Internet connection while boondocking

CynPat · 05-29-2011, 12:50 PM

Hi all! I've got a "newbie" question for you. When you are boondocking, or Walmart parking, what do you all do for an internet connection? We are slowly getting things ready in our "new to us" Excel to take our first trip, and were wondering about this.

Thanks!

Elkhartjim · 05-29-2011, 02:57 PM

We use a Verizon MiFi aircard. It operates like a router and up to 5 computers can use it. You would probably increase your options by posting in the technology area instead of the Excel group. JMHO.

Wizard · 05-29-2011, 02:58 PM

We use Verizon Wireless, USB 760. Gets us 5 GB / month. Enough for us and has worked everywhere we have been except Yellowstone, but nothing except satellite works there.

LVJ58 · 05-29-2011, 03:23 PM

We use Virgin Mobile, Broadband2Go you buy their USB adapter from Radio Shack for approximately $79.00 (yours to keep), and for $40.00/month you get unlimited MBs/GBs. No contract and it uses Nationwide Sprint 3G Network.

We find it works very well for us.

**RickO** · 05-29-2011, 04:30 PM

We use Verizon USB aircard in a Cradlepoint CTR350 wireless router with a Trucker's Antenna mounted to our crank up batwing.

Good luck...

Rick

wa8yxm · 05-29-2011, 06:19 PM

For internet at wall-mart there are several cellular providers.. I use Virgin Mobile when it works,, I may switch soon, do not yet know (Dpends on the deal I get with the new provider and a few other things) You may also have a McDonalds or other "Free Wi-Fi" establishment on the edge of the lot.. NOTE: McD's INSIDE Wall Mart generally do not have Wi-Fi. They give good excuses. but they are excuses.

CynPat · 05-29-2011, 06:31 PM

Thank you! It looks like I've got a lot of researching to do. We have Verizon phones, but not Smartphones. The thought of throwing more money at them, hand over fist, is discouraging, but I cannot be without my computer!! I go through withdrawal!

Steve R. · 06-01-2011, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CynPat

Hi all! I've got a "newbie" question for you. When you are boondocking, or Walmart parking, what do you all do for an internet connection? We are slowly getting things ready in our "new to us" Excel to take our first trip, and were wondering about this.

Thanks!

I use a Verizon wireless card and router for web connectivity to the two laptops in my rig. I'll keep this setup until my contract expires at which time I'll switch to a 4G phone with wireless sharing.

KU9L · 06-01-2011, 07:49 PM

We are currently parked for the summer in a most rare spot that only has 2G service that seems more like 1G service at times. We usually use up our 5GB bandwidth about 3 weeks into the month unless service is so slow that it is kinda hard to transfer all of those MB's. There is always a coffee shop to fill the gap for us data pigs.

We had a local wireless broadband service come out for a site survey and we are not line of sight to their nearest access point, but are putting up 20 more antennas this summer while promising to keep in touch ... the clock is ticking slowly waiting for that phone call.

Dave

Mnichols4 · 06-01-2011, 08:01 PM

Check and see if you phone can be "rooted". If so your phone will automatically become a WIFI hub at not cost. You will need an unlimited data package.

bdaball · 06-02-2011, 08:05 AM

We also use the Verizon MiFi. Great device, just don't expect the same as DSL. It is a little slower depending on your location. DW does enjoy it going down the road. She only had one spot in the hills of West Virginia that she could not maintain a signal.

One word of caution, No matter which plan or source of service you decide, monitor the charges regularly. This whole ISP, cable-TV and cell phone service provider thing is getting to be quite game. There are way too many choices with way too many price points with technology changing almost daily. Call your service provider at least once every six months and negotiate a better price. You will be amazed how creative they can get when you start talking about going elswhere!! Beware of long term contracts.

Ed-Sommers · 06-02-2011, 08:58 AM

I use Starband satellite because I want an internet connection if and when I'm far away from phone towers, which is where I prefer to be.

Ed

Roaddoggie · 06-02-2011, 09:07 AM

Get a iPad2 with 3G and an ATT $15 or $25 monthly account. I don't even use up my 2 Gig on the $25 account unless I watch too many Netflix movies. And you can switch over to free WiFi at home or in a park.

Clay L · 06-03-2011, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CynPat

Thank you! It looks like I've got a lot of researching to do. We have Verizon phones, but not Smartphones. The thought of throwing more money at them, hand over fist, is discouraging, but I cannot be without my computer!! I go through withdrawal!

You can get a prepaid aircard from Verizon if you don't want to use one full time. It plugs into your laptop so a new phone is not required.