Wireless Internet Service Data Plans

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by JasonMN, Feb 24, 2013.

  1. JasonMN

    JasonMN Bobtail Member

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    Sep 11, 2012
    St Paul, MN
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    Ok, Im having a hell of a time finding a good internet service to use while out in the truck. I currently have an iPhone with a 5GB service plan through AT&T. I can use my phone as a hotspot for my laptop.

    The problem is 5GB does not last long at all if you like to stream movies through Netflix. You can watch maybe 4 movies and then youre out of data for the month. The 5GB plan is the biggest plan they offer and charge an additional $10 for each 1GB above the 5GB.

    Has anyone found a wireless provider that offers unlimited data? I know Sprint offers unlimited data but only on the phone (You cant use a laptop).

    Ive also tried Pilot and Flying J internet service at the truck stops but to be honest it sucks!!! Its slower data speeds than the old dial up modems I use to have.
     
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  3. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    Oct 3, 2011
    Longview, TX
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    millenicom ... search the web. no contract, 20 gigs, verizon 3G/4G LTE, reasonable upfront device purchase. Conserve your ATT data for backup reserve in odd areas where Verizon is weak. But, the ATT data overage is on par with the base rate so no big overage hit. You can find "unlimited" data plans but they are weak and will go away soon.
     
  4. Vmaxx

    Vmaxx Bobtail Member

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    May 10, 2012
    MI
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    I'm using millencom right now. Never had an issue with them.
     
  5. ship71021

    ship71021 Medium Load Member

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    Nov 7, 2007
    Louisiana
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    millencom is pretty decent IMHO. I too have not had any problems with them.
     
  6. ShallowDOF

    ShallowDOF Light Load Member

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    Feb 18, 2008
    Kenmore, WA
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    Another Millenicom user here. I've been with them for about 5 years and LOVE the service. It hits the sweet spot between price, coverage and bandwidth. And they won't kill you if you go over 20GB either.
     
  7. kern2008

    kern2008 Bobtail Member

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    Dec 5, 2010
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    What carrier do they use as their coverage?
     
  8. Ruges

    Ruges Light Load Member

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    Feb 6, 2010
    InMyTruck, USA
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    12GB Sprint Connection Plan
    $79.99 3G-4G Data Plan
    $0.25/MB OffNetwork RoamingOvg($.00024414/KB)
    $.05/MB OnNetwork Overage($.00004882/KB)

    I also use TA/Petro's and Pilots/FlyingJ's connection every now and then when I feel I will use more then my 12 gigs for the month. I watch allot of netflix myself and it is a challange to balance the bandwidth between them all. One of the things I have been meaning to do is upgrade my TV in my truck. This is becouse my phone has the Netflix app, and has the ability to send video to the TV. (its just my TV does not have the plug for it). Once I do that, and sprints unlimited data on my phone I wont have to worry about the bandwidth.
     
  9. Cswann1

    Cswann1 Bobtail Member

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    Dec 31, 2012
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    One of the devices they sell is the U760, which is a CDMA modem that uses Sprint/Verizon towers.

    I'm glad I found this thread. I've been looking at options and the major cell providers data plans left me a bit discouraged. And I agree with the poster who said truck stop internet is bad. I bought a month of Flying J/Pilot and TA/Petro. Both are really slow. Speedtest.net pings above 600ms and dl speeds < 1mb. I don't think these truck stops are even running a T1 line. If they are they have each connection choked way down. Which is OK for the guy that just checks his email. For anyone that wants to stream video or do some gaming, it just won't do.
     
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  10. racinjason

    racinjason Bobtail Member

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    Dec 11, 2012
    kirkwood, mo
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    i use my android with my mobile hotspot from verizon. i'm locked into an old unlimited plan so i can use as much data as i chose without any problems. i've used as much as 105 GB in a month and had no problems with them. and verizons 4G coverage is getting better every day i can drive from my home in st louis all the way to the tx-ok border on 40 and not once lose 4G. they should have their whole network covered in 4G by the end of the year.
     
  11. Cswann1

    Cswann1 Bobtail Member

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    Dec 31, 2012
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    Sadly the truly unlimited data plans from the cell service providers are a thing of the past. They'll sell you a "unlimited data" plan that basically means "we'll charge you for as much as you want to use after XGb of data use".

    I'll probably be placing my order for a Mellinicom modem in the next couple of weeks. As far as I've been able to find, they are the only game in town for real unlimited data.
     
    PhoenixRising Thanks this.
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