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

[Xfaxman]

I couldn't see the "no time out" option using Chrome, had to use the MS Edge browser.

It was posted in #203: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...onth-stand-alone-post4750560.html#post4750560

 

[BigBlue1]

In the picture above, do you see the software version with V1.0.1? New devices start with V1.0 and then update to a new firmware over the air. After your device has updated to V1.0.1 you can set the device timeout to "never sleep" in the advanced settings somewhere. If it just updated your brower may have the old version of that page cached and you might need to look from an incognito window to see the new option.

The one I purchased through AT&T just over a week ago seemed to come with 1.0.1. That's the version I saw as soon as I was able to get into the web admin interface.

Rob

 

[aeblank]

I bought one of these for $26: Amazon.com: GLI Mini Travel Router GL-AR15 with 2dbi external antenna, WiFi Converter, OpenWrt Pre-installed, Repeater Bridge, 15Mbps High Performance, OpenVPN, Tor Compatible, Programmable IoT Gateway: Computers & Accessories

It tethers to the USB port out of the box and works pretty well. And as a bonus that little router (it is tiny) is powered by a USB cord so I can power both the modem and the router by USB.

I really like this, but how can it USB tether? It only has one USB port, and that is for power. At least, so say the pictures on the Amazon page.

Pending your answer, one will be on order.

 

[Xfaxman]

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but over night the devices seemed to disconnect, or the mobley fell asleep, i had to
unplug and reconnect, but otherwise not really doing to bad...

When mine did that, I picked it up an gently shook it, like it was going over bumps in a road. The power light came back on immediately.

It must have a "bounce detector" in it to keep power on when driving on long trips, and the kids in the back seat are watching a movie.

 

[zimy]

When mine did that, I picked it up an gently shook it, like it was going over bumps in a road.

It must have a "bounce" detector in it to keep power on when driving on long trips, and the kids in the back seat are watching a movie.

Mine didn't fall asleep as the lights where all still on but my internet was down this morning, unplugged and replugged and all is well. This is the second time its done that. In the instructions that came with my adapter it mentions this may happen occasionally. it recommends powering off the mobley every night around 2 am for just a minute then rebooting to keep you network up. It suggest a simple lamp type timer, I am going to purchase one and plug the mobley into it. Hopefully that way my network is always up.

 

[Xfaxman]

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Originally Posted by Xfaxman
How can I find out why my speed is so slow?

But what matters more is SINR (Signal to Interference Noise Ratio). You can have a strong signal and still have a very poor quality signal, and your speeds will reflect that. It's a lot less common in a rural areas, but it could happen. If you are sitting on a hilltop and getting strong signal from multiple sites, you can get clobbered and have poor service, with full bars showing.

I called the 800 number on the bottom of the AT&T Wi-Fi Manager, About page.

We are in a rural area, she said I was using the cell tower east of Langston, 9.38 miles away and there weren't any other towers in range. That tower is northeast of here, but I get a better signal in the windows on the southeast side of the house.

She said that it was not throttled and didn't know why download speeds were so slow.

And didn't know why upload speeds are sometimes faster than download speeds.

I don't suppose there is any way for me to measure SINR?

 

[Xfaxman]

In the picture above, do you see the software version with V1.0.1? New devices start with V1.0 and then update to a new firmware over the air. After your device has updated to V1.0.1 you can set the device timeout to "never sleep" in the advanced settings somewhere. If it just updated your brower may have the old version of that page cached and you might need to look from an incognito window to see the new option.

Yep, that works for Chrome, incognito, note "No time out"

Regular window just shows "2 Hour", even though it is set to "No time out". :confused3:

 

[aeblank]

X2 with chrome incognito. Weird.

 

[BigBlue1]

I really like this, but how can it USB tether? It only has one USB port, and that is for power. At least, so say the pictures on the Amazon page.

Pending your answer, one will be on order.

There are two USB ports shown in the pics. the USB power is via microUSB on the same side as the LAN/WAN yellow ports. The full size USB connection for tethering appears to be to the right of that, on the opposite corner from the antenna. It's vertical. You can see it lableled in the circuit board pic too.

Rob

 

[aeblank]

You can see it lableled in the circuit board pic too.

Holy crud. Color me blind (and dumb?).

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

I don't suppose there is any way for me to measure SINR?

Do you have a smart phone on AT&T? There are apps on the Play Store that will tell you tons of good info. Here's the one I recommend: G-Net Track Lite. No need for the Pro version unless you are a hard-corp hobbyist.

 

[Xfaxman]

Nope, no smart phone.

 

[sd455dan]

Bought one (outright for $99) at worstbuy.
They couldn't activate over the phone, but I just did it online by adding a line and bringing my own device. No activation, $20/mo. I did the option that was NOT adding it to the existing plan. So, I should be good to go. Will go plug it in and test it, I guess.




