AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

Topic: AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot (Read 972 times) previous topic - next topic

AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

March 24, 2019, 12:24:14 pm

So, I have been using the AT&T Hot Spot, that can Port a Fixed Home Telephone Number (House Phone Wired System) to utilize their wireless network Nationwide, with Great Success! I have YET, to lose any capability to have my Connection go Down! I ran across, US #81 South from PA, across US #40, and now in many coastal area's in Cali., with no Interruptions as yet! I find it better than any Satellite Hassles I ever had, and have Streaming, (YouTube etc,) on our Computers, and TV via Firestick, a real Gem!

Now, I can't say that Remote Desert Locations would be good, such as the "Q", as I haven't been there yet to try it out? But those of you, who may have it, can report on that issue? I'd venture to say with the Situation there, that the Signal should be just as good, as well?

It took a While to convince the Boss to change it over, but it's been, well over a year, and the Costs are About the same as having Cox Cable, and Internet, and Phone Charges! We have the Home phone Ported to it, which I truly Love, and the Two Cells we have as well, can work off it!

If I found I was to actually need a Booster System, Wilson Electronics has a Tech Line where I explained what I would want, for Maximum Reception, in spotty area's! That was Confusing as all get out, and they recommended systems from $800.00, through $1,500.00+, with an Antenna and a WEBOOST, setup, which they supply! So far, I haven't had the need, whatsoever, for those items!

So I am simply reporting what I have personally experienced, and am Fully Satisfied with the setup....so far! I will update, if and when I get a snag in any way, but simply taking it out, and installing back in our House, is so simple too! I haven't tried it on our Sailboat, as yet, but will do that as well! To me, it is the MOST Versatile, and very easy System, that works! I like that it is a Simple, Small Footprint Box, that is plug and play! I use a small, 250 Watt inverter, when on the move, as well, to power the actual Box!!

Anybody else, use this setup???

Re: AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

Reply #1 – March 24, 2019, 12:39:01 pm

We've used a Verizon flashed unlimited MiFi card at Q for a couple of years and it works well. Starting our 5th year with the card. Got the idea after using Ken H's card. It's 3G but streams movies fine in most locations. Don't know about AT&T.

Pierce

Re: AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

Reply #2 – March 24, 2019, 01:43:31 pm

We have the WeBoost to boost the signal where needed, the AT&T HomeBase, and AT&T Mobley. We also have Verizon cell phones with allowance for 15 gig each hotspot if needed.

We have a been a few places where the Verizon hot spot works better than the boosted AT&T devices. Overall we have yet to have zero internet connectivity. Slow a few places (usually due to busy towers in high use high season areas), but always some connectivity.

ZTE Mobley discussion

AT&T 250 GB or 500 GB per month Rural Home Phone Plan Works

Re: AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

Reply #3 – March 24, 2019, 01:55:07 pm

The ATT Homebase is still available but with only 50 or 100 GB plans. It is a stand alone device with its own data plan. It does not share any phone/tablet data. It is still a good way to go. You need to find an ATT store where there is someone willing to listen and make it happen. We were at an ATT store and the guy just said it wouldn't work and had no more time for old people and there dumb questions.I have two Homebases and a NetGear Nighthawk all on a now unavailable unlimited plus, unthrottled plan from a almost 3 years ago. We dumped Verizon which was our backup. Almost 3 yrs on ATT and no place we have been was without service. Sometimes slow but it is always good enought to stream video. We use 300 -450 GB per month.

Re: AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

Reply #4 – March 24, 2019, 02:09:41 pm

Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 – March 24, 2019, 01:55:07 pm

The ATT Homebase is still available but with only 50 or 100 GB plans. It is a stand alone device with its own data plan. It does not share any phone/tablet data. It is still a good way to go. You need to find an ATT store where there is someone willing to listen and make it happen. We were at an ATT store and the guy just said it wouldn't work and had no more time for old people and there dumb questions.I have two Homebases and a NetGear Nighthawk all on a now unavailable unlimited plus, unthrottled plan from a almost 3 years ago. We dumped Verizon which was our backup. Almost 3 yrs on ATT and no place we have been was without service. Sometimes slow but it is always good enought to stream video. We use 300 -450 GB per month.

