Want more bandwidth??? January 10, 2012, 01:48:27 pm Yahoo Message Number: 127736I just recently completed my 2 year Verizon Air Card contract and was looking for an alternate method to get more bandwidth to surf the Internet. I thought I would share with the group what I have discovered.This new plan gives me 20GB of bandwidth compared to the puny 5GB that Verizon allowed me. I have written a blog post to explain what I now have and how well it works. You can see it at http://jimbosjourneys.com http://jimbosjourneys.com>Happy Trails,Jim Melvin1992 Lazy Daze Rear Bath "The Breeze"http://jimbosjourneys.comhttp://jimbosjourneys.com>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: Want more bandwidth? Reply #1 – January 10, 2012, 03:38:42 pm Yahoo Message Number: 127738Many folks in this group have been using Millenicom as their internet provider for some time, and I've heard consistently good reports about the service. I was late to the party: I just started a month ago. So far, I've been very happy with the service--but then, my Millenicom plan uses Verizon's cell network, so there's no difference in performance from what I'd been using before (a Verizon MiFi router with a 10 GB/month account). The only difference is that I'm getting twice the monthly bandwidth allowance (20 GB) for less money. It's important to understand that Millenicom has no network of its own. Instead, it resells cellular internet service from major carriers such as Verizon and Sprint. This requires some caution on the part of the Millenicom customer, because they have a number of different plans, and *they don't tell you* which plan uses which carrier. As most RVers know, Verizon has the best network coverage in the rural areas where most of us like to camp, while AT&T has spotty coverage outside of cities, and Sprint is even worse. That means if you go with Millenicom, you want to be certain to choose a plan that uses Verizon's network. How can you tell? Well, searching the web turns up reports from Millenicom users. For example, their 20 GB "Advanced" 3G plan (the one I have) uses Verizon--I know that because I use their VZAccess Manager software to connect. On the other hand, Millenicom's "Bring Your Own Device" plan uses Sprint, so you definitely don't want that. And their "Unlimited Plan" uses either Sprint or (still worse) T-Mobile. Which carriers does their 3G/4G Hotspot plan use? I wasn't able to find out for sure, but one source indicated that it was a combination of Verizon and Sprint. One more thing worth noting: the Samsung LC11 3G/4G Wi-Fi hotspot that Jim got from Millenicom has been the subject of many, many user complaints, mainly due to unreliability. I'd be wary of that model--and that Millenicom plan--until either Samsung is able to resolve its reliability problems, or Millenicom switches to using the Novatel 4G hotspot. To summarize: Millenicom offers a deal that sounds to good to be true, but is definitely legit. You must choose carefully to be certain of getting a Millenicom plan that uses Verizon's network. I recommend their Advanced 3G plan, which offers up to 20 GB per month of usage for sixty bucks a month, using a USB760 cell modem that will work with just about any computer.Andy Bairdhttp://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Re: Want more bandwidth? Reply #2 – January 10, 2012, 04:18:56 pm Yahoo Message Number: 127739On Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:38:42 -0000, "Andy Baird" andybaird@...> wrote:QuoteTo summarize: Millenicom offers a deal that sounds to good to be true, but is definitely legit. You must choose carefully to be certain of getting a Millenicom plan that uses Verizon's network. I recommend their Advanced 3G plan, which offers up to 20 GB per month of usage for sixty bucks a month, using a USB760 cell modem that will work with just about any computer. I can verify that the 20GB plan uses Verizon by pinging any IP address or doing a speed test that shows addresses that the local "hops" take. If you don't understand those terms, you will have to accept Andy's and my word that it uses Verizon. Mike Coachman reported here two weeks back that he gets over 1000 Kbps on download. I average about 700Kbps. It's often slower in the more populated areas. This MAY be due to Verizon throttling usage when capacity is near max. Some of the best speed we have ever gotten was along US2 in Montana. A high capacity/low usage area? All this to say, that while YMMV [speed] depending on your location, time of day, Verizon equipment, etc. it's the best deal going. Now tell me why we are promoting this? Verizon is wholesaling excess bandwidth at a price so low that it can be re-sold at a profit. Do we really want this to get back to someone at Verizon that has their head on straight? This train may come to the end of the line someday, but ride it while you can.
