Bob,I couldn't resist commenting here: you have the generosity to explain all this to us because so many people (myself included) don't know how it works 'out there' and at the end you feel the need to apologise for it somehow? You must have too many ungrateful followers who find a way to complain, no matter what you do. PLEASE ignore them and THANK YOU for your generosity xxx
I second that🙏 even my son’s are selfish and don’t like to give out free information. I don’t understand that mentality. Hats off and prayers to Bob for helping out so many people who just want to live independently and carefully and joyfully 🎄❤️🎄❤️
@@conservativenellie5876 that’s true, I am going to go live in my RV this coming spring, my wife doesn’t I am moving out this Sunday and I am going to go live in the back room apartment behind the church rent free for two years I will be able to save $3900 bucks and then I will leave to go to Arizona
I'm going on the road soon with my husband. After several days of research my brain hurts from trying to learn what we need for our truck. Beyond my home-based wifi this is all new to me. This is by far the best, concise, easy to understand information from someone who's not getting paid to promote a product or capitalize on my ignorance. New subscriber!! Thank you Sir...thank you.
Thank you Bob for explaining this to me. I lost my Bride of 48 years. I am going to be selling the sticks & bricks & becoming a full timer camper. Your videos are so helpful. Again thank you
So sorry for your loss. I did the same in my 40s after great loss of my husband and father. Then I came back to care for mother. Now I have more great losses, I am tricking my Grand Caravan and heading out at 67yrs old. It is a wide open world out there and much to see. Happy travels to you 🌹🇺🇸❤
I'm in my 30's but I've always been a free bird so van life is perfect for me and my future. I really appreciate all of your hard work making these videos and sharing them, thank you so much🧡 You don't know until you know, ya know?😆 I've been chronically poor despite my very best and above average efforts and I've been feeling the dream of traveling and having a home slipping away with every passing year... this has renewed my hope and drive that it's possible to live unanchored while still having my unchanging space with me at all times as I age. Thanks again and I always look forward to your videos!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
LIKE; it's possible to live unanchored while still having my unchanging space with me at all times. Nice way to put that. Good for you to find another way.
Sprint / T Mobile has a few non profit programs that delivers unlimited 4G LTE for about $12 per month to those with incomes below twice the poverty rate. It’s not as fast as AT&T, but it’s pretty reliable within city and suburb limits. I’ve even got a good connection at Joshua Tree which is one of the most popular camping areas in Southern California. PCsforpeople is the most popular, but there are others.
What you have taught me, is that videos on info I might consider very basic is really necessary. Many people still struggle with tech and common language explanations are important
Bob, really good info here. I'm sure there are lots and lots of people out there that are struggling with having good internet connection. Especially for those that need it for work 8-12 hours per day and live in their van or vehicle. I am constantly online like 12 hours every day, because that's part of my job. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Really good info!
Great video as usual Bob. I just wanted to elaborate a little for folks that might still be confused about "line of site". There are only two ways to transmit data (that we know of) which is either over a wire (can be copper, fiber) or with radio frequency (wireless). The difficulty with wireless is that like any signal it gets weaker the further it goes, but it goes pretty far if you can actually see the tower your device is communicating with (if you have a clear line of sight to the tower): maybe 25-40 miles? "Device" is the phone or the other thing Bob showed to expand how much data he could use (MiFi). Exactly how far the devices can be apart and still communicate isn't super important, what's important is when you start putting things in between your device and the tower it's communicating with (like walls, trees, mountain ridges) then the distance they can effectively communicate degrades really really fast. So if you're in the mountains, expect service to be spotty. If you're in a flat area and near any major highway or town just maybe watch out for super dense forests or buildings that might be blocking the "line of sight" between your device and the tower.
Thank you Bob for doing this video ❤ a wifi booster or a weboost you can do as well that’s for business or online digital nomads that use up hotspot quick
Everyone should have a Weboost booster with outside 15db directional antenna if you are in remote areas with a weak signal. This is for regular data signal for my ATT plan. Unlimited Choice+. Choose ATT or Verizon for best coverage in remote areas.
I was just starting to search about this subject. Watched 2 vids and sorta learned a little but when i saw you did one I immediately started watching yours. I have seen several of your videaos before a couple of uears ago. I am going to be homeless tomorrow and have been setting up my 2002 Rav4 to sleep in. I live playing my laptop games even though i am 64. So i need to figure out wi-fi. Thanks! I am hoping you have a newer vid on this subject. Things must have advanced in 3 years.
Bob, I want to second the motion of Michele Paradis, I have been watching your videos for a few years now and never got around to going to your website and blog. I have missed so much. You sir, are one of the finest examples of a human being out there. You are very generous in your very nature and I can't imagine how many people you've helped. I bought a90 gmc van a few years ago and I'm just getting started on my build. You have been my inspiration and thanks to you, I won't be making many of the mistakes I would have. Thank you for all you do and now that I've been to your site and found your Amazon search bar, I'll be able to give a little back. Hope to see you one day out there, I'll be looking for you to thank you in person. I did a couple of tours in the Vietnam War, and I've had a bug to travel ever since. Finally getting around to it.
Hey Bob, I know this is a couple years old but the concept of the same thank you for posting it. Thank you for specifically explaining the different types of devices, including the big one and how they’re different I don’t think it’s too much information at all. I want more information on these types of things. I’ve often been confused on why do I need a hotspot device, a separate hotspot device if I have a hotspot on my cell phone so that’s one thing I’ve never been able to get answered. Now at least I understand about the modify and carrier aggregation. Thanks again.
