I'd love to see a Good Sam branded MVNO for broadband Internet. There is nothing that I've found on the market so far that meets my needs - those of a casual RV traveler. An example of my needs would be broadband for a 1 week trip, then 5 or 6 weeks off, then needed again for another 1 week trip, etc. Maybe even turn it back on again for a weekend trip only, etc.Features of this MVNO would be:1) Upfront purchase of the MIFI device.2) Based on the Verizon or AT&T network (since Sprint's coverage can be challenging in some remote areas)3) Purchase of a fixed quantity of broadband capacity.4) Capacity that DOES NOT EXPIRE.I can't find all 4 of those things in a single provider. Most make you buy a block of capacity and expire it in 30 days. That makes the service very expensive for casual RV'ers.It seems like Good Sam would have the membership base to negotiate a decent MVNO that is geared towards the casual RV'er.

I have the Sprint version USB EVDO. Full timing 6 years and have had service everywhere I have traveled. Unlimited use. $64 bucks a month. Everyone posts that they think Sprint has bad coverage. I have 'yet' to find that to be true!I am off the road for awhile and I have no desire to buy cable, DSL or the like. I am just continuing to use the mobile broadband. Which you could do also and just pay your cable company for the TV part. The monthly savings from that will offset having the mobile broadband all year there and ready to hit the road with you! Just saying.

I have 4 lines of service with Sprint. Their coverage is in rough shape in many areas that I travel until their Network Vision upgrade is finished next year. I'd also need a MIFI, not a USB solution. There are 5 WIFI devices in our coach if my whole family is traveling. I could not use mobile broadband at home. I use 100-200 GB a month with my cable modem service. I hit 225 GB one month. No broadband service will support my home usage.

Verizon and AT&T do not work at my house, just Sprint and T-Mob. I have had Sprint for 11 years, so far so good.

Virgin Mobile,buy the wi-fi Go-Pro at wally world for under $100,pay $35/month as needed. Mine works everywhere we have been.

Although I don't know what MVNO stands for, I agree with Jeffcarp.I use the MH about 60 days a year, entirely in the summer time. I'll go on several week long trips and a couple of 3-4 week trips, maybe longer. MIFI that I could turn on and off without penalty would be great.Jeff, thanks for the suggestion.

I'd love to have this Good Sam benefit someday

14 Replies

orchardhill
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013
jeffcarp, at what speed do you receive?
ken
Handyman_Xenabl
Explorer
Oct 17, 2013
We have researched a mobile hotspot for our intermittent trips where it would be great to have internet connnection for mostly weather reports. DH ordered ours this week.
I agree with jetboater - the Walmart On the Go hotspot has the best features and cover all the things you want in your list.
Good_Sam_Care_T
Explorer II
Oct 17, 2013
jeffcarp,

Thank you for your time and post. Once again you have a great suggestion. I wanted to make sure you were aware of the smile and save discount with Sprint.

*Members save 10% off select regularly priced plans when signing a new 2-year agreement. There are three ways to redeem this offer

1. By phone: call Sprint at 800-722-9336
2. Online: visit sprint.com/goodsamclub
3. In a Sprint store: find a store near you by visiting sprint.com/storelocator

You will need to sign on to goodsamclub.com to get the discount code.

Mark F
Marcus' Rapid Response Team
goodsamcs@goodsamfamily.com
jeffcarp
Explorer
Oct 17, 2013
Today's AT&T announcement of more casual mobile broadband plans ($5 per day or $25 that can be spread over 3 months) shows them opening up options for more casual users like RV'ers. Their recent deal with GM for telematics seems to indicate a desire to bring connectivity to mobile customers. The environment seems ripe for a Good Sam branded MVNO made specifically for RV'ers.
RVman3252
Explorer
May 23, 2013
jeffcarp wrote:
tenbear, MVNO stands for mobile virtual network operator. It is essentially a company that provides the sales, marketing and customer service of mobile phone services but none of the technical aspects. They bulk purchase the network access on the wholesale market to one of the big 4 carriers. So an MVNO structure makes it very easy for companies like GS to offer customers a branded, specialized and customized plan.

That would be great if Good Sam could put a program together like that for it's members
Good_Sam_Care_T
Explorer II
May 23, 2013
Hello Jeffcarp,

Thank you for your post. That is a good suggestion, and I will pass this along on your behalf.

Wes Robinson
Marcus' Rapid Response Team
goodsamcs@goodsamfamily.com
tenbear
Explorer
May 23, 2013
Jeff, thanks for the explanation. I agree, I think it would be a great thing for RVers who would like to have good WIFI on the road but spend a limited time RVing and don't need it at home for whatever reason.

It seems it could be a money maker for Good Sam too.
jeffcarp
Explorer
May 23, 2013
tenbear, MVNO stands for mobile virtual network operator. It is essentially a company that provides the sales, marketing and customer service of mobile phone services but none of the technical aspects. They bulk purchase the network access on the wholesale market to one of the big 4 carriers. So an MVNO structure makes it very easy for companies like GS to offer customers a branded, specialized and customized plan.
jeffcarp
Explorer
May 23, 2013
There are all kinds of services with the model you reference. "Pay $x for 30 days." That is not what I am after. I want to pay $35 for x GB and have that x GB available to me until I use it up. That might take 2 weeks, 2 months, 6 months, 9 months, etc.

That would be a GREAT model for casual RV users in my opinion and a good benefit to offer to the GS members.

jetboater454 wrote:
Virgin Mobile,buy the wi-fi Go-Pro at wally world for under $100,pay $35/month as needed. Mine works everywhere we have been.
tenbear
Explorer
May 23, 2013
Although I don't know what MVNO stands for, I agree with Jeffcarp.

I use the MH about 60 days a year, entirely in the summer time. I'll go on several week long trips and a couple of 3-4 week trips, maybe longer. MIFI that I could turn on and off without penalty would be great.

Jeff, thanks for the suggestion.