Re: Want more bandwidth? Reply #3 – January 10, 2012, 04:58:16 pm Yahoo Message Number: 127740Ha I just this second sent Millenicom an email asking if my Verizon MiFi 2200 would work with their Unlimited BYOD plan. I'm quite happy with Verizon, just not happy with 5GB a month. Thanks Andy and Don
Re: Want more bandwidth? Reply #4 – January 10, 2012, 07:34:58 pm Yahoo Message Number: 127741"I just this second sent Millenicom an email asking if my Verizon MiFi 2200 would work with their Unlimited BYOD plan." I'm going to guess the answer will be no, because the Millenicom BYOD plan works only with Sprint--a carrier you don't want because of their poor coverage outside of major metro areas, and one that uses technology incompatible with Verizon's, and hence with your (and my) MiFi. As Don said, the only Millenicom plan that we know for certain works with Verizon is the "Advanced" plan; 20 GB per month, $59.99 per month, and you have to buy the USB760 modem from Millenicom to get started. Yes, there are startup charges (about $150 altogether, as I recall). *But* unlike Verizon, there's no contract and no obligation. You can turn the Millenicom service on and off at any time, with no "early termination" fees. That's the tradeoff. The lower monthly fees make it worthwhile if you use more than a few GB per month now.Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Re: Want more bandwidth? Reply #5 – January 10, 2012, 07:58:51 pm Yahoo Message Number: 127742Speaking of cellular internet, I see that Amazon has the Wilson "Sleek" cell signal booster on sale for $74.95, a pretty substantial reduction from its list price of $129.99:http://tinyurl.com/4ywckl8 It's a nice kit that includes the booster amp/cradle (holds any cell phone or MiFi-like device), a magnet-mount external antenna, and a 12V DC power cable. If you're used to struggling with marginal cell signals, this will help a lot.Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Re: Want more bandwidth? Reply #6 – January 10, 2012, 08:30:50 pm Yahoo Message Number: 127744"Speaking of cellular internet, I see that Amazon has the Wilson "Sleek" cell signal booster on sale"AndyI have been using a Wilson "Sleek" with a MiFi 2200 for the last year. Works OK but the short magnetic-mount antenna does not seem to be very effective. I'm planning on getting this Wilson directional antenna and figuring out how to rotate it, as we have previously discussed. http://cellularoutlet.com/30wice80muba.html> It is shorter and more protected than some of the other duel band yagi antennas I have looked at such as this one: http://info-techus.com/CAY819-631.html> Now I need is a way of seeing the actual strength of the cell signal in real time. For the various WiFi directional and omnidirectional antennas I have tried, I use Network Stumbler to find the strongest position. http://www.snapfiles.com/get/netstumbler.html> I need to find something similar for cellular signals. The indicator bars on a cell phone update too slowly to be of any use. Any ideas?Larry
Re: Want more bandwidth? Reply #7 – January 10, 2012, 09:00:24 pm Yahoo Message Number: 127746Yes the answer was no. (Did I just do a Yogi Berra) ? My Verizon plan is 5gb @ 59.99 monthly so 20gb for 59.99 is a outstanding. I like to watch a movie or two also.thanks to Jim, Don, and Andy
Re: Want more bandwidth? Reply #8 – January 10, 2012, 09:27:28 pm Yahoo Message Number: 127747Larry (and others)-I've had good luck with this antenna: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018PS4O0/ref=wms_ohs_productOn my android based cell phone (DroidX), you can dig down into the settings menu and get a number for signal strength As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: finding cell phone reception strength Reply #9 – January 10, 2012, 10:33:08 pm Yahoo Message Number: 127748Quote Now I need is a way of seeing the actual strength of the cell signal in real time. For the various WiFi directional and omnidirectional antennas I have tried, I use Network Stumbler to find the strongest position. I need to find something similar for cellular signals. The indicator bars on a cell phone update too slowly to be of any use. Any ideas?Larry If you can find your phone on this list, you can set it up for field testing reception strength: http://tinyurl.com/6obq9h7Chris
Re: Want more bandwidth? Reply #10 – January 10, 2012, 10:56:51 pm Yahoo Message Number: 127749"I've had good luck with this antenna: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018PS4O0/ref=wms_ohs_product" Rich That is the same low-gain, omnidirectional antenna that comes with the Sleek. It work well in places with a moderate to strong signal but not very well in weak signal areas. What I'm looking for is an high-gain, directional antenna that can be aimed in a particular direction and focuses all of it's transmitting and receiving power in an narrow area, instead of in all directions, greatly increasing the signal strength.Larry As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Want more bandwidth? Reply #11 – January 10, 2012, 11:20:41 pm Yahoo Message Number: 127750How about this one Larry? It is $20 cheaper. http://3gstore.com/product/2792_yagi-triband-antenna-wilson-304411.html Tom
