It was time to upgrade my old Verizon Hotspot for better and faster internet on the road. I've used an old Verizon Hotspot during the last year of travels and I have been amazed at Verizon's coverage as we circled the USA. There was only a couple dozen days we did not have coverage, which was OK for us, being retired folks that don't have to be in touch every day.
I followed the advice of Technomadia and several others and acquired the latest Jetpack, the Verizon MHS291L. This is the latest model and is not easily found. I finally went to a Verizon corporate store and asked for it by model number (it was not shown out in their showroom display). After telling the salesman that this was the only model I was interested in buying he went to the back room and came out with a new one. Apparently they only show older/out-of-date models for the unsuspecting public.
My review of this new 4G LTE Hotspot is that it is amazing. PC magazine raved about it for a reason, it is a vast improvement over everything else. This may be better than the land lines I've used in the past. I've compared it to my son-in-laws high speed land line and the new Jetpack compares favorably.
This new Jetpack can be used in foreign countries so I'll be checking into this before we enter Mexico in November. I'll report on costs and speed from Mexico. This last year we extended our two smart phones for use in Mexico and it only cost $10.00 per month extra for both phones on the international family plan.
I'm a happy 'connected' camper.
cherylbrv said
08:57 PM Aug 16, 2014
Following... we're about to invest in the Millenicom as well, so looking forward to seeing the answer first.
Russ Ranger said
11:42 PM Aug 16, 2014
In the last couple of years I've never exceeded 10 gig. We have two smart phone, an iPad and my laptop on a Family Share Plan. If I needed 20 gig I might have considered the Millenicom plan. I change my plan each month between 8 gig and 10 gig, depending on usage. At my rate of usage Verizon is cheaper.
I can also put my hotspot on two (90 day) holds with no charges while we are in Mexico. I'll make the decision on what is best for us before we enter Mexico this Winter.
Joe_Camper said
04:56 AM Aug 17, 2014
I have the Millenicom hotspot Pantech MHS291L and have been amazed, as well. Yesterday, my wife was watching her soap opera and it performed flawlessly. This morning, it is as slow as dial up. :( This is the first time this has happened. As soon as my wife wakes up, I'll call Millenicom and see what's up. I have a decent 4G signal where I am and several re-boots did not help.
Since we are still new to this, I don't know what our usage is going to be. However, half way through the month, we have only used 5.2 GB. Maybe we don't need 20 GB a month!
Russ Ranger said
10:30 AM Aug 17, 2014
Do NOT be fooled or persuaded to purchase a Hotspot or Jetpack that is not a MHS291L. All reports say that this new unit far exceeds all other in performance. Don't settle for less. They will try to sell you a lesser unit if you let them "fast talk" you. If you have to wait for the 291L, do be smart and wait. It's worth the wait.
Remember that they may have them in the back room if pressed. I told them I wasn't buying unless I could get the 291L, they went and got one when pressed.
(By the way, Costco is a big seller of Verizon and they do NOT sell the 291L. It took me 3 stores before I got mine from a corporate store.)
-- Edited by Russ Ranger on Sunday 17th of August 2014 10:34:08 AM
Russ Ranger said
11:02 AM Aug 17, 2014
For us in our RV the battery life of the new Jetpack was a big improvement. We went from a few hours to 14 or 15 hours. Also it is my understanding that our smart phones will not receive phone calls when being used as a Hotspot. Be sure to ask that question for your phone and carrier. I spend hours everyday online and I didn't want to be without phone service during those hours.
