My (S&B) Cell & Internet

[Gypsy108]

For the last two years I lived in an apartment, I used my cell phone hot spot to access the internet, including Netflix/Hulu, etc. You don't have to wait. For me, it was noticeably cheaper than a cable package.

AND - I did NOT have to deal with a cable company!!!! There's a reason why cable companies are on so many peoples' "worst companies to deal with" list.

I don't understand anything about hotspots & how the systems work !!!!!   I am very confused about all this stuff !

 

[jacqueg]

I don't understand anything about hotspots & how the systems work !!!!!   I am very confused about all this stuff !

You'll make yourself crazy if you try to understand it in a deep way! So don't try. It's straightforward to use, whether you fully understand it or not, just like your car. 


Try these - 
https://www.howtogeek.com/352265/what-is-a-wi-fi-hotspot/
https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-mobile-hotspot?op=1

 

[Gypsy108]

Ok thanks  :heart:   I have googled around to try and understand stuff....but yeah....my brain get's scrambled with this tech stuff......I'm sure i will figure it out better once I hit the road & experience what happens with whatever i'm using...I also don't want to be vulnerable to hacking....so i would want a secure connection....

 

[Happy Camper]

Gypsy, I hope you don't mind if I break this down for you in more simplistic terms. Everyone here is so used to talking about plans and such that they are starting the beginning (to them) when in reality they are starting in the middle (for you). This used to me a huge problem for me in the past, so I get it.

At home you have 3 separate systems.

1. You have Centurylink Home internet

2. You have Xfinity Home Cable TV

3. You have Xfinity Cell phone service

Numbers 1 and 2 are Sticks and Bricks ONLY. Disregard those. The fact that Xfinity TV was solid for you has no bearing on their cell phone services. Cell phone service is a completely separate business and is in no way connected to their TV system. The fact that your cell phone service has been solid has more to do with the carrier they have aligned themselves with.

On the road you will need Cell phone service. There are many Companies to choose from, but really there are only 3 main companies that have their own systems and networks. Those are Verizon, ATT, and T-Mobile. Every other company that you see out there with cell service uses one of those big 3 services to handle their cell phone duties. This isn't a bad thing.

Understand that each network has different areas on the map where you get better or worse coverage. Better or worse speeds, and so on. As HDR was explaining, if you choose from the big 3 companies, your traffic over those networks is their priority. Sometimes it's noticeable, other times it doesn't make that much of a difference.

To surf the internet, you need DATA, which will come from your CELL PLAN. As others have mentioned, each plan has different data caps/limits for regular use. You can also watch tv shows on your phone using data as long as the speed is fast enough. People here can help explain different plans in more detail once you know the basics.

HOTSPOT is a term for using your phone or a separate device to allow other devices such as your laptop to use your CELL PLAN DATA. Hotspot data cap/limit is usually not very large compared to what you are used to at home where you have no caps/limits. HOTSPOT DATA is something others can explain more about.

Guys and Gals, she's very new to the concepts that we now forget weren't second nature to use start from the beginning. We call the ABCs for a reason. Nobody ever calls them HIJs.

 

[Gypsy108]

Thanks Happy Camper :heart:

Which company has the best service with best data deal ?

I hate watching movies on a little screen
So I won’t care about that .  But I do care about having the most freedom & less restraints .

 

[maki2]

For secure transmissions you subscribe to a VPN service. Yet more technical wizadry which I wont even attempt to explain to you. I buy a 2 or 3 year plan as that keeps the cost lower. It is then installed on all my devices, phone, tablet and laptops that I use online. I can then take my laptops, phone or tablet into a public library, a Starbucks, medical clinic, an RV park, Home Depot, grocery store ,etc, any place that offers free public wifi and then I can connect to the internet using their internet provider service without being vulnerable to getting hacked. Very handy when I have a big Microsoft update to do or want to download big files such as new software or even a movie. But also even if using my own service on my phone some one near me in a parking lot or in a campsite can't hack into my communications. When camping at poular Quartzsite BLM areas if you were to take a look at closeby wifi signals you would often find up to a dozen within range, so you do need some protection from hacking when doing free boondocking.

 

[Gypsy108]

Thanks Maki2 :heart: I will look into that.. that’s something I’d go for... how much does it cost all together ?    Or can you break it down ..

 

[mpruet]

I don't understand anything about hotspots & how the systems work !!!!!   I am very confused about all this stuff !

A hotspot is basically a cell phone that you can’t talk over.  You receive a Cellular signal and the hotspot retransmits it to your other wireless devices such as your notebook.

 

[mpruet]

Thanks Happy Camper :heart:

Which company has the best service with best data deal ?

Companies often release great data plans, but only allow buying into those plans for a short period.  I’d subscribe to the Technomadia YouTube channel to hear about data plans being announced by the big three...

 

[Stardust]

“Which company has the best service with best data deal ?”

It depends. If there is no cell service where you are going to be, the best plan available will not help you.  Near any metro area or an interstate freeway you should be fine, but in rural areas, mountains, or many National and state parks, never mind.  Also, if there are lots of people tapped into the same cell tower as your plan is using, the “speed” will go way down. As others have mentioned, some plans limit your hotspot use after you’ve used a certain amount, so obviously, be aware of any limits before you sign up.

 

[mpruet]

You might want to check this out. This video from Mobile Internet Resources discusses current data plans.

 

[jacqueg]

Thanks Happy Camper :heart:

Which company has the best service with best data deal ?

I hate watching movies on a little screen
So I won’t care about that .  But I do care about having the most freedom & less restraints .

That will vary. These companies are always competing with each other, and they change their plans pretty frequently. The plan I have now has not been offered for a good two years. I like it, so I'm keeping it. If I wanted to try a different plan, I'd have to give it up, and wouldn't be able to change my mind back again.

And the best AT&T plan will fail you if you are in an area that AT&T doesn't cover well. That's why some nomads have service with more than one company.