Cheap $20 a month Stand Alone Unlimited Rural Internet through AT&T Wireless

[sodamo]

Mobley bands from specs:
4G LTE: Max 100Mbps DL / 50Mbps UL;
Bands 2,4, 5, and 17 -
3G UMTS: Max 42Mbps DL / 5.76Mbps UL;
Bands 2, 5

AT&T:
Bands / Frequencies
2, 4, 5, 17 / 1900, 1700 abcde, 700 bc

Doesn't really mean much to me, but to someone. And the AT&T data is likely dated and changing.
I know my MOFI sometimes shows Band 12

Actually, more confusing than I care to get into. LOL

I can't even imagine speeds of 100mbs, for years I've been ecstatic whenever I saw greater than 5mbs with my current provider.

 

[newbury]

Re: Cheap $20 a month Stand Alone Unlimited Rural Internet through AT&T Wireless

Ordered this connector:
Amazon.com: MS-156 MS156 plug male to SMA female jack test probe RG316 cable leads 15cm NEW Good Quality Fast USA Shipping: Electronics
Yes, my plan is to open it up, drill a hole.

I have two LTE antenna
View attachment 506932

Will try the little black one first. Then I will try a Yagi I already have in place for my MOFI4500 and if it works will mount the Yagi you see.

Right now just tickled to see mid teens down with Mobley on Nader the dash and me sitting in my bedroom. It was a pleasant rarity for me to see such performance from my regular provider and much much more than $20/month.

THANKS!! That is a great help.

 

[the old grind]

I've been a Comcast/Xfinity customer continuously for 35 years. My avg data usage is 15Gb/month (don't watch or stream video), and my current internet-only plan (just after my annual 10% loyalty price hike) is ~$44/mo. I was paying ~100/mo for inet & a dozen local and QVC-type channels.

Where it sucks to be you guys is that according to "testmy,net" I'm getting 3.7Mbps 'max' download (subnote 466Kbps) and an enviable 922kbps upload (subnote 115kbps). :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: .....

These numbers are "92% slower" than host averaqe 'down' but only "87% slower" than host average 'up'. I'm about 87% slower than US average, 86% and 83% below the sites 'index' values.

Comcast says my equipment is why my internet sucks, 4 clicks and a minute+ wait to access my "email with one click".

I can hop an international flight or have open heart surgery within a 20 minute drive, but Comcast's local monopoly won't give anyone decent service for much less than $100/mo around here.

Plenty of hope around here, but not much change.

btw, I'm 45Mbps to my router from any of 3 laptops 2 Android tablets, 2 android phones, my 'main' iphone 4 and any visitors.

 

[Dutch445]

i picked up the Mobley yesterday, at a Best Buy, it was the only one they had.
i then stopped at an ATT store , they activated it, and on my way home i had it
plugged into the OBD port, and i had good wifi most of the way home, between
15-20mps,
but, as i got closer to home, (very rural area) the signal dropped. i was trying to compare
it to my cell phone, and it didn't seem to keep the signal when my phone did. of course
the Mobley was under the dash, and we are hilly here.
when i got in the driveway, it wouldn't connect so i am a little leary of how
this is going to work out. contemplating ordering the AC adapter before i give up
on it. but i'd like to temporarily power it up in the house before i do that..

might have to research which pins are powering it thru the OBD plug,
and use a 12v battery to see how it works in the house.

 

[newbury]

I realize that. But I don't have a 12V socket and there are many different methods to hook stuff up. Just look at the threads on adding LED's.

Then there's the "ghetto method"

Just snip some wires off an RC battery and jam them in.
<snip>

<snip>
might have to research which pins are powering it thru the OBD plug,
and use a 12v battery to see how it works in the house.

Watch the vid, he tells you what pins.

 

[sodamo]

i picked up the Mobley yesterday, at a Best Buy, it was the only one they had.
i then stopped at an ATT store , they activated it, and on my way home i had it
plugged into the OBD port, and i had good wifi most of the way home, between
15-20mps,
but, as i got closer to home, (very rural area) the signal dropped. i was trying to compare
it to my cell phone, and it didn't seem to keep the signal when my phone did. of course
the Mobley was under the dash, and we are hilly here.
when i got in the driveway, it wouldn't connect so i am a little leary of how
this is going to work out. contemplating ordering the AC adapter before i give up
on it. but i'd like to temporarily power it up in the house before i do that..

might have to research which pins are powering it thru the OBD plug,
and use a 12v battery to see how it works in the house.

