Internet Service - HELP! - RV-Dreams Community Forum

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

RE: Internet Service - HELP!

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Paul and Jo wrote:

Dreamers wrote:
... setup that you can have an antenna and amplifer/booster for a mi-fi system. Wilson makes a trucker's amplifier that connects to the bottom of the mifi with a velcro strip and gives you additional distance & signal strength. Of course, you use an outside antenna that hooks to the Wilson amplifier.
Thanks for the input.

So ... I'm assuming the Verizon MiFi was the current $59 a month system that they are advertising? Also, is there really a neccessity for the amplifier and antenna ... either OR both? Do you have part numbers?

Wouldn't do that at first, though, since Verizon should have the coverage that we would initially need.

Paul

With taxes it costs us $60.07/month for Verizon internet service and the MiFi monthly rate is the same.

We stay in a few places we need at least an external antenna to get a usable Verizon internet signal, but most places we don't need it. For under $60 you can get a Wilson trucker antenna, the cables needed to snake ithe cable through the window, the passive adapter (Velcro adapter) and ball bungee cords to attach the antenna to your TV antenna. That will get you started.

Paul and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

bjoyce wrote:
With taxes it costs us $60.07/month for Verizon internet service and the MiFi monthly rate is the same.
We stay in a few places we need at least an external antenna to get a usable Verizon internet signal, but most places we don't need it. For under $60 you can get a Wilson trucker antenna, the cables needed to snake ithe cable through the window, the passive adapter (Velcro adapter) and ball bungee cords to attach the antenna to your TV antenna. That will get you started.

For clarification, I HOPE you're NOT saying that it costs $60.07/month for internet PLUS the same amount for the Mifi.

As for the rest of what you said as quoted above, you lost me. Perhaps a line drawing would help? Where's the TV antenna if all I have is a cable input ... in my yet-unpurchased Montana 3455SA?

Paul

rjenkins · RV-Dreams Family Member

To clarify some points at&t (T), does support tethering, and has for some time. I have been doing it for quite some time with my blackberry. Its the iphone with the network that currently doesn't provide it.
T allows you to tether and talk on the blackberry at the same time. Verizon (V) does not support that. V is not even in the picture for me because I need to be able to do both.
A lot of misperception about V vs T coverage. They both cover the same amount of area. V however has more 3G coverage. This is not because V spent more than T, it has to do with the technology evolution both sides chose to make.
V went 3G using their existing network old edge architecture which was a smoother transition to go from edge type network to 3G, sort of like an upgrade lets say within an OS vs changing OS's altogether on your PC. Points for V for greater 3G coverage. T on the other hand, did a total network buildout from edge to 3G. A lot more capital intensive and thus the reason why their 3G coverage is less.
Because of T's network buildout for 3G vs. V using their existing technolgy, T's 3G network is multiple times faster than V, hands down. Not even close. V maxes out at 1.5meg, T is building 3G to 7.2meg and can go to 14.4 but has chosen not to in order to concentrate on 4G.
Now lets talk 4G. Thats the future, any decision based on 3G will be outdated in 24 months or less. So any decisions you make based on 3G do it with the knowledge that in that time period it will be a moot point.
Because V is stuck with old technology, in order to go to 4G they now have to do a total network buildout, a lot of capital. Because T bit the bullet earlier, theirs is no longer a buildout but an upgrade, a lot less capital. V has capped their FIOS captial expenditures because their 4G plans is killing them in terms of capital.
Another thing, just like with 3G that when it fails it defaults to edge network, the same will be true with 4G. Once 4G is built out, if there is a problem with the network it will default to 3G. In V's case it would be like defaulting back to a 1200 baud modem compared to T whos 3G, again, is multiple times faster.
All that being said, who has the lead in 4G network. Don't listen to all the ads that V and T have, Sprint has a jump start on both of them with 4G service coverage. Namely because they have gone with wi-max technology. Companies like google (that want to dominate the cellular search engine like they do with landline) and Intel which manufacturers wi-max chip sets for cell phones, have pumped billions into helping Sprint with their wi-max network.
Now who will have the best coverage in the end for 4G, who really knows but I do know this. The default of 4G to 3G when there is network issues (happens more often than you think) T will have an advantage.
Verizon wireless is owned 45% by Vodafone. There is a lot of bickering that takes place between Vodafone and Verizon on network expenditures. It's like a marriage that exists out of necessity rather than love. They each would love to but each other out but neither one will budge. This does not help future deployments.
Speaking of wi-fi hot spots, T has more wi-fi hotspots nationally and globally than anyone else, not even close.

