Alaska Internet service 3G and satellite

[awhunt]

Good morning all,

I am new to the forum, and have questions about the wireless network in Alaska.

I am looking for a router that will support EVDO, and if necessary switch to a satellite connection if no 3G coverage is available.

Your thought s would be very helpful.

[texnet]

Crade Point. Extending and Protecting 3G/4G Networks Wirelessly | Cradlepoint Technology They have several that have a slot for a USB EVDO/3G/4G device and an ethernet port. I use there MBR900

[awhunt]

I contacted Cradlepoint, and they told that none of their routers support Alaska's wireless network (ACS).

The trouble is finding a router that will work with their network.

[texnet]

Sorry, don't know anything about ACS. I used my AT&T data card and the MBR900 when I was there in 2009.

[jmckinley]

Verizon works in AK and so does AT&T. Verizon does not work in the Yukon Territory (about 1/2 of the Alaska Highway) even if you buy the Canadian coverage. And - Verizon doesn't tell you that in advance.

[linlan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmckinley Verizon works in AK and so does AT&T. Verizon does not work in the Yukon Territory (about 1/2 of the Alaska Highway) even if you buy the Canadian coverage. And - Verizon doesn't tell you that in advance.

I had bought the AT & T International coverage when we went to Alaska and guess what. It didn't work in the Yukon either. When I got back to the lower 48, I asked for my money back and AT & T refunded me the money for the 4 months we were there.
Drive safely
Byron

[Bill Adams]

What do you mean by a router that will allow cellular and then switch over to satellite? Are you using some kind of satellite internet connection at this time?

[awhunt]

TEXNET, what AT&T card are you using; as for the router I will be looking at the MBR1200.

I know in Alaska some places are pretty remote, so I was looking for a Multi-mode router for the cellular internet access and when cell service is unavailable I would be switching to satellite.

[garym114]

Everywhere I stayed in Alaska, Kenai Penesula, Seward, Anchorage I had an AT&T signal. Have a Wilson trucker antenna on top of the MH. 3G in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and Wasilla.
All Verizon is roaming on ACS.

[texnet]

Quote:

Originally Posted by awhunt TEXNET, what AT&T card are you using; as for the router I will be looking at the MBR1200. I know in Alaska some places are pretty remote, so I was looking for a Multi-mode router for the cellular internet access and when cell service is unavailable I would be switching to satellite.

I am using an older unit, the Sierra Wireless USB 305, which does a great job. Sometime in the near future I will be upgrading to a 4G device. The MBR1200 is a nice unit, I just don't need the gigabit or multiple VPN capabilities so the 900 works great for me.

[Bill Adams]

Quote:

Originally Posted by awhunt TEXNET, what AT&T card are you using; as for the router I will be looking at the MBR1200. I know in Alaska some places are pretty remote, so I was looking for a Multi-mode router for the cellular internet access and when cell service is unavailable I would be switching to satellite.

That was my question which remains unanswered. Do you currently have satellite internet service with someone? What kind of antenna do you use? Who is the provider? Any details would be helpful.

[texnet]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Adams That was my question which remains unanswered. Do you currently have satellite internet service with someone? What kind of antenna do you use? Who is the provider? Any details would be helpful.

Whatever sat service he has doesn't matter for his situation as long as the sat service has an ethernet port that he can plug into the cradle point. But then again, you may just be curious

[Bill Adams]

It does matter, however, whether he actually has satellite service or is expecting to use a router alone to get satellite service. I also matters whether he is using a satellite service like Wild Blue or Hughes 9000, neither of which is mobile.