Community Forums

Fanukalum · 07-13-2019, 10:04 PM

I tried to search on this, but unable to find a thread on this, even though I am sure it has been discussed. The GMC Yukon ( to be flat towed), I have just purchased has a built in WiFi hotspot offering unlimited data for $25 a month no contract activate as needed. I know this has to be too good to be true to think, this might work for my internet connection in the coach, What are the drawbacks and limitations to this approach?
Thanks in advance !

rk911 · 07-13-2019, 10:17 PM

well, top of my head...

- does the Yukon key need to be in the ignition and "on" for the hotspot to work?
- engine need yo run?
- which cell service does it use?
- range of the yukon's receiver?

Johnontheroad · 07-13-2019, 10:38 PM

I have a GMC Acadia and had the same plan. But once you turn the car off in automatically turns everything - including the WiFi - off after 20 minutes. I found no way to disable that.

Fanukalum · 07-13-2019, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnontheroad

I have a GMC Acadia and had the same plan. But once you turn the car off in automatically turns everything - including the WiFi - off after 20 minutes. I found no way to disable that.

Well ....
I said it was too good to be true.
I should have recognized the obvious problem of battery being disconnected when towing.Thought I might save little on my data plan after blowing the budget on that Mobile hotspot device.

SkiSmuggs · 07-14-2019, 07:02 AM

I think those use the AT&T network. I don't know if it is possible to move the SIM to another device and fake it out. AT&T used to sell a device that plugged into the diagnostic port but some else made an ODBII simulator to use it outside the car.

Fanukalum · 07-14-2019, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkiSmuggs

I think those use the AT&T network. I don't know if it is possible to move the SIM to another device and fake it out. AT&T used to sell a device that plugged into the diagnostic port but some else made an ODBII simulator to use it outside the car.

Anybody, out there tried pulling the SIM card and using it in another device (like say a Wifi Ranger sky pro LTE).

Next Question is where is the SIM located and can it even be accessed?

Finance · 07-17-2019, 11:31 PM

There is no sim you can remove. I use mine by leaving the key in the accessory position. After a few hours it will kill the battery, so the drain is not insignificant. Some people have rigged up a charge line from the RV to work around that.

The good part is the plan is cheap, and the modem in the car with a rooftop antenna outperforms hand held phones or hotspots with internal antennas. It’s better in fringe areas.

The bad part is that because it’s cheap and “unlimited” it’s low priority and frequently slowed for congestion management.

Fanukalum · 07-21-2019, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finance

There is no sim you can remove. I use mine by leaving the key in the accessory position. After a few hours it will kill the battery, so the drain is not insignificant. Some people have rigged up a charge line from the RV to work around that.

The good part is the plan is cheap, and the modem in the car with a rooftop antenna outperforms hand held phones or hotspots with internal antennas. It’s better in fringe areas.

The bad part is that because it’s cheap and “unlimited” it’s low priority and frequently slowed for congestion management.

I knew there had to be a catch.