RickandJanice said
11:46 AM Aug 17, 2014
Not sure about the speed between a jet pack and a smart phone but we use our phone hot spot instead of a MiFi card. The only issue we have is that when the phone is in use, the data stream remains in tact but freezes up until the phone call is ended. This does not affect the quality or ability of calls, only the data usage during a call. We use Verizon shared plan with 8 gig limit have do not have any issues going over. Nice thing about Verizon plan is that you can adjust your data usage plan monthly if you want and either reduce usage plan and save money or increase it before going over and only pay the plan difference of $10/2 gig. Either way no throttling back at anytime. Break even point between Verizon or Millencom seems to be at 8 gig so if you know you will always use more than 8 gig, the Millencom is better cost choice.
cheryls-other-half said
01:08 PM Aug 17, 2014
Russ Ranger wrote:
...snip...Also it is my understanding that our smart phones will not receive phone calls when being used as a Hotspot. Be sure to ask that question for your phone and carrier. I spend hours everyday online and I didn't want to be without phone service during those hours.
This is a function of how Verizon (old CDMA networks) handled calls. The cell tower could either do a voice or a data call,not both over the main CDMA radio. The standards for LTE (done by all networks now, on different data channels) ALL new LTE phones now have SIMM cards.
Per the new technomadia rv connectivity guide, Apple devices (essentially ) said "tough luck" about data and cell at same time, whereas Android devices added a second voice modem to avoid these problems. (AT&T/Tmobile) being on "GSM" never had these limittions.
Yes, I would say, if you need a solid data connection, the millenicom solution seems more robust, and less interference if you have constant voice work also (since dedicated radios).
oh yeah, I was trying to answer another post on this thread, but didnt have my password last night.
with regard to Verizon salesman saying, " the Millenicom solution is different", or slower.
REGARD THEM (and most othersales-people ) with CAUTION. THEY ARE SALESPEOPLE, out to sell VERIZON direct data contracts.
I highly doubt (will let you know in future when cheryl has a verizon voice/data android, and we both have the millenicom box)
that verizon does throttle a specific Millenicom device, just because of the seller of the service (MNVO).
The specifics of resale of a carrier's service to a virtual mobile network operator(VMNO) (like Millenicom or walmart or Net10, etc)
are such. The wiki link above states:
An MVNO enters into a business agreement with a mobile network operator to obtain bulk access to network services at wholesale rates, then sets retail prices independently.
Essentially, what happens is:
Millenicom buys 10,000 Gigs of verizon data.
They do calculations, and figure out that they can afford to sell 20GB for $90/month, PER SIMM card. (telephone # or device id--take your pick, all essentially the same )
No Verizon customer service is used, that is supplied by Millenicom (or metroPCS, or Net10/etc).
This specific offering has no voice service.
Your account is now on the Verizon network, and your data is subject to Verizon's Whims.
WHAT THIS MEANS: IF YOU are downloading NETFLIX * , VERIZON CAN throttle you at their desire. WE have no idea (as a NATION), who (Comcast/AT&T/Verizon) throttles WHAT and WHERE, and WHEN. **
(* or porn, or anything they actually want to slow down...)
** SO the real reason you may be experiencing something seeming slower could be:
Use of netflix at a heavy usage time
use of you-tube or its derivatives
data intensive or inappropriate links.
THESE are all the technical reasons, something called "NETWORK NEUTRALITY" is essential in our SOCIETY.
Note: I spent over 25 years in engineering at AT&T before I took a separation offer, and needed to go back to work.
These 25 years helped me realize a great number of observations about cellular, cable, long distance, DSL, etc.
I hope this was not too technical, and helps a bit...
-- Edited by cheryls-other-half on Sunday 17th of August 2014 01:37:07 PM
bjoyce said
01:37 PM Aug 17, 2014
No, many Verizon Android smartphones will do talk and data on 3G/CDMA at the same time, and almost all will do talk and data on 4G. They just need two radios and newer radios since the CDMA specifications were updated to allow this before Verizon started rolling out 4G. Apple only put one radio in the iPhone, so it cannot do it. It did not seem to hurt iPhone sales, so I guess most users really don't care.
The first 4G/LTE Verizon phone, the HTC Thunderbolt would do it since it had a new radio. I know, I had one and specifically tested it. We had a free hotspot for about six months as a promotion and in those days most places were 3G and not 4G. The first few Samsung, LG and Motorola 4G phones did not have newer radios, but they do now. This has not been a problem with non-Apple smartphones for a while on Verizon. But, as I said, it doesn't seem to be a limitation that most people care about. AT&T likes to point it out, but they also like to act like they are better than Verizon.