You sir are # 1. Out of all the van lifer's & nomads on yt, you cover and explain everything. I'm a new subscriber & binge watching your videos today. lol. Thank you!
This is one of the most useful, informative, easily understood videos that I have seen in a long time! I have been searching for information on this topic. Thank you!
Great info Bob! I want one of these Mofi units now, but just for clarity: The Mofi website says there is only 1 cellular radio in the unit so it can NOT spread data over 2 networks (att/verison) at the same time to increase speed. They say in near future that they will have model that holds 2 sim cards (so two networks to choose from) but they didnt say it would use both at the same time (which would require 2 cell radios and a lot more computing power. I highly doubt that will be possible with the new one). As for carrier aggregation, mofi says that it isnt a big deal since they recommend that you disable this and lock on to the fastest "carrier" (cell signal on whatever channel, from the company that you are using) where you are located. The link to amazon is for the "sim 7" model which doesnt even have carrier aggregation. Mofi recommends this model for most people unless you have special situations as listed on their webpage. Folks should go read that info on the Mofi site. If you have both verizon and att sims, you would have to swap them out in the current unit to switch service providers. I would not wait to buy the unit that holds 2 sim cards unless they had a firm date and price that was acceptable.
I read that also & was wondering if it would be wise to wait on the upcoming MOFI5500??? I'm so confused which way to go because like Debby, I need to get a setup for needed employment.
@@Zymurgest Thank you. So would you suggest the 4 or 7. Also, if this isn't asking too much, do you have an preference between this MoFi & the Netgear Nighthawk M1100??
@@Zymurgest I can't thank you enough! This is by far the most definitive & directional advice I've gotten ANYWHERE! I went to several stores yesterday (i.e., ATT, Walmart & Verizon) and NONE of them were knowledged enough to assist me in any regard!?!🤨🤔
As a Canadian trucker or now ex trucker, I had T Mobile prepaid. Unlimited calls and texts but also unlimited LTE internet. Boy it was fast and worked at no extra charge both sides of the border. It was $70us and I set it up on auto pay. Connected my GPS to it for real time traffic and many times it alerted me to road closures and rerouted me.
You are giving everyone very valuable information and advice. Saving people money, their searching time and effort. Reducing their struggling, uncertainty and worrying. You not only look like Santa Claus, you are doing good deeds like Santa..! Great job..! Thank You.
Have you looked into visible wireless. I use it at my house because there is no good high speed option available. Visible is a Verizon prepaid service that offers unlimited hotspot from your phone, it is $40 a month. One catch is you can only tether one device at a time to the hotspot, I got around that by using a mobile router.
HI BOB , HOPE YOU ARE WELL . LOVE YOUR VIDEOS . THANKS TO YOU I HAVE BEEN LIVING ON THE ROAD FOR 4 MONTHS NOW . I HAVE AT&T AND HAVE UNLIMITED DATA NAD HOT SPOT . IT IS MY SISTER PLANS AND THE BEST PART IS WE ONLY PAY 30.00 EACH A MONTH . BE BLESSED . YOU HELP ME A LOT, THANK YOU .
Hi Bob, I have an unlimited plan with T-Mobile and most places I get good service. I've traveled all over and most of the time I get a good connection. No need to add multiple lines and since I'm 58 I get a discounted plan for 55+. Also you don't need a code to get on at McDonalds. They bring up a page that you click on to sign in. Some McDonald's send a strong signal out which you can get in their parking lot. That varies. Another thing you'll want to look for is the new Starlink satellite internet that's coming soon. And 5G, which might work better for mobile users than Starlink.
Bob, you are so generous. This was fantastic advice and help. I don't understand everything, but I am saving this video and will watch it again, and when the need arises I will be able to just pull it up and watch again and write down the information I need.
I'm with Cricket. Owned by AT&T.i get unlimited gigs of data on my phone with no data caps. Plus I get 15 gigs of hotspot all for $60 a month. $55 a month with auto pay.
Thank you Bob. I have been trying to research this topic, and me me technically challenged, I was getting more confused than before I started. You are a very good teacher. Now I understand. Thank you!!!
Be aware of those jetpacks. If you got them on a promotional price, you have a 24 month commitment to keep that phone line, or else there's a very hefty Early Termination Fee if you cancel the phone line associated with it.
Bob, this was the best video I've seen in a while! Actually when it comes to answering questions I've had for a very long time, it was straightforwardly the perfect video!!! Thank you very much for making this so simple to understand that even my homosapien brain could understand. Thank you once again!
I'm in the middle of quite the learning curve on this so thank you! I had an iPad so I paid for another phone line to that and I was all set but then I lost it. That's where the confusion started! Only certain tablets have the embedded unlimited data ability like the iPad and they are all pricey. So now I understand getting the portable hotspot with a monthly fee will enable me to get internet on a notebook computer.
i live out of my van and i use visible cell service. it has no data cap and it runs on the verizon cellular network. im also an online student and steady streamer i use roughly 1+ TBs of data every month with out being throttled. and just recently they started on the 5G network also.
Thank you for the info, as always straight forward and to the point. You probably will never realize how much you have helped people with your TH-cam and now courses. Thank you so much
Understanding all the hardware choice's out there is tough, and exactly how you get internet service from LTE service providers through what hardware is the 2nd hardest thing to explain. Good Job Bob. As other people have mentioned there's third party resellers offering Verizon Service with many perks for free that Verizon charges their own customers for as up charges. As for equipment, peplink makes equipment that will manage more than one sim card. For example, you have both Verizon and AT&T sim cards, no problem your connected. Peplink is considered industrial grade devices, and the cost will be high than consumer grade devices surely. But if your one of those that absolutely has to have LTE service (with encrypted VPN abilities) these products are available, and with an operating temp range from -40°F to 149°F.
