Wifi in your truck

My codriver spent 100.00 a month for an ATT mobile hotspot thingy.

BUT did you first try to set your cell phone up at as a hotspot and see if it meets your needs? If so you just saved yourself a lot of money.

Also if you are only looking to connect 1 single device, you can connect that device hardwire directly to your cellphone and your connection speed will be considerably faster than the wireless hotspot approach. Also certain cables are rated a faster connection than others.

There's a few things to consider here.

 

I guess it depends on what company you are dealing with.

Another question is... which companies can provide a decent wifi connection at a reasonable price - no matter where you are in the country?

 

That's Verizon first and ATT a close second.

 

You won’t need WiFi if you have a decent smartphone with Verizon’s or AT&T’s highest data plan. Data plans have lowered a lot these past few years. Verizon’s most expensive plan is $95 per month (without taxes) if you have a fully paid smartphone. I’ve been paying $105 with taxes included. Taxes will vary from state to state.

 

I have Verizon's best data plan. It works well in most cases.

The smartphone hotspot option which allows me to connect other devices to my phone and get internet that way. I can stream Netflix on to my tablet that way, but the first few minutes are going to be poor quality until it buffs, or in the rare occasions Verizon cannot offer 4g then I just have to do without.

There's also an option to connect Verizon directly to a device like a laptop or an xbox and get better connection that way. I've done it. Cell phones come with a thick cord that rated for high through put and if used you can even do high competitive online gaming just using your phone with a solid 4g connection.

But most cell phone chargers sold online are poor substitutes and do not work even 1/10th as well.

 

Years ago when I had a TV in my truck, I would just transfer my smartphone screen image via a 1080p HDMI cable. This method does not require the use of WiFi or hotspot. The problem you’re having is that the data speed on your smartphone is much, much faster than the hotspot data speed. Just use an HDMI cable or “screen mirroring,” which works wirelessly. The hotspot option only gives you LTE up to 30 GB.

 

I'm still using Straight Talk 60 GB of hight speed data and 10GB of hotspot on cell phone. I never use the hotspot service. And unlimited talk for $55 a month pre paid. I have unlocked phone and got the Straight Talk Verizon sim card. So my unlocked phone is on the Verizon network thru Straight Talk. They have ATT and T-Mobile SIM cards also.

 

Love's truck stop has ok WiFi and it's free for 7 hour every day. I not sure why but now Love's truck wifi says I have like 50 days of service left. I never paid for that. Maybe bit big in their system. It not private connection so that could be a problem unless you have the locked or secured connection on you browser. It always a risk using public Wi-Fi.

 

One of my online gamer buddies works for a Flying J and he told me their WiFi is good enough for online gaming. I never tried it and I don't know which Flying J he works at. But he doesn't come off as the sort to make claims lightly.

I haven't tested that because my laptop is so large and it's awkward in a truck I have to share with another person. I ended up buying a Nintendo Switch which has been mildly amusing on those runs where I get parked for god knows how long in friggin NY state. Only problem there is I can't use the joysticks to save my life being a life long keyboard and mouse player.