A Clear Mystery

I’ve had Clear since it was XOHM. Even with XOHM the signal wasn’t fantastic, but it was better than DSL. Even after it became Clear there are times when the connectivity just plain sucks. My USB connection fails to work in my house, and the desktop connection… let’s just say that Skype is shite, you still need to buffer before trying to watch a video on YouTube, and Netflix or Hulu are out of the question. I figured it was Just One Of Those Things caused by being in a city. It’s still better than DSL and I’ve been happy with it.

Until my mom got Clear a few days ago. Her connection if magnificent — fast, steady … all lights lit. Both her desktop and USB connections are amazing. The difference between her house and my house as far as connection speed and reliability is measurable.

WHY!?

Here’s a handy map for reference — locations are approximate, you stalkers, you. I’m Point A. Mom is Point B. There’s just over one mile between us, no matter what route you take. I think our elevations are about the same.

I’ve ordered the Clear plugs which will hopefully allow me to plug the modem in somewhere it gets a better signal, but considering that I’m only getting a shabby connection now (with the modem on the second floor, against an outside wall, near a window) and the USB doesn’t work anywhere in the house or yard, I’m not exactly hopeful.

What’s causing the blockage? Is it the hospital? Is it the highway? Are my walls coated in lead? (okay, that’s actually possible)

Insight. PLEASE.

(First person to say “get FiOS” gets a boot to the head. I’m in Baltimore City. Verizon doesn’t like us.)

Tags: Clear Wireless

This entry was posted on Monday, June 7th, 2010 at 12:06 and is filed under Nerdy Stuff. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.