Wifi or Aircard?

dddire · 08-27-2012, 04:36 PM

We just picked up a Sierra Wireless Aircard for use while camping. We've been finding campground wifi connections to be spotty signal wise.. and very slow/congested at the times we're likely to use it. Had great luck with the aircard on our first trip. Other that paying to play.. we're happy so far. My question is, for our US friends, which carrier do you use? We're capable of using any of the LTE services. For our limited use in the US, I'd be happy with some sort of pay as you go plan.

Opinions please...

Blair

Rob_Fla · 08-27-2012, 04:51 PM

We use the campground WiFi if it is decent speed and working.
If not we use our Air Card which seems to be about 1/2 the time.
We have AT&T Service on our air card, and it works ok.
Not that it is the best by any means, but since my company pays the bill for my cell phone and air card, it sure is the cheapest !!!!

**norty1** · 08-27-2012, 07:02 PM

We have a Verizon MIFI Hotspot. 4G Never been anywhere it did not work. We use it at home and when traveling.

exjay1 · 08-28-2012, 05:42 AM

We use the USB aircard from Verizon and switch over to highspeed wireless if avail at the CG. I like the air card and is very helpful when your out on the road traveling or camping where wireless is not avail. I'd rather surf the web on my laptop vs. the phone.

Tanker42 · 08-28-2012, 07:41 AM

I got a Virgin mobile mifi and it works great depending on the coverage map and where you are. I bought it from Amazon. Also saw is at Walmart. It's a no contract, monthly plan which cost either $35 or $55 depending on how much usage.

RoyBraddy · 08-28-2012, 01:21 PM

I used the Verizon AIR CARD for years running with the DOD work teams. Just having the one computer it was connected to was a good deal back then.

With the RV and other family members this wasn't a good idea for us anymore. I changed over to the Verizon Stand Alone MIFI unit that becomes a WIFI hot spot for as many as five WIFI hookups. This covered my big M90 computer, the wife's personal HP computer, the tablets, etc and not be just tied to one computer like the Air Card provided.

My MIFI unit is very small in size - fits in my shirt pocket - and has a good four hour run time on its internal battery. Perfect for sitting on the beach in Myrtle Beach SC and having all your WIFI toys with you...

My MIFI is the older model and doesn't have an external antenna hookup but in my POPUP I use one of those WILSON Cradles which holds the MIFI unit in its designated spot inside the trailer and has an external passive antenna in use with the cradle.

Works great for my crew operating all of the WIFI units we have with us all connected to the internet via the Verizon MIFI HOT SPOT.

Won't leave home without it...

dddire · 08-28-2012, 01:33 PM

would love to get a sense of the costs you folks have in the US..
Like I said, limited to using it a few times per year in the US.. but heavy when in use, two laptops and a media player for netflix.

Tanker42 · 08-28-2012, 01:37 PM

Here's the Virgin Mobile I use. It would fit in a shirt pocket and has a good battery life. I keep mine plugged in to the wall outlet.

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clubhouse · 08-28-2012, 02:07 PM

Verizon MIFI 3G unlimited data $35. Can't upgrade to 4G without losing unlimited data so I stick with 3G.

clubhouse · 08-28-2012, 02:09 PM

3G doesn't stream video that well, you will want 4G and hope you are in a 4G coverage area.

Denise · 08-28-2012, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clubhouse

Verizon MIFI 3G unlimited data $35. Can't upgrade to 4G without losing unlimited data so I stick with 3G.

Bummer. Not sure how or why, but when we discontinued MIFI to upgrade to HOTSPOT with my Verizon, they gave us unlimited with 4G. I love my HOTSPOT, BUT, I do have to keep my phone charging so my battery doesn't run down too soon.

clubhouse · 08-28-2012, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by healthi

Bummer. Not sure how or why, but when we discontinued MIFI to upgrade to HOTSPOT with my Verizon, they gave us unlimited with 4G. I love my HOTSPOT, BUT, I do have to keep my phone charging so my battery doesn't run down too soon.

Where I live and travel there is still very little 4G support, so I am not too concerned. Besides the slower connection keeps me from working while on vacaction...that makes the family happy.

**norty1** · 08-28-2012, 04:18 PM

My Verizon 4G MIFI has gig of bandwidth. Cost $50 a month.

rwilley · 08-28-2012, 08:36 PM

We use the Sprint Overdrive Pro mobile hotspot. 12GB on 3G and unlimited 4G except we have never gotten 4G on any of our travels. Its a little pricey at $80. a month. We run 3 laptops on it and I guess it will run up to 8 computers. We have been a few places that the coverage was a little spotty.

dddire · 08-29-2012, 01:24 AM

so far, it's looking like the best way for us to use data in the US is to buy a second device for use down there. They sure don't make this easy lol My provider here in Canada, (Bell), charges $6/mb while in the US.. so that's not going to happen. lol I just really want to buy a sim card there and get a $30ish per month deal that will work in Maine or other eastern states... but mostly Maine. And looking at the coverage maps.. Maine seems to be the black hole for data service.

**norty1** · 08-29-2012, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norty1

My Verizon 4G MIFI has gig of bandwidth. Cost $50 a month.

Clarification: 5 gig bandwidth a month. Never used it all yet.

3'senough · 08-29-2012, 06:15 AM

I have to say that traveling thoughout the US, Verizon is the most reliable network that I have used. I've had AT&T, Sprint, Nextel,Cingular, T-mobile and Virgin. I hardly ever have a drop on Verizon and it always seems to work regardless of location. That being said I curently have a MIFI hotspot that is Data only for $30.00 a month. You can buy the MIFI hotspot device for $250.00 then pay as you go with it should you choose to. Depending on the amount of devices you want to run, it would be your most reliable option at $50.00 per 30 days IMHO. This unit will support 10 at once and is 4G when available. I've have been forced to this since the WI-FI in campgrounds just do not hold my VPN connection and signals are spotty depending on where you are in relation to the antennas.

The last thing you want to do is invest in something for remote use and get to your location and not have it working.

RoyBraddy · 08-29-2012, 06:36 AM

I got my 3GB Verizon MIFI before the changeover period. It cost $27 a month for 3GB dataplan. Now they offer a 5GB datapan for $50 a month. I can keep my $27 a month plan as long as I don't upgrade...

Verizon also has the deal you can go into sleep mode for up to 6 months a year... This is kinda neat if you don't plan to use your MIFI device over the winter months. I think you can do the same thing with the cell phone service too...

3'senough · 08-29-2012, 08:07 AM

Verizon also has the deal you can go into sleep mode for up to 6 months a year... This is kinda neat if you don't plan to use your MIFI device over the winter months. I think you can do the same thing with the cell phone service too...[/QUOTE]

Did not know this and will be using this as I have several months where it will not be used. Just saw I can suspend it for up to 2/90 day periods per 12 month cycle without billing. Great info RB. Thanks.

RedHorse1 · 08-29-2012, 10:29 AM

I have the ATT MiFi and think it's great. Allows up to 5 devices to connect. Also discovered that I can get along without the notebook pretty well if I take the iPad. Last couple of outings didn't miss Mr. PC at all. I can expense the MiFi charge which is about $50/mo. When it starts coming out of my pocket I'll probably cancel and look for a prepaid option.

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