Internet options.

This is what I have:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...N=B009MA2KNY&linkCode=as2&tag=lifofamodtru-20
You can use any cell phone carrier but I use Verizon. I like it pretty well. Its relatively fast and it is rare that I don't have a good signal.

 

Must be getting lucky with the Pilot Wifi...
I have used it once or twice....

I wouldn't use it if it was free.

 

Have you done everything you can to reduce data usage? There's a lot of apps that are data hogs. Make sure "location services" are turned off in apps that don't actually require that you have them on. Map apps need to know your location. Facebook does not. Limit your use of "free" apps that run ads. To me it's worth a buck or two for the premium version of the same app that doesn't use data to run the annoying ads. Connect to free wifi whenever possible. Don't make any FaceTime or Skype calls unless you're connected to wifi. Same goes for streaming videos.

If none of that applies, maybe it would be better to look into purchasing a mobile hotspot to get additional data.

 

I buy a month at a time and stop at a Pilot every night if I can help it (all my shower credits are there anyways) - I'd say 20% of them have a decent connection and I can download some a couple of seasons of my favorite shows overnight and get some things done online (paying bills, email, etc). The other 80% is just as good as not having internet at all - I keep meaning to make it a point to write down the tech support/customer service line for that wandering wifi place and demanding a partial refund for every stop w/ dysfunctional internet I get to.

I'll keep using it though because data overages are too costly especially when making the simple mistake of leaving a device on or a download going can cost you money. And I used to have unlimited data with sprint but was rarely able to access the internet even with full signal... might have just been my device but I can't afford $60/mo for something that only works 25% of the time. Maybe when I'm making more than $0.25 cpm, I'll climb the ladder to a better service... doubt it tho... I'm too cheap. I'll go eat my ramen now.

 

Yup, snowyy is right, sprint works in half of Utah, and about half of the major city's... so if you want something that's works pretty much all the time go with Verizon.

 

I have Sprint and I'm happy overall. I know their service isn't the best but the price is right. As far as all the comments on here about your phone not working in alot of areas, I have never had that problem. My phone has worked everywhere I have expected it to work and in a lot of places I didn't expect. I've had Sprint 3.5 years now and I've only had one night where I parked and my phone wouldn't work, and even then I was able to get a text message out to my wife to let her know i was fine.

To all the people saying Verizon has way better coverage, they do I'm not going to argue that, but Sprint and Verizon have a roaming agreement. So usually if there are no Sprint towers around I'm using a Verizon tower anyway. You just have to watch how much you roam because Sprint will cancel your contract if you roam to much.

As far as data goes I listen to Pandora all day while I drive and only have issues with streaming in CO and WY. I've learned to plan ahead and download some music when I'll be driving through those areas.

 

I use verizon jetpack as one option over what I have. Works great, 8 gigs with plenty of coverage for around $60 mth. That's in addition to my iPad that has AT&T with 5 gigs for around the same monthly fee. Both work great .