Create your own wifi hotspot

[Johnny Utah]

Sorry if this has been discussed already, but rather than continually search out places that offer free wifi, if you have a smartphone with a data plan, you can create your own wifi hotspot. you basically turn your phone into a router.

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/mobile-phone/3441165/how-use-your-smartphone-as-wi-fi-hotspot/

So now you don't need to visit McDonalds or Starbucks anymore.

 

[ccbreder]

WiFi at MickyD's or library is free. I don't have to pay a data bill.

 

[Johnny Utah]

There are unlimited data plans for a flat monthly rate.

 

[Darth_Muerte]

Doesn't look like I can do it with my current phone.

 

[Johnny Utah]

If I'm in town then I'll probably visit the library or starbucks, but if I'm out camping and am able to get a signal, then I have wifi and can stay out there longer. part of just being as self-sufficient as possible. same principle as solar power. the less you have to rely on the grid, the better.

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Doesn't look like I can do it with my current phone.

It has to be a relatively new smartphone. I have an Android and it's super easy to activate.

[video=youtube]

 

[jeanontheroad]

Just make sure you load an Android anti-virus if you spend a lot of time using your phone. I learned that the hard way.

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

I use a net10 phone, they removed the option from the phone. Shame, wish i could use the unlimited data with my tablet instead.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Some providers, Sprint being one, block aps like 'foxfi' for teathering.
In that case, the phone can be "rooted" to make it work.

Sprint charges an extra $30/mo to use the cell as a hot spot.

 

[bvanevery]

There are unlimited data plans for a flat monthly rate.

So what do they cost? At the library, I saw a recent issue of Consumer Reports about cell phone plans that completely ignored the issue of unlimited data plans.

 

[ccbreder]

A little reading up on "unlimited plans" will show they are not.
And if you are paying a monthly fee you are on the grid.

 

[akrvbob]

Nearly all current "Unlimited" data plans will throttle you down after a certain amount of usage. They will just slow you down till you are at dial-up speed. The reason is so you can't stream video.

If you are only in a city, all providers are basically the same. But once you get out into the country Verizon blows everybody else out of the water. Nobody compares to Verizon for coverage.

I would not consider anyone but Verizon or Millenicom (who uses Verizon towers).
Bob

 

[bvanevery]

A little reading up on "unlimited plans" will show they are not.

Not shocked, will double check your claim at some point, but am inclined to take it at face value.

And if you are paying a monthly fee you are on the grid.

That may not be a dealbreaker though. I've gotten Verizon cell phone reception in some National Forests. It depends on the geography and how many private houses have encroached on the forest. If you knew something in advance about the forest you were planning to hole up in, that it has cell phone coverage in parts of it, a data plan might make sense. Umm but beware of Roaming charges, not sure if I got Verizon network or just roaming access to be honest.

Heck the Ocala NF in the upper middle of Florida has a friggin' grocery store in the middle of the forest. If you can't get a signal at your campsite, the question is how far back into civilization you need to go until you can. I've often planned forest sites so that they'll be within 10 mi of a grocery store. That's "a good site" in my book, leaving other factors aside like desirability of the landscape or chance of theft. Where there's grocery there's gonna be cell phone coverage. Then again there might be some free wifi near that grocery store, so whatever.

I'm assuming here that being "off grid" is just about logistics and money, not about ideology or keeping one's identity secret. Different issue in the latter case, of course contract phone plans don't work for that. Are there any prepaid disposable data plans?

 

[akrvbob]

If you don't want a contract by far the best deal for data access is offered by Milenicom. They have 20 gigs for $70 and they use the Verizon towers which are by FAR the best in the backcountry!!

No contract required and they never slow you down. Full speed for the whole 20 gigs. I know at least 6 people with them and they all love them.

I've never paid a roaming fee for my Verizon data plan or phone.
Bob

 

[ccbreder]

I posted this link before, but it is worth visiting again.
http://www.technomadia.com/category/life-on-the-road/technology/mobile-technology/

 

[bvanevery]

They have 20 gigs for $70 and they use the Verizon towers which are by FAR the best in the backcountry!!

Good to know, but $70 buys a lot of gas in an urban car camping situation. It can be an entire month's worth.

 

[offroad]

and with 20 GIGS data you can use skype to make wifi phone calls via your Access Point (aka wifi hotspot), and never use a cellphone as a separate device.

Bob - do you have only Millicom at $70 a month and nothing else? that sounds like a smart move.

 

[akrvbob]

offroad, actually, I don't have Millenicom at all, I just have a 10 gig plan for $80 a month with Verizon. I've never gone over the 10 gigs so I don't miss the larger amount. I'm still on a 2 year contract, so it will be awhile before I can switch. But I know many people who use and love Millenicom, so I recommend them.

I hate using the phone, so I have a no-contract plan for voice.

Bvanevery, if I lived in a city, I would also probably just use free wifi hotspots. But as a Boondocker I am generally many miles from it. Driving into town would cost me MUCH more than a plan!! Plus I must have reliable internet for my many websites so free wifi is just not an option for me.
Bob