Hey Bob, your video here has been the best in explaining how to get internet on the road and in the back country. I can't tell you how many videos I have watched that add too much technical info, not even in the right sequence, that is not necessary in order to understand the basics. Big thank you and I will continue to follow you for "THE BEST" in everything else! Happy Camping! Wish I was out there with you but stuck in my office until the weekend! Rich W, Sacramento, CA
Thanks Bob: as an urban nomad camper I have been able to get by with wifi hotspots and was concerned about what happens when I venture out. I left Verizon because I didn't need to pay as much as I was, but thank you for telling me about AT&T as competition. I have Consumer Cellular and have been happy with them because of their excellent customer service when I most needed it but am contemplating my future now with the your kind and informed assistance
Super good information!! All your information is great! Iʻm not living in my van or a traveling nomad, but always wish I could. Living on an island, you canʻt travel like the USA. One road around the island. Grew up living on a boat, lived most of my life either on a boat or on a beach. Which the ocean is our food, and we fish. I would love one day to experience the travel cross the USA, and have no destination!!
Thank you, Bob! Here's an FYI; we can now get UNLIMITED talk, text and (shared) data from AT&T thru Consumer Cellular. Right now, it's $60.00 for 1 line (expected bill of $60), or $75 for 2 lines (plus taxes & fees). I'm guessing that it won't be long (if it hasn't already happened) that other companies begin to offer affordable unlimited data, too.
Thanks, Bob. That's the clearest explanation of all the different stuff to consider that I've heard so far. I knew about my phone's hot spot since my mom's place doesnt have wifi--I dont think the whole town of 400 people has any public places with wifi so the cell hot spot does the job. except you cant use the phone while online and it isnt quite good enough for using video to meet up, so I wondered about that. Thus I am tickled pink to learn about the Mofi thing and what will likely be endless future opportunities for new tech in this area. Thanks again, Bob.
Terrific presentation. What type of service or device would you recommend for an "always on" internet connection in a car to periodically access a dash cam to remotely view the interior and/or exterior of my car? I'm in New York City (enough said) and have to leave it parked far away. Thanks Giovanni
Super helpful, thank you! I work a remote job, but have to be hard wired for right now. Hoping with all the virtual stuff we've had to do since covid started, my company will be open to me working from the van. Will free us up so much more for sure!
In the mid-90s, we traveled west coast to east coast and back over a year and a half using a Verizon device (I think it also was called a jet pack and MiFi or something similar) with large full-service laptops for receiving hospital dictation for transcription and return to the hospital. We also used a large portable satellite antenna and satellite internet, but that was very slow by comparison with the not-that-slow Verizon jet pack. Back then, we also were able to get almost whatever Verizon data amount we wanted to pay for. Sometimes, we had to use a booster above the RV roof to amplify a too-distant cell service. Time seems not to have changed much....
I have Visible for my cell phone, and it's terrible! Off and on through the day it drops service completely, sometimes for a few minutes and sometimes longer, like an hour and a half. It's glitchy and very slow on websites -- awful!
I've been looking for remote work, but most require high speed internet and don't allow mobile data or wifi(So I'm looking into how to get around that or for jobs that don't care), and Visible limits my hotspot data to 5Mbps. Love Visible otherwise. Only time it sucks is if I'm at the outer edges of their tower range or outside their range where, of course, I get no service.
Hi Bob, Always enjoy your videos and have been a subscriber for years. You have a lot of toys on the table and I wanted to let you know what I found recently that might alleviate some of that! Verizon has a "secondary" service called VISIBLE. They use Verizon towers, which as you said in your video are more available than all the others combined (or so I have found). I b ought a phone from them for $40, an Android that has a SIM card and actually has a removable battery which might be a bonus to some people. For a maximum of $40 a month including taxes and fees, you have unlimited talk, text and data! You can set it up as a hotspot of course and the only issue is they allow you to connect one device to the hotspot at a time. The workaround is to get a small "travel router" for $20 on Amazon or something and connect that to the phone/hotspot. Now you can connect up to 15 devices to the little router.. Now the fun part....you can refer people and all of you pay less. Instead of $40/month, every person you add drops your monthly fee by $5.00. Visit their website for details and if you decide (or anyone else) to do this, please use my referral code so we can all benefit. We have been using the service for a couple of months and it is perfect. My referral code is 3ICfJm. Have a great day! JAB- just another Bob!
OMG you are the person I have been trying to find. Thank you for explaining. So so so very helpful. Now I am more educated on trying to find a solution. Thanks again.
Another great tip is never use a debit card online. Use only a charge card that fully protected for online purchases. Some folks use reloadable charge cards. Be safe as I don't use a debit card for anything. I use a charge card and pay it off at the end of the month or before for all my transactions if I'm not using cash.
@@haroldfitz5146 I dont even remember a time I didnt have a smart phone but im pretty sure if u can find the hdmi to (your phones charger plug connection) you can mirror the screen to the TV. Everything u do on the phone will show up on your TV screen. Ive been doing that for probably about 12 years now so if your not on a flip phone or something that old im 99% positive it would work.
