I have been using satellite internet for many years. I chose the HughesNet system (formerly Direcway) over Starband, the other popular consumer grade satellite internet. I also had MotoSat's DataStorm unit installed because I did not want to mess around with manually pointing a dish. Two years ago, I also subscribed to Verizon's data plan and have a USB aircard.
Why two systems? Since I am still working, internet connectivity is necessity when I'm away from my office. And, there are many places that I go to that do not have cell service. When I'm in those places, I use my satellite system. Now, when I am near cities with good cell service, I use my Verizon aircard.
In my opinion, if you really NEED internet connectivity, then I would suggest having the two systems such as mine. I don't like having to plan my trips around finding cell signals.
Wayne Lee
Out West Somewhere
2007 36' Class A HR Endeavor | 2006 Hummer H3 Dinghy | DataStorm Satellite Internet
With so many people in favor of air cards, I thought I'd let you know the down side. They are useless if you travel in remote locations. I've been traveling in eastern Oregon, and there is nearly no cell phone service, let alone Internet out here. There isn't even cell phone service in some of the towns: Jordan Valley, Frenchglen, Plush, and Fields, for example, nothing near Diamond Lake, Crater Lake, Hart Mountain, Steens Mountain, etc. I spend most of my time in remote areas like this, and an air card just doesn't cut it out here. So, make sure you know about coverage before you make your decision.
dragonflyspit wrote: So, make sure you know about coverage before you make your decision.
Do you have a recommendation on how to do that other than the wildly optimistic maps the cellular providers publish? Time and again, I am in a solid green are with no cell phone or only voice service, when the map shows full data service.
And, this is in heavily populated urban areas, not the outback.
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dragonflyspit wrote: So, make sure you know about coverage before you make your decision.
Do you have a recommendation on how to do that other than the wildly optimistic maps the cellular providers publish? Time and again, I am in a solid green are with no cell phone or only voice service, when the map shows full data service.
And, this is in heavily populated urban areas, not the outback.
It would be helpful if you indicated which carrier you use.
Sarah and I travel 20 or more weeks each year. I always check the Verizon coverage maps so that I can advise the other moderators whether or not I will need someone to cover my forums. In the 4 years, I've always had service when the map indicated that I would. And, a few times I have service when the map said that I would not. (To be fair, some of the time the service has been on an overly busy tower, which really is an irritation.)
If you also use Verizon, how often to you update the PRL?
a file the phone downloads from your 'carrier', that dictates where it can connect,
IE a list of towers, since towers are added and equipment modifications are and continuous on going process, doing a *228 the choose option (1)
to re-program the phone ( update the PRL )
you should do this whenever you are staying in a verizon coverage area and have a good signal ( like on a grocery run into town ) or what ever, often improves your reception, by 'allowing; your phone to connect to a tower it would other wise NOT acknowledge
Options, always have options, and the journey goes much smoother ....
Connected via Verizon Via Motorola Droid with Android2 OS
Member of the Verizon Wireless Customer Council
Do you have a recommendation on how to do that other than the wildly optimistic maps the cellular providers publish? Time and again, I am in a solid green are with no cell phone or only voice service, when the map shows full data service.
And, this is in heavily populated urban areas, not the outback.
It would be helpful if you indicated which carrier you use.
Yup, should have said I have Verizon.
Quote: Sarah and I travel 20 or more weeks each year. I always check the Verizon coverage maps so that I can advise the other moderators whether or not I will need someone to cover my forums. In the 4 years, I've always had service when the map indicated that I would. And, a few times I have service when the map said that I would not. (To be fair, some of the time the service has been on an overly busy tower, which really is an irritation.)
If you also use Verizon, how often to you update the PRL?
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