Care to share what the monthly price is, Rog? That is A LOT of GBs, but I can see how easy it would be to go through it!

Re: AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

Reply #5 – March 24, 2019, 02:17:47 pm

We've been all over the western US with both an at&t Mobley hotspot and VZW iPhone hotspots. Generally, both work well everywhere, but sometimes one or the other having much higher dL speeds.

My Mobley sim resides in a Netgear box with an external antenna.

The only place where we suffered no coverage was along the Oregon coast.

Re: AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

Reply #6 – March 24, 2019, 03:52:49 pm

Wow, so glad I posted, seems I am Way Overpaying, for a Plan? My plan is $213.00 a Month, for Unlimited, and it is supposed to Throttle Back after so much DATA is used up! We have a Minimum of 2 devices constantly used, and iPad, and a Laptop, and some TV, and 2 Cells. I have never experienced any degradation of any device, due to overuse, so far! That's why I am happy, no worries on usage times, to keep track of!

So, I just ask for a Mobley Device? I like it is 12vDC, instead of 120vAC, better on our Sailboat use! I Paid for this Device, I think, $150.00, less than 2 years ago, as the rental Rate was enormous, so just purchased it! This whole Technology Stuff with good deals, as I am reading here, just rattles me, to no end! Glad I am a Member of this Board! It can save us Money, to share info, huh?

Is there anyway to get an Unlimited Plan, instead of Low Gigs available? I don't even know how much I use, LOL And I always have had an Unlimited Plan, since they offered them! Maybe I would actually save, if I looked into my Max Usage, and just go with that Mobley System? I am I right?

Re: AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

Reply #7 – March 24, 2019, 04:22:38 pm

Mobley devices are limited to five wifi connections I have been told.

Home base devices can connect 20 devices on both wifi 2.5 and 5 Ghz bands. And they have 2 telephone jacks and an ethernet port.

https://www.att.com/buy/connected-devices-and-more/att-wireless-internet-paramount-black.html#sku=sku8550279

Re: AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

Reply #8 – March 24, 2019, 04:49:13 pm

Tom R,

What model box are you using?

Re: AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

Reply #9 – March 24, 2019, 05:32:29 pm

Quote from: Moby – March 24, 2019, 04:49:13 pm

Tom R,

What model box are you using?

You know, for the Life of me, I cannot find that Info anywhere, curiously, non-descript, with an ATT Symbol on the Top and my Pertinent Connection info on the Bottom, nothing, even on the Box when I received it? I may call and talk to ATT later, and get back to ya!

I guess it would be nice to know Plan Prices that people have out there, that actually work decently? The 5 Device, Max, works for us, and otherwise not used for Business, just use to buy more Toys and Goodies for our Foretravel! If I save on Tech, I can get even more Goodies, huh?

Re: AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

Reply #10 – March 24, 2019, 05:50:38 pm

Here is what I have!

Re: AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

Reply #11 – March 24, 2019, 06:08:00 pm

That is the ATT Homebase. Look on the back, 2 phone jacks and an ethernet (LAN) port.

Re: AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

Reply #12 – March 24, 2019, 06:23:06 pm

I see this unlimited plan offered, is anyone familiar with this?
Need Data – Get Connected Today – Pau Hana Travels

Re: AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

Reply #13 – March 24, 2019, 06:36:28 pm

Quote from: RetiredGuns – March 24, 2019, 05:32:29 pm

The 5 Device, Max, works for us, and otherwise not used for Business, just use to buy more Toys and Goodies for our Foretravel! If I save on Tech, I can get even more Goodies, huh?

