Stay Connected: Internet Options for Modular Buildings

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Introduction

Working in a modular building is, in many ways, ideal—you have flexibility and style for

a low cost.  However, if your business requires an Internet connection, all of the options

can get confusing fast.  There are many ways to get online in your modular building, and

the best solution for you takes your location, your equipment and your budget for Internet

access into account.  Follow me as I connect you with the basics of modular building Internet access. 

Wireless PC Card Internet Access

Pros: convenience, versatility, speed, no complicated equipment

Cons: Expensive, requires cell reception, locked in to a contract

 

A wireless PC card can be a great way to access the Internet anywhere, including your modular building.  This small card plugs right into your laptop (or desktop) computer’s PCI slot and, using the same wireless technology your cell phone does, connects your computer to a high-speed internet connection.   

Well-suited for transferring large files or documents on the go, one of the only inconvenient thing about this Internet option is the cost.  Ranging anywhere from $40-$70 per month, per wireless card, it can get pricey if you are on a budget.  However, if you have a business cell phone, you may be able to use the same network for a discounted price—talk to your wireless provider about a plan that combines wireless internet access and cell phone usage. 

The other major caveat is that the wireless PC card requires a cell-phone network connection to work properly.  If your modular building is located in an area with little or no cell phone reception, you may need to consider another Internet option for your modular building. (Also, as the name denotes, this card works with PCs, not Macs.) 

Also, a wireless PC card is usually a contracted time commitment, so make sure that you aren’t going to be paying for a year of service you don’t need when you sign the service agreement. 

Broadband Internet Access

Pros:  relatively inexpensive, high-speed Internet, wireless option, month-to-month service

Cons: availability, consistency

 

While cable uses the cable television connection and DSL Internet uses the phone line, they function in much the same way—providing high-speed Internet access to a host of computers at a comparable, affordable price (usually around $40-$60/month).  Both require an Ethernet network card for each computer you would like to be online, as well as a single, special modem.  You can easily self-install these units for free or a nominal fee, because a service appointment for installation can cause up to $100.  Yikes!

 

With cable or DSL Internet access, you can either plug the computer into the Internet connection, or you can use a wireless router to broadcast wireless Internet over your entire modular building.  This option allows for a number of computers to be online in your modular building without the hassle of cables or wires, but requires that each computer have wireless Internet capability.

 

While service availability can be an issue, if you are able to get cable TV in the vicinity of your modular building, chances are you will be able to get cable Internet for your modular building Internet needs. DSL Internet access for your modular building, however, is a little trickier; the service is better the closer it is to the telephone company’s central hub. 

 

Lastly, because cable and DSL are both usually month-to-month services, you can often cancel at a moment’s notice with no penalty fee, making this a great, flexible Internet access option Remember, the best way to get the best price on any service is to shop around, so get multiple quotes from both DSL and cable Internet providers before deciding which one is best.

Dial Up Internet Access

Pros: cheap, no equipment

Cons: extremely low speed, inconvenient

 

The other Internet access option for your modular building is a dial-up connection, which accesses the Internet through your phone line.  This option, by far the slowest, can be an acceptable alternative to high-speed DSL/cable Internet only if your business requires occasional, limited access to the Internet.  If you plan on downloading or sending large files through email, or if you plan on surfing the web, dial-up connection is not for your modular building. Check around in your area, as DSL is often almost as cheap, and for much better service. 

 

Now that you have a good idea of what kind of Internet you would like in your modular building, start receiving quotes on your perfect modular building here!

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