Due to family responsibilities, we due our very best when travel to stay connected either via phone and or data. For this reason, we've an assortment of different devices, and supporting amps, antennas, etc.
Not a complete list, but just info sharing:
>Att
-iPhone 7 with HotSpot and shared Data Plan with other family members
-Unite Explore HotSpot with stand alone 20GB plan, for backup (SIM removed)
-Mobley Plan - With SIM used in Unite Explore HotSpot
(The Unite Explore HotSpot is connected to MobileMarks Rooftop MIMO antenna. And this combo, is our now our champion of download speeds (Aura, Colorado's Cheery Creek, 117Mbps)
>Verizon Samsung S8 - With HotSpot activated, and Grand Fathered Unlimited data plan.
>Also for backup, and for when we travel in Canada, we have a Millenicom ZTE Falcon HotSpot. We activate 100GB per month, as needed.
(The Verizon had been our Go To Data Provider for many years. (Starting with a Motorola DROID and 3 to 4G days.)
We found that in the regions we travel frequently, West of the Mississippi, that usually when Verizon does not have coverage, ATT does, and visa versa... Though in the last 2-3 years, the frequency of one carrier not having coverage when the other does, has dropped dramatically.
So when get get to a new reason, I take about 10-15 minutes to determine which combo off our equipment and carriers provides the best download speeds. And we run with that.
I'd say over a two three year period, we used Verizon the most. Over the last year of travel, there has been more usage of the MIMO feed to the Unite Explore on ATT...
Next year, who knows
!
We are heavy streamers, and we also use the best connection device, and WiFi our phones into which ever that device is, to ensure we have good Text and Email coverage to stay in contact with family.
I'll note that we also have a WiFiRanger GOac and EliteAC FM available, but in the last few years, we use park WiFi very seldom. We do however depend upon the GOac and EliteAC FM to use all of our equipment. We also share a 'quest' spot for others in campgrounds, when we know someone needs to also stay connected for various reasons, but do not have robust enough Data feeds to do so...
Best to all,
Smitty