Review: Time Warner Cable Wireless Internet

Time Warner Cable offers customers a variety of ways to get online. There’s the broadband at home high-speed service that can be hooked up to any wireless router for a home wireless network. Then there are the National Elite and National Choice plans. The former offers unlimited nationwide mobile data and Internet access on 4G and 3G networks, while the latter has a data cap of 250MB. A mobile wireless Internet device—like a USB-powered card, or a WiMAX capable laptop—is required to connect to Time Warner’s network.

Daily Use
Time Warner Cable promises broad-band at-home speeds on the go with their mobile wireless Internet. It seems, however, that the reliability and service you can get with Time Warner Cable’s wireless Internet service depends on where you are when you’re “on the go”. Omar L. Gallaga, tech writer for the Austin American Statesman, an Austin, Texas Newspaper, said he ran into connectivity issues with one of Time Warner Cable’s mobile hotspot devices.

“Unfortunately, I had inconsistent experiences while testing it out…If you decide to try it out, I’d spend a day or two taking it to all the local locations you might use it and make sure it works consistently with your Wi-Fi devices before commit to keeping it.”

As long as it’s within the initial 30 day period, it’s possible to return a wireless device to the company. You can sign up for a two year contract or pay as you go. With the contract, the monthly service is cheaper, without the contract you have to pay for the wireless Internet device on your own and you’ll have to pay an activation fee.

Devices
Time Warner Cable offers a few wireless Internet devices to use with their mobile Internet plans. These products are free or reduced in price if you buy them along with a contract. They include the Sierra Wireless 250U, a wireless Internet USB dongle, an IntelliGo mobile hotspot device, and deals on different mobile Internet-ready laptops.

Coverage
Although most of Time Warner Cable’s services are available in 28 states, their mobile Internet services can be used anywhere there is coverage. Obviously the areas the company is heavily operating in have better coverage. Like most networks, the coverage isn’t so great in the Midwest and northern states. Those on the coasts and in Texas will see the best service, though as Gallaga pointed out above, even in a coverage area the connection can be spotty.

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