Internet for your truck

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by DrewMB, Nov 26, 2022.

  1. DrewMB

    DrewMB Bobtail Member

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    Nov 26, 2022
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    What is a good way to get wifi in your trucks? I got my CDL a couple weeks ago and start driving in December. I've read a good amount of people use the T-Mobile home internet and it works great. Just curious on my options and roughly what the prices might be
     
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  3. nikmirbre

    nikmirbre Road Train Member

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    I just got the T-mobile home internet, it works pretty darn good!!!! Its alot faster than the 5g hotspot on my phone.
     
  4. GYPSY65

    GYPSY65 Road Train Member

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    I just use the Wi-Fi on my phone and sync it to any device needed
    I have att and works for what I use it for such as tv etc but I also have direct tv so not using the net a ton
    You can get a hotspot box but there’s no need for that extra item and payment
    I have a big bunk and may eventually get Starlink but as mentioned. What I have now really hasn’t had any issues
    Maybe once in a great while in the boonies with limited service but that’s about it

    Nothing you need being new but here’s a link

    Starlink
     
    Last edited: Nov 26, 2022
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  5. Thrasher28

    Thrasher28 Heavy Load Member

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    My ATT plan came with 50GB hotspot. Also, I added a 150GB Verizon plan on a dedicated hotspot device. It’s good enough to do streaming and browsing pretty much anywhere, and I get good enough latency and almost zero packet loss in 90% of places, so it works for gaming if that’s your thing. Have only met my data cap twice in a couple years, and that’s involving regular YouTube, sports streaming, gaming, etc.

    Truck stop wifi is almost never worth the money in my experience
     
  6. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    You get internet service through your phone or you buy wi-fi service from the truck stop, which is usually slow and not worth the money. You need to be very clear about where you will be driving, both the area of the country and the type of roads. If you stay along the interstate highways most any carrier like Verizon, ATT, maybe T-Mobile should be OK. I've use Verizon or a company that buys their connection through Verizon as they were/are almost everywhere. Companies like Sprint and T-Mobile used to be great in big cities and hardly usable beyond the biggest cities. You will be very disappointed if you just assume every cellphone service has equal coverage.
     
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  7. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    T-Mobile Home Internet is a big device made to be in your home.
    I have that at home.

    They also have what I use in the truck, the MiFi 5G Mobile Hotspot.
    It is about $50 per month for 100GB.

    Coverage is generally very good wherever I'm at.
    Today, in Aurora, CO at the J, it is a bit on and off.
    Very good and then goes away for 10-15 minutes, then back to very good.
     
  8. SmoothBore

    SmoothBore Medium Load Member

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    You’re going to want high speed stuff. Porn really slows your computer down…
     
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  9. Nosferatu3

    Nosferatu3 Bobtail Member

    I currently have an unlimited 5g plan with otr mobile, but after looking around I was curious about T-Mobile home. Is it 5G and they told me I couldn't get it at my location? Is that because it's in beta or is going to be based on something else?
     
  10. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    I have it at home. It was a lot cheaper than what we were using.
    The speeds are very good.

    It is 5G, but isn't available in all areas.
    I doubt it would be a good option for an OTR truck. Their 5G MiFi Mobile Hotspot is the best option.

    I just did a speed test with the MiFi in my truck.
    101.35 Mbps download and 35.23 Mbps upload.

    I'm currently in Syracuse, NE and SpeedTest used a server in Albuquerque, NM.
     
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  11. nikmirbre

    nikmirbre Road Train Member

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    I have the T-mobile Home in my truck. I love it, speeds are 5g almost everywhere ive been so far. Ive only had it in here about a month and mainly stay in the southeast.
     
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