Anyone used singlepoint for wifi

[chiliman]

I am will be working from my MH (part time) and I need a wifi connection wherever we are.

I realize mobile wifi is not 100% available but I am also aware campground wifi is not either.

I have been looking at the singlepoint 'wifi in motion' solution and I am looking for input from anyone who has experience with the product and plan (I will probably opt for the Verizon based plan).

Thanks.

[SlowBro]

chiliman wrote:
The attractiveness is this is a system assembled to work seamlessly together.

While it is true one could likely assemble similar parts and have a working system, my experience with this sort of thing is there is always something that needs to be jerry-rigged and becomes some sort of constant maintenance issue.

I am willing to assemble my own if that turns out to be what I decide to do.

Seems like a phone w/ a hotspot built in would do the trick, wouldn't it?

[pianotuna]

Hi,

Look at cell phone amplifiers. Wilson Electronics Sleek 4G is where I would start. You can attach it to a truckers antenna for even better coverage (and through put). The Sleek will work with the so called "mifi" devices.

Verizon has the best coverage, but try to have a "back up" carrier for areas where Verizon is weakest.

You will be taking a speed hit compared to the wired land line connections that may be in use at the moment.

Cradlepoint makes cellular routers where more than one cell phone modem can be attached. They can be configured in "fail over" mode or can combine the pipes to increase bandwidth when there is more than one carrier offering data where you are. There are a few of this style of router that attempt to connect you to the best bandwidth source. Wifi Ranger is one such device--but I have not used one.

Few of these units are designed for 12 volt use. Try to find units that do work that way to help eliminate RFI from inverters.

Let us know what solution you decide on.

[chiliman]

I am not committed to anything at this point but I am considering many options.

I have found some users of the other solutions and have received references from singlepoint but I would like to get the impressions of users other than the singlepoint references if I can.

While their basic system can be configured to work with most of the major carriers, you actually purchase for only one carrier (specific modem/router).

I am about to get an idea of their Verizon plan but the references (again from singlepoint) I have chatted with all indicate singlepoint's plan is discounted from Verizon (possibly other carriers as well). If that is true I suspect they can do that as a part of their remarketing agreement. I will find out when I get a quote from them.

The attractiveness is this is a system assembled to work seamlessly together.

While it is true one could likely assemble similar parts and have a working system, my experience with this sort of thing is there is always something that needs to be jerry-rigged and becomes some sort of constant maintenance issue.

I am willing to assemble my own if that turns out to be what I decide to do.

As for price, that all gets baked into my fee to the clients.

So, within some parameters, I can tolerate more cost if it presents me with less intervention (read spending my time keeping the system going rather than either billing my time or enjoying the RV Life).

[SlowBro]

Well, if it truly does "work with all U.S. carriers" as their FAQ implies then you get the absolute best coverage possible. But wow that's got to be expensive. Imagine having contracts with unlimited or very high GB data plans on several carriers at once, and you get the idea. $300-500-ish monthly.

[mrkoje]

What is it about this single point "WIFI in motion" product/service that sounds so appealing? From the webpage is just seems like re-branded 4G data service from Verizon/ATT at a higher price.

Use your 4g data off your smartphone - if you need a cell booster get a Wilson Electronics 4G booster - get a WIFI range extender for when you are parked/camping and pay less money. Like previous posters have said cut out the middleman.

[chiliman]

Thanks for all of the info.

I am a Data Integration Engineer and will be connected via VPN to another system. Very little Web surfing, probably no or limited streaming.

I will also be using ths for personal use - primarilly moniitoring my Automated Home which is done via the Web and/or smartphone (stilll seting this up.

I will have a phone and thus am also looking to boost that signal.

I will be working while DW drives when we are on the road and it is her turn to drive. So need a system with a good antenna.

We may be staying at some resorts which are remote and some which are near major cities (although probably not much of that). May also be spending time at friends/relatives who may not have internet or be near free wifi.

I think I covered everything.

But basically I stil would like to commiserate with someone who has used the WIFI in Motion system (singlepoint).

[MrWizard]

anybody selling a service, that will work on all networks, will demand a VERY PREMIUM price

"they work with all U.S. carriers" does not mean the device you chose works on all carriers

basic meaning could mean, you can get service on carrier of choice
until you contact them, No way to know for sure

[SlowBro]

Had a look at the Singlepoint FAQ, which states they work with all U.S. carriers. I gather that means their devices have multiple radios which work with every carrier's antennas.

If it's true, this tells me Singlepoint has the absolute best coverage, since it includes all networks, beating even Verizon. Something to consider.

[SlowBro]

OP I know you may not want a phone, but look at this: FreedomPop has a phone with unlimited data for $20/mo which includes wifi hotspot tethering for your laptop. Their phones use the Sprint network, for what that's worth, but I gather that as long as you have at least a 3G signal you'll be rockin'.

So it's much less expensive per month than a dedicated Verizon hotspot, but it uses the Sprint network which isn't as great as Verizon.

Read the fine print and be sure to cancel any extra add-on services, as that's how they make their money. And please be a good user; If you are close to free wifi like in the campground, use that for videos and heavy downloads instead of abusing their network.

[wa8yxm]

Just did a quick search.. the product I found claimed to be what you are talking about says it uses AT&T Wireless network.

There are basically 4 major service providers far as I know
Verizon has long had the best coverage but if you believe AT&T they have recently made a MAJOR upgrade to their network both in bndwidth and coverage.. They are trying to push Verizon into the # something higher than 1 spot

At&T is very likely #2 just now.. But this upgrade is new enough that returns, as they say, are not yet in.

T-mobile

Sprint/Note..er Spring/Nextel (Virgin uses this network)

Most likely to not have a tower where you are.

Bottom line, most likely or least,, What matters is DO they have a towre where you are.. I know, for eample. of one place, where at one time only SPRINT had towers. no other towers were allowed.... If you can not figure out why.. I won't tell you, but I'd love to be able to PROVE the case.

[MrWizard]

I'm going to assume the OP, does not have a smart phone and may not want one
A hotspot device with it's own data plan may be the simplest best option for him
I also agree with the posters that said go with Verizon service for that device
The real question the OP has not asked, is about data costs

What kind of work from the RV will you be doing, and where will you be
RV resort near the city, or way out in some National park or monument
Filing reports?
Or moving large database and server files?
Simple email
This determines how much it's going to cost and how reliable you need the service too be

[magicbus]

Another vote for just using my phone hotspot and data. My wife and I generally work 8 hours a day online using my phone hotspot for two computers. We average 10 gig per month and our plan is 15 so we have plenty of leeway without buying another plan or device.

Dave

[pianotuna]

Hi,

I'd just use a cell phone that has hotspot capability.

[mrkoje]

Or just use your smartphone as a wifi hotspot and you cutout the need for a jetpack. Unless there is a better deal on data with the jetpack it seems silly to have to pay for another "device" on your plan when the smartphone can do the same exact thing.

So use your phone and set it up as a wifi hotspot and then BAM you got your mobile wifi.

Also, after looking at their website I don't see them offering really anything of value to an RV'er. What they have is - A - solution. It seems hardly the best or even a good solution. Maybe 10 or so years ago it would be acceptable.

Now, in 2015 or 14 or even 13 or 12 or 10, why pay a middle man for something that you can provide for yourself for no extra cost most likely with the hardware (phone) you already have?

Here is a good link as well. They use their phones as hotspots and they RV full time and do much work over the internet.

http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/mobile-internet

[sch911]

I don't know how much the Singlepoint systems are but if it were me I'd cut out the middleman and just go with a Verizon JetPack device.