So, it has a SIM in it, but the activation didn't require any info from the SIM. That seems weird, doesn't it?



I agree B U T.... the SIM seems to be a big problem for me.

Oh boy is this fun... mine showed up from ebays ( Best Buy) and what a circus, actually on the 4th go around was transferred to Onstar talked to them thinking I was still talking to ATT and after giving my Rams Vin# and being told my vehicle couldn't possibly work because it was to old to work. ?? Rep finally said this is On star :mur::laughing:

Kept calling till I got a sharp gal ( I thought) and she got me approved and set up and activated with a new account, phone # issued and a code... Said to call mobile connect if I have (any) problems.

Went to connect and lap top says not the correct network security key -

so back to calling the mobile connect which tells me that there is a problem with fraud with these devices, and says has nothing to do with me but they will have to send a new sim card to my residence or I can drive to the Corporate store , I ask if the ATT store that is about 5 miles away is a corporate store he says no you have to go to this one - Which is about 70 miles away... 1 WAY!
I say I will be Da--ed if I am going to drive 100+ miles to their corporate store to just activate themobley, He says Oh - well we can send you a new sim card and activate it then.

tell him how ridiculous this seems to me, I bought the Mobley outright, they already got me to give up my SS#, DOB, Drivers License #, home address, home phone (same one for over 25 years) email address and Ram's VIN .

Just called again since no email has shown up of any kind, trying to figure out why no email notification, the gal found the error in the email address but resigns me UP?? and Now have priority shipping on the SIM but can't do anything else and also says I have to be signed up with the $30 plan until Mobley is activated ullinghair: and assigns a new phone # for the device.

ARGH

was able to find ATT's coverage map and zoom in and (looks) like we have ATT 4G LTE
AT&T Maps - Wireless Coverage Map for Voice and Data Coverage from AT&T

 

[Soundguy]

Wow.. they really know what they are doing on these devices and plans that they have been selling over a year. I don't have a hard # tally .. but mor epeople than not are hitting walls with activating, and some kind of security fraud issue.

 

[zimy]

Wow.. they really know what they are doing on these devices and plans that they have been selling over a year. I don't have a hard # tally .. but mor epeople than not are hitting walls with activating, and some kind of security fraud issue.

Ya apparently AT&T has had problems with people activating accounts under other peoples names, I was able to verify my identity over the phone. This is the # sent to me in the email 866.267.4510

 

[sd455dan]

Ya apparently AT&T has had problems with people activating accounts under other peoples names, I was able to verify my identity over the phone. This is the # sent to me in the email 866.267.4510

I would call except Why didn't connect have me do that in the 1st place? I escalated the problem to the shift manager (after waiting on hold for about 20 minutes) and he would not budge on the activation,
I still can't help but wonder if the code entry on my laptop caused all of this because the directions just say (input password) and then tap connect.

i didn't think to hard about it and input the password they told me to pick over the phone, when that was rejected tried the sim ,
and then the phone # they supplied
after that realized in small print 4th line from the bottom on the mobley device label it says

wi-fi password: ---------

Don't know whether this was the cause but for other members would suggest carefully entering the right # the 1st time -it certainly won't hurt

 

[Xfaxman]

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Went to connect and lap top says not the correct network security key -

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What did you enter for the network security key?

I entered the 8 numbers that are on paper that came with it. It says Wi-Fi password, then shows 8 numbers.

Edit: You posted while I was typing (slow).

Save that password, they will ask for it if you ever call for tech support.

 

[sd455dan]

What did you enter for the network security key?

I entered the 8 numbers that are on paper that came with it. It says Wi-Fi password, then shows 8 numbers.

Edit: You posted while I was typing (slow).

Save that password, they will ask for it if you ever call for tech support.

That's odd there was no paper with my Mobley other than the 1 page user guide and product safety and warranty info booklet. I went thru the fine print on the device itself after calling the connect #

 

[rekees4300]

Wow.. they really know what they are doing on these devices and plans that they have been selling over a year. I don't have a hard # tally .. but mor epeople than not are hitting walls with activating, and some kind of security fraud issue.

Yeah makes you wonder how many potential new customers ATT is losing due to bureaucratic hoops they must jump through.

 

[Xfaxman]

That's odd there was no paper with my Mobley other than the 1 page user guide and product safety and warranty info booklet. I went thru the fine print on the device itself after calling the connect #

It is more like "card stock", 2 3/4 by 4 inches. It was in the box with the Mobley.

It says "Network name" and "Wi-Fi password", which as you said is on the back of the Mobley as "SSID" and "Wi-Fi password".