Why is wireless broadband so expensive in the US?

Because: 1. They can 2. Abuse of wireless data plans 3. Network overloading from iPhone and Android data users 4. Less competition due to different phone standards

T-Mobile still offers "unlimited" data:

or

It's likely to get worse for consumers, not better.

I thought WiMax was supposed to offer cheap wireless broadband. What happened to that?

Big government and big corporations. ;)

Here in Brazil when the government threatened to step in and offer unlimited access at 25 dollars , the services suddenly improved. Lots of nice offers appeared. I finally got my broadband after a two-year wait :) Might work in US of A ? []'s

Too much in the public interest -- Republicans would undoubtedly block it on behalf of their wealthy corporate sponsors.

Would it be possible for communities to get together to form their own wireless networks? Is there anything that could be put together that wouldn't cost more than say $200 per user that could scale up to a small city?

Sure -- I know of groups of rural users who have done that, but it's a big hassle for whoever gets stuck with the operation. Small ISP is another possibility -- see

Sonic.net looks interesting, but they're not in my area.

Would it be possible for communities to get together to form their own wireless networks? Is there anything that could be put together that wouldn't cost more than say $200 per user that could scale up to a small city?

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In NC TWC has or is trying to push through legislation that would prohibit municipal supported systems.

I have seen that in action and believe me it is not less expensive because the hardware needs to be upgraded on a regular basis.

I'm glad I don't live in NC.

I'd settle for WiFI if it were available in more locations. It doesn't have to be free either, just REASONABLE. It seems like just about everyone has a wireless router these days. We should be able to find a way to share them safely and inexpensively.

John Navas wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com:

wrote:

iPad. Now

per gigabyte

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changed it to

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in and

suddenly improved.

after a

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Of course you could do the smart thing, get yourself a good radio and antenna and just take the wifi where you can find it. Plenty of open connections out there. Price per month $0. Of course, then you risk having Navas call you a thief, but who cares?