Wifi Hot spots

[Mark S]

Currently camping near Glacier National Park. My Sprint WiFi Hot spot is virtually worthless. Haven't had a signal since Salt Lake City. Is there a Hot Spot carrier that's works in the places we want to camp?

[ependydad]

I've always heard of Sprint's service being spotty. Given my coverage choice, I'd start with Verizon and then have AT&T next. Ironic as I just bought an AT&T hotspot. :-)

If we go full time next year, I'll be getting a Verizon hotspot.

[ependydad]

That said, look at the coverage maps for each provider and ask the folks around you.

[OldCoot]

We use Verizon, but haven't been west of Missouri trying it. So far, no problems East of the Mississippi river.

[Sirsea]

Just finished a 5-week trip thru Jackson Hole, Yellowstone and Mt Rushmore using an AT&T I-phone, Verizon cell and Virgin Mobile USB modem with very limited or no service most of the time. Got to be really frustrating at times....but then we go camping to get away from everything..

[Campwell]

Mark, you should be aware that although the big cell carriers are just about everywhere, the data world in that part of Montana is run by a local outfit - they are good, but you have to have local service to know about them. I feel your pain every time we are in Glacier.

I personally value internet service more than satellite TV and just keep waiting for a truly mobile internet that works where we like to camp - in the middle of nowhere. If you have $15k laying around it can be done now, but I would like something comparable to the $800-1400 Dish TV systems.

[Rebel702]

Originally Posted by Sirsea

Just finished a 5-week trip thru Jackson Hole, Yellowstone and Mt Rushmore using an AT&T I-phone, Verizon cell and Virgin Mobile USB modem with very limited or no service most of the time. Got to be really frustrating at times....but then we go camping to get away from everything..

Same trip w/ Verizon and same experience. Strange that the National Parks have not done more to introduce better coverage. With the number of visitors and the potential of needing emergency aid most would rely on their phones. Although not cheap, I maintain hours on my On Star to have access to make calls back to family when we are in NO SERVICE zones.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by Sirsea

Just finished a 5-week trip thru Jackson Hole, Yellowstone and Mt Rushmore using an AT&T I-phone, Verizon cell and Virgin Mobile USB modem with very limited or no service most of the time. Got to be really frustrating at times....but then we go camping to get away from everything..

Hmm, that really gives me pause and reason for concern as we're looking at a year-long trip and I need to continue to work through-out the week.

[Dennis and Julie]

Maybe those of you who want or need to have internet while traveling should look into mible satellite internet.

[kc8lvy]

Originally Posted by ependydad

Hmm, that really gives me pause and reason for concern as we're looking at a year-long trip and I need to continue to work through-out the week.

This makes me remember the movie RV where Robin Williams was trying to work and looking for a signal all the time.

[BigTJohn]

Just try to plan accordingly. That said - you are camping, not staying at hotels/motels. Once you leave the confines of the city, you leave. Call ahead to planned stops. Ensure you will have what you need. If you are boondocking, it's up in the air. Hughes and others have satellite options, a bit pricey but if you really need it, then get it. Plan now rather than just before the trip and set it up, practice and really use it before you have to use it and then know you need some help and you are in Bum--- somewhere, lost and no phone, well you get the idea.