Need backup internet

[skeedo]

Currently work from home and while Comcast has been pretty reliable for the past two months I've had this job, they do still tend to have outages. I need some type of mobile wifi hotspot for backup internet, I've been looking around but everything seems to have pretty bad reviews especially the T-mobile devices.

I'm hoping I can find something where I can avoid monthly fees and just pay for what I use. Also I don't need an extremely fast connection, but at least 1mbit would do.

 

[compman25]

I have a verizon mifi device that works great, have you checked them out?

 

[Thegonagle]

If I was in a T-Mobile 4G area, especially in an area where they've upgraded to LTE, I wouldn't rule them out until I tried them.

A couple years ago, I occasionally used the Wi-Fi hotspot feature of my T-Mobile G2 (since it was unlocked on that phone). It worked pretty well for not even being real 4G. LTE is definitely preferable though.

 

[Chipfiref]

I use my second phone, UNLOCKED android Nexus 4 phone purchased from Google Play and with ATT (I have no land line and work from home so I can almost justify the 2 phones). I just set up phone tethereing and my laptop sees it as an available wireless network. For work it amazingly effective when needed - although I have a great setup at home I can go to another location when needed And as you are probably aware you are only transmitting screen refresh mouse moves and keystrokes...just don't download docs and avoid sharing screen too much while tethered.

 

[ImDonly1]

The only provider to offer a hotspot service with no expiration date is walmart I believe.

See here
http://www.walmart.com/browse/cell-p...ineresult=true

$45 card gives you 3GB of data, the $10 card gives you 500mb, or the $25 for 1.5gb.
They use the sprint network see coverage map here
http://www.internet-go.com/

The bad:
-They use sprint's 3g network only (not wimax or lte). So speeds will probably be awful and a waste of money, unless you are in a good sprint area.
-You also need to buy their hotspot device.


It might be better to just get this instead
http://slickdeals.net/f/5273826-Fre...e-Internet-500MB-per-month-with-49-99-deposit
500mb/month free. Uses sprint wimax network (better speeds). Have to use it a little bit every month in order to keep account active. Some hidden fees. Read the thread.
Make sure wimax is available in your area.


If you already have a smartphone, I would just tether your phone to your PC for free using any of the many (free) tethering options on the play store. If on iPhone you can jailbreak and tether free.

 

[EagleKeeper]

We can use our Sprint hotspot as a backup.
Only problem is if power outage on sprint itself; we have backup generator.

 

[corkyg]

My primary access is Comcast. Outages are quite rare here. I do have a backup hotspot with Verizon on my Android phone. I used to have Sprint, but finally got frustrated after lousy coverage in parts of Calif I travel to. VZF is much better for coverage.