Verizon Hum - Verizon version of ATT Mobley

[Dutch Star Don]

I've had ATT for at least 25 years. Ten years ago, I will admit Verizon had better coverage, but that is no longer the issue. We're older and don't use our phones like some younger people do. Our phones share 3 gigs and we never exceed that, except when on a trip and we use the phone as a hotspot. Then we'll go over a gig or two that costs us an additional $15.00 per gig. We do limit our use and don't download any video so that we don't go way over.

I looked into increasing our plan to ATT's unlimited data, but it was a $100.00 a month increase. We just don't need unlimited that often. When the Mobley came available, I bought one at Best Buy. We love it. For $22.00 (tax included) a month, we get unlimited internet. My wife likes to play on her Ipad while on long drives or while we're camping. She can now paly as long as she wants and download what she wants.

We just went on our first trip since I bought the Mobley. I was curious to see how it performed. We plugged it into a motor home 110v outlet (I have a converter) and left it there the entire trip. It worked great and was as fast as my home internet (ATT fiber optics).

I had two things I wanted to see if the Mobley would do. First, it only runs for two hours before it shuts down. Many said the setting was adjustable, but you had to wait until the unit did a firmware update. I checked mine and it only offered the two hour window. I left it on overnight and checked the firmware again.....sure enough, it updated and now had an option to "NEVER" turn off. Perfect.

The second thing I wanted to see was range. I checked and found from about 100 feet, I was still in range while sitting in another campsite. I didn't test to see how much further it would go.

I think both devices are good and will eventually offer identical value, but for now, the Mobley doesn't require an unlimited data plan or that you even have a plan with ATT.

[bigben]

Quick follow up on Verizon Hum. First off - it must be a Hum x not a Hum +. As of today, it is not compatible with Class A built on a F53 chassis. Also, unlike the Mobley, you cannot use it without being plugged into the OBD port. The Hum x can be moved from vehicle to vehicle but MUST be registered by calling the Hum support line to change the VIN. Sounds like a PITA.

Took mine back today. This was a $35 lesson that hopefully the rest of you can avoid.

[bukzin]

Originally Posted by bigben

I don't know anyone that has used the Hum. I have unlimited plan with 3 devices that can provide a hotspot. We spend 8-9 months each year in our coach. This will add a steady hotspot that I don't need to turn on and off. Additionally it will give us an additional full throttle 20 gig. Also, comes with an app to mange from my Android.

I am not trying to sell the Hum, just providing a data point. It costs $30 to buy, + activation + $10 per month. Like I stated above, if you already have a Verizon unlimited data plan this alternative makes a lot of sense. Also, in our experience, Verizon has great coverage coast to coast. If you don't like Big Red (I really don't care for them either), then the answer is simple. Go with the ATT Mobley.

The verizon rep told me there is an early termination clause buried in the Hum agreement. You have 14 days to change your mind and return it,
after that its $175. to give it back to them.

She said that after stating there is no contract. Sounds like a contract by a different name to me.

On the other hand, try out the Hum app. Its free and requires no hardware like the OBD plug in.

[A Traveler]

Be careful with the HUM device. It is an invasion of privacy data collection device that logs all your driving locations, speed, etc. and reports the data to Verizon (and who knows what other organizations.) That’s why it has to be plugged into the OBD port.

No way I would EVER use a device like this.

[bukzin]

Originally Posted by A Traveler

Be careful with the HUM device. It is an invasion of privacy data collection device that logs all your driving locations, speed, etc. and reports the data to Verizon (and who knows what other organizations.) That’s why it has to be plugged into the OBD port.

No way I would EVER use a device like this.

Yeah, that may be true, along with Facebook and all the other apps that track
us.

As for me, I don't speed, carry loaded weapons or drugs
plus the corporations already know everything about my habits, etc.

[A Traveler]

Originally Posted by bukzin

Yeah, that may be true, along with Facebook and all the other apps that track
us...

Which is precisely why I don't have a Facebook account. Even setting aside the privacy issues, I absolutely will not do business with that pencil-necked geek Mark Zuckerberg, who once referred to his Facebook customer base as, "...a bunch of dumb *****..."

Yeah....there's a guy I want to do business with.

[bukzin]

I kinda get your concerns. Most large American corps like Google, Facebook Verizon, etc
really only care about profit and how to make more of it!

Back to the Hum units. There are 3 different models, the Hum, Hum+
and the Hum*. The first 2 do not have a hotspot, which most folks here
likely have interest in.

There is a chart within the free Hum app that details out the features of each.


Looking around the internet I came across a bunch of unhappy Verizon customers. Mostly regarding billing and undisclosed 2 year
contracts but also about their OBD units messing with the vehicles.
Of course most folks only post complaints and problems so its a self-selected group of comments, so to speak.

The non-hotspot features seemed useful so I got the Hum+ model.
It can be used in both our vehicles.
We will try it out and hope for the best.

Here is a site for the Hum reviews...

https://www.highya.com/hum-by-verizon-reviews

Let me know what you think.

[ThePowells]

We have the Hum installed in SWMBO's Prius. It serves the single purpose of providing me with an alternative method of locating her in case she has a diabetic episode and can't tell me where she is. I can use the Hum app while on speaker phone calling for assistance. I also do use it some days to check and see if she has left work in time to be home before I leave so I can take her car rather than the 3500 Sierra.
Not sure how long we have had it, but may check on the upgraded one.