[orama43]

Okay, here's the million dollar question, what is the best (preferably least expensive) way to go wifi?
I have done so much research; heard so many differing opinions.
Yes, Verizon (and others like them) are the best for connectivity, but come on, a 2 year agreement?!?!?! I'm sure everyone knows, with the advances in the computer industry, why in the world would I sign a 2 year contract?!?!?!
So, next idea was to buy my own wifi card and just get connected at the truck stops (Pilot, etc). But now I'm hearing they are the worst for connectivity; some have even suggested not being able to connect in their parking lots, what is up with that?!?!?!
And yes, I've even researched the free hotspots, but my preference is to be able to connect while on the road. As everyone knows, we get paid to drive, not to stop; find a hotspot, and connect.
So, does anyone have any alternative suggestions, that I've not already considered? Or, do I just give up and wait a few months til the next wifi industry alternative is revealed????
Any help or reasonable suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[meanbone79]

I usually use the truckstops wifi connection. Some areas of the parking lot are deadspots for wifi. Make sure that you can see the yagi antenna on top of the building for a good connection. Large trucks between you and the building will usually block your signal. I usually ride around the parking lot until I can find a spot where I will have a "line of sight" on the antenna. Usually if you can't see it from your driver seat you will usually have a difficult time connecting or have very low signal strength.

I'm going to be experimenting with this soon. I intend on giving Verizon Wireless a shot. From what I gather you can get broadband wireless in most major areas, but if you are out in the boonies kinda you can get their NationalAccess instead, which is a little bit faster than dial up speed.

I hope it works out. They want a 2 year contract and the package is going to probably look something like phone + internet access = $119 / month

Anyone have any luck with that?

[cdreid]

to bump an ooold thread.

But Verizon has a 1 year agreement. THe card just costs more. You could probably get a shorter agreement. The thing is you just choose whether you buy the card now or pay for it over time and are locked in. But you're going to pay for the card. PS make SURE you get a card that accepts an external antenna

[ct77]

used to just surf the internet when i shut down and was at a truckstop that was close to a motel(free) u would be amazed how many places have wifi which is unsecured. but what i fell in love with is my blackberry (19.99) a month unlimited internet usage and other than the small screen is very practical.

[tbaarr]

any bosselmans trk stop

pilot gives free wi fi

I80 in nebraska has 3 x107 is best

all rest stops in iowa are free for 1hr you can get 2 if you wait ten minutes and relog in

i like the one at the minn ia border as they have a casino there

the ttt trk stop in tuscon az has free wi fi

wal mart has a nice wi fi toshiba laptop for 598 right now

0% financing for 6 months

makes it cost 110 a month including tax

[doodude]

Has anybody got any updates to add to this post?
Im looking for a wifi service. I had a cingular GSM83 card & account for the past 2 years @ $40 a month. It was fairly reliable, even in out of the way places.
But Ive just purchased a new wifi laptop & PDA & want to sign on to someone.
What about this company that covers the Petro/Pilot/Loves TS? Anybody use or have anything to say about them?
Any other suggestions????
Thanks in advance...

[slider64683]

Srpint. Unlimited bandwidth. Connects anywhere almost. 59.99 a month or if you have no voice plan its 79.99 great deal. better than a truck stop wifi

Happy Holidays

[birddogg18603]

I have Verizion DSL service at home and a wireless card for it. I took it to a local truck and had a easy time getting connetion. Also All McDonalds have WIFI connections that are free. McD's has a good range also in most places.

[thebaldeagle655]

Check out www.goautonet.com/wp/ unfortunately it isn't available until spring but it looks like it has potential. If we can get Swift, Schnieder, JB Hunt and a couple other majors to supply them to all their drivers all we will have to do is pull up next to them in a truckstop and hack in with our wireless!

Seriously, it does look like it may have potential if not too overpriced.