Who to call when internet lines are physically cut?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So the internet lines are getting cut only in the main box?

Even if that were protected, you can't guarantee that the lines won't be cut, because they can be cut anywhere else they aren't protected.

That said, she has potential options. If she needs to, she can get a cell phone plan that allows tethering - so you use the cell phone for internet access on your computer.

Another thing you can do is get Cox Wifi service if there happens to be Cox internet access points from her house. You mentioned she lives in a city, and Cox has a bunch of public access points in public spaces like airports.

Seriously? Using public areas to access billing and personal info sites (eg social security, bank, etc) is not smart. Not to mention having a senior citizen out in the roads when it’s snowing again soon ... not viable.

You're a peach.

First of all - most financial websites use encryption and multi-factor authentication. If you're still nervous about that, then use VPN. No one is talking about your mom going outside when it's snowing; I'm telling you to check if she can access one of the Cox wifi access points from where she lives.

Not a good idea to access anthing confidential using a WiFi network with a known or no password. They are easily imitated and someone can do a man in the middle attack against https.

[Anonymous]

So tethering a laptop to a cell phone could be a temporary, but expensive solution for someone in her financial bracket. She’s never had cable / satellite TV. I know she has some sort of bundle (cell, landline and internet?).

Cutting the Internet cable in favor of going completely cellular isn’t really viable at this point. Ugh. In case anyone is following, here is one reference:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.techhive.com/article/3342203/cord-cutters-probably-cant-cut-cable-using-a-mobile-hotspot.amp.html

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So the internet lines are getting cut only in the main box?

Even if that were protected, you can't guarantee that the lines won't be cut, because they can be cut anywhere else they aren't protected.

That said, she has potential options. If she needs to, she can get a cell phone plan that allows tethering - so you use the cell phone for internet access on your computer.

Another thing you can do is get Cox Wifi service if there happens to be Cox internet access points from her house. You mentioned she lives in a city, and Cox has a bunch of public access points in public spaces like airports.

Seriously? Using public areas to access billing and personal info sites (eg social security, bank, etc) is not smart. Not to mention having a senior citizen out in the roads when it’s snowing again soon ... not viable.

Don’t forget to factor in the non-techie senior citizen (mid 70s) effect.

You're a peach.

First of all - most financial websites use encryption and multi-factor authentication. If you're still nervous about that, then use VPN. No one is talking about your mom going outside when it's snowing; I'm telling you to check if she can access one of the Cox wifi access points from where she lives.

Not a good idea to access anthing confidential using a WiFi network with a known or no password. They are easily imitated and someone can do a man in the middle attack against https.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So the internet lines are getting cut only in the main box?

Even if that were protected, you can't guarantee that the lines won't be cut, because they can be cut anywhere else they aren't protected.

That said, she has potential options. If she needs to, she can get a cell phone plan that allows tethering - so you use the cell phone for internet access on your computer.

Another thing you can do is get Cox Wifi service if there happens to be Cox internet access points from her house. You mentioned she lives in a city, and Cox has a bunch of public access points in public spaces like airports.

Seriously? Using public areas to access billing and personal info sites (eg social security, bank, etc) is not smart. Not to mention having a senior citizen out in the roads when it’s snowing again soon ... not viable.

Don’t forget to factor in the non-techie senior citizen (mid 70s) effect.

You're a peach.

First of all - most financial websites use encryption and multi-factor authentication. If you're still nervous about that, then use VPN. No one is talking about your mom going outside when it's snowing; I'm telling you to check if she can access one of the Cox wifi access points from where she lives.

Not a good idea to access anthing confidential using a WiFi network with a known or no password. They are easily imitated and someone can do a man in the middle attack against https.

Don’t forget to factor in the non-techie senior citizen (mid 70s) effect.

[Anonymous]

Why cant she (or you) set up auto-pay for her bills so she doesnt need to stress about going online every month (or so much)?

Not to state the obvious, but why not setup a hotspot for her?

And where is she living that her internet relies on wires?

[Anonymous]

If she owns her own property or can put something up on the roof, switch her from cable/Internet to DISH satellite and Internet. They can only cut her service if they get up to her roof and damage the dish. It shouldn't be that much more than cable and it's probably worth the extra to give her reliable Internet service that she can't be cut off from.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why cant she (or you) set up auto-pay for her bills so she doesnt need to stress about going online every month (or so much)?

Not to state the obvious, but why not setup a hotspot for her?

And where is she living that her internet relies on wires?

We’ve discussed hot spot above. The permanent hotspot solution does not fit into the budget. In the temporary tethering solution, she pays extra for the hotspot and for the Internet service she doesn’t receive reliably.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If she owns her own property or can put something up on the roof, switch her from cable/Internet to DISH satellite and Internet. They can only cut her service if they get up to her roof and damage the dish. It shouldn't be that much more than cable and it's probably worth the extra to give her reliable Internet service that she can't be cut off from.

She’s never bad satellite or cable. Couldn’t afford it. Plus, When cable came out in the dark ages the neighborhood could not get it (cemetery in the way) and no easement. She has only had over the air TV. I didn’t have it until a few years ago for sports.

[Anonymous]

Where is this?

[Anonymous]

You seem to be citing "cost" and "not affordable" op in your replies. She seriously can't pay? And are you not able to cover the expenses to any of the above solutions either?
Have you priced any of it out? Asked about payment plans?

[Anonymous]

While I was looking for another article on the subject of tech deserts, I came across this one:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2019/09/13/cities-not-rural-areas-are-real-internet-deserts/?outputType=amp

I subscribe to a different news site so I can’t open this, but I suspect that this may explain part of the issue that my mom faces.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You seem to be citing "cost" and "not affordable" op in your replies. She seriously can't pay? And are you not able to cover the expenses to any of the above solutions either?
Have you priced any of it out? Asked about payment plans?

Cost is a major factor. She lives on about $800/mo. We don’t have wiggle room in our budget, and I have other relatives (my in-laws in another state and other out of state childless relatives) that I’m responsible for them, plus my own family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where is this?

It isn’t in the DCUM area but think of places like inner city Baltimore or Anacostia pre-gentrification.

[Anonymous]

This sounds odd to me. Can she switch from the phone company to a cable provider? Comcast has its "Internet Essentials" program for lower income people. 15 Mbps for $9.95 a month plus tax.

Other ideas -- call the local public service commission or the Federal Communications Commission and complain. She should have phone service. And if that works her internet service should work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where is this?

It isn’t in the DCUM area but think of places like inner city Baltimore or Anacostia pre-gentrification.

This forum is primarily for the DCUM area. We know what options are available in the DC area. Not knowing where you are allows no one to give you specific information, not that we'd know it. Your options are location-specific.