Using Phone As Hotspot For Internet In The Truck?

Title pretty much says it all. Anybody using their phone as a hotspot? AT&T sales rep suggested I just bump up my data plan and use my Galaxy S4 as a hotspot device, would be cheaper than buying a $50 5GB hotspot device. Anybody else do this? I'd be using internet for browsing, email, Google hangouts (like Skype) w/ family, and some video streaming. I know the streaming is what kills you, so I'll probably bring DVDs or burn them to my laptop hard drive. I'll have to monitor my usage to see how much I might use while on the road, curious if 10GB would be enough or not.

That is how I'm doing this right now. I'm usually OK on my 10gb unless I start watching too many videos. The other thing I do on occasion is use the truck stop's wifi. With the points you get from fueling you can do it free when your connection is bad.

I use my phones hotspot sometimes, works well when I have a good connection. But I have T-Mobile and their coverage isn't the best. As far as watching TV I can always pick up some local channels where ever I shutdown. Often times you can get the local news channel.

I too recomend the phone option. Depending if you need more data, you could get away with what you have. I have a 6gb plan and use 3 at the most...

If you stream netflix, you can set it to a lower stream rate, which will save you data. you'll have to do it from the main website but its under settings or something like that.

my account > Play back settings. (its under your profile)

select auto, Low, Medium or High.... each one will say approx how much data it will use.... .3gb isnt bad for a low def.. I didnt really see a difference in low compared to high on my phone...

If you stream 2 1/2 hr movie, your looking at .75gb of data (approx 13hrs of video on a 10gb plan.. give or take.)

I use straight talk with "unlimited" data for 45 a month and stream all I want with no problems even after they throttle me back. But since I stream football all season I don't want to run out if data. And since straight talk uses att and tmobile networks I usually never have a problem with service.

I use straight talk with "unlimited" data for 45 a month and stream all I want with no problems even after they throttle me back. But since I stream football all season I don't want to run out if data. And since straight talk uses att and tmobile networks I usually never have a problem with service.

Ahh... football. I'll have to figure that one out while on the road. Radio is OK, would prefer to watch my beloved Steelers in action, especially when they thrash the Ravens.

I use my phones hotspot sometimes, works well when I have a good connection. But I have T-Mobile and their coverage isn't the best. As far as watching TV I can always pick up some local channels where ever I shutdown. Often times you can get the local news channel.

Never thought of picking up local news channels, or any local channels for that matter. I was gonna get a small TV, just wasn't sure how to use it besides for any gaming. Sounds dumb, but do the new TVs have some sort of built in scanner or something to detect local networks? How do you pick up stations, do they have built-in digital antennae?

My subject of expertise, some of you may know and some of you may not but I'm a huge gamer and yes I truck! No need to waste your time on a Hot Spot and have your Data Capped. I can only tell you what I do and how it works for me but I have Sprint and yes everyone complains about their Data coverage but really, you can't beat the price and the unlimited data. So with that said Tethering is they way to go. I'm currently sitting in Casper, Wyoming at their only Flying J and my Data is on Roaming but guess what. "It works just fine!" Free roaming people.. Plus Sprint is about to buy out T-Mobile and it will help in some of their coverage but not by as much as you would like.

Apps I use for internet:

PDANET or Klink, I prefer PDANET and you only pay $4.99 once in your lifetime and you get to use your internet from your cell phone to your Laptop, Computer or what ever Windows based hardware and get this... They also have a Hotspot feature that you can enable if your connected to one of your devices. So that means you cant hook up as many devices to your internet as you want.

Sold yet? or do you wanna run out and pay $200 to Verizon monthly when you can only pay Sprint $80 or less

I use my phones hotspot sometimes, works well when I have a good connection. But I have T-Mobile and their coverage isn't the best. As far as watching TV I can always pick up some local channels where ever I shutdown. Often times you can get the local news channel.

No Worries you will be getting Sprint Coverage soon!

My subject of expertise, some of you may know and some of you may not but I'm a huge gamer and yes I truck! No need to waste your time on a Hot Spot and have your Data Capped. I can only tell you what I do and how it works for me but I have Sprint and yes everyone complains about their Data coverage but really, you can't beat the price and the unlimited data. So with that said Tethering is they way to go. I'm currently sitting in Casper, Wyoming at their only Flying J and my Data is on Roaming but guess what. "It works just fine!" Free roaming people.. Plus Sprint is about to buy out T-Mobile and it will help in some of their coverage but not by as much as you would like.

Apps I use for internet:

PDANET or Klink, I prefer PDANET and you only pay $4.99 once in your lifetime and you get to use your internet from your cell phone to your Laptop, Computer or what ever Windows based hardware and get this... They also have a Hotspot feature that you can enable if your connected to one of your devices. So that means you cant hook up as many devices to your internet as you want.

Sold yet? or do you wanna run out and pay $200 to Verizon monthly when you can only pay Sprint $80 or less

What about just using a smart phone as a hotspot rather than buying one? If I watch my usage, why would I need to get anything else or use some sort of extra software? If you try to explain again, keep in mind I'm not a technical wizard, I am technically a smart ass though ;)