Re: Want more bandwidth??? Reply #12 – January 11, 2012, 12:26:40 am Yahoo Message Number: 127751QuoteThis new plan gives me 20GB of bandwidth compared to the puny 5GB that Verizon allowed me. I have written a blog post to explain what I now have and how well it works. You can see it at Since this thread continues a discussion started on the premise that increased monthly download allowance is referred to as 'bandwidth', a term referring to data transmission speed, my question is whether this is also the accepted term when referring to 'bits-per-month'?Steve
Re: Want more bandwidth? Reply #13 – January 11, 2012, 12:35:57 am Yahoo Message Number: 127752"I need to find something similar for cellular signals. The indicator bars on a cell phone update too slowly to be of any use."I can get you halfway there: http://www.mygreatiphone.com/info/get-numerical-signal-bars-without-a-jailbreak-heres-how/This trick puts an iPhone into "Field Test Mode" and replaces the bars with a numerical signal strength reading in decibels (e.g., -68). One can get a much more precise idea of signal strength this way. However, the update rate appears to be about 15 seconds, making this all but useless for antenna aiming, and I've found no way to force a refresh (although apparently that was possible in iOS 4). I've looked for cellular signal strength apps, but haven't found any. Perhaps the hams in the group will have some ideas. Basically, we're looking for a (preferably inexpensive) way to measure signal strength on both the 800 and 1900 MHz frequency bands, in order to aim a Yagi antenna. Any suggestions?Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Re: Want more bandwidth? Reply #14 – January 11, 2012, 12:52:58 am Yahoo Message Number: 127753"How about this one Larry? It is $20 cheaper. http://3gstore.com/product/2792_yagi-triband-antenna-wilson-304411.html"TomGood price. It is even cheaper from Amazon. The ideal system, IMO, would be a omnidirectional, for general usage, and a directional one for remote locations. Additionally, the cabling should be a high grade, low-loss type. LMR-400 ultraflex low-loss coaxial cable would be a good choice for a directional antenna. Big cable is stiff so the flexible type, with a stranded inner wire, would be best for installation where the antenna is not permanently erected, as would be the case for an RV installation. The standard LMR400/RG-8 cable has a solid core and will not tolerate repeated bending. To increase performance (and decrease expenses) the shorter the cable run, the better. In many situations, a permanently erected omni antenna would suffice, require the deploying of the directional antenna only when it is needed. If you want even more options, an antenna switch could be installed to allow changing from the omni antenna, if a weak or no signal is seen, to the directional antenna. http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-2702N> When using a directional antenna, knowing the general direction of the cell tower would be very useful. Luckily, the internet can help with providing maps. http://www.cellreception.com/> The next challenge is designing the directional antenna mount. I'm thinking about using a multi-stage painter's or drywaller's pole, mounted off the rear ladder. Multi-stage flag poles or small commercial antenna poles are other options. Whatever is used, it needs to be stable in high desert winds. Directional antennas have very small reception 'windows', so if the antenna moves a few degrees, it will lose the signal. Much of this information was found the following blog, at Andy's recommendation, plus many hours of researching the topic. The Ultimate Internet Access Project http://myoldrv.com/?p=279>Larry
Re: finding cell phone reception strength Reply #15 – January 11, 2012, 02:11:28 am Yahoo Message Number: 127754"If you can find your phone on this list, you can set it up for field testing reception strength: http://tinyurl.com/6obq9h7"ChrisMy cheap Samsung cell phone didn't make the cut for the list. Back to the drawing board.Larry
Re: Want more bandwidth? Reply #16 – January 11, 2012, 08:14:34 am Yahoo Message Number: 127755Larry, How about mounting it on your crank-up TV antenna? Two advantages come to mind: you can rotate it from inside the LD, and it will be lowered to a safe travel position when the antenna is down. A diasadvantage would be that the optimal direction for the cell signal may not be the same as for the TV signal. I've had my Wilson Truckers antenna mounted like that for two years with great success. Of course, it's omni-directional, so rotating it is not an issue.Ted H. @ NAS Kingsville, TX
