Streaming/ Wifi Setups

[Scubawise]

Originally Posted by dkoldman

T Mobile Home Internet is $40 today. If you get the Autopsy, you don't have to pay anything.

https://www.t-mobile.com/home-intern...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

And if you have T Mobile Home Internet and temporarily travel with Black Box like I do, I have seen the T Mobile Police, nothing to worry about,

Attachment 47314

and I only pay $25/mo on my plan that is no longer available.

Thx very good

[ipburnout]

My setup

GL.Inet Spitz AX router with a T-Mobile primary SIM card, and a US Mobile Verizon secondary SIM card. All of the devices in my motorhome connects to the Spitz. It is also hardwired to the battery and won't turn off when I put the motorhome in store mode, because I have a few devices that I monitor.

The Spitz has an app that I use to connect to campsite or home wifi networks. It will automatically prioritize those networks over T-Mobile.

There is also the ability to connect a WAN connection, from something like Starlink maybe. But for now, my setup works great for my use cases

[Wiley1]

Originally Posted by sifurich

I just picked up 2021 Four Winds with two axxera tv's. Just now setting up the Wifi & Streaming. Looking to see if there is a consensus on what works best on a workman's budget

Sounds like you're asking for recommendations for a streaming service. That is going to depend on what you like to watch. Netflix is the standard for movies. Amazon Prime is a great value if you do a lot of shopping on Amazon. You might also consider Hulu, Sling, Fubo, Paramount+, Vudu, and Peacock. Don't forget antenna TV when you're within 75 miles of a big enough town.

But, any of them (except antenna) will require a half-decent Internet service. You might get that free at your campground, but many of those are too slow to stream. We've had good success with Visible. They use Verizon towers, so the coverage is excellent. Their unlimited data plan is reasonably priced and rarely throttles. You only need the unlimited service on one phone. Your other phones, TVs, and laptops can all work from one hotspot.

[glenthompson]

For streaming content we primarily use YouTube TV at home and on the road.

For internet on the road we use a T-Mobile hotspot from Calyx Institute. $400 per year for unlimited data. If we don’t have T-Mobile in a location we either use campground Wi-Fi if available or our iPhones and iPads as hotspots but that data is limited. It has worked well for us.

[Scubawise]

Originally Posted by ipburnout

My setup

GL.Inet Spitz AX router with a T-Mobile primary SIM card, and a US Mobile Verizon secondary SIM card. All of the devices in my motorhome connects to the Spitz. It is also hardwired to the battery and won't turn off when I put the motorhome in store mode, because I have a few devices that I monitor.

The Spitz has an app that I use to connect to campsite or home wifi networks. It will automatically prioritize those networks over T-Mobile.

There is also the ability to connect a WAN connection, from something like Starlink maybe. But for now, my setup works great for my use cases

Thx our hero!

"Our planet is a tiny floating ball in the vast undiscovered Universe with humans and other species that have a relatively limited lifespan. Today, we as humans are alive"
"Today is a gift 🎁 and why it is called present."

[LMG]

As everyone said, there's no consensus but here's our setup:

1. We have a Winegard with their sim in it and if we know we're going to be someplace really remote, we'll put data on the plan.

2. We use our phones to hotspot if we get 5G.

3. We have a hotspot that can be refilled, but there's no month to month fee. We have paid $65 for a 100Gb card -- but we were on the road for a month and we use this for my job (I work remote for the VA) plus we have a travel business. Otherwise we'll do a smaller card for about $20.

4. We use campground/RV park wifi anytime it's stable enough to use which helps conserve our purchased data in 1 and 3.

We use the Winegard as our device router so we only have to change 1 configuration item to match 1-4. It's only 2.4GHz so occasionally I'll direct connect my work laptop to a 5G source for Video calls.

Our monthly spend stays pretty low when we're on the road, with the Winegard data the most expensive and we don't pay anything extra when we're at home.

Safe travels to all!

[Chateau_Nomad]

Notice... not much discussion about WHERE these cell services are usable. Near major highways? Metropolitan areas? Where are these campgrounds located??

Six weeks last year in Colorado Rockies yielded poor to non-existent cell service.

[Scubawise]

Originally Posted by LMG

As everyone said, there's no consensus but here's our setup:

1. We have a Winegard with their sim in it and if we know we're going to be someplace really remote, we'll put data on the plan.

2. We use our phones to hotspot if we get 5G.

3. We have a hotspot that can be refilled, but there's no month to month fee. We have paid $65 for a 100Gb card -- but we were on the road for a month and we use this for my job (I work remote for the VA) plus we have a travel business. Otherwise we'll do a smaller card for about $20.

4. We use campground/RV park wifi anytime it's stable enough to use which helps conserve our purchased data in 1 and 3.

We use the Winegard as our device router so we only have to change 1 configuration item to match 1-4. It's only 2.4GHz so occasionally I'll direct connect my work laptop to a 5G source for Video calls.

Our monthly spend stays pretty low when we're on the road, with the Winegard data the most expensive and we don't pay anything extra when we're at home.

Safe travels to all!