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

rjenkins wrote:

To clarify some points at&t (T), does support tethering, and has for some time. I have been doing it for quite some time with my blackberry. Its the iphone with the network that currently doesn't provide it.
T allows you to tether and talk on the blackberry at the same time. Verizon (V) does not support that. V is not even in the picture for me because I need to be able to do both.
A lot of misperception about V vs T coverage. They both cover the same amount of area. V however has more 3G coverage. This is not because V spent more than T, it has to do with the technology evolution both sides chose to make.
V went 3G using their existing network old edge architecture which was a smoother transition to go from edge type network to 3G, sort of like an upgrade lets say within an OS vs changing OS's altogether on your PC. Points for V for greater 3G coverage. T on the other hand, did a total network buildout from edge to 3G. A lot more capital intensive and thus the reason why their 3G coverage is less.
Because of T's network buildout for 3G vs. V using their existing technolgy, T's 3G network is multiple times faster than V, hands down. Not even close. V maxes out at 1.5meg, T is building 3G to 7.2meg and can go to 14.4 but has chosen not to in order to concentrate on 4G.
Now lets talk 4G. Thats the future, any decision based on 3G will be outdated in 24 months or less. So any decisions you make based on 3G do it with the knowledge that in that time period it will be a moot point.
Because V is stuck with old technology, in order to go to 4G they now have to do a total network buildout, a lot of capital. Because T bit the bullet earlier, theirs is no longer a buildout but an upgrade, a lot less capital. V has capped their FIOS captial expenditures because their 4G plans is killing them in terms of capital.
Another thing, just like with 3G that when it fails it defaults to edge network, the same will be true with 4G. Once 4G is built out, if there is a problem with the network it will default to 3G. In V's case it would be like defaulting back to a 1200 baud modem compared to T whos 3G, again, is multiple times faster.
All that being said, who has the lead in 4G network. Don't listen to all the ads that V and T have, Sprint has a jump start on both of them with 4G service coverage. Namely because they have gone with wi-max technology. Companies like google (that want to dominate the cellular search engine like they do with landline) and Intel which manufacturers wi-max chip sets for cell phones, have pumped billions into helping Sprint with their wi-max network.
Now who will have the best coverage in the end for 4G, who really knows but I do know this. The default of 4G to 3G when there is network issues (happens more often than you think) T will have an advantage.
Verizon wireless is owned 45% by Vodafone. There is a lot of bickering that takes place between Vodafone and Verizon on network expenditures. It's like a marriage that exists out of necessity rather than love. They each would love to but each other out but neither one will budge. This does not help future deployments.
Speaking of wi-fi hot spots, T has more wi-fi hotspots nationally and globally than anyone else, not even close.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Paul and Jo wrote:

bjoyce wrote:
With taxes it costs us $60.07/month for Verizon internet service and the MiFi monthly rate is the same.

We stay in a few places we need at least an external antenna to get a usable Verizon internet signal, but most places we don't need it. For under $60 you can get a Wilson trucker antenna, the cables needed to snake ithe cable through the window, the passive adapter (Velcro adapter) and ball bungee cords to attach the antenna to your TV antenna. That will get you started.
For clarification, I HOPE you're NOT saying that it costs $60.07/month for internet PLUS the same amount for the Mifi.

As for the rest of what you said as quoted above, you lost me. Perhaps a line drawing would help? Where's the TV antenna if all I have is a cable input ... in my yet-unpurchased Montana 3455SA?

Paul

You were worried that the MiFi cost more than a USB aircard and it costs the same. For us that would be $60.07/month total with 8 cents of that taxes.

Most RVs have a crank up TV antenna that makes a great temporary place to attach a cell phone/aircard external antenna, even if the same RV has a cable input. Others create a mount using pvc pipe and attach the external antenna above the ladder in back, if they have a ladder. Others permanently mount the external antenna.

Note that many campgrounds do not have cable TV and some with it charge extra if you use it.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

rjenkins wrote:

To clarify some points at&t (T), does support tethering, and has for some time. I have been doing it for quite some time with my blackberry. Its the iphone with the network that currently doesn't provide it.
T allows you to tether and talk on the blackberry at the same time. Verizon (V) does not support that. V is not even in the picture for me because I need to be able to do both.
A lot of misperception about V vs T coverage. They both cover the same amount of area. V however has more 3G coverage. This is not because V spent more than T, it has to do with the technology evolution both sides chose to make.
V went 3G using their existing network old edge architecture which was a smoother transition to go from edge type network to 3G, sort of like an upgrade lets say within an OS vs changing OS's altogether on your PC. Points for V for greater 3G coverage. T on the other hand, did a total network buildout from edge to 3G. A lot more capital intensive and thus the reason why their 3G coverage is less.
Because of T's network buildout for 3G vs. V using their existing technolgy, T's 3G network is multiple times faster than V, hands down. Not even close. V maxes out at 1.5meg, T is building 3G to 7.2meg and can go to 14.4 but has chosen not to in order to concentrate on 4G.
Now lets talk 4G. Thats the future, any decision based on 3G will be outdated in 24 months or less. So any decisions you make based on 3G do it with the knowledge that in that time period it will be a moot point.
Because V is stuck with old technology, in order to go to 4G they now have to do a total network buildout, a lot of capital. Because T bit the bullet earlier, theirs is no longer a buildout but an upgrade, a lot less capital. V has capped their FIOS captial expenditures because their 4G plans is killing them in terms of capital.
Another thing, just like with 3G that when it fails it defaults to edge network, the same will be true with 4G. Once 4G is built out, if there is a problem with the network it will default to 3G. In V's case it would be like defaulting back to a 1200 baud modem compared to T whos 3G, again, is multiple times faster.
All that being said, who has the lead in 4G network. Don't listen to all the ads that V and T have, Sprint has a jump start on both of them with 4G service coverage. Namely because they have gone with wi-max technology. Companies like google (that want to dominate the cellular search engine like they do with landline) and Intel which manufacturers wi-max chip sets for cell phones, have pumped billions into helping Sprint with their wi-max network.
Now who will have the best coverage in the end for 4G, who really knows but I do know this. The default of 4G to 3G when there is network issues (happens more often than you think) T will have an advantage.
Verizon wireless is owned 45% by Vodafone. There is a lot of bickering that takes place between Vodafone and Verizon on network expenditures. It's like a marriage that exists out of necessity rather than love. They each would love to but each other out but neither one will budge. This does not help future deployments.
Speaking of wi-fi hot spots, T has more wi-fi hotspots nationally and globally than anyone else, not even close.

You have such a mix of real information and false information here that it is hard to sort it all out. Using "T" for AT&T is really wierd since T-Mobile exists and has an even faster network now, but much less coverage. Real tests of T-Mobile's faster 3G are faster than Sprint 4G. In places like North Dakota AT&T goes to 1G speeds not Edge, I know my AT&T phone tells me.

It is obvious you are not current on Verizon. EVDO-RevA runs faster than 1.5, I have seen it about 2.7GB a couple different places. It does not matter how fast the network is because in testing most AT&T 3G areas don't test any faster than Verizon since AT&T has done a lousy job on the backhaul.

I already said that Verizon supports tethering, but only on certain phones.

Because of family we have both a Verizon and AT&T phone and I can say that their coverage is not the same for phone calls, equivalent, but not the same. We have places were AT&T works and Verizon doesn't and vice versa.

I could give a rip about wifi available since I want fast internet with my computer and want it in and around my RV. I want to read blogs while having breakfast at home, not go to some motel lobby or coffee shop. Right now there are many free wifi hotspots that do not require you to have Verizon or AT&T, or any other cell phone company to work.

Right now the vast majority of people reading this forum have glazed eyes since they just want to get their computers, not smartphones, on the internet while on the road.

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

bjoyce wrote:

I could give a rip about wifi available since I want fast internet with my computer and want it in and around my RV. I want to read blogs while having breakfast at home, not go to some motel lobby or coffee shop. Right now there are many free wifi hotspots that do not require you to have Verizon or AT&T, or any other cell phone company to work.
Right now the vast majority of people reading this forum have glazed eyes since they just want to get their computers, not smartphones, on the internet while on the road.

AMEN !

lb311 · RV-Dreams Family Member

You're thinking right Paul. I got my MiFi a year ago thinking I'd get the Wilson wireless booster & antenna later. So far, I've yet to need it for Verizon, but to be fair, I've not been out West this year and out there is where you typically need cell boosters more often.

But, I have now had 2 experiences with AT&T's signal coverage map outright lying about it's coverage-- so I may need to get the Wilson booster anyway simply for better AT&T phone coverage (for my iPhone)-- or else ditch AT&T and get a regular phone with Verizon instead. Argghhh!

I've been using my MiFi alot more since buying my wifi-only iPad. I just slip it in the case with the iPad and then have wireless from just about anywhere I happen to be. So if you think you'll want data coverage when out away from your RV (such as exploring a new area via truck or toad), the MiFi is certainly the way to go.

Lynne

lb311 · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'll add to Bill's reply to RJenkins-- while AT&T and Verizon might have similar cellular voice coverage, I can say from real experience that AT&T's data coverage is an absolute joke in most places compared to Verizon.

While true that AT&T might have faster 3G data speeds on paper, it rarely holds up in real life unless you're in certain metro areas. If you're out on the fringe of a metro area or beyond (i.e. where most campgrounds are located), all you get for AT&T data is lousy S-L-O-W Edge network speeds-- if you remember the old pre-56K dial-up modem days, that's what it will feel like. Worse yet, AT&T's GSM network is much more finicky about it's coverage-- outside, you might find a spot that gets 1-4 bars of signal strength, but walk inside the RV and you're likely to see "No Service" or frequent call drops.

