Internet while moving

If you're wanting a constant connection while on the move, you probably should be looking at an unlimited cellular plan for your tablet.

 

Seems like a Verizon hotspot might work. I know I've used it within the midwest without much issue.

 

If you want internet connection everywhere, a cellular provider is the best option. Verizon has the best coverage on average all over the USA. If you are staying on or near the major interstate highways you can choose Verizon.

Drivers that stay in particular regions can get away with lesser providers like Sprint and T-Mobile.

In the next 3 years there will probably be a widespread 5G cellphone network versus our current 4G network.

Go check out ClarkHoward.com cellphone section for good prices.

 

Will you be moving lots of large files up and down like photoshop images or video, or just using basic web front end applications to manipulate data on backend databases?

With most cellular plans that allow hotspotting from a phone, this hotspot (or tether) data is measured separately and has monthly limits before severe throttling can be expected. However if you can work from a cellular tablet (not a laptop using phone or tablet’s hotspot), this hotspot limitation can be avoided.

 

Cellular data with a Verizon or att is pretty solid in all but the most rural areas where it can become weak or nonexistent. And there are only a handful of holes where there is no Verizon data like central Texas around brownwood and western Illinois near and east of Hannibal come to mind. But these areas are not encountered very often by most OTR drivers.

 

You probably are going to be looking at a satellite deal if you are that hot online as a big cookie. Not just satellite but one that actually locks onto and physically tracks the satellite from your moving truck 24/7 barring bridges, underpasses, snow sheds tunnels etc.

When I stopped OTR in 2001, there were still places where there is NO internet to be had for love or money, dailup does not work on telephone that trunk via radio (Microwave) etc.

However they have been quietly putting up 5g on telephone poles so that should be good for something eventually.

 

Verizon. It's expensive but has the best coverage overall.

Especially when you travel away from the interstate highways. All the cheaper places do well in the metro areas and along the interstates, for the most part, but there are alot of dead areas with them.

Just use the phone for data. Tethering or as a WiFi hotspot. It will receive a better signal than a dedicated hotspot like a jetpack or whatever. Dont pay for an extra line...

 

There's no such thing as ALL of america.

And they ALL will working while moving. That's NEVER been an issue and I've been using internet since mobile first started. And it was a real PITA to configure the dial up.

 

Tethering from my ATT phone works awesome 99%....