Pros and Cons of Millenicom

[TripleE]

I have read a number of people suggestions that Millenicom is a good substitute for Verizon. I would like to hear if there are any cons to the service.

I am looking to possibly replace my grandfathered unlimited data plan with Verizon and upgrade my device. This seems to be the cheapest way to do that. We use between 10 - 15 GB each month so the new Verizon plan would be expensive.

[reubenray]

Will Millenicom work with Skype?

[Redsky]

WoodGlue wrote:
Millenicom has initially high start-up costs!

WoodGlue

How do you figure that. We paid $99 for a Novatel 4620LE mifi device and that was with a month to month contract that costs us $70 for 20GB of data. With Verizon they send you the Novatel at no charge but they charge for starting up service and they charge $70 a month for 14GB and have very steep penalty charges if you exceed the 14GB at all. Read all the complaints on the Verizonwireless forum.

I bought out my Verizon contract for $175 and I saved that amount in my first 3 months with Millenicom.

The only drawback with Millenicom is that you do not automatically get real time data usage information. If you use a Cradlepoint 95 or 1400 router you can monitor data usage in real time minute by minute with Millenicom.

[Dutch_12078]

hcs1947 wrote:
Some good info here for us noobies, thanks to all. Continuing with the topic, what kind of range does the Millenicom hotspot device have, compared to a wireless router for instance? And what powers it?

The WiFi range for a MiFi is typically in the 30-40 ft range, depending on walls, etc, that might reduce the strength. Router WiFi range varies quite a bit depending on the router antenna design, making a direct comparison difficult without specific model info. MiFi's are internal battery powered, and can also be USB cable powered and charged, usually from a small standalone power supply.

[The_Texan]

The range for the router portion is limited to about 30'-50'. The range from a tower is on par with any cell phone, but many, like us, use the Wilson Sleek amp to increase the range. However, the Wilson Sleek, MUST be the 4G Verizon model.

[hcs1947]

Some good info here for us noobies, thanks to all. Continuing with the topic, what kind of range does the Millenicom hotspot device have, compared to a wireless router for instance? And what powers it?

[Maxi_Signal]

The Texan wrote:
Some people can't see the forest for the trees......$150/mo vs $70/mo equals the initial setup fees in about 3 months......

Plus you are not locked into a 2 year contract

[The_Texan]

Some people can't see the forest for the trees......$150/mo vs $70/mo equals the initial setup fees in about 3 months......

[TechWriter]

Gulfcoast wrote:
It looks like a $100 device fee & $50 activation fee & $15 shipping fee & $70 first months service fee.... or up to $235.00 to me.

Yeah, why not just stick with Verizon's Share Everything where 20 GB = $150/month. 😉

[Gulfcoast]

It looks like a $100 device fee & $50 activation fee & $15 shipping fee & $70 first months service fee.... or up to $235.00 to me.

[ReadyToGo]

Upfront costs are too high?
When I was with Verizon I had to buy their mifi device for $50.
My home system requires me to buy a modem/router for what every price but usually about $75.
So Millenicom requires me to one time buy their device for $100. Big deal.

I have used Millencom for 3 years now, off and on. i have never not had service.

[Dutch_12078]

The Texan wrote:

RLS7201 wrote:
My Verizon hot spot plan will roam at no additional cost when there is no Verizon service. Millenicom will not. I also believe Verizon now has a reciprocal agreement with a Canadian data provider.

Richard

Sorry, but that is the sweet part with Millenicom, it is a true Verizon system and will work on ALL towers your Verizon plan will work, including "partner" and "preferred" roaming agreements. I verified this with Verizon and they said Millenicom was the "only" bulk reseller they had that agreement with. I know for a fact it works on AT&T towers that are in Verizon's roaming system, as we spent several months on one in Texas.

Exactly... We've used our Millenicom service in several Verizon roaming areas. Some/most only allow a 3G connection, but it does work.

[CA_Traveler]

RLS7201 wrote:
I also believe Verizon now has a reciprocal agreement with a Canadian data provider.

Richard

I'd like more information on that if you're referring to data instead of the phone.

[The_Texan]

RLS7201 wrote:
My Verizon hot spot plan will roam at no additional cost when there is no Verizon service. Millenicom will not. I also believe Verizon now has a reciprocal agreement with a Canadian data provider.

Richard

Sorry, but that is the sweet part with Millenicom, it is a true Verizon system and will work on ALL towers your Verizon plan will work, including "partner" and "preferred" roaming agreements. I verified this with Verizon and they said Millenicom was the "only" bulk reseller they had that agreement with. I know for a fact it works on AT&T towers that are in Verizon's roaming system, as we spent several months on one in Texas.

[RLS7201]

My Verizon hot spot plan will roam at no additional cost when there is no Verizon service. Millenicom will not. I also believe Verizon now has a reciprocal agreement with a Canadian data provider.

Richard

[Dutch_12078]

Phils wrote:

When my Verizon MiFi contract is up, will I be able to use the Verizon Jetpack with Millenicom or will I have to replace it with another?

Phil

You must buy the hotspot that Millenicom currently offers for their 20GB 4G plan.