I really think that you have the best internet connection device now. Thats all we use and it works well and is very reliable. 4G is the norm and now and then 3G but still very useable. A smartphone can give same results when tethered but you lose the voice communication while tethered and in use. Couple that with free wifi in a lot of businesses (McDonalds etc) should give you the adequate coverage you need. Verizon is considered the best as to coverage areas. Now and then another carrier will be available where Verizon isn;t but..........