Good setup. We now realize wifi cost compared to gas is a none issues

[Wiley1]

Originally Posted by Mark54

Hotspot off your phone is cheapest. I had a flat digital antenna inside my 2001 Rialta, and a booster antenna for my phone as well.

Visible (from Verizon). $25 unlimited, including all taxes and fees.

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by Scubawise

Good setup. We now realize wifi cost compared to gas is a none issues

Wow a lot of these options are complex and costly. If I ever start traveling where T Mobile is not, or if they ever start enforcing Home Internet service I will be in trouble.

I am about to make another extended trip so I will be able to verify it still works while traveling. We stream TV all the time while driving, never an issue that is relevant. Dallas to Houston & back 100% coverage confirmed by streaming You Tube TV with no buffering. No antennas no nothing. We do unplug the black box if we know we are not going to use and boondocking to save juice on the batteries. I would not want it hard wired.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by dkoldman

Wow a lot of these options are complex and costly. If I ever start traveling where T Mobile is not, or if they ever start enforcing Home Internet service I will be in trouble.

I am about to make another extended trip so I will be able to verify it still works while traveling. We stream TV all the time while driving, never an issue that is relevant. Dallas to Houston & back 100% coverage confirmed by streaming You Tube TV with no buffering. No antennas no nothing. We do unplug the black box if we know we are not going to use and boondocking to save juice on the batteries. I would not want it hard wired.

Starlink is horrible. It doesn't work. Keep your cellular based plans!

That way it keeps the remote areas less crowded!!

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad

Starlink is horrible. It doesn't work. Keep your cellular based plans!

That way it keeps the remote areas less crowded!!

I see what you trying to do. You gonna make me put on my shopping list a full 3600 watt solar system that works through trees, clouds, and at night; along with a Starlink communication system. Then I may get one of those dishes and antennas to setup every time I go somewhere. I am sure after a few years of usage; I will learn how setup and angle to adjust just fine. All I have to do is ignore that it cost $3,000/year more than my current T Mobile plan that includes roaming while traveling internet at speeds that I have personally confirmed up tp 80mph.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by dkoldman

I see what you trying to do. You gonna make me put on my shopping list a full 3600 watt solar system that works through trees, clouds, and at night; along with a Starlink communication system. Then I may get one of those dishes and antennas to setup every time I go somewhere. I am sure after a few years of usage; I will learn how setup and angle to adjust just fine. All I have to do is ignore that it cost $3,000/year more than my current T Mobile plan that includes roaming while traveling internet at speeds that I have personally confirmed up tp 80mph.

After beating on you for a couple years you FINALLY caved for LiPo batteries (and cheaper price ). I betting another year and you'll jump on the Starlink bandwagon. You're a tough cookie on that solar... might take a little longer on that... .

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad

After beating on you for a couple years you FINALLY caved for LiPo batteries (and cheaper price ). I betting another year and you'll jump on the Starlink bandwagon. You're a tough cookie on that solar... might take a little longer on that... .

I move at the Speed of Trust, Price and Common Sense. I have to see the value. Solar is going to be a tough sell with my current RV. My lifestyle would have to change, same for Starlink.



In the meantime you can slow your roll unless you see me complaining about my batteries draining. 6,000 plus posts and not one complaining about my battery needing to be topped off. Now I am about to triple my capacity and my lifestyle has not changed. No need for Solar in this RV, it won't happen unless a major change in technology supports.

Similar for Wifi, in 3 years I have only been one place with no T Mobile cell service. And it was at a family retreat at a State Park where I didn't want or need WiFi or Cellular service. I am paying $25/mo so Starlink is not even on my radar, it ain't happening anytime soon. I would go with no cell service at all before I pay anything North of $80/mo. I would just simply say I couldn't afford it

[Wiley1]

Originally Posted by dkoldman

Wow a lot of these options are complex and costly. If I ever start traveling where T Mobile is not, or if they ever start enforcing Home Internet service I will be in trouble.

There are only three cellular tower systems in the US: Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Every other carrier piggybacks onto one of those three. Verizon has the undisputed best 5G coverage. The other two aren't even close. But, the important thing is which of them has the best coverage in the places where you need service. They all work well on the Interstate highway system and in moderate-sized towns. The differences crop up when you get a few miles off the highway.

And, I'm cheap. For all those reasons, I use Visible when travelling. They deliver Verizon coverage for a reduced monthly rate. I've seen no issues with throttling.

If T-Mobile works for you, that is great because they typically cost a little less than Verizon. If you're satisfied with the coverage, you could get the same coverage and save a little more by switching to Google Fi.

[Beau388]

Mint Mobile has a cell prepaid special. 90 days for $45 all unlimited data, cell with roaming. If you decide to continue the standard rate is $360 a year using the T-Mobile network. Mint Mobile doesn't seem to mind that the second micro SIM is in my Pepwave Max Br1 cell modem/router. It nice to have the cell phone and Pepwave on the same net (for the first time). I can use the cell phone app "cell mapper" to find the tower's location and point my directional antenna it that direction. Here at the sticks and bricks the current signal strength is -112 db on the onmi antenna; with the yagi, it is -86 db.