Re: Want more bandwidth? Reply #17 – January 11, 2012, 08:34:47 am Yahoo Message Number: 127756Quote That is the same low-gain, omnidirectional antenna that comes with >the Sleek. It work well in places with a moderate to strong signal but >not very well in weak signal areas. Interesting. My sleek came with a useless 4" rubberized antenna. Good move by Wilson, if they've upgraded the standard offering. It _is_ still an omnidirectional stick and go type antenna. We run ours through the escape hatch and get good results while rolling down the road, especially when switching between towers.Rich '03 MB
Re: Want more bandwidth? Reply #18 – January 11, 2012, 10:57:44 am Yahoo Message Number: 127758I contacted Millenicom customer service and they informed me that they use the Verizon network for the 3G/4G Hotspot which I have. I specifically asked them if they use Sprint and they said no. Verizon only. I had also read some of the reviews of the Samsung LC11, however I have had absolutely no problems with it at all.Jim Which carriers does their 3G/4G Hotspot plan use? I wasn't able to find out for sure, but one source indicated that it was a combination of Verizon and Sprint.
Re: Want more bandwidth? Reply #19 – January 11, 2012, 11:11:17 am Yahoo Message Number: 127759"I contacted Millenicom customer service and they informed me that they use the Verizon network for the 3G/4G Hotspot which I have. I specifically asked them if they use Sprint and they said no. Verizon only." That's good news, Jim--thanks for letting us know. It would be nice if Millenicom posted the carrier information on their website instead of making you ask for it, but I can understand why they don't want to antagonize the carriers by appearing too blatantly competitive. One thing is clear from all this: if Millenicom can resell Verizon service at less than half of Verizon's normal cost per GB, then Verizon's profit margin must be huge.Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Re: Want more bandwidth? Reply #20 – January 11, 2012, 11:37:36 am Yahoo Message Number: 127760On Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:11:02 -0000, "Andy Baird" andybaird@...> wrote:QuoteOne thing is clear from all this: if Millenicom can resell Verizon service at less than half of Verizon's normal cost per GB, then Verizon's profit margin must be huge. If Verizon charged the same as Millenicom, it would be $15 for 5GB. If Verizon sells to Millenicom at 33% off retail, that would be $10. Let's say Verizon is making a 25% margin on that. That makes their "cost" about $7.50 or put another way over $50 a month on every one of their customers. Not shabby.PS I probably made an arithmetic error, but it's not worth pointing out. OK.
Re: Want more bandwidth? Reply #21 – January 11, 2012, 01:03:05 pm Yahoo Message Number: 127762Well, I'm far from a Verizon fan boy, but my Verizon modem account is $52/month for 5GB.Which puts their profit at a paltry $44.50 not $50 ;o) Now my Verizon Droix X is so-called unlimited data for $30/month. Or only $22.50 profit per month (assuming I limit myself to 5GB/month on the phone). I could exceed 5GB on my phone since PDAnet enables me to use my phone as a wi-fi source. Which I do when the Verizon modem pukes, which is all too often.best, paul *"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life." Steve Jobs*
signal strength for aiming yagi was Want more bandwidth? Reply #22 – January 14, 2012, 04:53:20 pm Yahoo Message Number: 127837The Verizon Access Manager will give a decibel reading. Use the help menu, about (the last option)and a box opens with all sorts of data. near the very bottom there are two decibel readings, one for 1X and one for evo A. It needs to be reloaded after every antenna adjustment but it's better than nothing.Michelle, N6DGZ
Re: signal strength for aiming yagi was Want more bandwidth? Reply #23 – January 14, 2012, 05:17:35 pm Yahoo Message Number: 127839"Use the help menu, about (the last option) and a box opens with all sorts of data. near the very bottom there are two decibel readings, one for 1X and one for evo A." Thanks, Michelle! For the record, your description applies to the Windows version. In the Mac version, "About" is the first item on the VZAccess Manager menu, all the way to the left on the menubar. Choose that command and the detailed information appears, with dB readings at the end of the list.Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
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