WiFi Hot Spot
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Reviews and General Information
Forum Discription: Find r-pod reviews and new product announcements here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5709
Printed Date: 17 May 2024 at 9:06pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: WiFi Hot Spot
Posted By: Podster
Subject: WiFi Hot Spot
Date Posted: 16 Jan 2015 at 3:44pm
|
We like camping at State Parks but the WiFi Data service is terrible.  Thanks in advance for taking the time to respond. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Replies:
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 16 Jan 2015 at 4:56pm
Like you I have found CG Wifi to be worthless. Even if they have the local equipment to cover the CG with Wifi signal, their connection to the internet is so limited as to make it inaccessible except from 2AM to 4AM. No thanks. We use our cellphone connection as a Wifi hotspot and it usually works well. If we have 3G or 4G cell service we have internet access. However, data is expensive and is wrapped into the cellphone subscription. Some limited data is included with the basic smartphone rate, about 0.3 to 1 MB for about $5. Anything more will run $5-$10 per GB per month. Our plan is with AT&T, but others are comparable. It's the price you pay for connectivity. Since our present trailer is all aluminum (Camplite) I added an external antenna on the roof with an amplifier inside. That makes a big difference in fringe areas. Bottom line, it works well for surfing, email, and even streaming video from Netflix. Don't leave home without it  .------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 16 Jan 2015 at 9:47pm
|
We have the same as Charlie AT&T using our Wifi hotspot from our iPhone. It has worked well for us. We have a package three cellphones and a wireless home phone unlimited talk and text and wireless Wifi with 30 GB per month which we never come close to using up. Price for the package $215 per month. We have always had good coverage in the south eastern United States we haven't traveled anywhere else.
------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2015 at 5:53am
Sometimes, I feel like I am the last person on the planet without a smart phone. It appears there is no advantage of using a dedicated mobile hot spot over having a phone. The data plans for the hot spots cost more for less data and lack the functionality of a phone. It's no wonder folks on here don't use a dedicated hot spot device. Well, I'm going to try to hold out till I'm retired, maybe the State Parks will boost there WiFi by then.  ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2015 at 12:50pm
|
Someday T-Mobile might have better coverage...More on that later. We are a couple of geeks with a small geek business so access is pretty important to us for both work and pleasure. Data plans keep changing and can be very confusing, even for geeks. Our current traveling equipment list includes: 2 iPhones (5C and 6) iPad Air 2 (4g/LTE) Macbook Air and Macbook Pro Amazon Fire TV stick Sabrent WiFi Audio Receiver The last two are strictly entertainment for streaming (casting) audio/pictures/movies to television/stereo. Sabrent receiver works in car too. We recently changed our plan(s) to ATT Shared Data plan (now with data rollover). I first determined how much mobile data we really use over the last few months and bought an appropriate plan. We were at the end of our 2 year ATT contract. For us, because we are mostly near or on WiFi, a 3Gb shared data plan for the two phones is just right. Our monthly bill for the shared data plan is $95.00. Just checking now, we have 1.6 Gb of data left for 8 more days of the billing cycle. Both phones can act as hotspot. When we do travel we have the option of buying prepaid data with the iPad Air 2. With the iPad Air 2 came the first time the iPad was not locked into a specific provider (with lots of caveats if you are interested). In the past, if we would want or need data above our shared plan, I would purchase 30 days of data from ATT for our older iPad. That would be and still is $50.00 for 5 Gb and allow for the iPad to be used as a hotspot also. T-Mobile (god bless em) often leads with the best data deals. A recent promotion allowed for 10 Gb for 5 months for $10.00. That's a heckuva deal and I bought it. I have 5 months to use the 10 Gb of data. The only problem with T-Mobile is coverage. No coverage at my house, but I have yet to test it on the road. Still, for ten bucks I figured it was worth a try. I can switch to ATT or Verizon prepaid data if I need to (with a couple of caveats). All that said, it seems the places we like to camp best have little, if any, coverage from any carrier. I was all set to do some work in the lodge @ Mt. Rainer only to discover they had no WiFi. Oh well. Did get in some great hiking and picture taking. Found any coverage was scarce in most of the places we stayed crossing country. I haven't tested WiFi rangers or antennas, but you will find some good information @ http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/mobile-internet - http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/mobile-internet Now you know...The Rest of The Story Fred
------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: Goose
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2015 at 1:33pm
|
Podster I don't have a smartphone and the kids make fun of my military grade flip phone. I like the camping with no WiFi just to get away and relax. Goose ------------- Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee 
|
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2015 at 2:51pm
Don't get too excited about rollover data. Read the fine print. Another slick marketing gimmick. The rollover data expires after one month whether you use it or not. If you change plans periodically like we do depending on our travel plans you lose the rollover data immediately. No carry over if you down grade or upgrade data allocations. And the rollover data only kicks in after you use your entire monthly allocation so you lose it if you have an average or slow month. Sounds good on TV but AT&T has never been known for good deals. Their claim to fame is general reliability and competitive coverage. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2015 at 4:03pm
|
Goose you are the man, I have one of those phones, that's all I need. When camping we listen to a little bit of news and weather on the radio and that is all. We don't want or need all that high tec stuff when were camping and trying to get away from it. ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2015 at 6:06pm
|