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by Wiley1

There are only three cellular tower systems in the US: Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Every other carrier piggybacks onto one of those three. Verizon has the undisputed best 5G coverage. The other two aren't even close. But, the important thing is which of them has the best coverage in the places where you need service. They all work well on the Interstate highway system and in moderate-sized towns. The differences crop up when you get a few miles off the highway.

And, I'm cheap. For all those reasons, I use Visible when travelling. They deliver Verizon coverage for a reduced monthly rate. I've seen no issues with throttling.

If T-Mobile works for you, that is great because they typically cost a little less than Verizon. If you're satisfied with the coverage, you could get the same coverage and save a little more by switching to Google Fi.

I had Verizon for years at home, I will never go back to them unless it just one choice. FWIW, I have never had quality of cellular issues with AT&T, Verizon or T Mobile although T Mobile is the only I have used while mobile on the road in an RV.

I accept and get T Mobile coverage is not everywhere. My point is I obviously don't go everywhere so it is none issue. But it is false assumptions to think I am only in cities or on interstates. If $25/mo can handle 99% of my needs, I am not even going to consider paying $150 for just one month to get some of that 1%. When I get a product I like, it is hard for me to change unless something goes wrong. I am traveling right now in rural Arkansas. My Home Internet service is working just fine. T Mobile is charging some customers $120 /mo for exactly what I am doing today. When they tap m eon the shoulder to pay up, I will cancel. I will find something and it will not be close to those excess $100/mo prices.

[ipburnout]

5 years ago maybe. My experience have been different. I have both T-Mobile and Verizon. T-Mobile has better service almost everywhere. Yes, there are a few exceptions where Verizon is better. But by far, in my travels, T-Mobile has been the clear winner.

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by ipburnout

5 years ago maybe. My experience have been different. I have both T-Mobile and Verizon. T-Mobile has better service almost everywhere. Yes, there are a few exceptions where Verizon is better. But by far, in my travels, T-Mobile has been the clear winner.

My wife's work phone is with Verizon. We thought it would be a good backup, but she has never had to use her work phone to get coverage because T Mobile was not there. It is still technically a backup because I am sure somewhere in Nowhereville, USA somebody will claim they can get Verizon and not T Mobile. I remember a few years back someone posted on this very forum that there was no T mobile coverage off I 45 between Huntsville & Houston. So I made the trip with my You Tube TV streaming from house in Dallas areas all the way to Galveston test. Not a single drop of connection. I was on all Interstate but but there is about as much dead space between Dallas & Houston as anywhere. It is not like Baltimore Washington or DFW/Ft. Worth. Plus I saw irony that as you drive through Huntsville you see many T Mobile signs and stores off the highway.

Contrary to most, I pick cellular company for just doing what they say they gonna do and not playing the damn games on pricing and promotions. Confusions leads way to doubt and I doubt AT&T & Verizon. Been there and done that.

Now T Mobile of late has been trying to be just as bad by flirting with new changes. But thus far my rates have not increased, they have not stopped me from traveling with my Home Internet I am traveling right now with no issues.

Point of this thread is that until I go somewhere I can't, I can stream my WiFi unlimited anywhere I go for $25/mo. I concede one campsite in 4 years with no Cellular service ( Tmobile, Verizon or AT&T), but that Park made sure we knew that in advanced and it did not stop us and can I go a few days with no cell service... you bet I can. I have my GMRS radios to play with

[Chateau_Nomad]

So it keeps coming back around to location. Pick one that works in YOUR area. The big three carriers are essentially clones of each other. Then the big three allow subs like Visible, Cricket and Mint Mobile. Looks like a lot of options, right?

If you think about it in terms of efficiency, it would be a HUGE waste of resources to have duplicate EQUAL cell coverage in all areas. Then the ONLY way they could "compete" is on price. And unless you're living under a rock you KNOW that isn't happening. If THAT was true T-Mobile would be hastily building towers ALL OVER Ohio in deficient areas. Guess what? THEY'RE NOT.

There's only so many customers in a given market area. The Big Three have divided up this customer base relatively equally, and likely have non-compete agreements.

Every area has their sub-carriers with their special deals and discounts. These are essentially protected markets by design. If they weren't you'd see chaos of price wars like the gas stations did in the early 1970s. Economics tells us that a company doesn't prosper competing on price. So the Big Three have created a perfect illusion that you're competing on price... but for most customers there isn't actually a comparable "choice". You take what you're given.

Fortunately there's technological unavoidable overlapping coverage in larger metro areas, so those customers have a better semblance of "choice". For instance in Columbus Ohio metro area, the Big Three are about equal in quality and price.

So .. depending on your LOCATION, pick what you're offered and "don't worry, be happy"!

Side note: Our Internet cable carrier (Spectrum) just raised our monthly to $90. We have NO OTHER choice... but Starlink. A phone call to Spectrum customer service yielded no sympathy.

We typically get 150 down and throttled to 12 up with Spectrum. Starlink Home is $120/month with obviously MUCH faster speeds. You can see where this is going... we may become an "Elon dependent" family.