Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Feedback on Mobile Internet Service Provider (Help me understand market for Internet while travelling better)
| Feedback on Mobile Internet Service Provider [message #87913] |
Thu, 10 June 2010 07:12  |
Craig Lechowicz
Messages: 541
Registered: October 2006
Location: Waterford, MI
Karma: 0
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All,
As part of the career re-development program I'm in, I'm working with a few peers as interns on some marketing issues for a company that provides a mobile wireless Internet hub, called Autonet Mobile. <http://www.autonetmobile.com/>
I know there are a lot of people on GMCNet that know a lot more about mobile internet and wi-fi then me, and quite a few users of Mio cards and other devices.
Autonet claims to have a couple of advantages over these. They have some proprietary (and patented) technology that avoids dropped connections when changing from cell tower to cell tower, and potentially improves throughput with buffering. And, they have a $29.95/month rate (after buying a $495 router) that is supposed to be cheaper than most of the alternatives.
So, I'm wondering if I can get some feedback on whether dropped connections is a big issue while moving for what you are using currently, and if you have the time to go to their website, whether this product has any distinct advantages or disadvantages over what you use currently.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Craig Lechowicz
'77 Kingsley, Waterford, MI
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| Re: Feedback on Mobile Internet Service Provider [message #87935 is a reply to message #87913] |
Thu, 10 June 2010 11:46  |
idrob
Messages: 645
Registered: January 2005
Location: Central Idaho
Karma: 0
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| Craig Lechowicz wrote on Thu, 10 June 2010 05:12 |
All,
As part of the career re-development program I'm in, I'm working with a few peers as interns on some marketing issues for a company that provides a mobile wireless Internet hub, called Autonet Mobile. <http://www.autonetmobile.com/>
(snip)
So, I'm wondering if I can get some feedback on whether dropped connections is a big issue while moving for what you are using currently, and if you have the time to go to their website, whether this product has any distinct advantages or disadvantages over what you use currently.
Thanks in advance for your help.
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This looks like nothing new to me, other than packaging a 3G modem with a router, something that a lot of others have done. The MIFI system from Verizon, Sprint, and ATT will do the same thing.
The network they are connected to appears to be Verizon, minus some of their partners, so the coverage looks more limited than Verizon.
Their price is the same as Verizon service (or the others) for a 5 GB per month service, that is $60. The $30 is a teaser rate that others offer for a limited service.
I would have no idea about the dropped connection issue, I can't use my computer and drive at the same time. Dan and Teri Gregg use the exact same system I do, however, and report very few issues with dropped connections while traveling down the road, one driving the other on the computer. We both use Verizon USB 720 modems connected to Cradlepoint routers. We both use external antennas usually, but not all the time.
Back to what I have and find to work VERY well for my own use when traveling (but not moving). Verizon USB modem, Cradlepoint router. I plug the USB modem into the router (it can go directly into the USB port on the computer and eliminate the router). I got mine when there was true "unlimited" service so I have no 5 gb limit on usage, but even when I use it full time when in AZ in the winter, I have never gone over 4.5 gb of usage. I don't download movies however, but it is on 24/7 there. I usually use an external antenna for reliability, but have found only a few places where it was truly necessary. If your Verizon cell phone works, the net will work in most cases. I use it commonly in obscure places and campgrounds in western Montana with full service. Unfortunately, at my Idaho home we have no cell service at all so It is useless here, but I live in one of the rare cell less areas in the country.
For most users who want simple service, I would go to Verizon and get a MIFI system. Often free equipment with a 2 year contract. $60 a month for a 5 gb use plan. I will not switch, as doing so requires a limited rather than unlimited plan, and I also use an external antenna which the MIFI does not allow, but that is my personal situation.
On the system you are researching, I see no real advantages. Same cost per month, actually probably a more limited coverage area (but hard to be sure) than Verizon, and higher equipment cost to start out with. The system you are connected to is more important than the equipment you use.
And no, I have no affiliation with Verizon, other than the monthly bill they send..LOL.
Rob Allen
former owner of '76 x-PB
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| Re: Feedback on Mobile Internet Service Provider [message #88043 is a reply to message #87940] |
Fri, 11 June 2010 08:59 |
pzerkel
Messages: 212
Registered: September 2007
Location: Salisbury, IL
Karma: 0
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For either Rob or Terry.
