RV Communications on the road

[Shekinah]

I'm trying to make sense of all the phone / internet / router alternatives but I'm attracted to Verizon, 3G iPhone, MiFi 2200 and mac computers!
But soon to be migrating from Australia (full time RVing 5th wheel) I'm confused with pricing, contracts etc. because they are different setups in Aus.
Could someone please explain (in 4yr old language) what I need, what it costs...from initial setup of phone contract through to sitting in my RV with internet....what a nice thought...can't wait!!!!
Tom.

[John Hilley]

You can either go with a contract or prepaid on the phone and the data device. Most contracts are for two years. The advantage of the contract is a free or greatly discounted price on the equipment. There is a $175 to $350 or more early termination penalty. Verizon, AT&T and Sprint offer the best national coverage. I find Verizon to be the best. A Family plan is best for two or more users. For Internet access you can use a "smart phone" tethered to a notebook with a USB cable of Bluetooth connection, a USB modem in the notebook or in a small router such as Cradlepoint or the device from Verizon, the MiFi which supports up to 5 computers over WiFi.

Verizonwireless data plans

Verizonwireless Cell Phone Plans

If you have any questions, PM me

[RickO]

Congratulations on your upcoming changes!

We full time and use Verizon phones and USB air card. To improve coverage we have installed a "truckers antenna" on top of our bat wing roof top antenna. It connects to the USB air card which I then plug into a Cradlepoint wireless router.

I would have gone with Verizon's Mifi router but it won't allow you to connect an external antenna.

Good Luck...

[frankdamp]

Just a thought. Verizon has completely abandoned Washington State (or will in a few weeks). everything was sold to Frontier Communications. We bailed out of their telephone and ISP services as a result and are now with Comcast.

How is their cell-phone and aircard affected in WA (if at all)?

We had such rotten service (both land line phone and DSL) with those guys, we were glad of the chance to drop them.

[itdave]

No problem at this point. I don't think there is much of a relationship between Verizon Wireless and their land based telephone/TV operations.

[Shekinah]

"I'm trying to make sense of all the phone / internet / router alternatives but I'm attracted to Verizon, 3G iPhone, MiFi 2200 and mac computers!
But soon to be migrating from Australia (full time RVing 5th wheel) I'm confused with pricing, contracts etc. because they are different setups in Aus.
Could someone please explain (in 4yr old language) what I need, what it costs...from initial setup of phone contract through to sitting in my RV with internet....what a nice thought...can't wait!!!!
Tom."

Hi Guys,
Thanks for your replies and advice...still a bit confused but I think I may go with AT&T for a family plan with two phones as my son and D-I-L (in CO) use the same ....free calls between phones etc.
Then I'll do a 'toes in the water' test to see how we get on with free WiFi etc. toting our laptop around the coffee shops for emails and SKYPE!!!
I'm still thinking about MiFi and a data plan (with AT&T)- which I think is an extra $30/month. Extra aerials/booster etc can come later.
I 'live' on the internet at the moment with so much research to do, but most of that will be gone when we finally get to the US.

[LindaH]

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankdamp Verizon has completely abandoned Washington State (or will in a few weeks). everything was sold to Frontier Communications.

I just about had a cow when I read this!!! I hadn't heard anything about it, so did some research.

According to the Broadband DSLReports website, "Frontier Communications will pay $5.3 billion in common stock and take on $3.3 billion in debt in order to acquire Verizon's DSL and landline networks in Arizona, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin -- and some rural assets in California."

Whew! Since we don't have Verizon DSL or landline service, I guess this won't affect us (we have an air card and cell phones).

[Route 66]

Verizon Wireless is a subsidiary of Verizon and is not affected by this sale.

[Elkhartjim]

Now that the thread has been hijacked.

Its common knowledge in the communications industry, Verizon is getting out of the DSL and landline markets as quickly as they can find buyers.

Now back to our regularly scheduled thread...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shekinah I'm trying to make sense of all the phone / internet / router alternatives but I'm attracted to Verizon, 3G iPhone, MiFi 2200 and mac computers! Could someone please explain (in 4yr old language) what I need, what it costs...from initial setup of phone contract through to sitting in my RV with internet....what a nice thought...can't wait!!!! Tom.