WiFi Connection

Techntrek, I've got hotspot built into my Verizon also but they charge for the service either on daily basis or full time. Foxfi is $9 a year with unlimited useage.

We use one our cell phones (Verizon) as a hotspot and both laptops can connect.  of course you have to have 3g or 4g data plan.  Works great for us.

Until this month we have had a similar plan with AT&T including the grandfathered 550 family talk plan with 2 iPhones. We also temporarily upgraded to the 5GB plan with tethering for trips. However this month I am switching to their new Mobile Share Value plan. We use very little data when at home (home WiFi in use) so we can cut back to 300MB combined shared data, then temporarily upgrade to anything we want for trips. Additional GBs are cheaper, the $10 second line charge disappears, and there is a $15/iPhone discount if your contract is completed or you own your phones. And you can tether with any data plan, even 300 MB. Of course, figuring  it out from their web site is a challenge (like IBM documentation: clear if previously understood), but it might be worth it. The results for us will be a lower annual cost and greater flexibility on the road.

And no, I don't work for AT&T. I'm just cheap.

Charlie

Fwunder sent me a terrific link to a book on Wifi and cellular for RV'ers. Cleared up some questions, and help steer me to the answers. There was a section that covered "boosters" or more correctly called repeaters. Your cell phone and your tablet typically have a transmitter that puts out about .6 watts. That's pretty small, however with good coverage it is not a problem. When you hit the boondocks, then it becomes a bit problematical. Need mo' power. A repeater will rebroadcast your cellular signal with a full 3 watts. That should get the attention of the far off cellular tower your trying to contact. Not sure how much it improves the "receive" portion of your signal but will surely help. The units also have a cradle that supports your cellphone and recharges the battery simultaneously while in use. Being a hotspot pulls a lot from your cellular battery.   Additionally, a remote short whip antenna is included to put on your Pods roof. In those spots where you absolutely, positively have to have cellular, this should cover most situations. But, it cannot provide service where non is available. Of course, you also have to purchase a plan from your cellular provider to support your wifi thru your cellular. Hope that helps. Safe Travels.

I use my cell phone when I am on the road I can tether my laptop and tablet and my wifes laptop and tablet to it as well. The only issue I have is I travel in the US ( I am Canadian) and roaming charges will kill you. I unlocked my cell phone and tried a prepad sim card last year but the coverage was very disapointing. The SIM I got was T-Mobile and I could not get a signal in a lot of places in the north east. I always had a signal when I roamed before on the AT&T network so I am going to get an AT&T pre paid SIM next time I travel in the states.