Onboard Internet

What is the most inexpensive way to have internet in a rig? I have heard suggestions about tethering to the cell phone, or paying for on the go internet through the truck stop systems. Is it prohibitively expensive to have internet without using one of these suggestions?

 

Tethering to phone cut my internet bill in half.

 

I have heard (dont know if it is true or not) that tethering ties up your phone and if you receive a call you cant surf the internet while talking on the phone. For me that doesnt work because I need to be able to surf the net while on the phone. I use a sprint aircard it cost $65 a month and I get unlimited usage. However, they are doing away with unlimited, they are capping monthly usage at 6 GB. As far as coverage it works awesome with the exception of some rural areas, such as parts of I 80 in Wyoming, parts of Utah, really rural areas on some US Highways. For the most part if Sprint doesnt have a tower around my air card will find a tower to roam on. On my plan my roaming is capped at 6 GB a month, very seldom do I hit the 6 GB a month cap. Rarely do I have issues with my air card.

It sure beats using the truckstop internet because you cant always park at those truckstops. Occasionally, you get out in a place where there isnt a TA, Petro, Pilot, or Hook.

 

How many gigs do you use in a month if you use it everynight. I called verizon and can add this on for $20 per month but only 2 gigs


Thanks

 

My Verizon (smarter than me) phone has a 6 GB package for $50 a month. I am reducing that as I have NEVER used over 4 GB in a big month.

 

Sigh...I guess we'll have to do without onboard internet if we have to go with a company plan, although we might be able to do Sprint. Im pretty sure that we dont owe them money. I was hoping that a prepaid data card or hotspot would do the trick.

 

It's all about Technology.
GSM Network it will work.
On CDMA it will not (except on 4g)

 

There is always the option of parking close to places that have free internet. If you already have a smart phone you can get a wifi hotspot finder and sniff them out. Hotels, McDonalds, Starbucks, Dennys and many others offer free internet. I saw this in another thread and it looks like a good option. It boosts whatever wifi signal and would work with the free access. http://www.pepwave.com/products/surf-on-the-go/ The device runs $99 on the site.

 

We have taken advantage of free internet options, but the downside is lack of internet security. Another important issue is that sometimes strategic parking is necessary in order to have a good signal, and that sometimes precludes close proximity to facilities that, for me, anyway, require instant access upon awaking in the morning. I was hoping for something that would give us access both in and away from truck stops, perhaps on the side of the road or in rest areas as well as truck stops. Ill admit to being spoiled.....I know we cant always have it all, but Id sure like internet like I have at home, plus a bathroom just steps down the hall. Hasnt anyone invented satilite internet for truck drivers???

 

it is called smart phone......