WIFI Hot spot

[dts3204]

What WIFI hot spot non monthly subscription pay as need is the best?

[Pooneil]

It really depends on where you are located and the level of service offered by the provider. In my experience, Verizon's data network is the best. Any provider you use will be using one of the existing major networks, so make sure you know what you are buying. Here is an article on the speed and reliability of the "Big 4" networks.

Verizon has most reliable cellular network in test, AT&T has the fastest | Ars Technica

[MinneweeseMI]

Verizon. Not the cheapest, but has the best coverage and some amazing speeds. We used Virgin Mobile for 2 years and it was a disappointment. One of my customers has 45+ people on the road and they use Jetpacks exclusively. They go to areas with some poor coverage too and are still able to work.

[Pooneil]

There is a company called Freedom Pop that has reasonably priced plans, including a free one for minimal usage, suitable, it says, for email. Unfortunately they run on the Sprint LTE network which is good where it is, but is not close to the extensiveness of VZ or T. Most of the cheaper third party plans like Freedom POP resell Sprint service. So always check the actual service provider before you sign up.

If you come across any WiMax services, don't bother. That too is a Sprint service and they are shutting it next year in favor of the LTE network.

[ChrisMSNT]

Stupid question, but what smartphone and carrier do you have today? A lot of smartphones have a hotspot functionality built right in! :-)

[BamaBob]

X2 on Verizon (we use it ourselves) Best coverage of the USA hands down - in fact, it is just about the only carrier that will work out west (NM,AZ,UT,CO,WY) when you get more than 3 miles from a interstate.

Problem is, it's expensive - all mobile Hot Spots are though, because you are getting a WIFI connection from a GSM/cellular carrier.

Another option is to rely on (whenever possible) free WIFI hotspots and maybe consider installing a WIFI booster antenna on your RV

[dts3204]

Iphone 5 Virginmobile don't think that is an option at least I haven't found it. Just need to tether the mac book for bank statements etc.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by dts3204

Iphone 5 Virginmobile don't think that is an option at least I haven't found it. Just need to tether the mac book for bank statements etc.

The iPhone calls it a "Personal Hotspot". Go to Settings --> Personal Hotspot to turn it on/off.

The phone does make sure that your cellular carrier allows it. Maybe check with Virgin Mobile to see if they allow/don't allow it.

On edit, it sounds like you may need to call Virgin to enable it. See the first response here:
https://community.virginmobile.com.a...hone/td-p/9920

On edit #2, looks like it isn't available for pre-paid phones:

Originally Posted by Moderator at Virgin Mobile

At this stage the Hotspot feature is not available to our Prepaid customers.

[dts3204]

I think I will go with one of Virginmobiles hotspots. I am satisfied with their phone service doesn't work out I can always go back to big red. Much as I would hate to do that.

[Still Kickin]

Walmart recently introduced a new exclusive mifi that works off the verizon network. My guess is they used their might, to offer a package exclusive to them. No contract, buy monthly, the amount of gigs you might need. The mifi unit itself is around $79 last time I checked, but maybe there are sales, don't really know.

Other networks are doing build-outs to expand coverage to compete with verizons' coverage map. Hopefully that will create competition, thus dropping prices a bit.

[OldCoot]

I use an antique Palm Pilot that has a Verizon 'free hot spot'. Was informed this winter that when this phone shoots craps, that's the end of the free hot spot as the Palm Pilot has been discontinued and will no longer be supported. They won't even activate a NOS Palm Pilot which I have 2 that will have to be thrown away.

[Cajun Po-Boy]

One of the best features cell phone carriers have added has been the mobile hotspot feature...campgrounds are more miss than hit when they advertise free wifi service...now, when their wifi doesn't work I just turn on my hotspot and everybody in the camper is a happy camper

[MinneweeseMI]

Originally Posted by dts3204

I think I will go with one of Virginmobiles hotspots. I am satisfied with their phone service doesn't work out I can always go back to big red. Much as I would hate to do that.

We have one we don't use anymore. If you camp around populated areas, it will work. It's fast enough for email and looking at the weather radar and that's about it. I like their data plan rates.

[BamaBob]

WOW OC - I used to have a Palm Treo - darn good phone for the times!!

You are gonna hate it when it craps out Don't know what your data requirements are, but plans are a bit on the pricy side da_n pricy IMHO!

Since you are an accomplished DIYer, you should look into one of the WIFI booster antennas. These babys will pull in a WIFI signal from as far as 7 miles! (Think'n a good chance of mooching off local free WIFI hotspots here )

Here's a link to one on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846

DIY comes in because this sucker is 3' tall so a means to lower it flat to the roof needs to be designed, and wiring will need to be routed from the roof to wherever the WIFI router lives (entertainment system area?)

[ynott96]

I bought a used MIFI off Ebay for $35, then activate Verizon MIFI monthly as needed. The MIFI has provided super service everywhere we go regardless of mountains or oceans!
George

[TxTravelingRN]

I use Verizon MIFI: $80/10 Gigs month. I've actually gone over my limit a couple of times! Really fast download speeds.

I have used the campground WIFI (tengointernet/Boingo)a few times but as a shared resource was EXTREMELY slow. A carrier pigeon could have gotten info to me faster.

[Pooneil]

Virgin Mobile uses the Sprint Network too. So you will get essentially the same service from them as most re-branded hot spot services. If that is sufficient where you are then it is a good option.

There are many advantages to using a separate device for WiFi. Particularly for a couple where the hot spot phone user may be leaving while the other person may want internet service at home. Even going into another room or walking a little way from the camper, can interfere with using a phone hot spot.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by Pooneil

There are many advantages to using a separate device for WiFi. Particularly for a couple where the hot spot phone user may be leaving while the other person may want internet service at home. Even going into another room or walking a little way from the camper, can interfere with using a phone hot spot.

Agreed! Plus the hotspot is a battery hog- I found I would just leave my phone plugged in. Then, if no one used it for 30 minutes, it would shut the hotspot down and I'd have to go into the settings menu. Our iPhones were finicky with letting things connect.

Plus, depending on your usage - if you need to talk + use data at the same time, you can't beat a dedicated hotspot. I could do both onlyl if I had full bars- anything less and my data was crap slow.

I switched to a dedicated hotspot device towards the tailend of last year and haven't looked back!

[rawlus]

The walmart device is also Sprint network.

[dbarr]

I use a sprint hot spot that my employer provides. Not the best service once you get far enough away from the interstates. Lots of dead space. Works better than most campground wifi.
Free is always good!