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

[BigBlue1]

Been real happy with ours also, placed the mobley on timer we remembered we already had for Christmas lights and haven't had an issue with the mobley being offline since. We set to power off everyday for 15 minutes at 02:00 am. We are powering off just the mobley, router is staying on and reconnecting automatically.

Interestingly I haven't had any issues with the Mobley shutting itself off. My unit came with the newer firmware and I immediately set 'Sleep' to 'never'. Wonder why other folks do have problems?

Rob

 

[BigBlue1]

For checking download speed I recommend fast.com, it only shows download, but takes less than thirty seconds, depending on the speed.

I used to use fast.com all the time too in order to check my speeds with our DSL service. Always seemed to work fine. Used it from my phone and PC almost daily because we used to have some real DSL congestion issues and problems. Would see real speeds from my phone while on mobile data only that were in the 50+ range. Then all of a sudden I found that fast.com will only ever give me speeds maxing out at (or just under) 5Mb/s. This would be the case even with multiple other speed tests showed WAY different results (i.e. 50-65Mb/s on my phone). From any device I've tried (laptop, desktop, phone, tablet, work laptop) in the last couple of months fast.com maxes at 5. Very, very weird.

So I guess if you try it and it is giving you speeds consistent with other tests (like speedtest.net) then go for it... it is a very quick and easy test. But don't trust it until you verify with other sites.

Rob

 

[zimy]

Interestingly I haven't had any issues with the Mobley shutting itself off. My unit came with the newer firmware and I immediately set 'Sleep' to 'never'. Wonder why other folks do have problems?

Rob

According the the paperwork my adapter came with it doesn't affect all mobley's but is somewhat common. The mobley doesn't actually power off, both lights are still on but internet doesn't work, its like it freezes. Probably fixed in the newer one's but working great now so no complaints

 

[sd455dan]

even with the "no sleep" setting, i am still getting the Mobley going dead after a night or day of no usage.
quick unplug and replug back in and and everything connects fine.

my speeds are still good, with the unit hanging in a window!
anywhere from 8 to 18 mps

Wondering if it may have something to do with the input voltage being a bit low,

The manual mentions the unit does track when voltage drops i.e. - vehicle being turned off.
I used a (used) regulated and filtered supply with a voltage of ~ 13.5vdc and 3 amp output capability.
13.5 V voltage is similar to what is available at the OBD2 connector while running.

Not sure if this is related to the Mobley shut down or if it is due to the different software variations that have been mentioned?

 

[zimy]

Wondering if it may have something to do with the input voltage being a bit low,

The manual mentions the unit does track when voltage drops i.e. - vehicle being turned off.
I used a (used) regulated and filtered supply with a voltage of ~ 13.5vdc and 3 amp output capability.
13.5 V voltage is similar to what is available at the OBD2 connector while running.

Not sure if this is related to the Mobley shut down or if it is due to the different software variations that have been mentioned?

I don't think so as I said the mobley is still on, just internet is frozen, wifi is still on and connected can even login to the mobley interface but internet doesn't work, simple reboot within interface or unplug fixes the issue, its also random, I went a week one time and it never froze, then had it freeze every other day a couple times then good again another week. I read someone in the howard forum said something about its a DNS issue or something, over my head so the timer thing should be good for me as I read other had good success with it and it was easy.

 

[C4Ranch]

Anyone know where to buy a Mobley, I have searched for hours trying to find one in stock. Or is there something different that we can use the 20.00 monthly plan with?

I bought a used one off Amazon for $35

 

[ClydeMaui]

If you click the link on the first page of my post to DSL they had this website linked.

ABC warehouse
Mobile Hotspot Device with Connect 5 wifi devices at ABC Warehouse - Online Store

I have never heard of this place but looks like they have it, looks like its in Michigan.

Thank you, I just ordered 2, we will see if it shows up, LOL.

It didn't say unavailable when I checked out... (which both Best and ATT did)!

Again, Thank you!

 

[zimy]

Thank you, I just ordered 2, we will see if it shows up, LOL.

It didn't say unavailable when I checked out... (which both Best and ATT did)!

Again, Thank you!

No problem

Be sure to let us know if you receive it. While I did see that posted haven't seen any post they actually received one from them.

 

[sd455dan]

I don't think so as I said the mobley is still on, just internet is frozen, wifi is still on and connected can even login to the mobley interface but internet doesn't work, simple reboot within interface or unplug fixes the issue, its also random, I went a week one time and it never froze, then had it freeze every other day a couple times then good again another week. I read someone in the howard forum said something about its a DNS issue or something, over my head so the timer thing should be good for me as I read other had good success with it and it was easy.

Wow- been using it today and during a download froze up, as yours both lights were on and the DNS reference came up every time a site tried to load.
I tried the reset button but made no difference, other than the connect light going out, complete power down did get it working.
Guess that eliminates input voltage being the cause.

Anyone click on the ad for the Mobley( post 367) and notice there is no mention of the $ 20 unlimited plan? but $20 1 gig is?
Maybe it's in the ad but didn't see it.

 

[zimy]

Wow- been using it today and during a download froze up, as yours both lights were on and the DNS reference came up every time a site tried to load.
I tried the reset button but made no difference, other than the connect light going out, complete power down did get it working.
Guess that eliminates input voltage being the cause.

Anyone click on the ad for the Mobley( post 367) and notice there is no mention of the $ 20 unlimited plan? but $20 1 gig is?
Maybe it's in the ad but didn't see it.