May I suggest putting a video of each one of these as some of us have learning disabilities and personally I felt overwhelmed. Maybe some people could follow along let's just say that I'm not one of them . Thank you 😊
There are so many variables to be aware of for internet connection!! Data is a big variable. Most people don’t know how much data they use monthly. Most people don’t know what app uses the most data - audio and video. It is like needing to know how much electricity one needs each month. The carriers do not make it easy with their terminology - unlimited doesn’t mean unlimited. Excellent RTR session?
Whew, that's a lot to absorb for someone who is not that tech savy. I don't really even understand my cell phone yet. I'll book mark it for later.Then, when I have more time, I can go over it again and again. Thanks for the info.
I'm blessed to have the old Verizon Unlimited plan so I have 2 Jetpacks, $20 a month each. I gave one to the teenagers to use and I use the other for business. They have been SO great! So far there hasnt been anything we can't do, even running credit cards at festivals and markets out in the boonies.
You can get grandfathered at&t sim cards on Ebay that give you unlimited data for like 30 bucks a month. I'm not on the road, but I live out in the country with no other service. I use the mofi router with one of those and it works great. High speed, unlimited data, even if I move back into town I'll use it because nothing is cheaper. You just have to follow the directions and the grandfathered plan will be transferred to your name. I pay it automatically every month through my bank and I never lose service. Originally I tried to get a router and sim card through a cell phone company, and for unlimited it was like 130 or so dollars a month. Forget that! The old plans were much cheaper
I love my older Surface Pro. It works like a laptop PC but it's a tablet, so I'm very happy with it. Since you can't use standard flash drives on an iPad, I recommend an OTG (On The Go) device you can use as a thumb drive and transfer between devices. SanDisk makes one with a Lightning plug so you can put your pictures on your computer. I'm not sure about all forms of video files, but you should be able to convert and upload certain videos to TH-cam on your "unlimited data connection."
Thank you so much. This is exactly the information that I've been wanting to learn. I really enjoy your videos. I am a big fan of your channel. This video is so helpful.
This is truly helpful. I've been so lost and confused about the whole thing. I didn't know they made computers that can get their own internet by themselves now (LTE like on phones), and I didn't know the difference between WiFi and LTE (what I always called "space internet" before). I have a better idea of what my options are and what I can be looking for now, thanks to your fantastic explanation.
what is the cost per month for the mofi? I too am confused when you say "it's $100" is that one time or per month??? should I assume that all wifi has an additional monthly fee? btw, this stuff is not intuitively obvious - keeping up with technology is a full time job these days... one many of us don't want!!!!
On a different topic, people lose interest in RVs and let them become unusable. Refrigerator or stove may still be good. Do you have a way to connect people to salvage for your program, before it all goes to waste?
I'm glad you did this video, because I had no idea. A wealth of information. I'll be watching this video another time or three, and research availability and cost. Thanks for all this great information.
Funny thing I understand this as you explain everything your doing so very well but that solar stuff took me a bit longer to understand... lol as I don't understand why that piece is needed in solar and I'm a personality that just can not do something till I know the why's. It's something that has served me well enough but I guess it apples to oranges thing in my minds data sims wear. Have an awesome day to all of the people that know Bob and all the supporters that these videos touch and help support us free spirits to better live a free life style that we crave today.
Bob,I couldn't resist commenting here: you have the generosity to explain all this to us because so many people (myself included) don't know how it works 'out there' and at the end you feel the need to apologise for it somehow? You must have too many ungrateful followers who find a way to complain, no matter what you do. PLEASE ignore them and THANK YOU for your generosity xxx
Fantastic guy!!
I appreciate all that you do and share with us.
I second that🙏 even my son’s are selfish and don’t like to give out free information. I don’t understand that mentality. Hats off and prayers to Bob for helping out so many people who just want to live independently and carefully and joyfully 🎄❤️🎄❤️
@@conservativenellie5876 that’s true, I am going to go live in my RV this coming spring, my wife doesn’t I am moving out this Sunday and I am going to go live in the back room apartment behind the church rent free for two years I will be able to save $3900 bucks and then I will leave to go to Arizona
I'm going on the road soon with my husband. After several days of research my brain hurts from trying to learn what we need for our truck. Beyond my home-based wifi this is all new to me. This is by far the best, concise, easy to understand information from someone who's not getting paid to promote a product or capitalize on my ignorance. New subscriber!! Thank you Sir...thank you.
Thank you Bob for explaining this to me. I lost my Bride of 48 years. I am going to be selling the sticks & bricks & becoming a full timer camper. Your videos are so helpful. Again thank you
So sorry for your loss. I did the same in my 40s after great loss of my husband and father. Then I came back to care for mother. Now I have more great losses, I am tricking my Grand Caravan and heading out at 67yrs old. It is a wide open world out there and much to see. Happy travels to you 🌹🇺🇸❤
I really like your videos for ideas because the way it looks I may be out on the road again. Not by eviction, but a relationship.
I'm in my 30's but I've always been a free bird so van life is perfect for me and my future. I really appreciate all of your hard work making these videos and sharing them, thank you so much🧡 You don't know until you know, ya know?😆 I've been chronically poor despite my very best and above average efforts and I've been feeling the dream of traveling and having a home slipping away with every passing year... this has renewed my hope and drive that it's possible to live unanchored while still having my unchanging space with me at all times as I age. Thanks again and I always look forward to your videos!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
LIKE; it's possible to live unanchored while still having my unchanging space with me at all times. Nice way to put that. Good for you to find another way.