Yes, Charlie. You are spot on. ATT's shared data announcement was a half*##@% reaction to TMO's Data Stash offering. John Legere is a thorn in ATT and Verizon's ... Since I had the Shared Data plan before either announcement, I figure anything from ATT is something. Verizon will, no doubt, one up ATT soon with their version (reaction). One thing I have observed with friends, family and clients is they either tend to use much more mobile data than necessary by not limiting the apps that use cellular data or they are paying for much more data than they use. Managing mobile bandwidth can be a pain, but can also save lots of money. And just an "in jest" counter to the flip phone crowd...My smart phone monitors my car, my health and my mail. It maps constellations and tells me when I will arrive at the park and how to get there. It holds 23 sausage recipes and 4 different kinds of pulled pork mop recipes. It plays music or plays many episodes of Car Talk on long drives. It even tells me when there might be a neat roadside attraction off the main highway. It has a compass, a level, a flashlight, a camera, a timer, alarm and 52 books all built in. I don't need all that stuff, but it sure seems pretty smart to have it in my pocket if I want it! Oh, it makes phone calls too. Just having fun! Fred
------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2015 at 6:19pm
I find that I don't like being out of touch. I can relax without being disconected but to each his own. When I travel my wife and I have My Samsung Galaxy S3, Her Iphone 5, Samsung Galaxy Tab 2, Ipad, and both mine and hers laptops. We use the cell phones as hot spots. When we are in the States my Cell is unlocked so I get a pay as you go plan on an American Carrier. Last time I used Tmoble but their coverage in the north east was terrible so the next time I think I will get an ATT sim card. ------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition 
|
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2015 at 8:26pm
Fred, I was with you through the constellations, sausage, pulled pork, compass, level and flashlight. But then you had to throw in Car Talk! Well, to each his own I guess  . Camp on!------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2015 at 9:58pm
|
I get camping off the grid, but I also like to research whats going on in the local area, find the gems and diamonds in the ruff...researching wineries and museums etc.. Sure, you can study things before going, but it sure is nice to have service during. That is why I want it, to enhance the camping trip and experience with excursions. Pamphlets, news papers, and magazines can't hold a candle to the net in this category. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2015 at 11:45pm
|
I have 40 GB plan with AT&T and use it to telework from home twice a week. We have no other option for data at home - no DSL, no cable, and I'm not paying way too much for a high-lag satellite connection. One thing to watch out for is there are areas out west where you are off-network, but our phone will say it is still on AT&T. Then when you use more than some small amount of data off-network AT&T starts sending you nasty texts saying they will cut you off if you keep using the data connection. I kept ignoring it and they never did. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
|
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 18 Jan 2015 at 5:08pm
|
Wow Doug. I have a couple of friends around here in the same situation. Amazes and frustrates me why I have an inexpensive 50 megabit broadband connection while friend less than two miles away (and just across township line) is in same situ as you. Here, it's political. Crazy. We consume about 300 Gb per month here at home. Fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 18 Jan 2015 at 9:24pm
|
My road is 3 miles long. The first mile has cable, the last mile has cable. Everyone in the middle has Directv. If they can run electric and phone lines to those of us in the middle, why not cable on the same poles? When we moved in 10 years ago I called them out for a quote to run it to our house. They refused even when I offered to pay for the whole run. No idea why. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: bodie55
Date Posted: 24 Jan 2015 at 11:59am
|
We have the same issues with ATT in WYO and parts of NV being 'off-network'. When I spoke to customer service, they were proud of the fact that they cover most of the people in the US (90-something%). I told her that did me no good if geographic coverage is limited. My brother says I need Verizon there. Our other problem has been lack of service period in places we go. So, depending on your travel adventures, even having a hot spot may be useless. ------------- Bay Area Crew 2013 178 Beach Pod F-150 SuperCrew ...sempre in viaggio sul mare... |
Posted By: Plantguy
Date Posted: 17 May 2015 at 9:34am
|
I use Verizon for cellular and Dish Tv with Hopper. when i travel i buy data for my iPad which has 3 g. 3g gives me internet access and Dish hopper allows me to watch the same programs I watch at home. but n a poor reception area tge 3g is limited. i was able to wAtch a basketball playoff game at tge mouth of the Klanath River but the picture was less then OK. Dish with hopper is akin to Sling TV. i have a cord that attaches the ipad to the TV which allows me to watch the programs on the bigger screen. the main problem I have is wuth the swing arm on the TV. It doesn't point down and is hard to see unkess I'm sitting up straight. ------------- Life is too important to be taken seriously!i |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 17 May 2015 at 11:27am
|
Had a smart phone for years before I got Nexus 7 4g. Gave up the smart phone as my eyes are not as good as when I was 20. I use the Nexus 7 for navigating and finding gas stations, restaurants, etc. while on the road. I must maintain a connection to my office for business. The Wifi connections at most campgrounds were abysmal. Finally got a Hotspot and I am happy as a clam. Was able to connect on our last two trips and did my work without a hitch. I am on Verizon, although the most expensive of the carriers, I seem never to be out of service. East coast, West coast, almost anywhere am always able to connect. With the Hotspot, I am now able to look at campgrounds without wifi. BLM, rural camping spots etc. Although the cost is somewhat higher, I value the connectivity almost everywhere. I believe I purchased the HOtspot from Verizon for $49 with a two year contract of $20/month. I am able to suspend service for up to 6 months a year, when not camping. Just extends the contract. It will allow up to 15 devices to be connected. I don't leave home without it. I get 10GB of data each month. I believe it is connected to my phone contract for data. Don't use anywhere near that amount for my purposes. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |