Verizon Mifi

[johnnyringo]

We have been wondering about one of these for some time. We've stayed in CG's with no wifi service, weak signal, non working or pay to use. We're planning a trip out west this year and have been concerned about Wifi service. I visited the local Verizon store, also read reviews and many posts about them. I decided that I wanted one but did not want to commit to a 2 year contract w/ Verizon. Buying the 4G Mifi alone from Verizon without a contract would run about $225. I shopped Amazon and Ebay for about a month or so and finally scored a brand new, in the box, unit for $99 w/ free shipping. Took it the Verizon store and signed up. They charge $25. to install a SIM card and activate and $50/month for 5 gigs of service. You can suspend the service ( temporarily) twice a year. We've tried it in the townhouse (two story) and used it alot at the Tampa Super Rally. It works great and can support 5 laptops, tablets etc. We're impressed! YMMV.

[RJay]

Which manufacturer's model did you buy? I understand performance varies wildly depending on brand.

[MSHappyCampers]

We got the C-Spire MiFi a few months ago with 3GB of data. Haven't had the chance to use it very much but am satisfied so far. Good luck & God bless!

[BudtheDiplomat]

I have the Verizon 4GLTE Mifi. It provides faster service than my home Comcast cable using wifi. I judged this by using Speedtest.net - The Global Broadband Speed Test.

If 4G service isn't available in an area, it steps down to 3G. Five people can be connected at the same time, and it can stay in a shirt pocket or my wife's purse with all of us connected.

It is much less expensive than getting a USB modem for each computer, and you don't need to download any special software into your computer to make it connect.

Bud

[johnnyringo]

Like Budthediplomat posted, I got the Verizon 4G LTE

[scenic route]

You did well. For the past two summers, we've found that Verizon is 'king' out West...IMO. Bob

[lllkrob]

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnyringo . I decided that I wanted one but did not want to commit to a 2 year contract w/ Verizon. Took it the Verizon store and signed up. They charge $25. to install a SIM card and activate and $50/month for 5 gigs of service. You can suspend the service ( temporarily) twice a year. .

I'm confused, you stated you didn't want a 2yr contract yet that seems to be exactly what your on. If there is a limit on how often you can start and stop that is a defined term contract. Their pre-paid as you go monthly plan is $80 for 5 gb , their 2 yr contract is $50 for 5 gb. Also what kind of a " SIM card " did they install in a MIFI, I'm confused??

[RJay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lllkrob I'm confused, you stated you didn't want a 2yr contract yet that seems to be exactly what your on. If there is a limit on how often you can start and stop that is a defined term contract. Their pre-paid as you go monthly plan is $80 for 5 gb , their 2 yr contract is $50 for 5 gb. Also what kind of a " SIM card " did they install in a MIFI, I'm confused??

I could be wrong but I think your confusing the the plan with a contract. When you purchase your equipment there is no contract. The plan allows for you to discontinue service twice a year.

[lllkrob]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJay I could be wrong but I think your confusing the the plan with a contract. When you purchase your equipment there is no contract. The plan allows for you to discontinue service twice a year.

No, the plan is the contract. If you are required to pay $50 each month and you are limited to how often you can start and stop that is a defined term contract. Verizon throws in the equipment for free or a nominal fee and it yours to keep at the end of the contract.

That's why I was confused by the OP explanation. He basically bought equipment and signed up for a defined term plan/contract that he could have gone to most any Verizon retailer and gottten the same terms with the equipment thrown in for free.... ( Radio Shack for example ).

[johnnyringo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lllkrob No, the plan is the contract. If you are required to pay $50 each month and you are limited to how often you can start and stop that is a defined term contract. Verizon throws in the equipment for free or a nominal fee and it yours to keep at the end of the contract. That's why I was confused by the OP explanation. He basically bought equipment and signed up for a defined term plan/contract that he could have gone to most any Verizon retailer and gottten the same terms with the equipment thrown in for free.... ( Radio Shack for example ).

I spent a fair amount of time investigating prior to signing up. I quized the Verizon people twice and consulted with a few tech gurus who know more about this stuff than I ever will. Here's what I concluded.

Option 1:

Sign a 2 year contract and pay $50/month and they provide the MIfi equipement. If you cancel before the end of the contract , financial penalties apply. You can suspend service up to twice a year BUT the suspension period(s) are added to the end of the contract.

Option2:

Buy the Mifi equipment from them ($225+/-) , or do as I did buy on Ebay and sign up without a fixed year contract and pay them $50/month. It's a month to month agreement. You can suspend service up to twice yearly. You can turn off the service the next day and owe zero. You can cancel the service and have it re-started for a $25. fee.

At my age, I preferred option 2. Plus, what if Mifi becomes obsolete or goes 5G or 6G? This stuff changes so darn fast it seems. YMMV

The SIM card is the gizmo that makes it work. It's included if the $25. fee. How's that for a technical explanation?

[sfrantz]

Millenicom offers 20 GB per month for $60 with no contract. I had to pay $170 to start the service and get their dongle, and then buy a $150 USB cradle point router to set up our own wifi network, but we have had no problems.

It buys service from various carriers. Ours is on Verizon so we get good coverage.

[LadyFitz...]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfrantz Millenicom offers 20 GB per month for $60 with no contract. I had to pay $170 to start the service and get their dongle, and then buy a $150 USB cradle point router to set up our own wifi network, but we have had no problems. It buys service from various carriers. Ours is on Verizon so we get good coverage.

What is the speed of your connection?

[Fred and Bonnie]

Our Verizon MiFi is a Samsung, Qualcom. We have used it at home, 4G network, outperforms our Verizon DSL.

fred

[vermilye]

The Millenicom "Advanced Plan" is 20GB per month for $59.99 and is 3G. They also have a 4G plan - Both are on the Verizon network and have no contracts. I have the the Advanced plan and have been pleased with the service.

As to suspensions - "The 20-gigabyte account can be placed on “vacation” for up to 3 calendar months during any 12-month period. It is necessary to inform Millenicom before the calendar month or months in order to take advantage of this service. Reactivating the device in the midst of any month requires payment for the entire month. The account can be closed at any time, however the final month of service is not prorated. The account can be reactivated at any time in the future with only a $19.99 reactivation fee.".