Sprint / T Mobile has a few non profit programs that delivers unlimited 4G LTE for about $12 per month to those with incomes below twice the poverty rate. It’s not as fast as AT&T, but it’s pretty reliable within city and suburb limits. I’ve even got a good connection at Joshua Tree which is one of the most popular camping areas in Southern California. PCsforpeople is the most popular, but there are others.
That was the best explanation of how to get internet on the road that I have ever heard. Thank you, Bob.
What you have taught me, is that videos on info I might consider very basic is really necessary. Many people still struggle with tech and common language explanations are important
Bob, really good info here. I'm sure there are lots and lots of people out there that are struggling with having good internet connection. Especially for those that need it for work 8-12 hours per day and live in their van or vehicle. I am constantly online like 12 hours every day, because that's part of my job. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Really good info!
Great video as usual Bob. I just wanted to elaborate a little for folks that might still be confused about "line of site". There are only two ways to transmit data (that we know of) which is either over a wire (can be copper, fiber) or with radio frequency (wireless). The difficulty with wireless is that like any signal it gets weaker the further it goes, but it goes pretty far if you can actually see the tower your device is communicating with (if you have a clear line of sight to the tower): maybe 25-40 miles? "Device" is the phone or the other thing Bob showed to expand how much data he could use (MiFi). Exactly how far the devices can be apart and still communicate isn't super important, what's important is when you start putting things in between your device and the tower it's communicating with (like walls, trees, mountain ridges) then the distance they can effectively communicate degrades really really fast. So if you're in the mountains, expect service to be spotty. If you're in a flat area and near any major highway or town just maybe watch out for super dense forests or buildings that might be blocking the "line of sight" between your device and the tower.
Thanks for the elaboration
The time of day can cause interference too, just like with your radio, cell service is slightly stronger at night.
and metal roofs on buildings interfere with the Fresenel zone as well.
Thank you Bob for doing this video ❤ a wifi booster or a weboost you can do as well that’s for business or online digital nomads that use up hotspot quick
Original video 3 years ago.. now he has starlink!!
Your presence, kind help and education is priceless! I am working to return the many favors soon.
Everyone should have a Weboost booster with outside 15db directional antenna if you are in remote areas with a weak signal. This is for regular data signal for my ATT plan. Unlimited Choice+. Choose ATT or Verizon for best coverage in remote areas.
I was just starting to search about this subject. Watched 2 vids and sorta learned a little but when i saw you did one I immediately started watching yours. I have seen several of your videaos before a couple of uears ago.
I am going to be homeless tomorrow and have been setting up my 2002 Rav4 to sleep in. I live playing my laptop games even though i am 64. So i need to figure out wi-fi. Thanks!
I am hoping you have a newer vid on this subject. Things must have advanced in 3
years.
Hands down the best and clearest explanation on nomad connection.
Bob, I want to second the motion of Michele Paradis, I have been watching your videos for a few years now and never got around to going to your website and blog. I have missed so much. You sir, are one of the finest examples of a human being out there. You are very generous in your very nature and I can't imagine how many people you've helped. I bought a90 gmc van a few years ago and I'm just getting started on my build. You have been my inspiration and thanks to you, I won't be making many of the mistakes I would have. Thank you for all you do and now that I've been to your site and found your Amazon search bar, I'll be able to give a little back. Hope to see you one day out there, I'll be looking for you to thank you in person. I did a couple of tours in the Vietnam War, and I've had a bug to travel ever since. Finally getting around to it.
Hey Bob, I know this is a couple years old but the concept of the same thank you for posting it. Thank you for specifically explaining the different types of devices, including the big one and how they’re different I don’t think it’s too much information at all. I want more information on these types of things. I’ve often been confused on why do I need a hotspot device, a separate hotspot device if I have a hotspot on my cell phone so that’s one thing I’ve never been able to get answered. Now at least I understand about the modify and carrier aggregation. Thanks again.
You sir are # 1. Out of all the van lifer's & nomads on yt, you cover and explain everything. I'm a new subscriber & binge watching your videos today. lol. Thank you!
Bob is the GODFATHER of knowledge and generous with his help.
This is one of the most useful, informative, easily understood videos that I have seen in a long time! I have been searching for information on this topic. Thank you!
Thank you Bob for offering this information with clarity. A switch has turned on in my head.
Great info Bob! I want one of these Mofi units now, but just for clarity: The Mofi website says there is only 1 cellular radio in the unit so it can NOT spread data over 2 networks (att/verison) at the same time to increase speed. They say in near future that they will have model that holds 2 sim cards (so two networks to choose from) but they didnt say it would use both at the same time (which would require 2 cell radios and a lot more computing power. I highly doubt that will be possible with the new one). As for carrier aggregation, mofi says that it isnt a big deal since they recommend that you disable this and lock on to the fastest "carrier" (cell signal on whatever channel, from the company that you are using) where you are located. The link to amazon is for the "sim 7" model which doesnt even have carrier aggregation. Mofi recommends this model for most people unless you have special situations as listed on their webpage. Folks should go read that info on the Mofi site. If you have both verizon and att sims, you would have to swap them out in the current unit to switch service providers. I would not wait to buy the unit that holds 2 sim cards unless they had a firm date and price that was acceptable.
I read that also & was wondering if it would be wise to wait on the upcoming MOFI5500??? I'm so confused which way to go because like Debby, I need to get a setup for needed employment.
@@Zymurgest Thank you. So would you suggest the 4 or 7.
Also, if this isn't asking too much, do you have an preference between this MoFi & the Netgear Nighthawk M1100??
