Hotspot using VZW S7 or Mifi

[Belgique]

I think I know the answer but to confirm: I use my S7 as a hotspot when CG wifi is sketchy. It works well. No complaints. I only need to connect a laptop and wife's S5.

I assume that there is no reason to get a MiFi type device since the S7 works well?

[Belgique]

sch911 wrote:
If you have a shared data plan you can often add a MiFi device for only $10 a month. Go to eBay and buy one. Mine cost $30 for AT&T 4G It's used and was activated to share data with the other devices for $10 a month. You can use your smartphones for sure and we have in the past. But I find this easier as the MiFi stays behind in the RV and even runs a web cam so we can see our rig when away.

Ahhh! That's interesting because we like to keep tab on the temp in the RV for the pets and CG wifi is often unreliable for this. By shared data plan I assume you mean like the one where wife and I "share" the data. Thanks! A reason to pursue this.

[sch911]

If you have a shared data plan you can often add a MiFi device for only $10 a month. Go to eBay and buy one. Mine cost $30 for AT&T 4G It's used and was activated to share data with the other devices for $10 a month. You can use your smartphones for sure and we have in the past. But I find this easier as the MiFi stays behind in the RV and even runs a web cam so we can see our rig when away.

[Bill_Satellite]

You can make calls while using that phone as a hotspot. If you happen to own 2 phones then even that would not be an issue as one could be working as the hotspot while talking on the other.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

If the phone is CDMA this is true. If the company has switched to GSM then you can be online and make or receive calls.

Some CDMA phones will suspend the data link when there is an in coming call.

coolmom42 wrote:
I don't think you can make/receive calls while using the mobile hotspot. This could be a problem if you are expecting an urgent call.

[Belgique]

Thanks all. Dang, I'm a gadget guy but even I can't justify this. I have made & received calls while in hot spot mode and I keep it plugged in.

[bwanshoom]

coolmom42 wrote:

I don't think you can make/receive calls while using the mobile hotspot. This could be a problem if you are expecting an urgent call.

I think if you have Advanced Calling enabled (VoLTE) you should be able to be on a phone call while the hotspot is active.

[coolmom42]

A couple of disadvantages to using the S7:

The mobile hotspot sucks the battery down pretty fast, so you might find your phone dead when you need it. Obviously this can be prevented with a little forethought. If you keep the phone charging while using the mobile hotspot app, the charger will more than keep up with the depletion rate. Otherwise, just keep an eye on it.

I don't think you can make/receive calls while using the mobile hotspot. This could be a problem if you are expecting an urgent call.

Otherwise, it's simpler to use the phone app than haul around another device.

[GordonThree]

Often times my phone gets better reception than the MiFi (JetPack).

I do sometimes use the Jetpack, since it is 4G only. If I'm in a fringe area where there's strong 3G and weak 4G, the phone sometimes swaps to 3g speeds which are awful. The Jetpack will either pick up the 4G or not work at all.