To compare, Verizon continues to have their 3G data speeds in many of these outlying areas, rarily if ever drops a call, and has far less variance in signal strength between outside and inside.

Of course there might still be a few places in the U.S. where you find AT&T and no Verizon, but 9 times out of 10, you'll have fast-to-decent Verizon data speeds while having moderate-to-no AT&T data coverage.

I'm not an AT&T basher. I'd be great to not have to buy a Verizon data plan on top of the AT&T cell and data plan I've already got, but AT&T is simply not viable for data coverage from most campground & outer metro areas.

Lynne

Sherry · RV-Dreams Family Member

Being a bit of a Luddite, I don't even have a cell phone so getting internet for the road on the road is something I've been putting off but I'm now getting to the bottom of the gotta do it before departure check list where it is located.

So Verizon is the one but do you guys pay $140 a month for the phones and the MiFi? WHEW.........that seems like a lot to me.

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sherry wrote:

Being a bit of a Luddite, I don't even have a cell phone so getting internet for the road on the road is something I've been putting off but I'm now getting to the bottom of the gotta do it before departure check list where it is located.

So Verizon is the one but do you guys pay $140 a month for the phones and the MiFi? WHEW.........that seems like a lot to me.

Sherry,

Just an example how you can get by a little cheaper.We use the Verizon air card and cradlepoint router.The monthly fee is $ 60.07 with tax.Only time we had spotty service was in Kerrville,Texas.We use T-Mobile phones where we just buy the minutes we need.Average for that is $ 35.00 per month.Of course we don't talk much on the phone much.Only time we had no phone was in Klamath,California but then only Verizon worked there,no At&t.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Racerguy wrote:

Sherry wrote:

Being a bit of a Luddite, I don't even have a cell phone so getting internet for the road on the road is something I've been putting off but I'm now getting to the bottom of the gotta do it before departure check list where it is located.

So Verizon is the one but do you guys pay $140 a month for the phones and the MiFi? WHEW.........that seems like a lot to me.

Sherry,
Just an example how you can get by a little cheaper.We use the Verizon air card and cradlepoint router.The monthly fee is $ 60.07 with tax.Only time we had spotty service was in Kerrville,Texas.We use T-Mobile phones where we just buy the minutes we need.Average for that is $ 35.00 per month.Of course we don't talk much on the phone much.Only time we had no phone was in Klamath,California but then only Verizon worked there,no At&t.

Our Verizon bill with an aircard and 400 minute cell phone is $106.44 with the taxes, with $60.07 for the $59.99/month aircard and $46.37 for the $39.99/month cell phone plan. Lots of taxes on the cell phone plan.

Places we have stayed where we there is no Verizon voice or data service in the U.S. has been at a campground close to Corbett, OR (east of Portland), Death Valley National Park, Big Bend National Park, the lower level of a hilly campground close to Ramona, CA, various places in Alaska, parts of a campground close to San Diego (very hilly), The Ranch SKP Co-op in Lakewood, NM (has wifi), a campground close to Kamiah, ID, the lower levels of a campground east of Santa Barbara, CA (hills again), and a campground on Saginaw Bay in Michigan (Verizon said it should work but our neighbors said it was a lie and they came often).

Places we have stayed with slow (and often flakey) internet Verizon service even with an external antenna and amplifier are a campground west of Missoula, MT, Bar Harbor, ME, Tucumcari, NM, Henryetta, OK, Park City, KY (Mammouth Cave), Clayton, NM, Lakeport, CA, Bullhead City, AZ (same in Lake Havasu City and Kingman), Ilwaco/Long Beach, WA area, Carrizo Springs, TX, Sanderson, TX, most Alaska places we had any service, Flintstone, MD, Mina, NV, Caliente, NV, Willamsport, MD (Hagerstown), Ponce de Leon, FL, and Santa Rosa, NM.

-- Edited by bjoyce on Saturday 31st of July 2010 10:37:11 PM

Dreamers · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have not added the amplifier and antenna yet. But we know that if needed we can add it.

Judy

Paul and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

I am sooooooo totally confused here with the prices for Verizon, and the GENERAL setup.

At home (and, of course, anywhere) I have a Blackberry on Verizon that averages out to $93 per month with voice, text, and email.
At home (and, of course, anywhere) Jo has a regular cellphone on Verizon that averages out to $70 per month with voice and text.

That's about $163 per month for the two of us ... for cell phone usage .

At home, I also have to pay Comcast cable $52 for internet access to run two or more computers via a wireless system attached to the cable modem. That, of course, only applies at home.

That's $215 for FULL phone service (anywhere) and FULL internet access (at home). Other internet service I get at cafes or hotels.

If I understand this thread correctly, bjoyce can get a MiFi in the RV to get FULL internet access that can then be transferred by whatever means to additional computers in the RV. I know that means installing a wireless or ethernet system but, that's a one-time cost. His system and/or contract also runs cellphones (anywhere) and the total for BOTH is about $120.