I also am using a CradlePoint router with Verizon USB device. I do have the 5GB monthly limit.
If I have the USB modem plugged directly into my laptop then I can check my month-to-date usage. But so far I have been unable to figure how to do that when the USB device is in the router. There must be a way.
I have had the Verizon service for about eight months and have gone over twice (neither time by very much). But I am a little shielded as the plan I have is on a corporate plan through my work. And a significant percentage of the bandwidth I use is indeed for work related stuff. So the expense is shared.
Prior to this I had an AT&T plan that was more expensive, not through my work, and was true unlimited. But it routinely dropped the connection and we routinely had to reset the CradlePoint. We almost never have to do that since we switched to Verizon.
Paul Zerkel
'78 Eleganza II
Salisbury IL (near Springfield)
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| Re: Feedback on Mobile Internet Service Provider [message #88063 is a reply to message #88043] |
Fri, 11 June 2010 11:44 |
idrob
Messages: 645
Registered: January 2005
Location: Central Idaho
Karma: 0
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| pzerkel wrote on Fri, 11 June 2010 06:59 |
For either Rob or Terry.
I also am using a CradlePoint router with Verizon USB device. I do have the 5GB monthly limit.
If I have the USB modem plugged directly into my laptop then I can check my month-to-date usage. But so far I have been unable to figure how to do that when the USB device is in the router. There must be a way.
I have had the Verizon service for about eight months and have gone over twice (neither time by very much). But I am a little shielded as the plan I have is on a corporate plan through my work. And a significant percentage of the bandwidth I use is indeed for work related stuff. So the expense is shared.
Prior to this I had an AT&T plan that was more expensive, not through my work, and was true unlimited. But it routinely dropped the connection and we routinely had to reset the CradlePoint. We almost never have to do that since we switched to Verizon.
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Paul,
I think that some of the newer Cradlepoint routers may offer the ability to check the usage directly, but I am not really sure of that. I have a Cradlepoint 1000 that I use plugged into 120 volts in AZ, but it is put away now and I do not know if it will do that or not. I know my 350 will not. A call to Cradlepoint might be in order for the answer, or to 3G.com who work very closely with Cradlepoint, and also have a good question and answer section on their web site.
BTW, I have my Cradlepoint 350 and Verizon USB 720 modem in a small leather case which I cary in whatever car I am driving, plugged into the 12 volt lighter outlet. That way I can use my Mac Book Pro, or iPad on the road. (not moving of course). When in a motel, I just leave it on, and have access inside the motel room on my own network. When camping, now with my Jeep and trailer, I leave it on in the Jeep, and access it wirelessly in the trailer. Makes me a happy camper. Very low power needs, so no danger of running the battery down. Nice to be your own wifi hotspot and not depend on any one else.
Rob M: I am glad you found a $50 no contract plan from Verizon. I have not seen any such thing, so check it out carefully to be sure it is really what they have told you. I have found some sales people who are so into selling they will tell you anything. Recently at a "real" Verizon store, I even had a guy tell me that "all our phones are going to satellite now, so we no longer use antennas" This is from a guy in a cell phone store and cell phone business, saying they were using satellites now. Good grief. Be careful.
Rob Allen
former owner of '76 x-PB
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| Re: Feedback on Mobile Internet Service Provider [message #88076 is a reply to message #88063] |
Fri, 11 June 2010 14:15 |
pzerkel
Messages: 212
Registered: September 2007
Location: Salisbury, IL
Karma: 0
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A CradlePoint MBR 1000 is what I am using. And I did buy it from 3g store. I so far have been unable to find the feature, but maybe I am missing it. I will see what I can find out. Thanks for the info.
Paul Zerkel
'78 Eleganza II
Salisbury IL (near Springfield)
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| Re: [GMCnet] Feedback on Mobile Internet Service Provider [message #88093 is a reply to message #88063] |
Fri, 11 June 2010 16:20 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Rob A.,
AGREED!
Last year just before I left the USA to come to Australia I was told about
the same program at a Verizon reseller store. The difference was that the
modem was $200+ and the monthly fee was $69.95 (or around that). I called an
"real" Verizon store in Humble, Texas to make sure I was hearing it from the
horses mouth rather than another part of it's anatomy! HOWEVER, in light of
what you note below I think I will call a couple of other stores and ask
some MORE questions to make sure what I'm being told is correct. Sure glad I
have a call back card so it only costs me $0.005 per minute to talk to the
USA - yes HALF A CENT a minute.