Once you get an external power you might evaluate performance on your roof if thinking about external antenna.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

i was trying to compare
it to my cell phone, and it didn't seem to keep the signal when my phone did. ..... of course
the Mobley was under the dash, and we are hilly here.

That being under the dash counts.

But aside from that, I would not expect the ZTE to have antennas as good as a flagship phone like a recent Samsung. It's just not a Tier 1 manufacturer. They are okay, mind you, but not top of the line.

I think you are wise to test it in your house, and if you are thinking about an external antenna, I would expect you to see a BIG boost in performance, as long as you get a decent antenna and coax, and don't mangle it. Too many people seem to think that coax can be pulled and yanked around. Don't do that. Treat it like its fragile. Never kink it. If you are working with it and you see a loop looking like it's going to kink, STOP. Don't pull it out, walk over to the loop and carefully undo it.

 

[Pixguy]

Sorry guys, late to the thread.

So you plug your mobley into the obd plug of your car and it acts like a hot spot?

I assume you lose the wifi at home when you drive away with said car.

All this for $20mo?

 

[aczlan]

Sorry guys, late to the thread.

So you plug your mobley into the obd plug of your car and it acts like a hot spot?

I assume you lose the wifi at home when you drive away with said car.

All this for $20mo?

Yes and yes.

Aaron Z

 

[techman]

Sorry guys, late to the thread.

So you plug your mobley into the obd plug of your car and it acts like a hot spot?

I assume you lose the wifi at home when you drive away with said car.

All this for $20mo?

It is a separate internet service, with no connection to your home system. Nothing changes at home as you drive away, but people in the car will have internet to use.

paul

 

[BigBlue1]

Sorry guys, late to the thread.

So you plug your mobley into the obd plug of your car and it acts like a hot spot?

I assume you lose the wifi at home when you drive away with said car.

All this for $20mo?

That's how it works, according to how AT&T markets it. But you can buy a power adapter with OBD-II end and use it in your house. Or shed, or patio. And then just unplug and bring it out to your car if you need to take it along.

Rob

 

[newbury]

That's how it works, according to how AT&T markets it. But you can buy a power adapter with OBD-II end and use it in your house. Or shed, or patio. And then just unplug and bring it out to your car if you need to take it along.

Rob

Or just park your car near the house.
I park my VW about 10 fett from our library and get reception even though the car is closed

 

[techman]

Or just park your car near the house.
I park my VW about 10 fett from our library and get reception even though the car is closed

The Mobley can draw up to 250 mA (1/4 amp) so it will slowly drain the battery until the low voltage cut-out hits 11.5 volts. Since most cars OBD port is always hot, leaving it plugged it may lead to trouble with a weak battery.

paul

 

[BigBlue1]

Or just park your car near the house.
I park my VW about 10 fett from our library and get reception even though the car is closed

In addition to the power issue mentioned already, this also has the flaw of connection disappearing when you drive away. Which is fine if you're the only user, but...

Rob

 

[Pixguy]

Yes and yes. Aaron Z

Thanks all.

I'm assuming that if I go camping I can unplug it from the 4 wheel car to the motorhome and use it on the road. Hmmmmm, it doesn't care what obd it's plugged in as long as it's in one?

My trouble is if it'll work once I get it. I had 3 workman at the house today but no one has att in this area as it's generally lousy coverage. Can it be returned if no coverage?

 

[fordmantpw]

Thanks all.

I'm assuming that if I go camping I can unplug it from the 4 wheel car to the motorhome and use it on the road. Hmmmmm, it doesn't care what obd it's plugged in as long as it's in one?

You can use it in any vehicle. Actually, you can use it anywhere it is powered, which can be done by one of the adapters mentioned previously. I have used mine in the car, the truck, the other car, in our house plugged into A/C power with the adapter, and in our fifth wheel plugged into A/C power. Oh, and I've used it in the truck plugged into A/C power with the adapter too. It's pretty flexible and can be used as long as it has power.

