Best provider for data coverage?

Discussion in 'Cellular - Voice - Data' started by shakewell, Mar 13, 2015.

  1. shakewell

    shakewell Bobtail Member

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    Feb 22, 2015
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    I will be starting a trucking career in the next 3 months or so and I was wondering what provider has the best data coverage from your experience?

    My wife will be using the data connection as she works online doing copy editing. We don't need to be connected 24/7 but she should be able to get a 4G connection or bear minimum 3G for 4-5 hours a day. I believe I will be mostly running Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Kansas, etc.

    I've been using T-Mobile for about 5 years but whenever I go on a road trip the connection really lacks, I get basically just voice when going between Texas and California.. When I come across a decent sized town I'll start to get Data again.

    I heard Sprint has been making deals with rural providers but I've also heard some bad things about them in the past.. So not sure if they have improved their service or not.

    Thanks
     
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  3. train777

    train777 Bobtail Member

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    I am using T-mobile, coverage is good for phone calls, but data is not good enough, many dead spots between cities. The price for the service is the best in the industry, but I am still keeping WI-FI router from AT&T for the T-mobile dead spots. I have tried VERIZON, but I will never go with them, they cheat to much in the data you spend with them and the coverage is not better than AT&T.
     
  4. lmcclure1220

    lmcclure1220 Light Load Member

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    I live too far out in the country for anything except satellite or WiFi. I've been using Verizon MiFi for years and I'm happy with it. I have AT&T phone service. I've been all over the US and used both. I'd tell you to go with Verizon and carry your internet with you!
     
  5. shakewell

    shakewell Bobtail Member

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    Feb 22, 2015
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    Train777, that is exactly what I experience with T-mobile.. its generally good around the citiy but once you go on the road its pretty useless.

    Imcclure1220, is MiFi is just a cellular data connection that is using a hot spot device?
     
  6. dogtrucker

    dogtrucker Road Train Member

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    For truckers, Verizon is the only way to go. It costs more but you got 4g almost everywhere.
     
    truckon Thanks this.
  7. Balakov100

    Balakov100 Road Train Member

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    Pretty happy with the Coverage/Data with Verizon.
    Get 4GLTE pretty much everywhere.
     
  8. dogtrucker

    dogtrucker Road Train Member

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    Only problem is getting hooked on some TV show and running up the outrageous overage $. I may have spent $300 on Sons of Anarchy alone.
     
  9. Hurst

    Hurst Registered Member

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    LOL

    I did the same originally thinking 10gb would be plenty of data. Binge watching House of Cards Season 1 and 2 during some down time threw my wife into a tizzy when the bill came in.

    Upped data plan to 30 gb and now do much better.

    But yeah,.. Verizon has the best data coverage area, second to none. 4GLTE almost everywhere. Enough to watch Hulu and Netflix virtually anywhere.

    Slightly more money. But much less frustration when you need to check the internet to find a delivery location, get a fax, email, etc. Saved me more than once.

    Hurst
     
  10. dogtrucker

    dogtrucker Road Train Member

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    I was doing 40g plus overage ...I've since dialed back the insanity.
    But really, why is it so f'n expensive!?
     
  11. wihusker13

    wihusker13 Bobtail Member

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    If you are a Veteran I would highly recommend a fairly new company. It is called Defense Mobile. The use networks from Verizon, AT&T, Sprint. No contract plans and very reasonable plans. Awesome Customer Support. You can check them out online.
     
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