Internet access while travelling & cell-phone-internet, an inquiry

[steve2470]

I recently took a trip to Chicago. I am on the AT&T network. I had zero problems with phone calls, thank you AT&T.

Internet was another matter. Getting a signal on the road was impossible (traveled on interstates and US highways), and I had to go to McDonald's or another place with free wifi to get a signal. Downtown Chicago was also impossible. Starbucks, my hotel, and the AT&T store saved me there.

Does this align with your experience ? Is there such a thing as "satellite mobile internet" ? The internet thing was more of an annoyance than anything.

eta: Answered one of my own questions here: http://www.groundcontrol.com/prod_ig2500_001.htm

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[beachbum bob]

1. the problem with cell phone internet data is the driving, as you move between cell towers and

incur signal interruption and loss. Not perfect system.

[LuvLoogie]

3. Also, voice connections take need less bandwidth than internet connections.

While your plan may include data, the performance might not be the same.

[secondwind]

2. I'm in the Dominican Republic since 9/3

We survived the hurricane and are very happy we bought a router here for 3,500 pesos (about 80 dollars).

We call folks on WhatsApp, I checked in with DU several times a day during Irma, and we can make and take calls while in the car, in the middle of nowhere.

Best decision we ever made.

[LuvLoogie]

4. You should turn off the phone WiFi while you're driving.

Last edited Sat Sep 16, 2017, 12:57 PM - Edit history (1)

Your phone might be searching for stored or available SSIDs, as most phones connect to WIFI by default for data connections.

[steve2470]

5. good idea, thanks!

[Major Nikon]

6. Are you asking about wifi or cell phone data connections?

There are exceptions, but generally if you can get talk, you can also get a data connection. The problem is you are relying on the technology installed at the remote station and the quality of the signal. In remote areas both of these things tend to not be conducive to high bandwidth needs. So a navigation app that only needs intermittent connectivity may work well, but surfing the web is probably going to be painfully slow if not completely nonfunctional.

Providers like AT&T have wifi connectivity at many locations throughout large cities, but the problem sometimes is if you have your phone set to auto connect it may establish a wifi session, but no data is flowing. In those instances it may be better to turn off wifi and use your cell phone data.

[steve2470]

7. both

I can see now a big part of my problem was that wifi was constantly on. I'll switch it off next time I travel, unless I'm at Starbucks, etc.
Thanks!

[NightWatcher]

8. I travel a lot and rely on att cellular and internet on my iPhone and iPad daily

I never use wifi outside of my house, it's way to dangerous and your device is not protected.

Sure, it may say "Starbucks wifi" but hackers can make themselves look to your computer or phone like Starbucks, but really you just connected to some hackers network he has based in his backpack and he's just infected your shit. Public wifi is like sex in a public bathhouse with a hundred strangers, you never know what you might be getting. If I'm not at home, my wifi is turned off on my phone and iPad.


Aside from my PSA, I am able to use cellular to connect to multiple things all at once. I regularly stream TuneIn on my phone while also running a real time GPS tracking website. I rarely have coverage problems or lag issues. I use tons of data.

[HipChick]

9. I purchased a Mifi

problem solved...