WiFi At Truck Stops.

Only thing I will add to this is something to think about.

Yes, you can use your smartphone & tether it, but if you are in an area where it will only hookup 3G, then you cannot use your data & the phone for calls at the same time. Also, I have noticed (I have both smartphone & MiFi) that I can have both sitting side by side in different areas. Can get data signal on the MiFi, nothing on the phone (data signal). This has happened numerous times. so if you plan on being able to use the phone & get data at the same time, just be aware of this issue.

Ernie

By the way, before I started driving, I spent 15+ years in the computer business.

Wow, thanks for all the responses. I hadn't logged in for a couple days, but now that I have I see that you're all definitely there! :) Yeah, I may just get a MiFi for my laptop and switch to a dumbphone so that I don't pay too much. As a limo driver my company provides MiFis for all the cars so that our passengers and ourselves can use it. I don't see us getting that at a trucking company! Thanks for all the other pieces of info, I'll make a mental note...

Cheers mates!

Only thing I will add to this is something to think about.

Yes, you can use your smartphone & tether it, but if you are in an area where it will only hookup 3G, then you cannot use your data & the phone for calls at the same time. Also, I have noticed (I have both smartphone & MiFi) that I can have both sitting side by side in different areas. Can get data signal on the MiFi, nothing on the phone (data signal). This has happened numerous times. so if you plan on being able to use the phone & get data at the same time, just be aware of this issue.

Ernie

By the way, before I started driving, I spent 15+ years in the computer business.

You cant make phone calls but you can make skype calls.

Hello all. I was wondering if all truck stops have WiFi, or if it's better to get a portable WiFi (like a MiFi) in case some truck stops don't?

Personally, I'd recommend getting portable WiFi. I used to use public/paid WiFi all the time, but in December of last year, someone was able to hack or track my activity - they gained access to my personal info and spent nearly $200. The same thing happened in April of this year. Fortunately, I was able to get the money back and file a police report.

Long story short: I think you're better off getting portable WiFi just for YOU. This way, you can ensure that you're info is secure (use a VPN, too) and reduce the risk of unwanted eyes seeing what you're doing online ;) Just my two cents.

Jeremy H., I didn't think of that. Thanks great input. I think ill definitely go with a MiFi.

Sapp Brothers has free WiFi. They have maybe 10 truck stops in Iowa and Nebraska. I use Denny's and mcd all the time. It depends on how far you park your truck to whether you get signal or have to sit down. I always wait to download audio books or movies until I hit WiFi. I wish I had mifi, though. I'm an YouTube addict and that really kills the data.

Also found this: http://www.wififreespot.com/

Even though the coverage is still a bit wonky, T-Mobile is now offering unlimited free video streaming from Netflix and some other services in addition to the free music streaming. I would consider using a T-Mo phone with a generous data plan whenever I can and keep cheap a Cricket or Verizon pay as you go phone for phone calls and backup data where I can't use my T-Mo device, although T-Mo has been rapidly improving their coverage over the past two years. My math says that combining two devices and services together is more cost effective than trying to buy a massive data bucket from VZW that you may or may not use and then get hit with massive overages if you under buy and accidentally use more than planned. That and you have the added benefit of a backup phone when and if needed.... nobody has perfect service everywhere.