Technomadia

This actually is a joke.. here's our coverage of it tracking down the source: https://www.rvmobileinternet.com/the-starlink-connected-tesla-model-p-pi-smartphone-is-not-real/

Here's our guide/video that goes over the basics of differences between hotspotting off your phone, using a mobile hotspot device (aka 'Jetpack' - just a marketing term, like Kleenex is for facial tissues) or more advanced cellular routers. It really comes down to your mobile internet needs as to what is best for you. Including data plan availability for your device type. Hotspot? Router? Smartphone? As far as improving your signal, unfortunately with a smartphone - the only option is an expensive cellular booster. And they're not always optimal for data service. Also, Visible is always capped at 5 Mbps speeds for hotspot data, which is fine for a lot of tasks - but they have the lowest priority on the Verizon network. Again, fine for basic needs (but maybe not for someone working remotely with heavy data needs). Also, your iPhone 6s is fairly old, a newer phone would give you a more modern modem with more potential coverage and speed. More: Optimizing Cellular Data Performance - Cherie

We have them listed on our Verizon 3rd Party Vendor list - along with a bunch of warnings about this style of reseller plan: https://www.rvmobileinternet.com/gear/verizon-unlimited-rental-plans/

We keep a list of the critical bands for each carrier in this guide: https://www.rvmobileinternet.com/guides/the-four-major-us-carriers-data-comparison/ - Cherie

The InstyConnect is dual SIM, not dual modem. You can switch between them, but it does take minute or two for the modem to reconfigure for the second SIM. So it's not an instant failover like you'd get with a dual modem setup. We've had an InstyConnect 4G (our overview: https://www.rvmobileinternet.com/gear/insty-connect/) in testing since before it was officially released earlier this winter and are about to get in their new 5G version. It is an impressive piece of hardware, especially for such a small company new in this space. Our members over at the Mobile Internet Resource Center have access to our head to head testing against many other setups including multiple Pepwave/antenna, MoFi, WiFiRanger, hotspots, etc. - Cherie

First, the AT&T Unite Explore (Aka AC815S) only supports bands 2, 4, 5, 12, 17, 29 and 30 (our review: https://www.rvmobileinternet.com/gear/att-unite-explore/). For minimum Verizon LTE support, you want support for at least 2, 4, 5, 13 and 66. Band 13 is critically important for Verizon, it's their long range band. But if your AT&T device is unlocked, it will work - you'll just be missing a huge chunk of Verizon's coverage across the nation. Next, Visible is a smartphone plan and only authorized for use on smartphones, not mobile hotspots. While it does 'just work', they do have the right to block usage. And their hotspot usage is capped at 5 Mbps - which is plenty for most stuff on the web. They claim to expect only 480p (SD) video streaming on Visible. - Cherie

Awww.. thanks for the kind words, Jules! Here's also a guide that goes over the differences between hot spotting off a smartphone, using a mobile hotspot device and routers: https://www.rvmobileinternet.com/cellular-devices Setting up a hotspot device is pretty easy, basically purchase it, subscribe to a data plan that meets your needs, turn it on and connect your computers to the network it creates.

You have a difficult challenge here. You have high bandwidth but critical needs (working remotely, video conferencing), but only setting out for a 5 week trip (at least to start). So it's not likely worth the effort to invest in a high end setup (such as the video above, which is also the setup we essentially use). Unless you are committed to a longer term adventure. Also keep in mind, National Parks are not known for having much connectivity. Here's our specific guide to your scenario - Part Time / High Bandwidth Needs

The Netgear MIMO antenna has not been updated, there's not a newer model - still the same one. If you're using a hotspot device with T-S9 ports, it's a great option. For it's price point and not needing installation - it's a great value and performer. And there are also many other approaches to antennas in all sorts of form factors and price points. Relevant Links: Netgear MIMO Antenna Selecting Cellular Antennas - Cherie

Here's our top pick data plans guide - constantly updated with the options, use the 'Routers' filter to narrow down the options for your router. Top Pick Data Plans Both T-Mobile and AT&T offer 100GB plans now for $50-55/month. - Cherie

StraighTalk primarily sells smartphone plans, which aren't authorized for use in routers.