Many years ago my wife and I were at a furniture store in Houston and were
looking at a bedroom set. She really liked it but the fancy trim work didn't
look Kosher to me. I felt it and I could tell it was plastic. I noted this
to the salesman and he said "that's because they're running out of wood."
Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: Rob Allen
Rob M: I am glad you found a $50 no contract plan from Verizon. I have not
seen any such thing, so check it out carefully to be sure it is really what
they have told you. I have found some sales people who are
SO INTO SELLING THEY WILL TELL YOU ANYTHING.
Recently at a "real" Verizon store, I even had a guy tell me that "all our
phones are going to satellite now, so we no longer use antennas" This is
from a guy in a cell phone store and cell phone business, saying they were
using satellites now. Good grief. Be careful.
--
Rob Allen
former owner of '76 x-PB
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GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Feedback on Mobile Internet Service Provider [message #88107 is a reply to message #88093] |
Fri, 11 June 2010 18:10 |
idrob
Messages: 645
Registered: January 2005
Location: Central Idaho
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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| Robert Mueller wrote on Fri, 11 June 2010 14:20 |
Rob A.,
AGREED!
Last year just before I left the USA to come to Australia I was told about
the same program at a Verizon reseller store. The difference was that the
modem was $200+ and the monthly fee was $69.95 (or around that). I called an
"real" Verizon store in Humble, Texas to make sure I was hearing it from the
horses mouth rather than another part of it's anatomy! HOWEVER, in light of
what you note below I think I will call a couple of other stores and ask
some MORE questions to make sure what I'm being told is correct.
Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
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Rob: Dan Gregg did find a no contract, $50 plan at the 3G store. I looked it over and although it sounded OK, there were a number of questions about it, and just how easy it would be to really terminate the service when you wanted to do so. Also it was from a "reseller" of Verizon system space making me less than sure that it included all of Verizon's independent partners who they contract with to have service where they don't have "real" Verizon towers. Just one more heads up for you in your quest for the holy grail.
Rob Allen
former owner of '76 x-PB
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| Re: [GMCnet] Feedback on Mobile Internet Service Provider [message #88139 is a reply to message #88074] |
Fri, 11 June 2010 20:52 |
rowing guy
Messages: 31
Registered: October 2009
Location: Outside Philly
Karma: 0
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Hey Bill,
I'm surprised there isn't more interested in this product. You don't need to pay anything extra, why piss money away. Anyway, to each his own.
I wish I had some experience with it but I found it a little while ago and haven't bought it yet. Here's a few link's I've found.
http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/networking-and-wi-fi/modem-routers/option-globesurfer-iii-527758/review
http://www.gadgetreview.com/2009/01/the-option-globesurfer-iii-3g-router-isnt-mobile-but-it-sure-is-fast.html
The second review should be noted if this will be used "on the road". I'm not condoning a surfing while driving but passengers will likely sue this feature while someone else drives.
http://www.amazon.com/Option-GlobeSurfer-III-HSPA-Router/dp/B00266Z9F2
Another issue is that 4G is out now and this may be the way to go. I've emailed them to see if they would be updating the unit for 4G and/or an N type router. I would also think that a good cell phone antenna would be in order. Hopefully, fewer data interruptions, dead spots and improved overall signal.
Scott
The Flying Brick
[quote title=Bill Massey wrote on Fri, 11 June 2010 13:49]Wow! That looks like my ticket right there. No need to buy usb aircard or
anything. I've already got the att sim w unlimited data contract.
I'm interested if anyone has experience with it.
Bdub
-----Original Message-----
From: Behalf Of Scott Brown
To add to the confusion, I have found this little gem. It is different than
a pay for use service, it appears that you can simply plug in your sim card
and you have instant wifi, without having to pay any extra for tethering.
You still need a data plan on your card though and unlimited would be best,
I suppose.
Let me know what you think about this.
http://attmifi.com/
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| Re: [GMCnet] Feedback on Mobile Internet Service Provider [message #88144 is a reply to message #88107] |
Fri, 11 June 2010 21:58 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Rob et al,
For those of you that might be interested in the 3G Store plan here's a
link:
http://3gstore.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=50
I copied this from that site; note text in CAPS below:
Can I cancel my service at any time?