That seems to be about HALF of what I'm paying now!

What am I missing here?

Please explain in words of three sylables or less (avoided "two" since I don't want acronyms) as to what the setup would be in an RV to have two cell phones (nationwide coverage) and internet access (for the RV) for two or more computers.

I'm not messaging bjoyce directly because I think this should be clarified in this thread. I hope I'm not the only dummy out there. Line drawings and a brief summary (possibly in a cheap Excel wannabe spreadsheet format) are acceptible. Paragraphs of verbiage just go straight over my head.

Paul

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Texting adds to each cell phone plan, we don't text. Our phone just does voice and does not do internet, which also costs extra. If you want text and internet/email on your phone(s), then you will pay more per month. Our phone plan is 400 minutes, you pay more per month if you want more minutes.

Treat a MiFi or USB aircard/router combination as equivalent to your Comcast setup, only much slower internet and limited to 5GB per month instead of Comcast's 250GB per month limit. My mother has Comcast, so I know what it can do.

Note: The MiFi is a combination wireless router and aircard. A lot of people are happy with it but we use an aircard and Cradlepoint MBR-1000 router instead since I do need Ethernet sometimes, which the MiFi does not support, and the Cradlepoint is more up my geeky nature.

-- Edited by bjoyce on Tuesday 3rd of August 2010 09:07:33 AM

Dreamers · RV-Dreams Family Member

The 5 gig Verizon service on your mi-fi is $60.07 per month (that's the 59.99 plan). The mi-fi is extra but it is a one time cost not monthly. The cost of the mi-fi is determined by whether or not you want to sign a contract and for how long just like cell phones.

Hope this helps.

Judy

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Like Bill our phones are phones and nothing else( we block all texting).If we want online that's why we have computers. It's all the unnecessary stuff on the phone that runs the cost up.That's how we keep our cost's down. smile

DorisandDave · RV-Dreams Family Member

Paul,
Simply put.....We have sprint, but costs are really about the same. We both have cell phones, no texting or internet on them. We have an aircard attached to a cradlepoint for wifi in the RV. Our cost is 120 and some change each month. $60 for the phone coverage and $60 for the aircard.

Our kids sometimes text us or send us pictures on their phones to ours. That costs us extra, but doesn't happen often enough to warrant adding those features with the extra costs.

The cradlepoint router was a one time cost. The aircard is free or lowcost with the purchase of a plan. The cradlepoint is plugged in for power and the aircard plugs into a USB port on the cradlepoint. We have it sitting on the counter by our TV. It shows 2 or 2 1/2 bars but we don't notice ANY slow down of service.
Once you insert the cradlepoint disc into one of your laptops it will do just about all of the setup for you or has very simple instructions to follow for everything else.

We have two laptops and no slow down of internet surfing. We email, facebook, share pictures, I watch some TV (about 1 to 2 shows a week)and download recipes and other things I am interested in. Dave plays a games online and we have not come close at all to our 5 gigs. We also have a wireless printer we can both print to. We just bought it a few weeks ago and setup was basically plug it in and it worked from both laptops.

We use IM or email on our computers for picture sharing, talking and seeing the grandkids with our built in laptop cameras.

Doris

-- Edited by DorisandDave on Wednesday 4th of August 2010 07:34:01 AM

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Racerguy wrote:

Like Bill our phones are phones and nothing else( we block all texting).If we want online that's why we have computers. It's all the unnecessary stuff on the phone that runs the cost up.That's how we keep our cost's down.

You might have too eat the "It's all the unnecessary stuff on the phone that runs the cost up." if you find that the only way you can communicate with certain loved ones is with texting. My mother-in-law now texts because my wife's sisters rarely answer the phone, but will respond to texts. Plus the teenage grandchildren live on texting. She resisted for years and now she texts.

My mother-in-law is very happy that Diane is not into texting and finds that phones and email work just fine. Diane does not need to communicate with her sisters that critically and they will call back if left voice mail.

If I was stilll working today I would have a smartphone with texting and data plans. About everyone I used to work with has them, even the ones I didn't think would. It is now the expectation that they will have texting and they are always away from the desk and need internet access to check email and other internet services. When you are working you can afford, or can rationalize that you can afford, those extra plans.

As a retired person I can do the math and say it isn't worth it for us. But if we already had those plans at retirement would we be willing to give them up if we went full-time?

We commited to family that we have both a Verizon and AT&T phone, so we pay for two $40 plans ($39.9x but with taxes they run about $46) and don't use 400 minutes between them. In a year or so we might be able to dump the AT&T phone and have a Verizon family plan, but right now we need to keep the AT&T phone. If that happens I would be tempted to get a smartphone.