Here's our guide to resources for researching in advance for expected connectivity in your RV travels: https://www.rvmobileinternet.com/travelplanning

Absolutely... the guide I linked to above goes over why boosters can result in lower data speeds in many situations. Especially with a 4x4 MIMO device like the M2000. View the 'MIMO vs Boosters' video within.

No, it does not have antenna ports. It can be used with a booster, but a booster only covers some of T-Mobile's frequency bands and is not alway optimal for data performance. More on boosters: http://www.rvmobileinternet.com/boosters

Thanks for the mentions of the resource center Since your focus is on video streaming (which is very data intensive), here's our specific guide to that with some tips - including using screen casting to mirror: https://www.rvmobileinternet.com/tv - Cherie

This is just one of the many many 'global SIM' companies out there, similar to Skyroam, that gives you easy international access. In the US, the data pricing gets.. well, there are better options.

That's the fine print.. but as we updated in the article and latest video: "Updated: We have multiple reports of the $40 surcharge not being charged. " And indeed, the plan STILL hasn't shown up on their postpaid site, but it is on their prepaid. And plenty of people have gotten the plan by calling in or going to a store. It is a limited time offer (no disclosed end date), so if you want the plan be sure to snag it. - Cherie

No voice line is needed - it's a stand alone plan.

Thanks for sharing our article. For clarity... you do NOT have to use the new M2000 mobile hotspot device to get this plan. You only need that if you want access to T-Mobile's 5G coverage. And it is available for 50% off if you sign up to pay $7/mo extra for 2 years. If you're good with LTE coverage, there are plenty of other compatible devices, even some with B71 support. - Cherie

In the free video in the below guide, we share about modem specifications and how they impact performance. At the end, we show head to head comparisons of several generations of Verizon mobile hotspot devices as an example: http://www.rvmobileinternet.com/lte-modems By the way, we also have Visible vs Prepaid vs Postpaid testing results available in our Visible review: http://www.rvmobileinternet.com/visible

Visibles plans are still available with unlimited on device data, unlimited mobile hotspot capped at 5 Mbps for one connected device (but rarely enforced) and video throttled to 480p. They're a great value, and one of our top pick data plans. Here's our full review: http://www.rvmobileinternet.com/visible

I would recommend a different router/modem for use with that plan. A couple months ago T-Mobile started blocking the Telit Cat-18 modem used in Peplink and Cradlepoint routers from their flat rate unlimited plans, including 3rd party reseller plans. The service that Rene has discussed here is just a typical 3rd party reseller selling bulk rate unlimited plans - and this reseller has been around a while. There are many others out there like them. To answer the original question of this thread - there should be no risk in dropping smartphone lines from a prepaid account that has a grandfathered unlimited Jetpack line on it. Of course, if you reduce the number of lines to a single line, you will lose your multi-line discount. - Cherie

Network management and throttling is an often confusing subjects. Here's our full guide to "unlimited" plans and what is currently out there: http://www.rvmobileinternet.com/unlimited

The old gUDPs (grandfathered unlimited data plans) haven't been able to survive the transfer of liability process in a couple of years now. They'll just revert to a 2GB plan and you'll lose the unlimited data component, never able to get it back. However, these plans continue to just work as unlimited high speed hotspot data if you put them in a Jetpack or router. So if your goal is unlimited hotspot use, you could consider that. However, keeping your phone number or porting it out is very difficult while still keeping the plan. For more on these plans: http://www.rvmobileinternet.com/gudp And for all our news on 5G, including Verizon's most recent new plans: http://www.rvmobileinternet.com/5g/

Thanks for the links folks .. truly appreciated Video conferencing is possible, but it's a tough one to setup for - because you need fast & reliable download AND upload speeds. And a LOT of data. I see our video streaming guide has been posted, but that one is focused on streaming things like Netflix. Which is download focused. We have another guide specific to Video Conferencing and Broadcasting. And because this question is also about working remotely - I'll link to our resource collection appropriate for those setting up for this, which also includes the Video Conferencing Guide: Working Remotely over Mobile Internet