Absolutely! Since there is NO contract with this service, you can cancel at
any time and not have to pay any cancellation fees. However, if you cancel
before your two-year lease is up, you must return the device to 3Gstore (OR
PAY $250 TO KEEP IT). If you've had the service for 2 full years, you do not
need to return the device.
You are LEASING the USB760 Modem! So if I set this up and then cancel after
three months I have to send it back and then next year go through the whole
rig-a-ma-role again.
The guy in Texas was wrong; I called two different Verizon stores in San
Francisco and got the same information from both for a month to month NO
CONTRACT mobile broadband account.
USB 760 Modem cost: $189.99
Activation fee: $35.00
Monthly charge: $59.99 for 5GB - Charged to a credit card automatically
$39.99 for 250MB - Charged to a credit card automatically
Cancellation fee: $0.00
To establish access to the Verizon system again next year
Activation fee: $35.00
Monthly charge: $59.99 for 5GB - Charged to a credit card automatically
$39.99 for 250MB - Charged to a credit card automatically
Looks like the easiest / most cost effective thing for me to do is to get
the service from Verizon. Since the 5GB account is only $20.00 more than the
250MB account I think I'll go with that plan. I've checked my ADSL account
here in Australia and I could get away with the 250MB plan but I don't want
to risk having to pay for downloads above 250MB as that is probably dear as
poison!
Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: Rob Allen
Rob: Dan Gregg did find a no contract, $50 plan at the 3G store. I looked
it over and although it sounded OK, there were a number of questions about
it, and just how easy it would be to really terminate the service when you
wanted to do so. Also it was from a "reseller" of Verizon system space
making me less than sure that it included all of Verizon's independent
partners who they contract with to have service where they don't have "real"
Verizon towers. Just one more heads up for you in your quest for the holy
grail.
--
Rob Allen
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Feedback on Mobile Internet Service Provider [message #88157 is a reply to message #88155] |
Sat, 12 June 2010 00:19 |
idrob
Messages: 645
Registered: January 2005
Location: Central Idaho
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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| Hal Kading wrote on Fri, 11 June 2010 21:51 |
Rob,
I just came from the local Verizon store. The plan I'm going with for mobile broadband is a pre-paid plan. No contract, no need to notify them when you terminate, just stop paying or extending. Three plans. Day, 75 MB $15.00; Week, 250 MB $30.00; Month 500 MB $50.00. You buy the modem or if you already have a Verizon modem you can use it. Easy to extend.
Since we don't use our cell phones much we changed to pre-paid on them too. Looks like we will save about $40 per month over the family plan we had. Will almost pay for the broad band service.
Hal Kading 77 Kingsley 455 Las Cruces NM
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Hal, Rob M: sounds like we are back to confusion again. Rob found a $50 a month no contract plan from Verizon (in Texas?). Then on further check, Rob found it is $60 a month at Verizon (in CA). Hal found the $50 a month plan where he checked Verizon in NM.
I am going to Missoula MT tomorrow, for grins and giggles I wonder what they will tell me at the Verizon store there.
For several years I have been paying $60 a month, but I do have a true "unlimited" access account which is no longer available. Although I have not even hit that 5 gb limited number, I kind of hate to lose that account plan. But $120 a year difference makes me think a lot. However it is still up in the air what Verizon actually is selling for, huh? Is there a senior rate?
Rob Allen
former owner of '76 x-PB
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| Re: [GMCnet] Feedback on Mobile Internet Service Provider [message #88158 is a reply to message #88155] |
Sat, 12 June 2010 00:16 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Hal,
Aha! This sounds like the plan that Jeff in Humble, Texas was talking about!
Did you happen to ask how much the modem was? Jeff told me it was $99 which
is less than half of the $189.99 that the guys in San Francisco told it was
and what it sells for on the Verizon website.
The bottom line is that I (we?) don't have to sign a contract for 3G mobile
wireless service!
Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: Hal Kading
Rob,
I just came from the local Verizon store. The plan I'm going with for mobile
broadband is a pre-paid plan. No contract, no need to notify them when you
terminate, just stop paying or extending. Three plans. Day, 75 MB $15.00;
Week, 250 MB $30.00; Month 500 MB $50.00. You buy the modem or if you
already have a Verizon modem you can use it. Easy to extend.
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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