I got your back on that.

Re: AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

Reply #14 – March 24, 2019, 07:08:07 pm

Education site: Featured Mobile Internet Guides for RVers and Cruisers - Mobile Internet...

Lot's of free content, and a pay for service if needed beyond all the great free info.

Re: AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

Reply #15 – March 24, 2019, 10:19:02 pm

The AT&T 500GB rural Home Base plan for $100/mo is no longer offered. Now it's 100MB, unthrottled, for $100/mo. It's still a good value. See my video at: Tim's RV Tips #5 - AT&T Home Base Internet System - March 14, 2018 - YouTube

No need for Weboost. Just get two external cellular multi-band antennas for MIMO operation (up to double the speed):

Hot selling 698-2700mhz lte cell phone signal antenna 69000008270 | eBay

It is a broadband or wide-band multi-frequency Omni-directional style antenna designed for outdoor use that covers from 698 to 960 MHz and 1710 to 2700 MHz.

One of the biggest ripoffs is the $700 Weboost, who profits from people's radio frequency inexperience.

With the antenna below and LMR400 coax cable, a high-speed internet system can be installed for low cost. This antenna can attach to horizontal and vertical tubes.

Re: AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

Reply #16 – March 25, 2019, 01:20:53 pm

Quote from: Tim – March 24, 2019, 10:19:02 pm

The AT&T 500GB rural Home Base plan for $100/mo is no longer offered. Now it's 100MB, unthrottled, for $100/mo. It's still a good value. See my video at: Tim's RV Tips #5 - AT&T Home Base Internet System - March 14, 2018 - YouTube

No need for Weboost. Just get two external cellular multi-band antennas for MIMO operation (up to double the speed):

Hot selling 698-2700mhz lte cell phone signal antenna 69000008270 | eBay

It is a broadband or wide-band multi-frequency Omni-directional style antenna designed for outdoor use that covers from 698 to 960 MHz and 1710 to 2700 MHz.

One of the biggest ripoffs is the $700 Weboost, who profits from people's radio frequency inexperience.

With the antenna below and LMR400 coax cable, a high-speed internet system can be installed for low cost. This antenna can attach to horizontal and vertical tubes.

Tim, great info, thank you. Is this the right LMR400 coax cable? It looks like the correct N-Male connector on one end, which would connect to the antenna itself, but I'm not familiar with the other end, the SMA Male. Is that what would plug into the antenna port on the jetpack or other hotspot device? Is that other end the same as a MIMO / TS9? (That's the designation listed as the cellular antenna port on the Unite Explore device.)

And does an additional antenna and cable just add to the range? Or is it a requirement to have two antennas plugged in to the device in order to extend any range?

US MADE LMR-400 N Male to SMA Male 50 FT Antenna Coax 50ohm Cable | eBay

Attached is a photo of the antenna ports on the Unite Explore.

Re: AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

Reply #17 – March 25, 2019, 03:27:53 pm

I use a Netgear Nighthawk ( https://www.netgear.com/landings/nighthawk-mr1100-mobile-router/default.aspx ) and AT&T unlimited data for ipads ( https://www.att.com/esupport/article.html#!/wireless/KM1048244?gsi=2fhqr1 ). It currently cost 29.99 a month and is unlimited. They say they will deprioritize you after 25 gigs, but I haven't had any slowdowns yet after 3 months and over 100 gigs each month. I just use the ipad information to set up the account and then put the sim card into the mobile router. I also use Netgear's mimo antenna and have so far had reception everywhere I have camped ( Amazon.com: Netgear 6000450 MIMO Antenna with 2 TS-9 Connectors - Retail... ).

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

Reply #18 – March 25, 2019, 07:46:12 pm

The higher the antennas are mounted, the better signal strength and faster the speed. MIMO means Multiple Input Multiple Output), so one antenna is for the transmitter and one for the receiver. Plus, in the microwave bands, signal reflects off of metal, so mount the antennas on your roof.