@@Zymurgest I can't thank you enough! This is by far the most definitive & directional advice I've gotten ANYWHERE! I went to several stores yesterday (i.e., ATT, Walmart & Verizon) and NONE of them were knowledged enough to assist me in any regard!?!🤨🤔
Thanks, you are helping a lot, a big lot. You are my #1 person to go to when I have a question. Thanks, much love.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I have read, researched and never could put it all together. This makes sense now.
Thanks so much! It's never too much info. We can watch it over and over till it's all absorbed ! Your the best! You inspire us all.
As a Canadian trucker or now ex trucker, I had T Mobile prepaid. Unlimited calls and texts but also unlimited LTE internet. Boy it was fast and worked at no extra charge both sides of the border. It was $70us and I set it up on auto pay. Connected my GPS to it for real time traffic and many times it alerted me to road closures and rerouted me.
You are giving everyone very valuable information and advice. Saving people money, their searching time and effort. Reducing their struggling, uncertainty and worrying. You not only look like Santa Claus, you are doing good deeds like Santa..! Great job..! Thank You.
Bob, you just gave the most concise, clear, easy to understand explanation of how to get wifi/cell while camping. Well(s) done! Thank you.
Have you looked into visible wireless. I use it at my house because there is no good high speed option available. Visible is a Verizon prepaid service that offers unlimited hotspot from your phone, it is $40 a month. One catch is you can only tether one device at a time to the hotspot, I got around that by using a mobile router.
HI BOB , HOPE YOU ARE WELL . LOVE YOUR VIDEOS . THANKS TO YOU I HAVE BEEN LIVING ON THE ROAD FOR 4 MONTHS NOW . I HAVE AT&T AND HAVE UNLIMITED DATA NAD HOT SPOT . IT IS MY SISTER PLANS AND THE BEST PART IS WE ONLY PAY 30.00 EACH A MONTH . BE BLESSED . YOU HELP ME A LOT, THANK YOU .
Hi Bob, I have an unlimited plan with T-Mobile and most places I get good service. I've traveled all over and most of the time I get a good connection. No need to add multiple lines and since I'm 58 I get a discounted plan for 55+. Also you don't need a code to get on at McDonalds. They bring up a page that you click on to sign in. Some McDonald's send a strong signal out which you can get in their parking lot. That varies. Another thing you'll want to look for is the new Starlink satellite internet that's coming soon. And 5G, which might work better for mobile users than Starlink.
Bob, you are so generous. This was fantastic advice and help. I don't understand everything, but I am saving this video and will watch it again, and when the need arises I will be able to just pull it up and watch again and write down the information I need.
your simple explanation has definitely earned a thumbs up!!
this is the second time I feel like Bob has saved my life.
I'm with Cricket. Owned by AT&T.i get unlimited gigs of data on my phone with no data caps. Plus I get 15 gigs of hotspot all for $60 a month. $55 a month with auto pay.
Thank you Bob. I have been trying to research this topic, and me me technically challenged, I was getting more confused than before I started. You are a very good teacher. Now I understand. Thank you!!!
Thank you again, internet and solar, the two things that are the most confusing for us newbies
Exactly!!!
Banking and mail also🤔
@@tamarackmi9195 Online banking account! Mail has me stumped though 🤔
Oh! I get internet from my phone! I knew I got it ON my phone, but couldn’t understand how to get it on other devices. Thanks!
Be aware of those jetpacks. If you got them on a promotional price, you have a 24 month commitment to keep that phone line, or else there's a very hefty Early Termination Fee if you cancel the phone line associated with it.
@@dmorrow6883 Where do I get one????
Bob, this was the best video I've seen in a while! Actually when it comes to answering questions I've had for a very long time, it was straightforwardly the perfect video!!! Thank you very much for making this so simple to understand that even my homosapien brain could understand. Thank you once again!
Is there a more recent video on this topic? I'm thinking the technology may have advanced in the last 4 years.
Yeah AT&T and trash now.
I'm in the middle of quite the learning curve on this so thank you! I had an iPad so I paid for another phone line to that and I was all set but then I lost it. That's where the confusion started! Only certain tablets have the embedded unlimited data ability like the iPad and they are all pricey. So now I understand getting the portable hotspot with a monthly fee will enable me to get internet on a notebook computer.
I have nomadic internet and I love it and it’s unlimited. Love your videos keep up the good work. Ty
i live out of my van and i use visible cell service. it has no data cap and it runs on the verizon cellular network. im also an online student and steady streamer i use roughly 1+ TBs of data every month with out being throttled. and just recently they started on the 5G network also.
And 3 years later thank you very much bob. Hopefully you have update on this subject.
Thank you for the info, as always straight forward and to the point. You probably will never realize how much you have helped people with your TH-cam and now courses. Thank you so much
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I never would have figured this out on my own. Wouldn't even have known what questions to ask.
Understanding all the hardware choice's out there is tough, and exactly how you get internet service from LTE service providers through what hardware is the 2nd hardest thing to explain. Good Job Bob. As other people have mentioned there's third party resellers offering Verizon Service with many perks for free that Verizon charges their own customers for as up charges.
As for equipment, peplink makes equipment that will manage more than one sim card. For example, you have both Verizon and AT&T sim cards, no problem your connected. Peplink is considered industrial grade devices, and the cost will be high than consumer grade devices surely. But if your one of those that absolutely has to have LTE service (with encrypted VPN abilities) these products are available, and with an operating temp range from -40°F to 149°F.
Thank you for this info! I'll have to watch it a few more times to 'get it', but I don't mind doing that for solid informationl
Cellular internet, Hughs-net via satellite.