Ya I didn't notice that, that is really old pricing, I don't think AT&T even offers 1 GB anymore.

 

[aeblank]

I think​ we're selling it enough for them! That's why the device is getting hard to find!

 

[sodamo]

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

Received my 2nd Mobley today. Priority Mail Best Buy via eBay, $99+.
Used the AT&T online activation, adding to my current account, pretty painless as all the info was on the box. Awaiting email from aT&T with the phone # and saying activation is complete. May take up to 24 hours accounting to order email. Activation did confirm $20/month, but will check that it shows in my account.
BB must be cleaning out old stock as the box says ver 1.0.0. Will verify once I get connected. The unit I got from AT&T was ver 1.0.1.
Now to make up power adapter and add the external antenna connector, but not before I confirm it's working.

 

[sd455dan]

Ya I didn't notice that, that is really old pricing, I don't think AT&T even offers 1 GB anymore.

Oh- I thought it might be like small companies selling dish satellites and taking over the program plans :laughing:

 

[sodamo]

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

I suspect most here are like me and are looking at this from the anticipated cost savings in addition to the good connection. That said, I can't justify buying each variety of OBDll connectors, especially for two units. I did buy 1 12vdc and 1 USB.
Now I have modified the USB connector to accept either the 120adapter or a 12 vdc cig adapter.
Used these:

inShareplus 5 Pack 5.5 X 2.1mm Barrel Power Plug 12V DC Cable Connector Male Female with Pigtail for CCTV Security Camera LED Strip - - Amazon.com

Amazon.com : BV-Tech DC12V 1A UL-Listed Switching Power Supply Adapter for CCTV - 5 Pack - Black : Power Converters : Camera & Photo

And made a 2nd USB with:
Amazon.com: KUNCAN Dc 5v to Dc 12v Converter Step Up Voltage Converter 5ft Am to Dc 5.5 x 2.1mm: Electronics



A bit of versatility, just 2 little solder points.
I have the cig adapter left over from something, don't remember what.

NOTE to self - plug in only ONE power source at a time!!!!

 

[techman]

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

The better is: USB DC 5V to DC 12V Step-Up Module Converter Cable 2.1x5.5mm Male Connector Plug | eBay

Plus: 18deg Female Terminal 16 Pin OBD 2 II Connector Diagnostic Plug DIY Shell Adapter | eBay

Delivery is longer. but price and quality are excellent

Paul

 

[Dutch445]

I got that T-Mobile branded Asus AC-1900 wifi router to tether the Mobley to. Man that thing is powerful. My prior router, a ~5 year old Belkin AC1200 doesn't have nearly the range. I noticed yesterday when I was outside mowing the yard about 200' from the house my phone was still on wifi. Tethering works great with the Mobley and I found a spot to put it a little higher up that gets me better signal. Getting into the 30Mb/s range at times now, although it was down to under 10 this morning. Not complaining at all since we've lived with 1-4 Mb/s DSL for over a year here.

ETA: I think the Mobley must have switched over to a different cell tower. I restarted it and it is back to almost 35Mb/s now.

Rob

are they on Amazon for $79?
dual band gigabit router?

T-Mobile (AC-19) By ASUS Wireless-AC19 Dual-Band Gigabit Router 8862274195 | eBay

 

[Dutch445]

and do i understand these routers , they take the wifi signal from mobley, and rebroadcast it over a higher power router?...
and if so, does the router, ie the asus AC19, have the 5 device limit? or can that now take more devices than the Mobley?

 

[BigBlue1]

and do i understand these routers , they take the wifi signal from mobley, and rebroadcast it over a higher power router?...
and if so, does the router, ie the asus AC19, have the 5 device limit? or can that now take more devices than the Mobley?

Yep! That's the one. Is the same thing as the Asus branded one for $142. Make sure you contact the seller first and confirm that the one you are buying is new. I've seen some comments on the product page at Amazon saying some sellers are selling open box or refurb ones.

While I was out in the shed tonight I checked my phone. Usually on my old router I'd get one wifi bar and it would be enough to run Pandora but not any real browsing. With the new router I had at least 3 bars and was able to pull 18 Mb/s. This is 65 yards from where the router is, on the opposite side of the house and through the sheet metal of the pole barn. Was getting 21 Mb/s inside so it wasn't full speed but still awesome! If this $20/unlimited deal stays around my hopes have been answered for Internet in the country.

Rob

 

[Dutch445]

that sounds awesome, i'm in a similar situation, large pole barn 200' from the house, and we lose signal out there unless near a window..
i'll take your advice and check it out, and buy it if it seems legit!
thanks

 

[BigBlue1]

and do i understand these routers , they take the wifi signal from mobley, and rebroadcast it over a higher power router?...
and if so, does the router, ie the asus AC19, have the 5 device limit? or can that now take more devices than the Mobley?

No. That would be a wifi extender (or repeater). Those intercept the wi-fi signal of a source (like the Mobley or any other wifi router) and send it on further down the line.

The concept of USB tethering is just like hooking a cable modem or DSL modem to a router. The router sees the Mobley coming in as a WAN source and acts as the router to send it out via LAN ports and wifi. You'll end up with two actual wifi networks broadcasting - the Mobley itself and the external router. You can use either of them, but the external router will be more powerful and allow way more connected clients. The TM-AC1900, like pretty much any normal modern wifi router, allows basically unlimited number of clients to connect to. I'm sure there is some limit but it's in the many dozens or hundreds or higher.

Rob