Internet use

We too have the Verizon Jetpack. It works well for us however, it only works where cell service is available. The better the cell signal the better it works. In areas where cell service is limited (weak signal), we utilize a "Wilson Antenna" which boosts the available cell signal and allows us to use the internet, check e-mail, as well as make calls.

If you are looking for free Wi-Fi hot spots, there are apps for that that will list most of the places that offer it, like the starbucks, mcdonalds, libraries, etc. The apps are pretty good, but as noted above, security can not be guaranteed. Libraries are probably more secure than starbucks but nothing is completely safe, including the campground Wi-Fi if available. Search Playstore or appstore for "free WiFi". Most of use still use a combination of what has already been mentioned.

I am on day three of my mini-snowbird adventure. I have been monitoring all three of my hotspots while traveling US 56 across Kansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. AT&T provided a nearly continuous signal. Verizon showed a signal, anywhere from 1G to 4G much of the time. Sprint seems to work only in major metropolitan areas--in other words, zero signal much of the way. just my observations--your mileage may vary.

Another choice is to use a VPN service - for instance Avast has what they call Secureline. It is encrypted from the time it leaves your computer (not your network) until it is passed on.
Another note - SSL (https) sites are encrypted from the time you enter the data in your computer in your browser until decrypted on the site. There is no exposure through the "open" wifi of unencrypted data. Unless you don't have a firewall on your computer, it would be relatively difficult to hack (by relatively difficult, I mean that it's not worth the extra work for most "fly by" hackers). There is very little you can do to prevent a really determined hacker.
Another point is that most really damaging hacking is actually done by "social engineering", which includes things like phishing emails and these "Microsoft service" phone calls. It's much easier for someone to get in to your computer if you actually help them.
So, for "safe" computing make sure the little lock is closed, the site begins with https, and possibly use a VPN service. This will minimize the risk, but it will never be zero. It never was, even with in person banking (remember the old carbon paper under the deposit slip trick).
The problem with computers is once the hack is done it takes very little time to get the data and leave. A saying I remember - the difference between making a mistake on paper and with a computer is that it takes a lot longer to make millions of mistakes with paper records :)
Of course, never leave the default passwords on any of your equipment (routers, hotspots, etc.). That's leaving a no cost buffet for anyone that wants to get in to your stuff.

JiminDenver wrote:
Because the mountains give no clear winner in signal, we have a bit on all four services.
last year we had only AT&T and could only get a signal in the morning and even then it was spot specific. Move a few feet and it's gone. So this year it's turn on all four devices and see who gets the signal and then the best signal. I do know that some of our spots have no Verizon service at all but do have AT&T or TMO.

Have you tried adding a booster ??

I use a Wilson Sleek and have been real satisfied with it. Have used it all over the country and usually gain about 2 bars using it. Of course, there has to be SOME signal to amplify.

I recently switched to Cricket Wireless. Now owned by AT&T and using their towers, I get unlimited calling and text throughout North America, plus 5gb data for $45/mo., net price. (More data available for purchase.)

I use an $8 App called PdaNet - www.pdanet.co ('.co', not '.com'). This allows you to securely connect your laptop or tablet to the internet through your Smart Phone without a phone company tethering plan.

I have found CG wifi to be sufficient most of the time. For banking or paying bills, I connect securely through my phone.

Is this a 'gray' area of the wireless contract? Don't ask, don't tell and don't be obvious.

brirene wrote:

Marine By Choice wrote:
We have the 20mb package at $100/month.

Yikes, that is one expensive plan! :E I'm sure you meant 20 GIG plan. :C

I guess i'll stop complaining about 100 gigs/$125 a month with Telus!!

Because the mountains give no clear winner in signal, we have a bit on all four services.
last year we had only AT&T and could only get a signal in the morning and even then it was spot specific. Move a few feet and it's gone. So this year it's turn on all four devices and see who gets the signal and then the best signal. I do know that some of our spots have no Verizon service at all but do have AT&T or TMO.

I have both a Verizon Jetpack on an unlimited plan. And a AT&T Sierra hotspot on my cell phone shared data plan (3 phones + 1 hotspot share 15gb).

My biggest issue with the hotspots are there wifi network range. Much more than 10' or so and speeds slow down. Throw in a wall and we have trouble streaming TV in our bedroom with the jetpack living in the kitchen. (Even though it LOOKS like you have bars and a decent connection- it still dogs out speed-wise.)

I fixed that by getting a WifiRanger. Much stronger wifi network and it's always on. It gets its Internet typically from my hotspot unless I don't have cellular service and the campground offers WiFi.

noplace2 wrote:
Though it's unlikely, a 5th grader with a bit of tech savvy can hack you.

Well, that's it. No more camping near elementary schools for me!