Good lesson progression from electric power to internet.
Hey Bob, your video here has been the best in explaining how to get internet on the road and in the back country. I can't tell you how many videos I have watched that add too much technical info, not even in the right sequence, that is not necessary in order to understand the basics. Big thank you and I will continue to follow you for "THE BEST" in everything else! Happy Camping! Wish I was out there with you but stuck in my office until the weekend! Rich W, Sacramento, CA
10 years from now we wonder how we got along with this old technology
thanks for the info a newbie trying to put it all together it may take me a moment
Thanks Bob: as an urban nomad camper I have been able to get by with wifi hotspots and was concerned about what happens when I venture out. I left Verizon because I didn't need to pay as much as I was, but thank you for telling me about AT&T as competition. I have Consumer Cellular and have been happy with them because of their excellent customer service when I most needed it but am contemplating my future now with the your kind and informed assistance
Michele, yes Consumer Cellular is a reseller of AT&T wireless service. There are a couple of Verizon resellers, too. Happy travels.
Thank you for your help. I just bought my first rv and hope to be on the road the next year as I retire.
You sir, are to be commended for your efforts. You have my respect.
As a truck driver I find biggest cell gaps are at state lines but that's where the best rest areas are
Some rest areas have wifi, we video game on our jetpack
Really appreciate your opinion on what works best as well as ideas for those of us who must have power for a livelihood with internet.
More useful info than I got watching 10 other videos. Thank you.
This was so helpful. You explain things so well. Would love to see a video on VPN systems and how to use them.
Super good information!! All your information is great! Iʻm not living in my van or a traveling nomad, but always wish I could. Living on an island, you canʻt travel like the USA. One road around the island. Grew up living on a boat, lived most of my life either on a boat or on a beach. Which the ocean is our food, and we fish. I would love one day to experience the travel cross the USA, and have no destination!!
Thank you very much for the info, I’m so happy to find you and listen again.
Thank you, Bob!
Here's an FYI; we can now get UNLIMITED talk, text and (shared) data from AT&T thru Consumer Cellular. Right now, it's $60.00 for 1 line (expected bill of $60), or $75 for 2 lines (plus taxes & fees). I'm guessing that it won't be long (if it hasn't already happened) that other companies begin to offer affordable unlimited data, too.
Thanks, Bob. That's the clearest explanation of all the different stuff to consider that I've heard so far. I knew about my phone's hot spot since my mom's place doesnt have wifi--I dont think the whole town of 400 people has any public places with wifi so the cell hot spot does the job. except you cant use the phone while online and it isnt quite good enough for using video to meet up, so I wondered about that. Thus I am tickled pink to learn about the Mofi thing and what will likely be endless future opportunities for new tech in this area. Thanks again, Bob.
Excellent video, Bob. Simple summary of what are the basic choices out there. Thanks.
Terrific presentation. What type of service or device would you recommend for an "always on" internet connection in a car to periodically access a dash cam to remotely view the interior and/or exterior of my car? I'm in New York City (enough said) and have to leave it parked far away. Thanks Giovanni
Super helpful, thank you! I work a remote job, but have to be hard wired for right now. Hoping with all the virtual stuff we've had to do since covid started, my company will be open to me working from the van. Will free us up so much more for sure!
In the mid-90s, we traveled west coast to east coast and back over a year and a half using a Verizon device (I think it also was called a jet pack and MiFi or something similar) with large full-service laptops for receiving hospital dictation for transcription and return to the hospital. We also used a large portable satellite antenna and satellite internet, but that was very slow by comparison with the not-that-slow Verizon jet pack. Back then, we also were able to get almost whatever Verizon data amount we wanted to pay for. Sometimes, we had to use a booster above the RV roof to amplify a too-distant cell service. Time seems not to have changed much....
been working remotely all summer using Visible service for $25 unlimited data a month. loving it so far.
How is their customer service?
I have Visible for my cell phone, and it's terrible! Off and on through the day it drops service completely, sometimes for a few minutes and sometimes longer, like an hour and a half. It's glitchy and very slow on websites -- awful!
I've been looking for remote work, but most require high speed internet and don't allow mobile data or wifi(So I'm looking into how to get around that or for jobs that don't care), and Visible limits my hotspot data to 5Mbps.
Love Visible otherwise. Only time it sucks is if I'm at the outer edges of their tower range or outside their range where, of course, I get no service.
Thank You for explaining some of these technologies.
Dear dear Bob! Thanks for the great video, and for the equally great and informative conversation that it started. Best ❤️🐾💫
Excellent tutorial. I had a vague idea how it was done but not too sure of it. This does the job. Thanks
Hi Bob,
Always enjoy your videos and have been a subscriber for years. You have a lot of toys on the table and I wanted to let you know what I found recently that might alleviate some of that! Verizon has a "secondary" service called VISIBLE. They use Verizon towers, which as you said in your video are more available than all the others combined (or so I have found). I b ought a phone from them for $40, an Android that has a SIM card and actually has a removable battery which might be a bonus to some people. For a maximum of $40 a month including taxes and fees, you have unlimited talk, text and data! You can set it up as a hotspot of course and the only issue is they allow you to connect one device to the hotspot at a time. The workaround is to get a small "travel router" for $20 on Amazon or something and connect that to the phone/hotspot. Now you can connect up to 15 devices to the little router..
Now the fun part....you can refer people and all of you pay less. Instead of $40/month, every person you add drops your monthly fee by $5.00. Visit their website for details and if you decide (or anyone else) to do this, please use my referral code so we can all benefit. We have been using the service for a couple of months and it is perfect. My referral code is 3ICfJm.
