Forum Discussion

Snowman9000's avatar
Snowman9000
Explorer
Jan 24, 2015

Cell phone plan advice

We are with Verizon.
3 smart phones, all "paid for" by now
1 ipad 3G (adds $10/mo.)
1 USB modem (adds $20/mo.)

Unlimited talk, text, & 3 GB data

We are not FT RVers.
Not big users of talk, text, or data.
Except when RV-ing, then we use data but not much more than 3-4 GB.

Would like not to pay $20 per month every month for the USB modem which is only needed a few weeks a year when RVing.

I bought a Cradlepoint wireless router for RVing. Plug the USB modem into it, have wifi in the RV. It works wonderfully, but I now think it was overkill. A hotspot would be fine. I used to make my phone into a hotspot, but that was a pain. I'd prefer not to do that again, but would consider it to save enough money. A standalone hotspot would be my preference, though. Especially something that might work with a 4G booster.

I'd prefer to stay with Verizon network, but would consider a reseller like Straight Talk or others. We want to cut costs. Currently over $200/mo.

I think we can re-up with Verizon on their new Edge plan and cust costs. Anyone done it? Other suggestions?
  • Snowman9000's avatar
    Snowman9000
    Explorer
    Jan 24, 2015
    enblethen wrote:
    You should be able to tether one of the smart phones to your Cradle point. Look on Cradle point website for compatibility of your make and model of smart phone.
    Not sure if you can tether the Ipad to your smart phone and do away with the link for it.


    Good idea, thanks! So...
    Not tether exactly, but:
    3G Store Website wrote:
    The AER 2100, IBR1100, IBR600, MBR1400, MBR1200B, and MBR95 routers support "WiFi as WAN," meaning they are capable of connecting to an external WiFi hotspot as its source of internet connectivity. If you have a device that broadcasts WiFi - like the Verizon MiFi/JetPack, AT&T Unite, or a smartphone with the hotspot feature active (phones like the iPhone and many Droid devices have this option) - you can connect these routers to your hotspot/phone via WiFi as WAN. Your hotspot/phone will not tether directly to the router, but the router will pick up your device's WiFi signal and create a network from that.
  • BarneyS's avatar
    BarneyS
    Explorer III
    Jan 24, 2015
    I use PDAnet+ with my Android phone on Verizon. It lets me use the phone as a modem and wireless router. It will allow multiple devices to connect and does not cost any extra. Works great for me when I do not have WiFi available.
    Barney
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer II
    Jan 24, 2015
    I have Verizon. I set my cell phone as a WIFI hotspot and we hook the laptops and tablet to it. No problem. I have WPA security so other campers can't catch a free ride.
  • ronfisherman's avatar
    ronfisherman
    Moderator
    Jan 24, 2015
    I have a Cradlepoint router and a WiFi Ranger. WiFi Ranger will pickup the Personal Hot Spot from either of our iPhone 5's. We like this option. Cradlepoint router needs a USB cable to do the same thing. With AT&T we can still answer calls on the iPhone's. We have 15gb for 3 iPhone's, Kindle HDX and a Hot spot. We use about 7gb when on the road. Had a 10gb plan. AT&T offered a free upgrade to 15gb. So we took it. I think the iPhone 5 personal hot spot works better than our hot spot. Cost is just over $170.
  • RV_CONUS's avatar
    RV_CONUS
    Explorer
    Jan 24, 2015
    When we went to Smartphones, the hotspot replaced the cradlepoint. I can connect up to 8 devices using our HTC One Hotspot.

    Pulled the plug on DTV 2 years ago.

    We use the hotspot with 2 smartphones, 2 laptops, tablet, and BluRay DVD Player. And a wireless printer.

    We Stream a lot of movies and TV episodes through the Bluray from Vudu, Amazon, etc., using the hotspot.

    our plan is 40g which has proven to be enough for our monthly use. This month viewed 2 seasons of SOA and a few movies. Our data turns over Sunday, and still have 3g remaining for 2 days.

    $160 monthly ATT, oops, after the 15% Vets Discount.

    Our primary phone, internet, TV viewing, etc is through our Hotspot.

    When traveling, we use a Wilson booster for low signal areas. Have not been without service anywhere we have traveled, East, West and in Between,,,,,yet!
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Jan 24, 2015
    You should be able to tether one of the smart phones to your Cradle point. Look on Cradle point website for compatibility of your make and model of smart phone.
    Not sure if you can tether the Ipad to your smart phone and do away with the link for it.
  • wildtoad's avatar
    wildtoad
    Explorer II
    Jan 24, 2015
    Here's what I have/do. We currently have two iPhone 5s, two iPads. All run the current OS. The IPads are wifi only. The new OS makes it real easy to use the iPhone's as a hotspot for the iPads.

    We don't use a lot of cell data except on the road so only have a 2G plan. AT&T now allows roll over data which may help the few times we exceed the plan amount. Verizon may have a similar plan.

    Another feature I like is if I'm on my a ipad I can answer the phone even if the phone is somewhere else but close by.

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