Emergency / On The Go broadband connectivity ?

[NYJimbo]

I've been seeing internet providers like Virgin and ATT selling devices that will connect your pc/whatever to the internet via an "on the go" network device.

Something like this:

http://www.virginmobileusa.com/shop/mobile-broadband/broadband-2-go/

Basically it looks like a router (either usb stick or standalone box) and it talks to the local WIFI/Broadband hotspot it can find to get internet access. If you have whatever license or subscription you are in and got 3G or 4G access. So you either buy a monthly or daily "license" and at any time you just turn it on, it finds a hotspot and you are online without any further configs. All you have to do is set your devices to talk to the router/usb thing once, in advance, and from then on it will always be ready to go online anywhere the provider has a hotspot.

Does anyone use something like this ? I don't mean normal 3G/4G phone internet, I mean emergency pay as you go type internet for their business when on site or in emergencies ?

I would really like to have this as an option but don't want to pay annual or monthly fees if possible.

 

[SilverLeaf]

I still have the Mifi 2200 device from Virgin. At one point in time this was my only internet access from home. I usually got around 1-1.5 megabits down (3G. No 4G available in my area). Then I got to thinking....I already have a data plan on my phone (also Virgin), why not just use it instead? So, I put the Mifi in the closet for now, and just tether my phone to the computer when I'm home.

I love Virgin's no-contract, pay-as-you-go plans, but there are some caveats. They advertise unlimited data (at least they did when I signed up), and they won't cut you off. But, after about 2.5GB, they slow you way down (to around 200k or so). Also, in some more populated areas, I have noticed a substantial reduction in bandwdth, as opposed to where I live (in the middle of nowhere).

 

[16k_zx81]

whats the advantage of something like this over a mobile phone tether?

.

 

[SilverLeaf]

whats the advantage of something like this over a mobile phone tether?

.

As far as the Mifi device is concerned, I was able to connect it wirelessly to my home router (dd-wrt) in bridged client mode, thereby giving internet access to any device on the router. I have yet to be able to get this to work using my phone. So, I have to connect my phone via usb tether directly to the computer.

 

[NYJimbo]

whats the advantage of something like this over a mobile phone tether?

.

Without going into detail, our local wired and mobile phone services went down one weekend about 2 months ago (well after hurricane SANDY hit us) and we had nothing for almost 2 days. For some reason we could see WIFI hotspots and talk to them with our laptops but not having access, we were denied. I was told if I had a device like described earlier I could get online to maintain the many servers I manage around the country.

What I am looking for is as many possible fall back options as possible in case something like this happens again.

 

[SilverLeaf]

Without going into detail, our local wired and mobile phone services went down one weekend about 2 months ago (well after hurricane SANDY hit us) and we had nothing for almost 2 days. For some reason we could see WIFI hotspots and talk to them with our laptops but not having access, we were denied. I was told if I had a device like described earlier I could get online to maintain the many servers I manage around the country.

What I am looking for is as many possible fall back options as possible in case something like this happens again.

I'm sorry, I should have read your first post more carefully As far as I know, the devices you linked to all require 3G/4G data plans from the service provider, and use their mobile network for data transmission. Basically, the device is a small router that uses your pre-paid 3G network data plan as your connection to the internet. If your mobile service goes down, these devices will not work either.

 

[nlinecomputers]

A Mifi is no different than a cell phone. Why use one? What if you need internet AND cell at the same time? Phone calls disconnect you on some networks. In a major situation like Sandy it isn't going to be any more reliable then a cell phone would be. They call'em disasters for a reason.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Have not used the "pay as you go"...but I've used, and lots of my clients use..many of those devices.

On your Virgin site..they have the "MiFi 2200" unit. Verizon has pretty much those same units....and they work quite well. Basically it's a little "router" not unlike a typical mini version of some Stinksys or Nutgear home grade router...runs NAT, has its own DHCP..you can log into its web admin at 192.168.something.something. Allows up to 5 devices to connect to it. Works quite well...heck you can have several people with their laptops in your car and connect them all like a mobile office!

The smaller the device..typically the less performance you have..like those little USB sticks. The larger..the better. Place the unit up high or near a window and jam away.

But for myself..I use my 4G phone and can allow as many devices as I want.

 

[Kitten Kong]

These type of devices are well known and used in the uk.

USB dongles are what we call them. Most of the service providers have them. There are issues with them though, ie depending what room, and where abouts in the room you are, depends if you get a good connection speed (if at all).

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Another reason for sticking the dedicated external boxes (like the MiFi)...versus the USB sticks, is the MiFi boxes require no bloated horrific software installed on your devices..it communicates to laptops/tablets/ipads/smart phones via standard wireless G/N. Those USB sticks require the providers bloated connection manager software get installed on the laptop. And you can't have tablets/ipads/smart phones connect through them (most of them anyways..I'm sure there may be some models with micro-USB or something)