Have a great day! JAB- just another Bob!
Thank you for your time, energy, knowledge, and a great video. Best of luck to you if you're still out there on the road!!
OMG you are the person I have been trying to find. Thank you for explaining. So so so very helpful. Now I am more educated on trying to find a solution. Thanks again.
Another great tip is never use a debit card online. Use only a charge card that fully protected for online purchases. Some folks use reloadable charge cards. Be safe as I don't use a debit card for anything. I use a charge card and pay it off at the end of the month or before for all my transactions if I'm not using cash.
Very good advice. I just started doing this myself.
Cell service..100%...stream movies,, etc hdmi to my tv...Never an issue as long as i have cell.
Excellent advice...I've been doing ATT and Verizon and rarely don't have a connection.
This has been the best video I've ever seen about internet on the road. Love the way you educate Bob:)
I agree. Some of the others talk over your head or around the edges & you don't know any more after watching then you did before.
Good job Bob
Great info video on internet signal coverage, Bob! Thank you!
Perfect timing. Just what I needed
Also if your streaming u can connect your phone to your TV with an hdmi to phone connection
Steffie C 😮
Yes true
So I don't need a phone that has the 'cast to TV' capability? If so, that's great. I didn't know about that. Thanks! - Hal
@@haroldfitz5146 I dont even remember a time I didnt have a smart phone but im pretty sure if u can find the hdmi to (your phones charger plug connection) you can mirror the screen to the TV. Everything u do on the phone will show up on your TV screen. Ive been doing that for probably about 12 years now so if your not on a flip phone or something that old im 99% positive it would work.
@Trippin' Rick & Yvonne I use the TV mostly for TH-cams and some news....but I get where you're coming from. Most TV is garbage - Hal
May I suggest putting a video of each one of these as some of us have learning disabilities and personally I felt overwhelmed.
Maybe some people could follow along let's just say that I'm not one of them .
Thank you 😊
There are so many variables to be aware of for internet connection!!
Data is a big variable.
Most people don’t know how much data they use monthly.
Most people don’t know what app uses the most data - audio and video.
It is like needing to know how much electricity one needs each month.
The carriers do not make it easy with their terminology - unlimited doesn’t mean unlimited.
Excellent RTR session?
Whew, that's a lot to absorb for someone who is not that tech savy. I don't really even understand my cell phone yet. I'll book mark it for later.Then, when I have more time, I can go over it again and again. Thanks for the info.
Bob, you simply rock! Thank you for what you do, you are a gem.
I'm blessed to have the old Verizon Unlimited plan so I have 2 Jetpacks, $20 a month each. I gave one to the teenagers to use and I use the other for business. They have been SO great! So far there hasnt been anything we can't do, even running credit cards at festivals and markets out in the boonies.
You can get grandfathered at&t sim cards on Ebay that give you unlimited data for like 30 bucks a month. I'm not on the road, but I live out in the country with no other service. I use the mofi router with one of those and it works great. High speed, unlimited data, even if I move back into town I'll use it because nothing is cheaper. You just have to follow the directions and the grandfathered plan will be transferred to your name. I pay it automatically every month through my bank and I never lose service. Originally I tried to get a router and sim card through a cell phone company, and for unlimited it was like 130 or so dollars a month. Forget that! The old plans were much cheaper
A very clean, simple and well thought out basic explanation. Thank you!
I love my older Surface Pro. It works like a laptop PC but it's a tablet, so I'm very happy with it.
Since you can't use standard flash drives on an iPad, I recommend an OTG (On The Go) device you can use as a thumb drive and transfer between devices. SanDisk makes one with a Lightning plug so you can put your pictures on your computer. I'm not sure about all forms of video files, but you should be able to convert and upload certain videos to TH-cam on your "unlimited data connection."
Thank you so much. This is exactly the information that I've been wanting to learn. I really enjoy your videos. I am a big fan of your channel. This video is so helpful.
This is truly helpful. I've been so lost and confused about the whole thing. I didn't know they made computers that can get their own internet by themselves now (LTE like on phones), and I didn't know the difference between WiFi and LTE (what I always called "space internet" before). I have a better idea of what my options are and what I can be looking for now, thanks to your fantastic explanation.
More expensive tablets have a sim card slot
I get it now. Never understood before. Thank you.
Bob I use t mobile and it is great around highways and populated area. I also use mine tethered for a slightly higher speed.
By far the best explanations I have ever heard on this subject. (I know you meant Windows and not IBM.)
what is the cost per month for the mofi? I too am confused when you say "it's $100" is that one time or per month??? should I assume that all wifi has an additional monthly fee? btw, this stuff is not intuitively obvious - keeping up with technology is a full time job these days... one many of us don't want!!!!
On a different topic, people lose interest in RVs and let them become unusable. Refrigerator or stove may still be good. Do you have a way to connect people to salvage for your program, before it all goes to waste?
I'm glad you did this video, because I had no idea. A wealth of information. I'll be watching this video another time or three, and research availability and cost. Thanks for all this great information.
100% watch this more than once
Funny thing I understand this as you explain everything your doing so very well but that solar stuff took me a bit longer to understand... lol as I don't understand why that piece is needed in solar and I'm a personality that just can not do something till I know the why's. It's something that has served me well enough but I guess it apples to oranges thing in my minds data sims wear.
Have an awesome day to all of the people that know Bob and all the supporters that these videos touch and help support us free spirits to better live a free life style that we crave today.