Any suggestions about portable WIFI devices in the US?
 

Hello,

I am looking for a solution that offers a data plan (unlimited, or at least 5 GB per month) to be used during our 4 weeks stay in the US.

The ideal would be a single device that connects to Internet and allows other devices to connect to it (like a Hot Spot). With a good coverage and a good speed.

I have seen something from Verizon. Does anyone has some suggestions?

We could buy it or - if it's more convenient - rent it.

Thank you
F.

I've been looking for such a device myself, so far with no immediate candidates, so I am hoping that the answers you get are useful to us both.

The problems I have encountered are cell coverage and data limits. I live in a place where ATT is useless ( as it was where I lived in FL) and 5 gigs isn't very much. Data beyond contracted limits gets ver expensive very fast.

Verizon claims the best coverage. But you are looking at $150 + the cost of the data for one month.

I'd first ask what phones you have and if it is unlocked. Can you simply buy a prepaid SIM and tether to your phone? That would seem cheaper than a dedicated mobile hotspot. I believe AT&T lets you tether with their more expensive SIM cards. I think it is something like $60 with 2.5GB of data, which you can bump up for $10 per GB.

Alternatively, are you staying in places where you can just use wifi. That would seem the cheapest and easiest option.

DS has the one from WalMart. Works great.

I think it was $50.

I think it depends a lot on where you're going. There are quite a few places in the US that offer free Wi-Fi, especially in major cities.

Boingo is a paid Wi-Fi service that operates all around the US, and you can buy a pass without a long-term commitment.

Finally, you could purchase a mobile hot spot from a cell phone provider, but this is going to be pretty expensive. Some of these devices cost $200 and require contract commitments. I think all the major mobile providers in the US have such service, but I don't know any that could provide it for just a month.

You can rent a mobile hotspot, but it can cost $15 per DAY, which seems extortionate.

We have a Mifi through Verizon Wireless (it is our home internet as well). We get 10GB/month for $80 and the coverage is very good.

Not sure what the cost would be for a 4 week basis, but can attest to the Verizon Wireless equipment and coverage.

Most newer smart phones have the ability to act as a hot spot . . newer iphones do for sure

I have T-Mobile with unlimited Data which is fine in Florida where I live. I have traveled all over the USA and can't get them anywhere...even on Interstate roads. Luckily they partner with AT&T so I mostly roam cross country with them. I occasionally pick up a Verizon signal. I see a lot of Cellular One as I travel, too.

Best bet is logging onto any free WiFi as you travel. Hotels, some Rest Areas, McDonalds, IHOP, and many others offer free wifi. Any tablet, phone, etc will do.

But as far as companies go...AT&T has more coverage in my experiences. Most phone service is spotty at best in unpopulated cities. Although, this trip I saw many signs on the side of the road letting you know a cell tower pull-off is in 1/4 mile. Tops of mountains, horse pastures, and other middle of nowhere places. Makes sense since there are no phone booths anymore.

If your phone or iPad is unlocked you can buy a SIM card once you get to the States. We have done this at an AT&T .You usually need a Visa or you can buy a prepaid visa. They want an American address. We have always used the address of the. AT&T store.
It is somewhat painful process.
We have found it pretty useful to have data on the road though because you can use google maps.
We also have the option of buying an expensive travel pack from Canada.

I have a Droid Bionic and use PdaNet+ with the Foxfi hotspot. It's a small one-time fee for the full version. No need to root the phone and easy to setup.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...m.pdanet&hl=en

I am grandfathered in with Verizon for unlimited data. I just turn on Foxfi, then go to work untethered on my laptop or pad wherever I get cell reception.

It's very fast. I used this in my office for over a year as the office DSL was too slow.

Data usage is the key but I have no reason to ever buy or rent a separate mobile hotspot.

go to www.mitraveldata.com
they offer a great service at an unbeatable price.
you can connect up to 10 devices and have unlimited data.
Their device is the size of a credit card and uses a touch screen.