Road Warriors Internet Options?

hppyfngy · 12-04-2012, 07:51 AM

Hey, I'm going on the road in my van and camper for months at a time. I'm looking for some service that will provide me with good internet for typical use as well as streaming Netflix.

Wouldn't mind Skype or other telephony as well. Or even combining with cellular service and tethering.

What are my options? Is this possible now or is it stupid expensive?

Bubwheat · 12-04-2012, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hppyfngy

Hey, I'm going on the road in my van and camper for months at a time. I'm looking for some service that will provide me with good internet for typical use as well as streaming Netflix.

Wouldn't mind Skype or other telephony as well. Or even combining with cellular service and tethering.

What are my options? Is this possible now or is it stupid expensive?

Check these guys out: http://www.millenicom.com/

No contract, unlimited data for $70/month. I use them as a full-time RV'er. What they do is piggyback on cellular companies, for instance my modem is tied to the Sprint Network. Works for me.

Manuel Garcia O'Kely · 12-04-2012, 10:56 AM

Streaming video like netflix REALLY burns thru data, so any plan with a data limit is going to cost you.

You need a reliable 1.5 MBPS for netflix streaming.

You probably need both a cell phone plan and a way to connect to wi-fi when not mobile.

hppyfngy · 12-04-2012, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bubwheat

Check these guys out: http://www.millenicom.com/

No contract, unlimited data for $70/month. I use them as a full-time RV'er. What they do is piggyback on cellular companies, for instance my modem is tied to the Sprint Network. Works for me.

What kind of speed can you get from this? Can you watch Netflix or similar?

Manuel is right, a 1.5gb down connection is minimum.

This must exist somewhere. You can watch streaming video on the iPad and other devices over phone carrier signals...

JamesG · 12-04-2012, 04:26 PM

Park next to McD's, $tarBuck$, or motels that use predictable WiFi signons and mooch for free. Make sure to keep your anti-virus and firewall up to date.

hppyfngy · 12-04-2012, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesG

Park next to McD's, $tarBuck$, or motels that use predictable WiFi signons and mooch for free. Make sure to keep your anti-virus and firewall up to date.

Yeah I can do that occasionally but I ain't friggin camping next to those places.

No, I need something on board.

katbeanz · 12-04-2012, 04:33 PM

JamesG · 12-04-2012, 04:33 PM

Then you want satellite up/down link access which an't cheap.

hppyfngy · 12-04-2012, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesG

Then you want satellite up/down link access which an't cheap.

Like what? Hughesnet or Wild Blue? DirectTV or Dish?

I don't really care much about television but I guess I could do a sat if it's the best option.

JamesG · 12-04-2012, 05:57 PM

Ok went and noodled around some of them... and have nothing helpful to add, since I've never used any. Good luck.

hppyfngy · 12-04-2012, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesG

Ok went and noodled around some of them... and have nothing helpful to add, since I've never used any. Good luck.

Thanks for noodling anyway!

Nophix · 12-04-2012, 06:41 PM

Millenicom rocks. I used them while driving OTR

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2

hppyfngy · 12-04-2012, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nophix

Millenicom rocks. I used them while driving OTR

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2

Do you know what network it runs on?

I'm also hearing about a less expensive Virgin Mobile service that isn't unlimited, but runs on Sprint towers.

hugemoth · 12-04-2012, 07:01 PM

I use the cheap Virgin Mobil service at home and while boondocking down in the desert during the winter. $20 per month no contract. There is only 3G where I use it so streaming video isn't really an option. The Virgin Mobile site has good accurate maps of coverage areas.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hppyfngy

Do you know what network it runs on?

I'm also hearing about a less expensive Virgin Mobile service that isn't unlimited, but runs on Sprint towers.

Bubwheat · 12-04-2012, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hppyfngy

What kind of speed can you get from this? Can you watch Netflix or similar?

Manuel is right, a 1.5gb down connection is minimum.

This must exist somewhere. You can watch streaming video on the iPad and other devices over phone carrier signals...

well it depends, its 3/4G depending on where you are. My plan is on the Sprint network. I also have an antenna to boost the signal if needed. Good connection and 1.5 is not a problem.

edit to add: Millenicom also allows you to suspend your account. I recently suspended my account for almost 6 months, and when I reactivated they only charged me $19.95 to setup the line instead of the usual $49.95

12-04-2012, 07:51 AM	#1
hppyfngy ^OP not dead yet Joined: Mar 2006 Location: Where the Skyline meets the BRP Oddometer: 3,631	Road Warriors Internet Options? Hey, I'm going on the road in my van and camper for months at a time. I'm looking for some service that will provide me with good internet for typical use as well as streaming Netflix. Wouldn't mind Skype or other telephony as well. Or even combining with cellular service and tethering. What are my options? Is this possible now or is it stupid expensive? __________________ Caution: Happy Fun Guy may suddenly accelerate to dangerous speeds. If Happy Fun Guy begins to smoke, get away immediately. Seek shelter and cover head. Do not taunt Happy Fun Guy. ~ Randy DL650 DRZ400s

12-04-2012, 10:56 AM	#3
Manuel Garcia O'Kely Back at last Joined: Apr 2004 Location: Central Colorado Rockies Oddometer: 9,889	Streaming video like netflix REALLY burns thru data, so any plan with a data limit is going to cost you. You need a reliable 1.5 MBPS for netflix streaming. You probably need both a cell phone plan and a way to connect to wi-fi when not mobile. __________________ "More than any time in history, mankind now faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness, the other to total extinction. Let us pray that we have the wisdom to choose correctly." Woody Allen "enhance not enjoy, gramps mcbuzzkill" - Lemon G.

12-04-2012, 04:26 PM	#5
JamesG Beastly Adventurer Joined: Dec 2006 Location: Columbus, GA Oddometer: 10,096	Park next to McD's, $tarBuck$, or motels that use predictable WiFi signons and mooch for free. Make sure to keep your anti-virus and firewall up to date. __________________ I am a conservative, not a Republican. There is a difference.

12-04-2012, 04:33 PM	#7
katbeanz earthbound misfit, I Joined: Feb 2005 Location: Kansas City Oddometer: 6,595	__________________ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZKIh5aCYCI

12-04-2012, 04:33 PM	#8
JamesG Beastly Adventurer Joined: Dec 2006 Location: Columbus, GA Oddometer: 10,096	Then you want satellite up/down link access which an't cheap. __________________ I am a conservative, not a Republican. There is a difference.

12-04-2012, 05:57 PM	#10
JamesG Beastly Adventurer Joined: Dec 2006 Location: Columbus, GA Oddometer: 10,096	Ok went and noodled around some of them... and have nothing helpful to add, since I've never used any. Good luck. __________________ I am a conservative, not a Republican. There is a difference.

12-04-2012, 06:41 PM	#12
Nophix Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Dec 2005 Location: Plover, WI Oddometer: 328	Millenicom rocks. I used them while driving OTR Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2

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