How do you handle Internet Services?

[26_2_2go]

I'm looking for ideas on how to best handle internet access.

Do you rely on a campground to provide it, I have not had the best experience with both access and speed. How about you?
Do you have a Verizon Jetpack or similar with another carrier? The data plans for these are expensive if you're 'surfing the web' like most of us do. Although access isn't bad in most locations near population of course.
Do you have a Hughes satelite dish or similar? The hardware is expensive but monthly fee's are reasonable.
Or do you 'shop for free access'? Although not convenient it certainly is cheap.

thanks for the feedback, cheers!

[rmalik1]

rreynold51 wrote:
We use the hotspot function on our iPhones for the most part...works great and keeps us up on email, etc. when we are out.

Same thing with our Verizon 4G-LTE android or we use the campgrounds if it's good enough

[Bank_of_Dad]

We have the verizon service that Tiggs mentions. $20 per month, plugs into the home phone line, runs on a cellular service. We take the phone and box with us when we go south for several weeks. We haven't tried using it in a National Park or Forest yet.

[JoeChiOhki]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

simsfmly wrote:
We run our business from the road, so we have to have consistent internet.

We use Verizon's MiFi. 4G service where available, 20GB/month for $59/month. Only one place over the last three years have we been disappointed with the service.

How did you get 20GB for $59

I have 5GB for $50!

I have Verizon MiFi 4G LTE

There's a few resellers that can give you better data bundle deals than verizon directly, I've noticed, but still use their network...

[JoeChiOhki]

Since I lucked out and have one of the grandfathered in unlimited data plans on my smart phone / hot spot, I usually use it if there's a Verizon data connection available for most of my internet needs, if not, then I will try to use the park's service, which has been hit or miss, even with the good powerful external wifi antenna I have.

[Tiggs]

Just received an e-mail from VZ Wireless. Appears they are offering home phone service using a wireless device that you plug your landline phone into. This might be a good option for those who just want plain old telephone service in their RV without all the technobuzz offered with smart phones. "Reliable Home Phone Service For Less"..Only $20 a month for unlimited U.S. calls, plus keep your same number and phone. *Home Phone Connect* offers you peace of mind with home phone service at a great price. It's convenient, affordable and portable.
Might be a great option for seasonal campers.

[Cummins12V98]

simsfmly wrote:
We run our business from the road, so we have to have consistent internet.

We use Verizon's MiFi. 4G service where available, 20GB/month for $59/month. Only one place over the last three years have we been disappointed with the service.

How did you get 20GB for $59

I have 5GB for $50!

I have Verizon MiFi 4G LTE

[doxiemom11]

We have had many times that our cell service did not work --- but the Millenicom with verizon service towers did work very well. 24 miles to the closest little town out in the middle of the forest, and we had internet, but no cell. The cell coverage areas are not the same as the data coverage areas. Most carriers have maps for both and they are different.

[mikevh]

bhartzman wrote:
Does anyone use Dish Network's Tailgator antenna and wifi package? It seems to be cost effective when bundled into the tv package.

I have this same question in my mind. Is anyone using Dish Network's advertised bundled package for satellite tv and high speed internet via the Tailgator?

Thanks,

Mike

[Penguelephants]

Decided to go with a Verizon MiFi "Jetpack" 5gb a month plan. Just got it yesterday and so far it's pretty fast with 4G/LTE, trying to torture it for the next 14 days to make sure we'll stick with it.

[rhianna]

Millenicom 3G,20GB $59 month, no extra fee or taxes. Bought the equipment 3 yrs ago and have no problems. Wilson antenna and amp makes it usable just about everywhere even in S. Texas where everything is ATT

[Komfort_23TS]

Version PUCK.

[bhartzman]

Does anyone use Dish Network's Tailgator antenna and wifi package? It seems to be cost effective when bundled into the tv package.

[Roads_Less_Trav]

We boondock all the time and use a Verizon MiFi. We got it last spring and didn't get as good a rate as others before us: $55/mo for 6GB. We usually go over by 1 or 2 GB so pay $10 or $20 in overage fees each month.

We also use a Bitstorm Badboy Xtreme and Unleashed wifi antenna combo to boost free wifi signals nearby and then create a wifi hot spot inside the rig...

[Robin1953]

Tiggs wrote:

AND just like when 3G came out there was NOT 3G towers across the entire us.

Same thing with 4G you can have 4G capable toys and still not be running 4G 100% of the time. All the providers are still scurry around trying to get 4G towers up. Right now unless you are sitting in the center of a major city....you're not running 4G. RV'ers don't spend much time camping in major cities.:W

It depends, I live out in the country and 4G is about 2 miles away and moving slowly in my direction 😉 The last two places I camped had 4G. You can check the address of the campground against VZ's map and it should give you a good idea what to expect.

www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/support/coverage-locator

I am currently in my seasonal site in rural WV and last year all I got was 3G service. This year I am getting a 4G signal but only two bars. At speedtest.net it shows that I am getting approx. 6Mb/s down and .5Mb/s up. The map you have shows 4G about 15 miles from my current location so I wonder how accurate the map is. YMMV