We have Verizon Galaxy Note 3 phones, some of the best you can get. We also have a Millenicom 291 mobile hotspot (Jetpack/MiFi/internet thingy). We are at Evergreen Coho SKP park in Chimacum, WA, a weak place for Verizon. The 291 hotspot consistently gets 1 to 2 bars of 4G, the phones bounce back and forth between 4G and 3G. This matches our experience in other places, the 291 seems to have a stronger radio and is therefore better in marginal situations as a hotspot. The 291 will run over 10 hours on battery. Both the 291 and Note 3 will use the newest spectrum Verizon is using, they call it XLTE, most older mobile hotspot units will not. The 291 also shows you your usage on the device, many others do not.
A mobile hotspot only plan from Verizon is $50 per month for 5GB or $80 for 10GB, with $10/GB overage charges. If you use 10GB or less, then you can save money with Verizon if you can get the hotspot only plan. But, you will have to sign a 2 year contract. Verizon's retail price for the 291 is over $200, while it is about $100 from Millenicom.
cheryls-other-half said
01:46 PM Aug 17, 2014
junkman said..
I'd rather do without the phone ... then to be forced down to dial up speed.. though.. But both our phones are Android.. never could understand the apple thing
If you look at the newly revised (longer, more technical) answer, I essentially say that you should never drop down to dial-up speed today (and that SALESMEN tend to EXAGGERATE!!!
Penny and Paul said
10:38 AM Aug 21, 2014
RR, does your 291 have an external antenna jack? I looked through the user's manual on-line and didn't see a reference to one. ExtAnts, really help those of us living in mobile houses of mostly metal;>
It was time to upgrade my old Verizon Hotspot for better and faster internet on the road. I've used an old Verizon Hotspot during the last year of travels and I have been amazed at Verizon's coverage as we circled the USA. There was only a couple dozen days we did not have coverage, which was OK for us, being retired folks that don't have to be in touch every day.
I followed the advice of Technomadia and several others and acquired the latest Jetpack, the Verizon MHS291L. This is the latest model and is not easily found. I finally went to a Verizon corporate store and asked for it by model number (it was not shown out in their showroom display). After telling the salesman that this was the only model I was interested in buying he went to the back room and came out with a new one. Apparently they only show older/out-of-date models for the unsuspecting public.
My review of this new 4G LTE Hotspot is that it is amazing. PC magazine raved about it for a reason, it is a vast improvement over everything else. This may be better than the land lines I've used in the past. I've compared it to my son-in-laws high speed land line and the new Jetpack compares favorably.
This new Jetpack can be used in foreign countries so I'll be checking into this before we enter Mexico in November. I'll report on costs and speed from Mexico. This last year we extended our two smart phones for use in Mexico and it only cost $10.00 per month extra for both phones on the international family plan.
I'm a happy 'connected' camper.
I can also put my hotspot on two (90 day) holds with no charges while we are in Mexico. I'll make the decision on what is best for us before we enter Mexico this Winter.
Since we are still new to this, I don't know what our usage is going to be. However, half way through the month, we have only used 5.2 GB. Maybe we don't need 20 GB a month!
Do NOT be fooled or persuaded to purchase a Hotspot or Jetpack that is not a MHS291L. All reports say that this new unit far exceeds all other in performance. Don't settle for less. They will try to sell you a lesser unit if you let them "fast talk" you. If you have to wait for the 291L, do be smart and wait. It's worth the wait.
Remember that they may have them in the back room if pressed. I told them I wasn't buying unless I could get the 291L, they went and got one when pressed.
(By the way, Costco is a big seller of Verizon and they do NOT sell the 291L. It took me 3 stores before I got mine from a corporate store.)
-- Edited by Russ Ranger on Sunday 17th of August 2014 10:34:08 AM
This is a function of how Verizon (old CDMA networks) handled calls. The cell tower could either do a voice or a data call,not both over the main CDMA radio. The standards for LTE (done by all networks now, on different data channels) ALL new LTE phones now have SIMM cards.
