The Verizon Aircard -- Reprise

Andy, one of our readers, has asked a pertinent question: Could you please give an update after 4 mos. of using the Verizon air card? What model of air card/modem, antenna & router?

You can read the original post where we made the decision to switch from satellite internet (Hughes) to the Verizon air card. There you will find the reasons we made the switch.

Since then, we have traveled extensively through the Four-Corners region of Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. In only one place, Canyon de Chelle, did the air card not work. But, in that same place Internet satellite would also not have worked. That was due to the heavily-treed campground where we parked. To solve that problem, we carried our computers about 150 yards to the lodge where free, public WiFi was available. Problem solved.

Two of us use the air card system, usually simultaneously. Jaimie does extensive updating of this blog, and the associated web page, plus monitor and administer a Workamper forum. I have my own writing projects. Our usage has been running around 3.5 GBytes/month, well under the 5 GByte limit that Verizon imposes before charging extra. We have had few, if any problems with upload/download speeds. They are at least comparable, or faster than what we experienced with Hughes. And, the cost per month is the same.

We both connect to our system through a Cradlepoint 350 WiFi router. The air card is a Verizon USB727. Those two work in our home base without the need for an external antenna. In our trailer, I have a Wilson 3 amp amplifier with a Wilson Trucker antenna mounted externally. When we use the system in the trailer, we have noticed no decrease in throughput.

There is no doubt that we will find areas where there is no coverage for Internet access using this system. Maine would be a good example. We traveled there two years ago when we were still using the Hughes satellite system. But, we couldn't get a signal where we were parked, again because of the heavy trees. What we had to do then was drive to Damariscotta and sit in the local coffeehouse, buy a coffee and use their free WiFi. That, in itself, is one additional reason for our change to the Verizon air card. When we have had to leave the trailer to access the Internet, it is a relief and we get a break from sitting in the trailer.

In short, we are extremely pleased with the Verizon air card system.

Comments

[rv-boondocker-explorer]

Excellent points here, as in the original post. You forget to mention that the proposed merger between Verizon and Alltel, if approved, will essentially deal a knock out blow to the whole idea of satellite technology.

None of us are naifs when it comes to owning electronic gadgets. We should know by now that the more electronic junk you own, the more you will suffer.

Here's to a free or $200 gadget that sticks into your laptop!