Wireless Internet providers in California 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 California 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 in California depends on a variety of specific costs. These expenses generally fall into one of the following three categories:

1. Installation cost for wireless Internet of California. 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 California wireless Internet services. Business services typically provide greater speed and allow more users than residential packages.
3. Technical support for California wireless Internet services. These services typically include an online FAQ or a consultation with a support specialist.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get the installation costs for a California high speed wireless Internet provider

The standard installation of equipment for wireless Internet service in California 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 California.

I recommend: Gatespeed Broadband offers Internet services to businesses in the San Francisco area for a standard installation fee of $1,500. WebPerception is a wireless Internet provider that has coverage in California with installation costs that range from free for a three-year contract to $1,095 for a one-year contract.

Find pricing on California wireless Internet services for businesses

Many wireless Internet providers in California 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 California.

I recommend: Impulse Internet Services provides wireless service in California with business packages that start at $75 per month. ATG Internet is based in California and offers wireless Internet services for businesses from $70 to $160 per month.

Research technical support costs from wireless Internet providers in California

Technical support for wireless Internet service in California 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 California charge a flat hourly fee to repair equipment at the customer's business.

I recommend: UnWired Broadband is a wireless Internet provider that has coverage in California and provides free technical support in the form of a support website, email and phone. LemooreNet provides free support for its wireless Internet services in California with an online FAQ, email and phone.

Wireless Internet providers in California normally operate Wi-Fi mesh networks and also use high frequency devices. These are most commonly 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz transceivers and wireless Internet in California may also use Ultra High Frequency (UHF) or Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS).

Wireless Internet providers in California routinely provide Virtual Private Networking (VPN) and Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP). These services are especially common in rural areas that are dependent upon wireless networking.

California wireless Internet providers frequently operate where cable and Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL) don't exist. Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) uses microwaves and will probably make mobile data transmission feasible.

Travelers may use the Wireless Internet Service Provider radio (WISPr) protocol with California wireless Internet service to roam between different providers. This is frequently necessary because single providers rarely offer global access and is encouraged by the Wi-Fi Alliance.

In order to best use your wireless Internet service in California:

1. Find a locator service suitable for your needs.

2. Find the hot spots in California so that you can use wireless Internet while traveling.

3. Add value to your business in California by providing wireless Internet to others.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate Internet Providers in California

The major California wireless Internet service providers usually provide a locator tool on their website, which will easily determine if you are in their service area. However, regard any maps as only a general guide since mountains or buildings easily block wireless technology.

I recommend: Look at the service areas for a WISP like Clearwire. This California wireless Internet provider has a zoom feature on its maps which identify areas which are blocked. Clearwire has service in California cities including Redding, Chico, Stockton, Modesto, Merced and Visalia. Big companies like Verizon Wireless and Comcast offer full service wireless Internet services in California.

Use California wireless Internet services while traveling

A business traveler will need wireless Internet in California while on the road, in airports or hotels. The larger networks should have access to many hot spots for a flat rate without per-minute or roaming charges.

I recommend: Get a list of Boingo hot spots in California. Their service packages include global hot spots for worldwide travelers, hot spots for travelers in North America and a package for customers who rarely travel.

Resell California wireless Internet services

California wireless Internet providers are frequently resellers seeking to generate new customers and encourage repeat business. This can be especially lucrative because wireless Internet customers tend to be high-income and high-loyalty.

I recommend: Contact HotPoint Wireless to become one of their resellers. The best businesses for wireless Internet hot spots are cafes, coffee shops and restaurants and other public places with high foot traffic.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  California wireless Internet service providers generally require line of sight access. A 900 MHz device might be able to function to some extent without a clear line of sight but devices operating at 2.4 GHz or more will not function if their line of sight is blocked. Wireless connections are generally very vulnerable to interference from sources like solar activity and competing broadcasts.

Advice and ratings on wireless Internet providers in California typically are 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 continue service while roaming. Wireless Internet providers also may be rated on value-added features, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Virtual Private Networking (VPN).

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

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Read blogs and articles about a California broadband wireless ISP

Blogs contain posts from Internet users and professionals who have personal experience with Internet service providers. Articles from reputable magazines and online sources are a valuable source of California ISP advice and ratings. Blogs and articles also discuss issues that are important to Internet service providers in California.

I recommend: Broadband Wireless Exchange Magazine provides an informative article about several Internet service providers in California. Mountain Wireless has a blog that provides news, ratings and reviews on wireless Internet providers, including companies that provide wireless internet access in California.

Review rating services for a California mobile ISP or wireless Internet provider

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 or industry experts.

I recommend: WISP Directory provides a list of Internet service providers in California with a rating for each one. EZ Goal Network rates wireless hotspots in California according to readers’ reviews.

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

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

I recommend: CNET reports that several national wireless Internet providers that offer service in California have been the recent recipients of awards given by J.D. Power and Associates. TheAutoChannel has an article on awards received by Autonet Mobile, a wireless ISP in California for cars.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Highly rated California wireless Internet providers should belong to the Wi-Fi Alliance, which 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.