Regarding the SMA connector, just make sure the male and female pins / socket matches your hotspot. You will need to make sure there is a strain relief so their is not too much pressure on the connectors.

Re: AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

Reply #19 – March 26, 2019, 10:27:57 am

I've been using a Verizon Jetpack for years and only have a data account. It's $10 per gig with a one gig minimum per month. Rarely go over 1 gig because of free wifi. I use Google Voice on my computer and Groove IP in my smartphone for voice calls. Both are free.
*Verizon cheated me out of an unlimited plan when they switched from 3G to 4G. I presume they will do the same when 5G comes out.

Re: AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

Reply #20 – March 26, 2019, 11:21:59 am

We have the Jet Pack, too, blinding fast! One rookie mistake I made when we got the unit: I was, thinking I could just use it when doing 'heavy lifting' (posting pics, etc.) then switch back to our slow poke wi-fi here at the Park. I'd left the JP powered-up, and switched the MacBook to the Park network, spent the morning using that. What I realized, too late, was my dear MAC, when sensing a outage, automatically SWITCHED TO THE JET PACK! I went through 1GB before I knew it, lesson learned; I turn off the JP now.

I like being able to save the carryover data, will be handy when we move next month to a no wi-fi park.

Re: AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

Reply #21 – March 26, 2019, 01:30:05 pm

I just found out something else in my talk with Verizon (that no one suggested when I first signed up for Jet Pack): since I only have two devices (cell & JP), I can get UNLIMITED GB for $10.00 a month more! The 'data saving' feature only is transferred ONLY to the next billing cycle, so it's a 'use it or lose it' sort of deal. I'm going to keep track of my usage a little better, and it could be I can go back to 2Gb until I move north, but the unlimited deal is sounding better and better!

Re: AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

Reply #22 – March 26, 2019, 01:49:20 pm

Quote from: Dakota Slim – March 26, 2019, 10:27:57 am

I've been using a Verizon Jetpack for years and only have a data account. It's $10 per gig with a one gig minimum per month. Rarely go over 1 gig because of free wifi. I use Google Voice on my computer and Groove IP in my smartphone for voice calls. Both are free.
*Verizon cheated me out of an unlimited plan when they switched from 3G to 4G. I presume they will do the same when 5G comes out.

Here are a couple of photos of our Verizon MiFi 3G card. Flashed from a Verizon cell phone. Unlimited so we keep it on most all the time. Excellent reception at Q. Gets good reception from several miles away if on a hill with the big antenna or if pointed in the direction of a cell tower. Verizon 3G works fine. The parabolic antenna is not perfect for cell frequencies but works.

The antenna is usually used to get internet in places with internet but no Verizon cell service like Mexico.

Pierce

Re: AT&T Mobile Capable Hotspot

Reply #23 – March 26, 2019, 05:10:44 pm

If you have something older that is working for you and a generous data plan then keep it. Whatever you have is most likely not available to anyone else anymore. If your stuff is more than a few years old and you are struggling with data plans or equipment then start looking at Verizon or ATT equipment and plans that will work for you. When you find a good one latch on to it. What is available today may not be in a month or two.

Coverage, range, equipment and plans are rapidly evolving and they change quickly. Find a store with someone who will spend enough time with you to understand what you want to do. Go in with needs, let them make solution suggestions. Consider it from a wider point of view. A generous data plan with devices that provide local wifi, ethernet and phone service can get rid of cable internet access or DSL service, get rid of a land line, get rid of cable TV or get rid of satellite TV. It might seem like an expensive part of the solution but when you look at your entire communication, connectivity and entertainment needs (wants) and you want to be mobile or at home, maybe more cost effective.

And in two years all of this will be different again anyway. Bigger, better, faster.

We are at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in AZ. Pretty good ATT performance here.

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