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

bjoyce wrote:

You might have too eat the "It's all the unnecessary stuff on the phone that runs the cost up." if you find that the only way you can communicate with certain loved ones is with texting. My mother-in-law now texts because my wife's sisters rarely answer the phone, but will respond to texts. Plus the teenage grandchildren live on texting. She resisted for years and now she texts.use 400 minutes between them.

Bill, I'm pretty safe on my statement right now as the ones I care about most feel like I do,but I've been known to eat crow before biggrin

.Even have a few recipes wink

Dreamers · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have no bells & whistles on our phones either. I have ATT with the $39.99 + taxes plan. I have 450 prime time minutes with rollover and 3500 weekend minutes and come no where close to using the minutes. I know when we hit the road we will use more. However, I think we are well covered. My phone is the primary phone.

My DH who is not a phone talker has a Pay n Go phone with ATT and he doesn't use his minutes either. However, as long as we add more before they lapse they just keep adding up. He has his phone as an emergency in case we get separated somewhere or the primary phone has a "bump" so we still have service. His phone costs on average of $9.25 per phone.

The costs for the two phones add to less than an AT&T family plan. I do occasionaly text or receive a text but they are so few that it pays me to just pay the 20 cent per text instead of adding the text service.

Of course we then have the Mi-Fi with Verizon so between the two (AT&T & Verizon) we should be connected most places. Without any texting we pay about $106 per phone for our communication.

We are living in the RV (although not on the road yet) and so far everything is working fine for us.

Hope this helps someone.

Judy

Paul and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

DorisandDave wrote:
We have two laptops and no slow down of internet surfing. We email, facebook, share pictures, I watch some TV (about 1 to 2 shows a week)and download recipes and other things I am interested in. Dave plays a games online and we have not come close at all to our 5 gigs. We also have a wireless printer we can both print to. We just bought it a few weeks ago and setup was basically plug it in and it worked from both laptops.

Doris (and Dave) ...
Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou, thankyou for writing in words that even I can understand. I have a PhD but am not a technogeek. All I wanted was some "practical" information and what you wrote in your response was exactly what I needed. No frills ... just something that can be followed and used.
I have two questions, though.
1) When you said you sometimes watch TV, is that on the computer since the whole thread was about WiFi, phones and internet access? If so, what do you use to watch an occassional TV show on the computer? I know that it is possible but have not really followed up on that line. Or, were you just saying that you watch an occassional show on your TV as one of your activities?
2) Now that I understand what a cradlepoint router is, and where it differs from the one I currently have in the house, what model do you actually use? Yup ... a practical question. If you're using it and it works, then I can use it.
Again, thanks for the nice straightforward response.
Paul

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Paul ,We use a Cradle Point CTR 500 to connect Linda and My laptops.When her Daughter visits we all 3 can use the same network.It is all wireless. The modem you plug into the router you can get from Verizon free with a two year contract.Go to www.3Gstore.com and check out their systems.Other places MIGHT be cheaper but 3GStore's technical support is second to none.They talked me through setting my system up as I'm not a techno geek either.If I can do it anybody can. Tell them what you want to do and they will recommend the right setup and how to secure it so nobody else can use the signal unless they get the password from you.

-- Edited by Racerguy on Wednesday 4th of August 2010 02:38:04 PM

-- Edited by Racerguy on Wednesday 4th of August 2010 02:42:47 PM

Paul and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Racerguy wrote:
Paul ,We use a Cradle Point CTR 500 to connect Linda and My laptops.When her Daughter visits we all 3 can use the same network.It is all wireless. The modem you plug into the router you can get from Verizon free with a two year contract.Go to www.3Gstore.com and check out their systems.Other places MIGHT be cheaper but 3GStore's technical support is second to none.They talked me through setting my system up as I'm not a techno geek either.If I can do it anybody can.

OK, things are now starting to make sense to me.

Another question:

I have a Blackberry Tour 9630, using Verizon and have heard that tethering to that can be done without the need to get an aircard/modem, and you can still use the phone while the cradlepoint router is in operation. Is what I have just said true?

Can someone please explain "tethering" to me and what are the plusses and minusses of doing that? I can see one problem immediately and that is ... if I'm away on a business trip, or whatever, and take my Blackberry with me, Jo can't use the computers 'cause there is no phone available to tether to. Or ... can she tether to her own phone .... not a smartphone but a no-frills LG phone also using Verizon.

