Advice and ratings on wireless Internet providers in Arizona are typically based on general factors such as customer support, price, speed and quality of service. Ratings on wireless Internet services also rely on specific factors like the ability to roam between different providers. Wireless Internet providers also may be rated on value-added features, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) and Virtual Private Networking (VPN).

Providers of wireless Internet in AZ frequently offer service in rural areas where cable and Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL) do not cover. For this reason, businesses in rural areas are especially dependent upon ratings and advice on wireless Internet services. There are three general sources for evaluating wireless Internet providers:

1. Blogs about Arizona wireless Internet companies. A credible blog or other type of social media may include posts from regular users who share their personal experiences with a Arizona wireless Internet provider.
2. Ratings services of Arizona wireless Internet providers. Recognized experts may provide ratings or give awards to Internet service providers that offer exceptional service.
3. Awards for Arizona wireless Internet providers. This form of recognition may be given to companies that demonstrate excellence in a particular area or field.
   

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Read web logs (blogs) for an Arizona wireless Internet service

Blogs contain posts from Internet users and professionals who have personal experience with Internet service providers. These blogs also discuss issues that are important to Internet service providers in Arizona.

I recommend: On the Road provides advice on choosing wireless Internet providers for use in an RV or while traveling in places like Arizona. Digital Business Views provides personal experiences on wireless Internet providers that can be applied to Internet consumers in Arizona.

Review rating services for wireless Internet service providers in Arizona

Rating services provide relative ratings on Internet service providers and also may offer analyses. The ratings are frequently contributed by readers who have actually used the service.

I recommend: Yelp.com provides ratings and reviews for Internet service providers in Phoenix. MerchantCircle has ratings of several wireless Internet providers in Arizona.

Look for articles on award-winning wireless Internet providers in Arizona

Awards can be an excellent way of identifying the best wireless Internet service providers in Arizona. Awards recipients must compete against other providers and may need to meet specific criteria.

I recommend: Nello Corporation presented MapleNet Wireless, a wireless Internet provider that serves Arizona, with its "One Year-One Mile" award for 2008. Proxim Wireless is a broadband wireless system provider with service in Arizona that received the 2008 North American Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation of the Year Award.

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Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Highly rated Arizona wireless Internet providers should belong to the Wi-Fi Alliance. This organization is a non-profit organization that promotes wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). The Wi-Fi Alliance has certification and testing programs that establish the interoperability of wireless products. The use of Wi-Fi certified products continues to expand in both consumer and enterprise markets.

Wireless Internet in Arizona is crucial for most business professionals. If you're not familiar with wireless Internet, you might be surprised to find that many wireless Internet providers in Arizona offer connections that are equal to cable and residential DSL, and much faster than dial-up.

The point of Arizona wireless Internet is to be able to get an Internet connection just about anywhere you go, either through your laptop or cell phone. This means you can access your email, find the answer to a nagging question on a search engine, or look up how many cell phone minutes you have left, all while you stand in line at the grocery store. If this sounds convenient, note that you simply need the following:

1. A laptop computer, PDA, or Smartphone;

2. An ethernet card for the laptop, or a tethering cable to connect the phone to the laptop;

3. High-speed Arizona wireless Internet service, complete with free "sniffing" software to locate wireless access at different locations.

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Use your cell phone to get Arizona wireless Internet access

Having a business-oriented phone such as a Smartphone or PDA allows you to access wireless Internet. Arizona residents have many options when it comes to wireless Internet because many cell phone companies offer plans.

I recommend: Verizon Wireless is one of the most popular Arizona wireless Internet providers because the nationwide company is stable and offers many business products. Nextel also offers many options for wireless Internet for cell phones.

Use your laptop to get wireless Internet services in Arizona

Although there are few Arizona wireless Internet companies, you can still use the major cell phone companies to provide service for your laptop if you have an ethernet card in it. Most of the wireless Internet providers in Arizona offer service to a select region of the state, so if you plan to travel through the state often, it may be best to go with a cell phone provider's service.

I recommend: Arizona-based CommSpeed Western and WiMAX LLC both offer multiple packages for wireless service for businesses.

Plug your laptop into your cell phone to get wireless Internet in Arizona

If you do not have an ethernet card in your laptop and do not have the funds to buy it, but have an Internet plan for your Smartphone, you can do what is known as tethering. This involves either using a cable to connect your laptop to your phone, or using Bluetooth technology to connect the two without a cable. Both methods allow you to obtain wireless Internet. AZ Internet companies and cell phone service providers alike give you the ability to do this.

