Wireless Internet providers in Georgia advice and ratings 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).

Wireless Internet in Georgia 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 wireless Internet for Georgia. A credible blog or other type of social media may include posts from regular users who share their personal experiences with a Georgia wireless Internet provider.
2. Ratings services of Georgia wireless Internet providers. Recognized experts may provide ratings or give awards to Internet service providers that offer exceptional service.
3. Awards for Georgia 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 wireless Internet providers in Georgia

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 Georgia.

I recommend: Wireless Broadband Network blogs on various wireless Internet providers, and offers information about new wireless voice and data services available in Atlanta. MuniWireless provides posts on cities in Georgia that have implemented wireless Internet services, such as Thomasville.

Review rating services for wireless Internet providers in Georgia

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: ISP1 provides its picks for the current top rated high-speed Internet providers in Georgia. ConsumerAffairs.com provides extensive reviews of Earthlink, which provides wireless Internet service in markets throughout the US, including Georgia.

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

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

I recommend: XML Journal reports that Coastal Broadband achieved special recognition as a wireless Internet provider at the Georgia Connections Conference. Rapid Link is a wireless Internet provider in Atlanta that was a finalist for xchange Magazine's Best of WiMAX World 2008 Award in the service provider category.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Highly rated wireless Internet providers in Georgia 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.

First, there was dial-up. Then there was broadband. Now there is wireless Internet access. Instead of always taking your laptop into Starbucks and mooching off its wireless access point, try subscribing to your own Georgia high-speed wireless Internet access.

Although wireless networks undergo rapid expansion all the time, you may experience difficulty finding a provider if you live in a rural area of Georgia. You may have better luck if you live in metro Atlanta, Athens, Rome, Columbus, Macon, Augusta or Savannah.

When comparing wireless providers in Georgia, check out these companies:

1. AT&T FastAccess wireless Internet access;
2. EarthLink high-speed Internet fixed wireless access;
3. Southern Telecom wireless broadband; or
4. Other wireless Internet providers in Georgia.

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Check out AT&T's FastAccess wireless Internet access

AT&T has 4 levels of broadband service. The top 3 tiers, FastAccess DSL Ultra, FastAccess DSL Extreme and FastAccess DSL Extreme 6.0, include free Wi-Fi Basic as part of the monthly subscription price. Wi-Fi Basic allows public wireless high-speed access at 10,000+ AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot locations. For an additional fee, Wi-Fi Premier extends wireless access to 64,000+ locations with both AT&T and partner hotspots.

I recommend: Compare the AT&T broadband Internet plans to see which is best for you.

Research EarthLink's high-speed Internet fixed wireless internet service

EarthLink has 2 levels of broadband service. If you choose to use EarthLink's home networking system, you receive free wireless equipment. To use EarthLink's wireless access, you must have an 802.11b/g compatible wireless card or a Wi-Fi modem. Municipal Wi-Fi is available as an add-on to basic EarthLink high-speed Internet service.

I recommend: Visit EarthLink’s high-speed plan details page to view plans and check for wireless coverage in your area.

Look into Southern Telecom wireless Internet in Georgia

Designed more for business use, Southern Telecom's Wireless Lateral service 'extends broadband telecommunication connections to buildings near, but not on high-speed fiber optic networks in metropolitan Atlanta.' This is extremely helpful for large companies that have more than one closely located office building or multiple floors in the same building.

I recommend: Contact Southern Telecom for a price quote for its Wireless Lateral service.

Investigate other wireless Internet providers in Georgia

The 3 aforementioned wireless Internet providers are the 'big players' in the Georgia high-speed wireless market. Other, smaller wireless providers exist across the state. For example, ISIRome/RomanNet provides line of sight wireless technology (you must be able to physically see a wireless tower for the service to work) to businesses in Rome, Georgia, and surrounding areas.

I recommend: Visit the Georgia Broadband Wireless ISP locator page to investigate smaller Georgia wireless Internet providers. ISIRome/RomanNet offers wireless services to area businesses.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Pay attention as you shop. Many stores, coffee shops, restaurants and other organizations offer free Wi-Fi service in Georgia. You may not need to purchase a wireless Internet plan for your laptop if you frequent establishments that already offer the service gratis.

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

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

Action Steps
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Get the installation costs for wireless Internet providers in Georgia

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

I recommend: Brightlan is a wireless Internet provider in Georgia that charges about $200 for installation, plus the first month's service. iWispr provides wireless Internet service in Georgia and charges $100 for all commercial installations.

Find pricing on Georgia wireless Internet services for businesses

Many wireless Internet providers in Georgia 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 Georgia.

I recommend: Infobahn is a wireless Internet provider with coverage around Atlanta and business rates that start at $150 per month. Atlanta WISP offers wireless Internet services to Atlanta area businesses at prices from $150 to $250 per month.

Research technical support costs from wireless Internet providers in Georgia

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

I recommend: Earthlink is based in Atlanta and provides satellite Internet service with free technical support that includes online FAQs, live chat and phone support. One Media Wireless has its headquarters in Atlanta and provides wireless Internet services to businesses such as hotels. It offers two packages ranging from $2500 to $4000, both of which include a technical support and service contract for the first year.