Paul

DorisandDave · RV-Dreams Family Member

Paul and Jo wrote:
I have two questions, though.
1) When you said you sometimes watch TV, is that on the computer since the whole thread was about WiFi, phones and internet access? If so, what do you use to watch an occassional TV show on the computer? I know that it is possible but have not really followed up on that line. Or, were you just saying that you watch an occassional show on your TV as one of your activities?
2) Now that I understand what a cradlepoint router is, and where it differs from the one I currently have in the house, what model do you actually use? Yup ... a practical question. If you're using it and it works, then I can use it.
Again, thanks for the nice straightforward response.
Paul

Paul, no prob....
I am not a technogeek either, but have learned a lot by OJT and from others on this very forum....oh so helpful!! smile

1 - I watch some of my favorite tv shows on my laptop. I just go to whatever network they are one...for example...CBS is cbs.com. All of the networks have a website and the website home page somewhere it will say something to the effect of "watch full episodes". I pick the show and the episode I want to watch and sit back and relax. Episodes are usually available within 24 hours or less of their original viewing time on TV. Watching Live TV on a computer/laptop is a whole different ballgame...haven't researched that much myself yet. (We have DISH TV for live TV)

2 - I, like Racerguy, use a CTR 500...very easy to use. (We bought it at Best Buy, but I know Radio Shack carries them too.) I even unplug my aircard from it and take the aircard with me when I am going to be away for awhile and need some computer time. I chose the CTR 500 mostly because of portability (you can order a car plug-in for it and use it in the car) and the price. Maybe later I might upgrade to a CTR 1000 just so I have a few more ports on it to add some things...possibly a booster and antenna.

Anyway that's the skinny...always glad to answer questions! Except Tethering....don't know enough about that yet.

Doris

-- Edited by DorisandDave on Wednesday 4th of August 2010 10:56:22 PM

Sherry · RV-Dreams Family Member

Paul,

Thanks for asking all the questions I would ask if you hadn't. This thread is VERY HELPFUL! These folks are just a wealth of knowledge. I'm looking forward to when I actually know enough to be helpful to others myself.

Sherry

janieD · RV-Dreams Family Member

Tethering is simply hooking the internet to the computer through the phone with a cable. It requires some software ( which you need to be connected to the internet to get - I had to go to a wi-fi spot). Most phones are charged to tether though right now the Verizon's Droid can be tethered with some private software called PDA net. I have a Blackberry Storm 2 (wouldn't recommend the phone) and when I was on a PC it tethered ok but we changed to a MAC recently and this phone does not play nice with the MAC. our solution was to go to the air card and Cradlepoint router they have recommended and we are much happier. This system allows us both to be on the computer at the same time online where when tethering just the tethered phone is online. Good luck in making your decision. It certainly can be confusing and it is changing all the time.

Postalpair · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have the Verizon MiFi.....been using it since January 2010. LOVE it. Not booster antenna, just our little MiFi...sits here right beside the table. Verizon will set up the computers if you have any problems. We have traveled from FL to ME this year so far. No problems at all.
Highly recommend Verizon MiFi....LOVE IT!!

Paul and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Postalpair wrote:
We have the Verizon MiFi.....been using it since January 2010. LOVE it. Not booster antenna, just our little MiFi...sits here right beside the table. Verizon will set up the computers if you have any problems. We have traveled from FL to ME this year so far. No problems at all.
Highly recommend Verizon MiFi....LOVE IT!!

In following this thread, I'm wondering what the outcome of a poll would be amongst those that don't have satellite internet access. I think it'd be a 50/50 slit between those that use a MiFi and those that use an aircard/cradlepoint system! Both have their advocates but neither seems better than the other, really, when it comes down to getting service.

Paul

Dreamers · RV-Dreams Family Member

Postal Pair, Us too!

Judy

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Paul and Jo wrote:

Postalpair wrote:
We have the Verizon MiFi.....been using it since January 2010. LOVE it. Not booster antenna, just our little MiFi...sits here right beside the table. Verizon will set up the computers if you have any problems. We have traveled from FL to ME this year so far. No problems at all.
Highly recommend Verizon MiFi....LOVE IT!!
In following this thread, I'm wondering what the outcome of a poll would be amongst those that don't have satellite internet access. I think it'd be a 50/50 slit between those that use a MiFi and those that use an aircard/cradlepoint system! Both have their advocates but neither seems better than the other, really, when it comes down to getting service.

Paul

There should be no difference in getting service since the MiFi is an aircard. The MiFi is more portable but has less range than a Cradlepoint router. If you use the internet in your RV there is no real difference. If you are a part-timer and use it in a house a Cradlepoint has more range so you can set the router up in one room and you should be able to use a laptop across the house, while the MiFi only runs about 30 feet. It sounds like the MiFi is easier to configure for most people. There are trade offs.

Right now we are using our satellite internet because the Verizon internet is lousy and the campground charges for only OK wifi. That is one reason we have both and aircard and satellite, good Verizon service is not everywhere we camp. We are at the Jellystone Park in Missoula, MT.