I recommend: AT&T and Verizon Wireless both encourage tethering when possible, and both companies sell the cables necessary to perform this function. Tethering is also possible with some T-Mobile phones, such as the Blackberry, Sidekick and similar Smartphones.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some locations around each city offer free or cheap wireless Internet in Arizona. If you need help figuring out where such places are located, think about businesses that encourage people to stay for hours on end, such as coffeehouses and universities. For example, if you live in or near Tempe, the city offers Wi-Fi Internet citywide. Arizona State University allows two free hours of access each day to anyone who goes online from their campus, and many coffeehouses on Tempe's popular Mill Avenue offer free Internet. Such offers can save you money until you can afford your own wireless Internet plan.

Wireless Internet providers in Arizona pricing and costs are competitive and depend primarily on the services provided. Upload and download speed have a direct effect on the service costs. Other pricing factors may include the length of the contract and the number of email addresses permitted. Business packages, which are available through most Arizona wireless ISP companies, provide faster connections and allow multiple users. Business packages typically offer a substantial savings per user over residential packages.

The total price of wireless Internet for Arizona depends on a variety of specific costs. These expenses generally fall into one of the following three categories:

1. Installation cost for Arizona wireless Internet access. This usually includes the installation of the antenna and cabling on the outside of the building. Customers also may have the option of buying the equipment or using the provider's equipment.
2. Business plans that include wireless Internet service providers in Arizona. Business services typically provide greater speed and allow more users than residential packages.
3. Technical support for Arizona wireless Internet services. These services typically include an online FAQ for troubleshooting or a consultation with a support specialist.
   

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Get the installation costs for Arizona wireless Internet providers

The standard installation of equipment for wireless Internet service in Arizona is usually a flat rate. Difficult installations may require additional cabling, or a larger antenna may be required to achieve a wireless Internet connection in Arizona.

I recommend: Swift Wireless serves communities in Arizona and offers a wireless Internet installation fee of $100 for businesses. Cloudnet provides wireless Internet service in central Minnesota and offers free installation on a two year contract.

Find pricing on wireless Internet in Arizona for businesses

Many wireless Internet providers in Arizona offer business packages that offer substantial savings when the cost for each user is calculated. Business plans also may include special service agreements for businesses requiring wireless Internet access in Arizona.

I recommend: Western WiMAX provides wireless Internet service for small businesses in Phoenix that costs from $200 to $500 per month. Skyway Satellite offers satellite Internet services to businesses in Minnesota for $70 to $200 per month.

Research technical support costs from wireless Internet services in Arizona

Technical support for wireless Internet service in Arizona frequently is included with the package and usually consists of technical support specialists who are available by phone, email or online chat. Most wireless Internet providers in Arizona charge a flat hourly fee to repair equipment at the customer's business.

I recommend: USI Wireless provides wireless Internet service in Minneapolis with free on-site technical support by appointment. Broadband Solutions offers wireless Internet access in Minnesota that includes free technical support through online help and support tickets.

If you own a business in Arizona, you will need some form of Internet. Wireless Internet is fast and convenient, which explains its surge in popularity in recent years. Before you commit to one company, you should learn about some of the major players when it comes to Arizona's Internet providers. The best company for you will offer many levels of service and will have a department dedicated to offering wireless service to Arizona businesses.

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CIS

CIS provides wireless Internet to cities in Southern Arizona's Cochise County. There are four levels of Internet for businesses to choose from, all varying in speed, price and number of email addresses.

I recommend: CIS explains the options it offers as an Internet provider.

Phoenix Internet

If you need wireless Internet for your Arizona business, Phoenix Internet might be able to help. This Internet service provider offers two different speeds for businesses, with installation that can be scheduled in less than a week.

I recommend: Phoenix Internet provides Arizona businesses and homes with wireless Internet.

Transcend Broadband

This company provides service to Casa Grande and surrounding Arizona cities in Pinal County. Transcend Broadband offers four levels of service to businesses, as well as the opportunity for Arizona residents to bundle several services into one package.

I recommend: Transcend Broadband thoroughly describes how it operates.

hotZona

hotZona provides free wireless access at several Arizona locations. Most service areas include popular restaurants, bars and retail centers around the state. This company also offers residential and business wireless services.

I recommend: Find out about free wireless Internet around Arizona at the hotZona website.

CommSPEED

CommSPEED features a smaller than average modem so that you can get wireless Internet to either your desktop at home or your laptop in public. Its service area mainly includes northern Arizona. CommSPEED does not require a contract.

I recommend: CommSPEED lists its key features on its website.

Airband Communications

Airband Communications offers Internet services nationwide, including the greater Phoenix area. Its owners pride themselves on fast installations and strive for above average customer service. There is no upfront equipment fee for installations and Ethernet service is offered.

I recommend: Airband Communications discusses its history and the options available on its site.