iPod Touch 4G... Best wi-fi... best use

So I got my husband an iPod Touch (4G) some time back, when he was not currently driving. He finally registered it and downloaded most current software (6) and will be in the process of downloading some music. To be able to optimize other features (maps, weather, internet) he will need wi-fi; as he's all over the country it's hard to depend on hotspots.

Does anyone have a suggestion regarding how to provide the wi-fi service in an economical, yet dependable way?

Thanks in advance...

 

Economical is a relative term.

There are a great many threads here about wifi hotspots and just as many on the carriers, but here is a recap. There is no such thing as "wifi all over the country." There are only "coverage areas."

So, his primary (and most dependable way) is to get either a phone with hotspot capability or a mobile hotspot device like a "MiFi." These will use a cell phone carrier (ATT, Sprint, Verizon, Virgin, etc) to obtain internet access through the cell towers and then broadcast it (like a wireless router) to the iPod or anything else with with wifi receiver built-in. They all have multiple data plans and associated pricing depending on the usage.

None of them cover 100% of the country. You can Google for coverage area maps, but here are a few links as an example:

Sprint: (click the "data" tab just above the map)

Verizon: (click the "data" radio button below the map and then click "refresh map"

ATT:

Another option, or to supplement the cellular option, is to use some of the 100's of thousands of free wifi hotspots throughout the country. They vary VASTLY in terms of how fast or how effective each is and you must be parked close to them to use. The easiest way I have found to know where they are is to use a free cell phone app called "wifi finder" and there are dozens of web sites that list them too by doing a Google search for "wifi locator" or wifi finder" etc.

 

THANK YOU Dieselboss!! You have summed a response that appears to be both insightful and has 'cut to the chase'! My eyes and brain both got foggy while I was researching online!

The MiFi option sounds good to start - we currently have Verizon for our phones. It will also make a lot of sense to try to look at available hotspots ahead of when you need to use them. I have heard both good and bad regarding them.

I know that laptops and other devices are likely a better option, but my husband is not a tech nut or at all tech savvy - less if more in his book...

Thanks for your advice. I'll be checking it out.