Internet access

[med2463]

In the past would sign up for Verizon's 5GB mobile broadband for $50/mo to tether cell phone to laptop when going cruising. They now say it's no longer available, but I can sign up for a 2GB plan for $50. I know there have been postings in the past about internet access, but technology is always changing, so looking for current info. It's too late to change for upcoming trip, but plan to change to something else in March before our big April cruise. We aren't interested in Iphone or Ipad because of screen size. Hoping to see options at Miami Boat Show, but if you have a successful option, would like to hear about it. Also going to look into wi-fi booster and forget about cellular access.

 

[Bob C]

We switched in early summer. We have always been with Sprint but upgraded to the HTC droid phone with 8 hot spots that will allow up to 8 seperate computers to hook up to the internet with unlimited access . This has been great for travel where ever there's a cell connection. The cost is about $30. over our basic plan ++ all those taxes

 

[RAD]

Try this link from this site search

http://forums.oday.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=778419&highlight=wifi antenna

 

[Ed Schenck]

Same here, new Droid Global with unlimited data plan. I haven't added the mobile yet because I have no long range cruising plans. But the Droid without mobile almost replaces the laptop except for screen-size. And as you suggest, the laptop on the boat finds lots of free wi-fi even without the amplifiers.

On my cruise to Tampa I had a Verizon "air card" on the laptop and was never without contact. But I guess that is ancient architecture now. That was way back in 2009.

 

[Martiel C.]

We have a friend that just arrived in Jax Fl from Va. just yesterday, he said wi-fi connections were spotty to say the least. With many being secure.
We decided on the HTC droid with tethering for the sole purpose of having a secure connection when banking and paying bills. It is a (wireless)wi-fi connection from the cell phone to the laptop, therefore we do not have to deal with the very small screen. Again as long as we are within cell range we have a secure unlimited connection.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Here's another wifi booster discussion: http://forums.oday.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=751935&highlight=wifi

I bought the Alfa, works just fine.

Active Captain has a series of newsletters about wifi access, start here: https://www.activecaptain.com/newsletters/2011-01-05.php

 

[gettinthere]

look into PDAnet for tethering!

 

[PaulK]

Don't forget that whatever system you use will need coverage where you're going to be sailing. We went with the Verizon deal most recently because, though the other guys had cheaper deals, their coverage simply wasn't there. 4G is no better than 3G if there's no service, either.

 

[r.oril]

Not sure this will help but you can put this on your Garmin GPS. Register and it's free.

http://www.poi-factory.com/

 

[MLampner]

Agree have used both Sprint and ATT, find Sprint has better connectivity on the Chesapeake and 4G when near the western shore between Baltimore and Annapolis but it doesn't matter if you have no signal.

 

[dooley1]

PDA Net

I agree with above post about using PDA Net with tether. In English... that means if you have any sort of "smart" phone that can connect to the internet, you then install pda net (app) and connect a simple USB cable from your phone to your laptop and voila -- you are connected, just like the "old" wi-fi card. I have been using it for over a year and it works great.

 

[capta]

wifi aboard

I used Sprint for many years @ $69.00 per month (contract) for 5 gigs, with less than stellar service.
Found Virgin Mobile MiFi for $40.00 (no contract, so I need not pay when making crossings) unlimited usage, up to 5 computers.
Even here in ST. Thomas & St. John it works well, if a bit slow.
Also works in BVI, as it should down island, but roaming is dear.
Worked very well, coastal US, too.

 

[Hayden Watson]

I live in the US but much of my cruising ground in is Canada. Do any of these plans work across the border? i have been using BroadBand Xpress (bbxpress.com) but you have to be in a marina that has it and i prefer to anchor in more remote areas.

 

[Don on JCat Key West]

We switched to Verizon BB 2 years ago, using the USB760 3G antenna, 5GB for about $50. We use it everywhere from TN to FL, even in the deep woods, no cell phone required. Wi-Fi on the ICW was spotty and mostly secured.

 

[med2463]

We switched to Verizon BB 2 years ago, using the USB760 3G antenna, 5GB for about $50. We use it everywhere from TN to FL, even in the deep woods, no cell phone required. Wi-Fi on the ICW was spotty and mostly secured.

We had been using the Verizon BB 5GB for $50, but when I tried to sign up for it few days ago, was told by cust. svc. it is no longer available and I had to use the 2GB for $50. Actually it is 2GB for $20, but they make you sign up for the $29.99 data pkg to go along with it.

 

[sea_casper]

Virgin Mobile MIFI, $40/mo unlimited, no contract. paid $160 for the MiFi receiver.
Uses Sprint 3g network, WIFI allows up to 5 connections, we typically use a laptop and an Itouch. We had good reception up the ICW through Florida.,and hope we will the rest of our journey North this Spring. We only pay for those months we are on the boat, so annual cost is low compared to anything else.

 

[SNOWCROW]

Great thread...lots of info. Would also like to hear from sailors making it quite a bit farther down...(Leewards, Windwards, Trinidad..etc., as to the availability and costs associated with wi/fi, data, etc.
Would like to have KVH sat. tv too...so if anyone has comments, JUMP IN!
Thanks

 

[Don on JCat Key West]

Just checked the Verizon site and I think I see the misunderstanding.
The 5GB for $50 is for notebooks equipped with USB antennas.
2 years ago the 3G antenna was free for signing up. I've seen the 4G antenna advertised at a pretty low cost (with signup).
The $20 for 2GB is for phone access (which you can plug into a laptop).
Hope this helps.
DonB

 

[heart of gold]

Internet in BVI's

I used Sprint for many years @ $69.00 per month (contract) for 5 gigs, with less than stellar service.
Found Virgin Mobile MiFi for $40.00 (no contract, so I need not pay when making crossings) unlimited usage, up to 5 computers.
Even here in ST. Thomas & St. John it works well, if a bit slow.
Also works in BVI, as it should down island, but roaming is dear.
Worked very well, coastal US, too.

6 of us here in Canada are planning a 2 week bare boat charter in the BVI's in a year and a bit. 2 of our crew need to work over the internet a couple of hours a day(only way they can do it, too bad I know but....) You sound like you have a handle on this. What is the best way to keep the roaming costs to a minimum. Are there WiFi hotspots in the anchorages? Is cel phone data link the only way? When you say the costs are dear, would a person have to mortgage the house? Thanks for any information you can help us out with. Cheers, Ian

 

[Roy Udwin]

6 of us here in Canada are planning a 2 week bare boat charter in the BVI's in a year and a bit. 2 of our crew need to work over the internet a couple of hours a day(only way they can do it, too bad I know but....) You sound like you have a handle on this. What is the best way to keep the roaming costs to a minimum. Are there WiFi hotspots in the anchorages? Is cel phone data link the only way? When you say the costs are dear, would a person have to mortgage the house? Thanks for any information you can help us out with. Cheers, Ian

Recommend you go on traveltalkonline.com - BVI forum. Lots of info there. You will find numerous free hotspots. Cellular roaming - especially data can get quite pricy - yes the mortgage kind of pricey!