My trouble is if it'll work once I get it. I had 3 workman at the house today but no one has att in this area as it's generally lousy coverage. Can it be returned if no coverage?

Yes, they should take it back within 14 days. You may have to pay a restocking fee though. Best bet is to go online, chat with someone from AT&T and ask all the details.

 

[techman]

Thanks all.

I'm assuming that if I go camping I can unplug it from the 4 wheel car to the motorhome and use it on the road. Hmmmmm, it doesn't care what obd it's plugged in as long as it's in one?

The other option is buy one of the OBD plug with AC adapter that has been mentioned and you can power it nearly anywhere.

paul

 

[zimy]

Thanks all.

I'm assuming that if I go camping I can unplug it from the 4 wheel car to the motorhome and use it on the road. Hmmmmm, it doesn't care what obd it's plugged in as long as it's in one?

My trouble is if it'll work once I get it. I had 3 workman at the house today but no one has att in this area as it's generally lousy coverage. Can it be returned if no coverage?

I beleive ATT has a 14 day return peroid.

Also if wanting to use in different vehicles I would think one of these would make it super easy.



Link for sale on eBay


I ordered the AC one from this guy off amazon and he ships super fast, had in 2 days.

 

[sodamo]

I'm waiting for AT&T online to show them back in stock and will get one with 2 year contract.
My rationale: for past couple of years I've been paying for more increased data on my phone line for the times my isp goes down. Other than the cost, downside is I rarely use it all. But I think of it as a safety net. So, I can reduce my current data plan, add the unlimited Mobley contract for net Zero cost other than the power adapter and antenna if I go that route. Basically, trading 9gb/Month for unlimited. And it would be easier to use, not requiring me to set my phone as the hotspot, just another network always on.
I can't take full credit though. I was discussing plan options with AT&T and the agent suggested I reduce my current plan - got me thinking.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Here's a bit of the small print from AT&T's page:

2

AT&T Connected Car Unlimited Plan: U.S. only. Consumer and Individual Responsibility Users only. Eligibility: Requires eligible vehicle, eligible aftermarket device and new or existing AT&T wireless account. Data Restrictions: After 22GB of data usage on vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot in a bill cycle, for the rest of the cycle AT&T may slow data speeds on vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot during periods of network congestion. Pricing: $20 per aftermarket device monthly plan charge (3 aftermarket devices on plan results in $60 monthly plan charge). Devices: Sold separately. Limits: 3 aftermarket devices per plan. Hotspot: Connects up to 5 Wi-Fi capable devices per vehicle hotspot. Devices connected to vehicle’s hotspot use data from your plan. Once a device connects, it will automatically reconnect and use data from your plan unless hotspot is removed from returning device settings or hotspot password is changed. Performance varies based on number of devices connected and other factors. Video Streaming: Plan includes Stream Saver, which allows you to save data by streaming higher definition video at Standard Definition quality (about 480p). AT&T will activate it. Check your account online to see if active. You may then turn it off or back on at any time at att.com/myatt. Stream saver will not recognize all video content. Ability to stream & video resolution vary, and are affected by other factors. Restrictions apply. See att.com/streamsaver for details. International: Wi-Fi hotspot functionality not available outside of U.S. General Wireless Service Terms: Subject to Wireless Customer Agreement (see att.com/wca). Services are not for resale. Credit approval and deposit may apply. Other Monthly Charges per Line: May include taxes, fed. & state universal svc. charges, Reg. Cost Recovery Charge (up to $1.25), gross receipts surcharge, Admin. Fee, & certain gov’t assessments which are not gov’t req’d charges. Pricing, promotions & terms subject to change & may be modified or terminated at any time without notice. Coverage & svc. not avail. everywhere. You get an off-net (roaming) usage allowance for each vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot. If you exceed the allowance, your svc(s) may be restricted or terminated. Other restr’s apply & may result in svc termination.

What deems an "eligible vehicle"? I see state, fed, and all the other BS charges may be applied. Has anyone else got a bill that was way over $20?