Per the new technomadia rv connectivity guide, Apple devices (essentially ) said "tough luck" about data and cell at same time, whereas Android devices added a second voice modem to avoid these problems. (AT&T/Tmobile) being on "GSM" never had these limittions.
Yes, I would say, if you need a solid data connection, the millenicom solution seems more robust, and less interference if you have constant voice work also (since dedicated radios).
oh yeah, I was trying to answer another post on this thread, but didnt have my password last night.
with regard to Verizon salesman saying, " the Millenicom solution is different", or slower.
REGARD THEM (and most othersales-people ) with CAUTION. THEY ARE SALESPEOPLE, out to sell VERIZON direct data contracts.
I highly doubt (will let you know in future when cheryl has a verizon voice/data android, and we both have the millenicom box)
that verizon does throttle a specific Millenicom device, just because of the seller of the service (MNVO).
The specifics of resale of a carrier's service to a virtual mobile network operator(VMNO) (like Millenicom or walmart or Net10, etc)
are such. The wiki link above states:
Essentially, what happens is:
- No Verizon customer service is used, that is supplied by Millenicom (or metroPCS, or Net10/etc).
- This specific offering has no voice service.
Your account is now on the Verizon network, and your data is subject to Verizon's Whims.(* or porn, or anything they actually want to slow down...)
** SO the real reason you may be experiencing something seeming slower could be:
THESE are all the technical reasons, something called "NETWORK NEUTRALITY" is essential in our SOCIETY.
Note: I spent over 25 years in engineering at AT&T before I took a separation offer, and needed to go back to work.
These 25 years helped me realize a great number of observations about cellular, cable, long distance, DSL, etc.
I hope this was not too technical, and helps a bit...
-- Edited by cheryls-other-half on Sunday 17th of August 2014 01:37:07 PM
The first 4G/LTE Verizon phone, the HTC Thunderbolt would do it since it had a new radio. I know, I had one and specifically tested it. We had a free hotspot for about six months as a promotion and in those days most places were 3G and not 4G. The first few Samsung, LG and Motorola 4G phones did not have newer radios, but they do now. This has not been a problem with non-Apple smartphones for a while on Verizon. But, as I said, it doesn't seem to be a limitation that most people care about. AT&T likes to point it out, but they also like to act like they are better than Verizon.
We have Verizon Galaxy Note 3 phones, some of the best you can get. We also have a Millenicom 291 mobile hotspot (Jetpack/MiFi/internet thingy). We are at Evergreen Coho SKP park in Chimacum, WA, a weak place for Verizon. The 291 hotspot consistently gets 1 to 2 bars of 4G, the phones bounce back and forth between 4G and 3G. This matches our experience in other places, the 291 seems to have a stronger radio and is therefore better in marginal situations as a hotspot. The 291 will run over 10 hours on battery. Both the 291 and Note 3 will use the newest spectrum Verizon is using, they call it XLTE, most older mobile hotspot units will not. The 291 also shows you your usage on the device, many others do not.
A mobile hotspot only plan from Verizon is $50 per month for 5GB or $80 for 10GB, with $10/GB overage charges. If you use 10GB or less, then you can save money with Verizon if you can get the hotspot only plan. But, you will have to sign a 2 year contract. Verizon's retail price for the 291 is over $200, while it is about $100 from Millenicom.
junkman said..
I'd rather do without the phone ... then to be forced down to dial up speed.. though.. But both our phones are Android.. never could understand the apple thing
If you look at the newly revised (longer, more technical) answer, I essentially say that you should never drop down to dial-up speed today (and that SALESMEN tend to EXAGGERATE!!!
RR, does your 291 have an external antenna jack? I looked through the user's manual on-line and didn't see a reference to one. ExtAnts, really help those of us living in mobile houses of mostly metal;>
Yes that device has an external antenna port
Roger that, thanks!