Satellite or broadband?

[dayle1]

At home I'm on dial-up. In the RV, if WiFi is not available, I'm using Verizon National Access with the cell phone tethered to the laptop. I have unlimited evening and weekend minutes which works out well for us with our volunteer work. We are on the road about 50% of the time. I'm considering two upgrade options.

Option #1: Home, Wildblue satellite at $56/month. Startup costs are $125 plus a Cradlepoint PHS300 WiFi router cost another $100. No data limit, but speeds are reduced after 7.5 Gbytes/month. RV, keep the existing setup which means just a single laptop tethered to the cell phone.

Option #2: Home and RV, new Verizon data only plan at $60/month. Also will use the PHS300 with a USB760 modem. With rebates, setup costs are zero. I have a spare Wilson Trucker/RV antenna I can use to boost signal strength in the house (the RV already has a Trucker mounted on an extendable pole). Data limit is 5 Gbytes/month, but I will keep the existing phone/National Access plan for backup.

I prefer the second option. I hate to waste the satellite access for half the year. We will get faster, wireless access in the RV, and the same system both home and on the road. Biggest concern is signal strength at home , hope I don't need to add a signal amp. Any feedback appreciated.

[Bill Adams]

Your first option is a bit confusing as Wildblue and a Cradlepoint router have nothing to do with each other. If you do not currently have Wildblue service, which cannot be used in a mobile configuration, you might consider the Hughesnet service. You could use this at home and use it when you travel and not have to pay for an additional service at all.
If you get good cellular access at home and you don't necessarily need internet access everywhere you travel then a cellular connection at home and when you travel might make as much or better sense. I can tell you that I am currently in E. St. Louis, just across the river from downtown SL and the cellular service here "works" but it is terrible.
By the way, satellite internet IS broadband so the topic is a bit tough to answer as well.

[deaton]

Larry -


Part of my job assignment includes the management of 300 plus cell phones and about 150 air cards. We have air cards in service from all three of the major providers - Verizon, AT&T & Sprint - and I can assure you there is no perfect solution.
A lot depends on where you live and what the signal strength is at the house. So check with your neighbors if you aren't sure who has the strongest wireless network for your home base.

I've has some limited experience with Satellite internet access both at work - for use at job sites - and in my last coach, which had a MotoSat. Except for the fact that the satellite can, at least in theory, connect from anywhere, I really can't recommend that access method. Way too expensive and really not too quick.

I would concur with your option 2. We don't have any data limits with our air cards from work, because we have so many, the carriers pool the bytes and waive the limit. In reading the fine print of the Sprint air card contract (unlimited service), it used to say "no limit" but I'm not sure if it still does. For the other carriers, there is usually that 5 gig limit, but check it out for sure.

I'd have to say, IMO, that Verizon has the best overall coverage for air cards at this time. But there are places where the others shine - For example, we find Sprint works better in the LA Basin and in some of the metro areas, where they've already deployed their 4G service, we are getting real good results with that card.

That said, you're RV is going to be in lots of places, and I would hope more rural than metro, so I'd suggest you go with Verizon.

I run a cradle point router in my RV, and that way I just plug in the card and I can take the computer anywhere within the coach or outside (withing about 50-75') and it works great. I also have a booster antenna that plugs into the air card. The Cradle point is also set up to communicate wirelessly with a laser printer that I keep back in the bedroom closet - the DW won't allow it out where it can be seen!

I wouldn't waste any money on a backup, unless you wanted to keep some type of dial-up account.

I notice a lot of RV'er's seem to be trying the Verizon MiFi 2200 "Mobil Hot Spot" or similar solutions, but I have no experience with that solution. The fact that the current model does not appear to support a booster antenna would be a non-starter for me.

[Route 66]

I've found that my download speeds with my MotoSAT and my tethered Verizon cell phone are both consistently about 1 meg.

[JCM]

I tried the satellite route and then went to a Telus air card (good for North America) - then it was pulled. No more roaming in the USA. I finally got a Verizon card and it was the best - poor in Desert Hot Pools. The only problem was getting someone at Verizon to shut the air card off (no contract) when I came north for the summer. They just don't listen and always assume that you have a cell phone and a contract. I think I finally found someone who listened but still received a bill for $140.00 for 2 months of non usage (I hope it crossed in the mail).
One day I got a $22.00 credit note and the next day I had a collection agency call me and demand to know when I was going to pay the $22.00. When I advised then I just got a credit for that amount - they went and looked at the account and agreed. Fun billing but a good product.

[cameo23]

I dumped the land line (dial up) and got the verizon
air card. I'm very happy with it, I get the 5g per month
but thats plenty for me. Only one month did I even go
as high as 1g of usage. I maintain a verizon cell phone
as well, not on contract. The air card is on contract.
I'm happy with the speed, course I was used to dial up
for 10 years, so yea, this is faster
My computer is a regular desktop computer so when I
take to the road I will need to have electric hookup in
order to use it, or generator/maybe solar panels.

[dayle1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Adams Your first option is a bit confusing as Wildblue and a Cradlepoint router have nothing to do with each other. If you do not currently have Wildblue service, which cannot be used in a mobile configuration, you might consider the Hughesnet service. You could use this at home and use it when you travel and not have to pay for an additional service at all. If you get good cellular access at home and you don't necessarily need internet access everywhere you travel then a cellular connection at home and when you travel might make as much or better sense. I can tell you that I am currently in E. St. Louis, just across the river from downtown SL and the cellular service here "works" but it is terrible. By the way, satellite internet IS broadband so the topic is a bit tough to answer as well.

