field report on Straight Talk WIFI hot spot
We just returned from 3 1/2 week trip to Fl. Purchased a ST hot spot just before we left. Cost was 79.00 + tax. Had no idea how much usage we would need. Started with a 1GB card to test it at home before leaving. My GF and I both use the internet daily, sometimes for several hours. She plays games and surfs and I check e-mail and surf the web. We do not download big files or stream video, although we did upload / download a few pics and some u tube videos etc.
We ended up purchasing 2 more refills of 2 GB each to finish out the trip. Would have been a bit cheaper if we had bought all the GB upfront but we had no idea how much to buy, now we know. We could have bought 5GB for 50.00 but the way we bought it cost us 65.00.
We used the HS even in campgrounds that had WIFI. Only one had a decent signal / speed, unless you left your campsite, and we were only there 1 night.
Pros: 1:The hot spot worked great everywhere except Flamingo in the Everglades ( no service ) and the first day we arrived at Bahia Honda ( might have been a Verizon glitch as we had no phone service either and it was fine after the first day ).2: Seemed about as fast with 2 users as one. 3: Easy to check remaining balance and add more GB online.4: Only pay when you need it. 5: Verizon towers if you are in their area
Cons: 1: It is 3G service. ( most of the time it seemed as fast as my basic Roadrunner service here at home, and was always as fast or faster than the CG ) 2: If you do have a problem ST customer service can be difficult. We had a little glitch with one 2GB refill and it took about 30 minutes on the phone to get it worked out. We have ST phones too and it does seem their CS is getting better over time. 3: Verizon towers so you must be in their service area.
Overall very happy. 80.00 invested and it doesn't cost us again till we decide to use it, which is exactly what we needed. Full timers might find better choices elsewhere. Happy travels.
We ended up purchasing 2 more refills of 2 GB each to finish out the trip. Would have been a bit cheaper if we had bought all the GB upfront but we had no idea how much to buy, now we know. We could have bought 5GB for 50.00 but the way we bought it cost us 65.00.
We used the HS even in campgrounds that had WIFI. Only one had a decent signal / speed, unless you left your campsite, and we were only there 1 night.
Pros: 1:The hot spot worked great everywhere except Flamingo in the Everglades ( no service ) and the first day we arrived at Bahia Honda ( might have been a Verizon glitch as we had no phone service either and it was fine after the first day ).2: Seemed about as fast with 2 users as one. 3: Easy to check remaining balance and add more GB online.4: Only pay when you need it. 5: Verizon towers if you are in their area
Cons: 1: It is 3G service. ( most of the time it seemed as fast as my basic Roadrunner service here at home, and was always as fast or faster than the CG ) 2: If you do have a problem ST customer service can be difficult. We had a little glitch with one 2GB refill and it took about 30 minutes on the phone to get it worked out. We have ST phones too and it does seem their CS is getting better over time. 3: Verizon towers so you must be in their service area.
Overall very happy. 80.00 invested and it doesn't cost us again till we decide to use it, which is exactly what we needed. Full timers might find better choices elsewhere. Happy travels.
