Community Forums

Quadzilla · 08-31-2014, 12:17 PM

Has anyone got a recommendation for the best carrier for a mobile hotspot? On our recent trip, our iPhones got a signal through Sprint, but our iPads didn't through Verizon. Is one carrier considered to be best in the remote, wooded areas that are typical for campgrounds?

Lac · 08-31-2014, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quadzilla

Has anyone got a recommendation for the best carrier for a mobile hotspot? On our recent trip, our iPhones got a signal through Sprint, but our iPads didn't through Verizon. Is one carrier considered to be best in the remote, wooded areas that are typical for campgrounds?

For what it's worth. We have Telus mobility in BC. When we went to the Outdoors RV rally this year in Oregon we purchased a US cell package through Telus and they used AT&T as their partner company. The service was hit and miss and sporadic. Most folks who we talked to used Verizon in the same camping area and they had great reception and coverage.
IMHO Verizon would be my choice.
Hope this helps.
Coops

RanCarr · 08-31-2014, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quadzilla

Has anyone got a recommendation for the best carrier for a mobile hotspot? On our recent trip, our iPhones got a signal through Sprint, but our iPads didn't through Verizon. Is one carrier considered to be best in the remote, wooded areas that are typical for campgrounds?

We took a 5000 mile trip out west this past May. We got a signal everywhere but in the National Parks with Millenicom which uses Verizon towers. It's something like $80 for 20 Gigs a month. DH pays the bills so I'm not sure down to the penny.

Verizon towers are everywhere.

SKP Kirk · 08-31-2014, 05:53 PM

We have found that no carrier is everywhere and in some areas there may only be one. We have found that to be true in situations where only AT&T was available and others with only Verizon. Generally, those two have the best coverage, but last summer on the Oregon coast we spent time in a state park campground that had no cell coverage at all, by any carrier. The more mountainous and area is, the more difficult it is for the providers to cover everywhere. In more flat areas, just about everyone is available.

The only internet that is available everywhere is satellite.

Quadzilla · 08-31-2014, 06:10 PM

Thanks for the responses. It sounds like no single carrier will provide service in all scenarios. I was afraid that was the case.

onespotleft · 08-31-2014, 06:18 PM

I have Verizon hit and misss and seems to miss when you need it the most. when we travel I get the husband to stop in a city and use the hot spot to copy and paste directions, address, or phone numbers ,down on a electronic post it note that I can access without the internet.

BamaBob · 08-31-2014, 06:50 PM

We have found that Verizon is the best and most consistent provider - this is even more so once you get west of the Mississippi

Matt1751 · 09-01-2014, 07:56 AM

Verizon and AT&T are the top carriers. I've found fewer places Verizon didn't work but there will always be that one remote location where one carrier will work and the other will not. If you your in a weak area you might be able to make a call but your Internet connection may be slow or not work at all. I use a Ipad mini on Verizon and it has hotspot capability so I can use my laptop or other devices through it.

vsheetz · 09-01-2014, 08:23 AM

Millenicom MiFi device / service which uses Verizon towers has done well for us. Phones are on AT&T. Often the phones are poor to no signal whereas the MiFi works well. An external antenna on the MiFi is a good thing to have to improve performance. But as it gets have commented there will always be coverage gaps for any carrier.

RVGuy1966 · 09-02-2014, 08:40 AM

I would suggest getting two items, a cell booster and a wifi repeater. Of course if you can afford them as they are a bit pricey.... These work GREAT for me!

Fred1609 · 09-02-2014, 08:44 AM

We also use Millenicom MIFI which for the most part has worked very well for us.....

Fast0ne · 09-02-2014, 08:59 AM

I am in canada and seen bell mobility has a Mifi system and wondered if it work better than using my cell phone as a mobile hot spot. So what you are saying is it does work better than I may try it out.

Thanks.