Let's talk about the internet! - Page 4

markcee · 02-22-2023, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jconforti

T-Mobile just recently announced that they've abandoned that policy making it a good RV option. The only reason I don't have one is the fact that you cannot use a 3rd party router with their device (so I've read).

That's great to hear. I'm interested in switching to T-Mobile for home and RV use but at present am outside one of their service areas....by about 300 yards. Two friends just down the block have it, but my address is SOL. My understanding is that they mark out areas and then limit the number of subscribers within each area to control overburdening the network. I'm on the 'notify me when available' list and hoping something opens up so I can give it a try.

markcee · 02-22-2023, 07:36 AM

As luck would have it, I checked my address again today for T-Mobile and it was accepted for 5G Home Internet.

However, when I called to subscribe and asked the CS rep about the lifting of the 'home use only' restriction, she advised that it was still in place and that while the router/gateway will connect, provided the non-home location has T-Mobile service, if the device performs an update or re-registers, and detects a new location, service may not connect.

As we will be gone about 4 months this summer, primarily in one location, I asked about re-registering the account to there during that period. She advised that that was possible, with the drawback being that when I return home, there may not be a 'spot' for me available.

I'm going to try it anyway and see how it works out. If it's good here at home I'll stick with it and try it when out on the road. Worst case is it will be something else to try should I have issues with my Visible hotspot.

Maineiacs · 03-12-2023, 12:13 PM

Now in the process of switching from AT&T cell service to T-Mobile Home Internet. While the fine print says the receiver is for my home address only, I'm wondering how it will work if I bring it in the TT on our next trip. Assuming of course that the area we go to has T-Mobile service.

Anyone tried this yet? I see that markcee is considering it.

markcee · 03-12-2023, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maineiacs

Now in the process of switching from AT&T cell service to T-Mobile Home Internet. While the fine print says the receiver is for my home address only, I'm wondering how it will work if I bring it in the TT on our next trip. Assuming of course that the area we go to has T-Mobile service.

Anyone tried this yet? I see that markcee is considering it.

I did make the switch to T-Mobile and am currently using it at home. I won't be taking the trailer out until next month and plan on taking the gateway with me to test it out. I'll be roughly 300 miles from home, so it will be a decent test.

I did have some up/down issues here at home after it ran flawlessly for the first couple of weeks. I ended up contacting customer support via chat and the first question they asked was if I was using it away from my home location. So, despite what some say...I think there was even a YouTube video (later amended) stating it can 'go anywhere' - T-Mobile really doesn't allow it. I think the latest iteration of their EULA tightens up the language on this. I don't think they go out of their way to find and shut down users that aren't at 'home', but if it's detected (updates?, random reporting by the gateway?) I guess it could lock you out. For $50 a month, I figure it's worth a shot. I pay $45 for my DSL service and get about 30Mbps tops. With the T-Mobile, I'm generally 190Mbps at a minimum.

Since I'm going back to Ohio in May for about 4 months, I asked CS about switching my 'home' location there. She advised that I could definitely do that, provided there was service at the Ohio location. However, she stated that I be giving up my current 'home' and that there would be no guarantee there would be a 'spot' for me in my original service area when I got back home here in Arizona. I believe this to be the case because I know they do restrict the number of subscribers in a given area.

JackD · 03-16-2023, 08:40 AM

I've got Starlink and use it at home for backup to my internet service provider here - who has been notoriously flaky. Since I work from home full-time I can't afford to be down.

Starlink here (Pacific Northwest) has been reliable and fairly fast - with low latency. $500+ bucks in gear + $135 / month for "RV /mobile" is not cheap, but it does work well

My $.02...

hlh1 · 03-16-2023, 01:37 PM

Anyone use Nomad Internet? It looks interesting.

https://nomadinternet.com/

jxnbbl · 03-17-2023, 02:50 PM

Well I bit the bullet this week on getting the ingredients of my 'connectivity' project.

I've purchased a:

1. WeBoost, Drive Reach RV 47354
2. WifiRanger (Winegard) Osprey cat-12 model

I will do a 'soft install' of the antenna and test it out in our house to determine if it would be useful to enhance our "ok not great" Verizon based service. If it works I'll just get an extra inside and outside antenna and use the unit when not traveling.

The Osprey will replace our existing winegard gateway. Where we have been pleased with the gateway we were stuck with a limited cell service and wanted to be able to hotspot. (for now). When data plans come around we will be ready and I paid extra for the Cat-12 instead of cat-6 when that comes. The Osprey has a direct usb hotspot, integrates seamlessly with the Air 360 of the trailer and provides the wifi/wireless integration that I've enjoyed with the Winegard gateway. We will hotspot with Visible phone serviced tethered to the Osprey

For programming, we have changed to Directv streaming as they have a set top box/remote paradigm for those in my family that have a 'hard time' with streaming interfaces. But it will allow us to retain our local programming when traveling. I can't miss the Stanley Cup games! I've tested this out with our existing internet services at 2 locations and the hot spotted phone. I have not tested with our Fire TV in the trailer, but have a V1 Fire TV cube.

Will see how it goes in the next couple of months.

NH_Bulldog · 03-18-2023, 04:00 AM

During the snow storm this week (we picked up 42” of the white stuff), we didn’t lose power but our internet went out for a couple of days. Our best cell signal is only 1 sketchy bar of service. We work from home so internet is an absolute must for us. I went out to the camper and grabbed my WeBoost Drive 4G-X, placed the outdoor antenna on the window sill, the indoor antenna on my desk, and my MiFi hotspot on the antenna on my desk. Signal went from 1 to 4 bars and we were able to work as normal until the fiber internet came back up. This setup in the camper has allowed us to spend an extended time on the road in the summer and now doubles as a home internet backup too!

jxnbbl · 03-18-2023, 04:34 AM

Exactly...A relatively expensive piece of equipment to be in the trailer 100% of the time when we still suffer with a number of dropped calls in our house!

revrusty · Today, 06:57 AM

Tried Nomad at home hoping to improve over our satelite internet. It did not work very well with our lousy phone signal so after Nomad made several attempts to improve things I sent it back during my "free" trial period. Multiple emails and phone calls and I am still waiting for my refund. They even charged me for a second month after I sent the device back to them. Did get that part refunded but they are long past the 7 to 10 days processing to refund my original investment. Just be prepared if you try this product that if it doesn't work, you may be a while getting your money back.
I will say they are very nice on the phone and sound like they are trying to get things done. Just haven't gotten things done. We are giving them another week then disputing the charge.

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