Thanks, I missed that the Wildblue modem only had an Ethernet port and the Cradlepoint was just USB, guess this option would need a different router than the PHS300. Yes, as I indicated, the satellite would be home only, not mobile. I can't justify the higher cost for Hughesnet, both startup and monthly. Since the National Access is integral with the cell phone service, there is no additional cost and it is grandfathered in (at least for now) with a good rate.

[Bill Adams]

Wildblue costs a lot less than $49/month? Start up costs are about the same whether it be Hughes or Wildblue.
There's no reason to have both satellite and cellular so if cellular is good at home I would use it on the road. If cellular is not good at home I would use satellite in both locations.

[dayle1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by deaton Larry - Part of my job assignment includes the management of 300 plus cell phones and about 150 air cards. We have air cards in service from all three of the major providers - Verizon, AT&T & Sprint - and I can assure you there is no perfect solution. A lot depends on where you live and what the signal strength is at the house. So check with your neighbors if you aren't sure who has the strongest wireless network for your home base. I've has some limited experience with Satellite internet access both at work - for use at job sites - and in my last coach, which had a MotoSat. Except for the fact that the satellite can, at least in theory, connect from anywhere, I really can't recommend that access method. Way too expensive and really not too quick. I would concur with your option 2. We don't have any data limits with our air cards from work, because we have so many, the carriers pool the bytes and waive the limit. In reading the fine print of the Sprint air card contract (unlimited service), it used to say "no limit" but I'm not sure if it still does. For the other carriers, there is usually that 5 gig limit, but check it out for sure. I'd have to say, IMO, that Verizon has the best overall coverage for air cards at this time. But there are places where the others shine - For example, we find Sprint works better in the LA Basin and in some of the metro areas, where they've already deployed their 4G service, we are getting real good results with that card. That said, you're RV is going to be in lots of places, and I would hope more rural than metro, so I'd suggest you go with Verizon. I run a cradle point router in my RV, and that way I just plug in the card and I can take the computer anywhere within the coach or outside (withing about 50-75') and it works great. I also have a booster antenna that plugs into the air card. The Cradle point is also set up to communicate wirelessly with a laser printer that I keep back in the bedroom closet - the DW won't allow it out where it can be seen! I wouldn't waste any money on a backup, unless you wanted to keep some type of dial-up account. I notice a lot of RV'er's seem to be trying the Verizon MiFi 2200 "Mobil Hot Spot" or similar solutions, but I have no experience with that solution. The fact that the current model does not appear to support a booster antenna would be a non-starter for me.

Dan,

Thanks, I am going to drop the land line at home. Therefore I need to keep the existing Verizon cell plan, it is at a good rate and the National Access is basically a free backup data option. I agree about the MiFi 2200, no antenna port and it is really only usable in a single room, so it won't do what I need at home and maybe not in the RV if I also set up a printer like you have done. The USB760 does have an antenna port and the Cradlepoint has better WiFi range.

[RVDude]

In this department I have a simple guiding thought...
Whatever Bill Adams says!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

[dayle1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Adams Wildblue costs a lot less than $49/month? Start up costs are about the same whether it be Hughes or Wildblue. There's no reason to have both satellite and cellular so if cellular is good at home I would use it on the road. If cellular is not good at home I would use satellite in both locations.

Now I'm confused. Lowest cost from Wildblue is $49.95 plus about $6 equipment lease per month. I don't see where Hughesnet is cheaper per month. One time setup charges of $125 and this is with a fixed location dish. I don't see where Hughesnet is cheaper yet a moble dish.

[Bill Adams]

OK, so Wildblue and Hughesnet both cost $49.99/month (plus $6/month for Wildblue hardware?), setup costs are likely the same but the Hughes service is mobile and Wildblue is not. That's still not necessarily the answer to your problem but it might be an option.
You are the one that said:

Quote:

I can't justify the higher cost for Hughesnet, both startup and monthly.

I am just trying to clarify what you meant by that.

[John Hilley]

The phone company I work for provides fixed wireless Internet for areas adjacent to our fiber and copper areas of service. We have replaced many Wild Blue installs. They have service complaints, speed complaints and two year contracts they can't get out of.

[dayle1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Adams OK, so Wildblue and Hughesnet both cost $49.99/month (plus $6/month for Wildblue hardware?), setup costs are likely the same but the Hughes service is mobile and Wildblue is not. That's still not necessarily the answer to your problem but it might be an option. You are the one that said: I am just trying to clarify what you meant by that.

But here is what their web site states; $39.99 for three months, $59.99 thereafter. Equipment is $299 outright or $99 plus $10 per month. This is for non-mobile setup only. Over 2 yr contract, Hughesnet is at least $260 more for a fixed dish. For a mobile setup, contact MotoSat or others, i.e. more $$. Hughesnet is faster with more options, but it definately costs more, especially for a mobile dish. I like to park the RV in shade whenever possible and I'm guessing that more often, I will have an easier time getting wireless signals than a satellite signal.