Internet access while camping

[doglady]

As I am preparing to leave home for about 6 months on the road the thing I know I'm going to miss the most about home is my internet access.

My first campground, where I'll be for about 2 months, does not have wi-fi, so I'll probably be limited to access on my trips into the nearest town. I can get email and do some limited web browsing on my iPhone - but I'm wondering what everyone does...

Any recommendations on data plans?
Specific hardware?

[Bethers]

If you use our search feature, you'll discover lots of threads about this. Most of us have some data card service. The most popular is Verizon. It doesn't mean it works everywhere - but is getting better and better. Cost for the card varies on the length of the plan you get (you can buy the card, or get it free for 2 years service) - Monthly service is $60.

[doglady]

Sorry - I did look through the older posts but didn't see anything and totally missed the search box up top (found it now) - I'll do some digging through the archives.

I'm currently with AT&T and hate them - especially in my area the coverage is spotty at best so I know I'm probably going to have to change carriers.

[retiredhappy]

I've had Verizon for years and they seem to have the best coverage. I use the Verizon aircard and again, have really good coverage. I can get on the internet at a reststop. I don't like to use RV park wifi cause its an "open" network and if they have a hacker your into is an open book.

[snowball]

I also have the verizon card but if this is a problem for you places you can use is the library and some cafes/coffee houses also some rest areas have free wifi
but you are much more secure on the card
sheila

[bikerchic777]

You should be able to add a tether app to your iPhone, like I have on my Droid. Since you already have internet access on your iPhone, you can tether it to your computer...like having your own WIFI. Mine works great! Rumor has it they may start charging for it, but hope not, since I'm already paying for data. What a rip off to charge for broadband, too

[AlmostThere]

Linda, if I remember correctly, the iPhone won't tether!

[bikerchic777]

I would think it could if it has internet access. Just sayin' I'm not a computer geek by any means. If Doglady is going to change over to Verizon, anyway, might be beneficial to get a Droid so she can. The savings would pay for the nicer phone....I'm good at justifying purchases

[AlmostThere]

copied from geek.com

The blogosphere is abuzz over the fourth beta of iPhone OS 4 because the software indicates that AT&T may be finally willing and ready to enable iPhone tethering on their 3G network.

Not so fast, folks. While the updated software did add a new tethering option under network settings, this alone is no guarantee that the carrier will enable the service when iPhone OS 4 launches this June. Also, it’s not the first time that tethering appeared in iPhone OS betas only to disappear when the software shipped. I can’t help but notice that media outlets are making too much fuss about the presence of a tethering option in the iPhone software
.

The truth is, iPhones have been supporting tethering since iPhone OS 3 came out a year ago. I live outside the US and I’ve been enjoying tethering on my iPhone 3G and T-Mobile network since last summer. Modem tethering is supported in software on all iPhones that run at least iPhone OS 3.0, it’s just that a few wireless operators like AT&T haven’t yet enabled the service on the network end.

[Bethers]

Plus there is a thread recently where I explained why I left AT&T and went to Verizon. I was happy with AT&T - and happy tethering my Blackberry - BUT AT&T decided they weren't going to call all areas I could get online "home" areas - and they kept contacting me that I was in violation of their TOS with my usage in those areas. I switched to a Verizon aircard (and a cheap phone) to not have that happen to me.

I do believe AT&T and Verizon are about equal now in areas covered - as when Jean and I were following each other - if she didn't have service, I would and vice versa. A friend is now on the coast of OR - doesn't have service with his Verizon - When I was there several years ago my AT&T did - so, it's a toss up there. However, that data hitch with AT&T lost them my business.