Internet service ?

[thebignos]

What seems the best for Phone and internet service on the road? I would use a card plugged into a laptop. Have you seen any good plans?

 

[highdesertranger]

I use a Verizon Hot Spot. it's not a phone but a stand alone internet hot spot. Jim in Denver needs to chime in cause Max has all this stuff down. highdesertranger

 

[tx2sturgis]

Best?

That's hard to define, like asking what is the best food to eat or the best place to live.

Depends on your situation.

But here is a place to start reading:

https://vanlivingforum.com/Forum-Communication-Cell-Internet-Mail-Delivery

 

[jimindenver]

That depends on your needs, location and what you consider a a good deal. I have very small amounts of cell and data for nothing a month to full blown unlimited data hotspots with roaming for $20 a month.

Location

I can tell you that from Denver to the South west that AT&T and Verizon are very close in coverage unless your plan does not have roaming, then get Verizon.

Unlimited talk and text isn't a big deal anymore and a number of plans offer unlimited data, On the cheap end of the unlimited data is the Verizon 3G hotspot for $5 a month. Above that I'd have to look at the deals out there now as they change constantly.

So you have taken the first steps, lets narrow down your needs out of the many different plans that might fit them. It is not just the main carriers to consider but a slew of MVNO's that resell the services cheaper. Things to look for is if the unlimited data is really unlimited, is there a hotspot option, does it cost more, is it unlimited in data and speed. Are taxes and fees included? Does it roam?

In the communication section you will find a bunch of post dealing with cell service, not all of the deals are active but new ones are listed all the time.

 

[DLTooley]

The Tracfone smartphone service has been stable. I buy the two month plan for ~12.50 a month with 500 gb and additional data is $10 per gb. Perfect for my usage patterns. There are 3g internet plans out there from smaller providers that a number of people like, but there has definitely been flux. No tethering/hot spot on the Tracfone.

 

[John61CT]

Nice thing about Tracfone is you can select your carrier - most will want to make sure they get Verizon.

Also all unused voice/text/MB buckets can be topped up as needed, and accumulate forever long as you don't let service expiration date pass.

You can buy time-only extensions at checkout, very useful.

Just don't expect competent CS, better to post detailed questions at HowardForums.