Cradlepoint data-Version bulk available

[ER Diva]

Anyone with a Cradlepoint in their truck knows how annoying it can be to pay a set fee every month for data you aren't using or burning through your 5 GBs when you really need more.  I found a company that will sell data at a reasonable price when I need it, 20 GB for $150 for one month and the next month drop it down to $15 for 1 GB when I'm not traveling.  My only option with Verizon was paying $50 a month every month for a lousy 5 GB.  Right now I'm using Verizon for my Cradlepoint for when my phone with AT&T isn't receiving a signal.  Anyone interested in getting on this band wagon, let me know.
Sandra

[Unit#49]

Sandra,

Family Motorcoach Associaction (FMCA) members have two options for unlimited data through mobile hot spots. We've been members for twenty years so didn't join, as some do, just to get this and other benefits.  The cost is $50/month.  One is Verizon, paid to Verizon, and throttled after 25GB.  The other is Sprint, paid to FMCA, with I believe no throttling.   My companion uses the Verizon and I use the Sprint.  They are our only data connections.  We use them both at our homes, and on the road.  When mine doesn't get a good signal, hers, Verizon, usually does.  Check the coverage map, particularly for Sprint, because I hear they have less coverage in the western states.  Prior to these offers I was using ATT at $40/month, but had to watch my usage so I didn't exceed 5GB.  She was already using Verizon.  She didn't have much of a problem with her 5GB, but for the same $50 she was able to keep her Jetpack MiFi, but upgraded to the "unlimited" plan.

James
Unit#49

[ER Diva]

I will explore that option also.  I'm not excited about paying the $50 per month every month even when I'm not traveling but will have to figure out what works.  Thanks for that feedback.  Can you do it month to month or is there a contract?

Sandra

[Unit#49]

Sandra,

In the explanation below I have rounded up the $ figures a penny or a nickel.

The Sprint version requires no contract.  There is a one time rent payment of $40 for the device, and then $50 per month to FMCA.  You can suspend service twice in every two year period for a total of nine months.  During the suspension there is still a monthly charge of $14.  For example you could suspend for 4 months one winter and 5 months the following winter.  If you anticipate that kind of schedule, and you don't mind the extra hassle, you can save a little by actually cancelling and starting over.   When cancelling you do have to send the device back and you'll be given a new phone number the next time.

The Verizon version does require a two year Verizon contract if you don't already have the device.  I think the, essentially free, device is part of the reason for the contract.  If you are already a Verizon customer and are already using the compatible device, as my companion was, there is no additional contract required.  With Verizon you can suspend twice per year for a total of 90 days per year.  There are two options for suspending.  One extends your contract by the days suspended while the other one doesn't.  If I understand correctly, the one that extends your contract has full rate during the suspension period so I don't know what the advantage would be.  The one that does not extend your contract has a reduced rate during the suspension periods, but I don't know what that rate is.

If you have interest in pursuing either of these plans you can get full details, and maybe corrections on what I've said here, from FMCA at 800-543-3622.

If you like this and other FMCA benefits and end up joining, I'd appreciate you indicating member F239334 sent you their way.  I'll get a $10 coupon for recruiting, and you might get 5 years of free membership if you happen to be assigned number F500000.  That half million mark will be achieved this summer.

James
Unit#49

[ER Diva]

James

Thank you for that added information.  I'm going to stick with my current plan for a while and see how it goes.  It sounds similar to the Verizon plan your partner has except I can buy more GBs for any month or drop it to 1 GB for $15 or also suspend at no cost for up to 90 days.

There was some confusion when I first signed up as I had asked billing what my billing period was and he told me EOM.  The bills came out at the end of the month but the data period starts on the 14th.  I blew right past my allotment by the end of the month but they adjusted the bill to reflect what I
had been told.  Always a learning curve.

I have home internet to use most of the time but like being able to go on the road in the ER anytime and be connected.  Wonder sometimes if it isn't more frugal to just use my unlimited phone data, but realize that is not always enough.

Thanks again,
Sandra
#134