Delaine and Lindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have the AT&T wireless system with the Cradle Point 1000. Want get into which is best, just like Trucks and RV's its what ever meets your needs. The AT&T 3 G system works if your in a 3 G area, if not it don't work. We have used the 3 G system in several areas of Colorado and Wyoming and areas that didn't have WiFi since we left Tennessee. We are still in Colorado since the 1st of June. We are now in New Castle, Colorado at the Elk Ridge camp ground and no cell service at all, just to many mountains. The WiFi is awesome here very fast. Will be moving on to Moab, Utah Monday morning been there before so will only stay one night. And then onto Monument Valley on Tuesday. WiFi has improved since we were here in 2005. We use the old Air card then and it work in many places.

Just one other thing, you will find that many in the Cell service aren't up to date on RV issues. They just don't understand what RV life is. In 2006 I had a tech tell me you can't get Direct-Tv in a RV. Then invited him inside the 5th wheel and let him see Sattelite TV in a RV. GBY...

rjenkins · RV-Dreams Family Member

bjoyce wrote:

rjenkins wrote:

To clarify some points at&t (T), does support tethering, and has for some time....

You have such a mix of real information and false information here that it is hard to sort it all out. Using "T" for AT&T is really wierd since T-Mobile exists and has an even faster network now, but much less coverage. Real tests of T-Mobile's faster 3G are faster than Sprint 4G. In places like North Dakota AT&T goes to 1G speeds not Edge, I know my AT&T phone tells me.

It is obvious you are not current on Verizon. EVDO-RevA runs faster than 1.5, I have seen it about 2.7GB a couple different places. It does not matter how fast the network is because in testing most AT&T 3G areas don't test any faster than Verizon since AT&T has done a lousy job on the backhaul.

I already said that Verizon supports tethering, but only on certain phones.
Because of family we have both a Verizon and AT&T phone and I can say that their coverage is not the same for phone calls, equivalent, but not the same. We have places were AT&T works and Verizon doesn't and vice versa.
I could give a rip about wifi available since I want fast internet with my computer and want it in and around my RV. I want to read blogs while having breakfast at home, not go to some motel lobby or coffee shop. Right now there are many free wifi hotspots that do not require you to have Verizon or AT&T, or any other cell phone company to work.
Right now the vast majority of people reading this forum have glazed eyes since they just want to get their computers, not smartphones, on the internet while on the road.

Sorry for the confusion but the reason I used T to signify AT&T is because T is their stock symbol on Wall Street and in the industry when one talks about AT&T they use the stock symbol name. I wasn't trying to confuse anyone.
Secondly the Verizon EVO you speak of is correct however if you want to have a map of Verizon EVO coverage versus T (sorry I will stick to my lingo and this does not apply to T-Mobile) 3G coverage it would not even be close, T wins that hands down. EVO has been deployed in order to compete against T's 3G technology (HSPDA vs CDMA) and even so, it only beats the HSPDA 3G standards in bursts and only when compared to initial HSPDA 3G deployment which is at the lower speeds of 3G. EVO won't come close in HSPDA 3G when HSPDA is increased to it's higher speeds (up to 14.4M although no carrier is taking it there, only 7.2 by T).
I never said T had better 3G coverage, I merely explained the reason for the differences in coverage and what that will mean to users as both carriers go into 4G. That's important.
Again T beats V in 3G speed tests over and over, look at the industry mags on that. However yes, V has much better 3G coverage, no question about it.
If I offended you about wi-fi I am sorry, again I was only trying to bring out a point where wi-fi may fit other peoples lives. Not everyone lives your lifestyle, different strokes for different folks. It does make a difference for some people.
The same is true for smartphones. Whether you like it or not, the industry is evolving to video on smartphone. Some people may have 'glazed eyes' as you call it but the demand is driving it. It may not work for your lifestyle but it works for my lifestyle and I don't criticize anyone that has a lifestyle different from mine.
You are not always in an RV and you are not always in a S&B. So there are those that want their video on the go wherever they are at. That fits my profile, maybe that doesn't fit yours.
Smartphones with video over 4G will drive TV sets in the future, the interfaces are already being placed on the latest smartphones. So little screen when you are away from RV or S&B will become big screen when you get home. There will be many ways to watch your video content.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

rjenkins: My information does not come from AT&T marketing, it comes from actually using the systems, knowing other RVers using the systems and being a full-timers for seven years.

I realized that "T" was the stock symbol of AT&T, but it still confuses. I personally know many who have bailed on AT&T aircards because of both coverage and one because AT&T blocked ports so he could not use it to communicate with his work computers. They all switched to Verizon and are much happier.

If AT&T really wanted people to use video on a smartphone they wouldn't be limiting users to 2GB/month with the new iPhone plans and charging extra above that. A friend has a Droid X wiith Verizon and used 1.6GB in her first week of usage.

Edit: I have no idea why I bothered to respond.

-- Edited by bjoyce on Saturday 14th of August 2010 11:18:27 AM

Paul and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

bjoyce wrote:

Edit: I have no idea why I bothered to respond.

I just HAD to smile at that comment!

Paul