me, so i called & tried to get lower mbs but actually that would cost more (52) coz it's month to month. They just wouldn't work with me. I shopped around, nothing better. So I canceled. Then get this: 1 month later they mail an offer of $22-24/month for 3 years, no bite. Today they offered $16.99/year for 4 years (prob hike by 1-2/year).

So my point - try quitting and see what.

FuckRx · « **Reply #43 on:** March 17, 2014, 06:54:18 PM »

pretty nice, i like that ...
well obviously not to try to swindle them but basically the moral is there is not much to lose for those of us on the verge of cancelling and maybe even something to gain...

MinimalistMoustache · « **Reply #44 on:** March 23, 2014, 04:52:47 PM »

Hi All,

Though the cable didn't cut off on the date requested, I found myself using it less and less until a few days ago when the termination finally processed. It's only been a few days, but I am already LOVING not having Internet at home. It feels as though I've found more hours in the day.

At first, I had to remind myself it was gone! I'd pull out the laptop to look something up. Soon, I found I was tackling errands and small projects I have been procrastinating about.

Today, I stopped in to the Library to catch up here --- my favorite place on the web. I may move this to "Throw Down the Gauntlet" to keep myself motivated. :-)

davo · « **Reply #45 on:** September 19, 2014, 07:09:23 PM »

What a great discussion! Just what I was hoping to see when I searched today!

Does anyone here not have a computer at home? I was watching a movie where the main character is a sex addict who doesn't have a computer or smartphone in order to avoid the temptation of online porn. I thought about trying that to avoid the temptation of endless clicking wasting my time on the internet.

I'm also very interested in a status update. Hows it going now?

Davids · « **Reply #46 on:** September 19, 2014, 08:05:19 PM »

If it was not for Netflix I would consider this option as most of my internet browsing lately is on my phone. Although I would not post as much on here as I usually post here when I am on my laptop.

10dollarsatatime · « **Reply #47 on:** September 19, 2014, 10:29:50 PM »

I went without internet at home for a good four years. The only reason I have it now is that it is free. I could tether my phone for really important stuff. Other than that, I did things at work and on the phone. I don't feel like it was a huge deal... I probably wasted less time before the free internet...

Spartana · « **Reply #48 on:** September 19, 2014, 11:59:03 PM »

I went without home internet for years and really loved it. I cut it off shortly after I FIRE'd because it became a huge time suck and I wasn't doing other things I wanted to do. I find it hard to pull away once I get online. Plus I travel several months a year so rarely used it anyways. I would just use the library's free computers if needed - or bring along the tablet I used for travelling and use their free Wi-Fi. Found I didn't really need to go online as much as I thought I did so used it very little when it wasn't as easy to access as having it at home. It was great. However my sister spends her weekends here at the house and she wanted home internet so she got it and now I use it too. I would get rid of it if it wasn't for her though as I still spend much more time on it then I want...mainly writing on forums about how I spend too much time online because I have home internet :-)!

ETA: Currently have Time Warner for $35/month. I also don't have cable and did without TV for a long time too. Definitely added a lot of free time and value to my life not having a box of some sort to stare at for hours a day. I can check e-mail look up stuff on my dumb phone if needed (slowwwwww though). Going internet-less isn't for everyone so YMMV. Worked great for me though.

Spartana · « **Reply #49 on:** September 20, 2014, 12:15:26 AM »

Quote from: davo on September 19, 2014, 07:09:23 PM

What a great discussion! Just what I was hoping to see when I searched today!

Does anyone here not have a computer at home? I was watching a movie where the main character is a sex addict who doesn't have a computer or smartphone in order to avoid the temptation of online porn. I thought about trying that to avoid the temptation of endless clicking wasting my time on the internet.

I'm also very interested in a status update. Hows it going now?

I didn't have a computer for years either (see above post) and used the free library ones. Now I have a tablet and a laptop so I guess I'm not the depicted crazy sex-addict....anymore :-)!

News:

Author Topic: No Internet at Home? (Read 14343 times)

Kriegsspiel

kt

Kriegsspiel

Spartana

Spartana