Internet connection question / TMobile

[Rick Flores]

We are moving & giving up DSL service, will move to Prescott AZ and start traveling more in our motor home. Hurray for retirement!! I will need internet while traveling and in our new home...hate to pay for new service at the new house and not be able to use it when traveling. We have TMobile cell service (contract), was looking into getting a "stick" to use for home and traveling internet service. Although it appears you have to pay for monthly service I figured we'd kill 2 birds with 1 stone. Does anyone have any experience using this "stick"? I was reading an old forum about an aircard....not sure how this works v stick...would welcome anyones ideas on how to keep this inexpensive, since my ATT DSL is only $15 per month & not available in Prescott. Thanks!!

[John Hilley]

If you have more than one computer you will need a router. I would recommend one any way. WiFi Ranger is my current favorite followed by Cradle Point and Zoom. You won't be getting Internet for $15/mo any more. If you are an average user it will cost about $50 to $60/mo. Buy your own modem (USB Stick) or mobile hotspot such as MiFi on eBay for from $15 to $90 and get month to month pricing from Verizon or go to Millenicom.

[davismills]

Rick,
I've been a T-Mobile customer for 11 years and I'm a Network Engineer for a defense contractor. The data portion of my contract is approximately 35.00 per month and is supposedly unlimited. T-Mobile allows you to tether your phone to your laptop or PC. Doing so creates a new "network connection" on your PC and you're off an running at 3-4G speeds. We've even streamed Netflix movies thru the phone to the PC and then to the TV. I've used different apps on my mobile but I'd probably try this one first:
How to tether Android - EasyTether. Android tethering for Mac OS X, Ubuntu, Fedora, PS3, XBox, Wii, Windows

One note of caution: T-Mobile allows free data roaming in the lower 48, but Canada and AK will cost you a bundle. I went to sleep in Seattle on a cruise ship and woke in Canada near Prince Rupert and had been charged $100.00 to automatically check my email throughout the night. I quickly turned off the international data roaming. Costly lesson.

Good luck and safe travels.

[Rick Flores]

Ok, this is a bit over my head.....so bear with me. I think what you are saying to do is download the app on my cell phone and I must have unlimited data on same cell (service) which I can change as I have limited data now. But how does it connect to computer to get me internet? Can I use the app I've downloaded for both my laptop & desktop (same time)? Guessing not...is this where a router would come in? I use laptop, wife will be using desktop. So if I download the app then increase my cell plan for more data I won't have to buy a stick nor a plan with TMobile for the internet service? This seems like the least expensive way to go as long as I increase data & cell service on my current contract?
Regarding John's response, I can get a free stick at TMobile, but I need more than just wifi service where available, will need to be able to get online where ever I am (assuming there is cell service)....if I got the stick then still need to contract for internet service....is Verizon any better than TMobile (read some poor reviews for V)....thanks again for all your help...sorry, just trying to learn all about this....

[davismills]

I use a mini-usb to regular usb to connect from phone to PC. You load two pieces of software, one on the Android phone and one on the PC. This will work for one PC at a time.

If you want to make the phone mate to a router, I've heard good things about this device:
Zoom 4501 Wireless-N Router for 3G USB Modems | Staples®

Your data phone plugs into the Zoom router and the router allows all your computers to connect to it (the wireless router) and share the phone's bandwidth.

[okmunky]

Quote:

Originally Posted by davismills I use a mini-usb to regular usb to connect from phone to PC. You load two pieces of software, one on the Android phone and one on the PC. This will work for one PC at a time. If you want to make the phone mate to a router, I've heard good things about this device: Zoom 4501 Wireless-N Router for 3G USB Modems | Staples® Your data phone plugs into the Zoom router and the router allows all your computers to connect to it (the wireless router) and share the phone's bandwidth.

Does this work with any other phones or only Androids?

[Theberrys]

Some of the new phones have a WIFI Hotspot built in, like this one for T-Mobile HTC Mobile Phones - HD2 T-Mobile - Overview they support up to eight wireless enabled devices at a time through the phonr to the 3G, 4G connection.

Dick

[davismills]

Here's the compatibility list from Zoom's website. Click smartphones at the top.

Zoom Telephonics: Mobile Broadband Modem and Smartphone Compatibility Information