WiFi Hotspots?

Posted by Brookfield_Public_Library

on 1 Oct 2015 9:57 AM

Just wanted to see if anyone can recommend an affordable, unlimited data plan for WiFi hotspots. We currently get a great deal from Mobile Beacon but since Sprint bought out Clear, Sprint is changing the rules, limiting data to an unusable amount, delaying the start date of the service indefinitely, making folks buy new devices, ect. A little background - I work at a public library in Illinois and we check out the devices to our members so they can bring the internet home with them. Members love the WiFi lending program and have found it to be invaluable. We would like to keep offering this program so I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks - Frank

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Posted by Chris_DLT

on 2 Oct 2015 4:41 PM

Hey Frank - not sure how your "great deal from Mobile Beacon" relates to "Sprint changing the rules" - please clarify?

Chris Delatorre · Editor, science geek, remote work advocate · https://twitter.com/urbanmolecule

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Posted by Brookfield_Public_Library

on 6 Oct 2015 12:36 PM

Hey Chris, so Mobile Beacon originally supplied WiFi Hotspots through Clear. All we paid was for the price of the device (about $50/device) and unlimited data at $10/month. Sprint recently bought out Clear and has decided to not honor the plan Mobile Beacon had established with Clear. Sprint is requiring all the nonprofits that benefit from this service to purchase all new devices ($80/device) and is limiting data use to 6GB/month/device. I hope this clears things up. Please let me know if you have additional questions or can recommend another company/service.

Frank

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Posted by Chris_DLT

on 7 Oct 2015 2:12 PM

Frank, thanks for clarifying! In the meantime you can subscribe to our New Product Alert (front page, top left under newsletters) - that way you'll know if/when we bring on a replacement. Good luck - hang in there and let us know how it goes!

Chris Delatorre · Editor, science geek, remote work advocate · https://twitter.com/urbanmolecule

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Posted by EmilyCPL

on 29 Oct 2015 6:20 AM

Hi Frank.

I'm pretty sad about Mobile Beacon, too. I just got approval to go ahead and purchase wifi hotspots, and the Mobile Beacon devices were my first choice. There is nothing else as affordable out there.

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Posted by lsprowls

on 2 Nov 2015 11:16 AM

Browse to http://everyoneon.org/
Enter your zip code (60513).
Answer the lunch question "No".

Even somebody who doesn't qualify for the cheap lunch can get Internet service for $10/month.

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Posted by michaellipsey

on 18 Dec 2015 3:41 AM

Hey,

Thanks bud, :)

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Posted by JainCenter

on 8 Apr 2016 6:51 PM

It appears that newer devices were provided to existing members and Sprint is providing unlimited data.

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Posted by shaughnyb

on 13 Apr 2016 8:41 AM

Mobile Beacon re-launched on TechSoup in late March. You can learn more here.

Barb, TechSoup Senior Relationship Manager

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Posted by Chris_DLT

on 14 Apr 2016 10:05 PM

Thanks Barb, that's great news !!

Chris Delatorre · Editor, science geek, remote work advocate · https://twitter.com/urbanmolecule

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Posted by JainCenter

on 14 Apr 2016 10:39 PM

Paid $18 Admin Fee
Wait for two days

Confirmation email with code

Paid $120 to Mobile Beacon

Sprint R850 device delivered next day

Very quick/easy to setup

Device updated itself with the new firmware

Device Shipped" email came one day after the device was delivered.

Fine Print: Unlimited (i.e. Full Speed up to 23GB), Can be throttled by Sprint beyond 23GB/month.

Quick Speed test: ~8Mbps download, 2-4Mbps upload.

BAD: There is no way to get 2-3 devices. You can only get 1 + 5 or 1+10 with $138 per device for one year of service.

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Posted by glcram

on 15 Aug 2016 10:49 AM

Thank you for your detailed info. This was very helpful.

You answered nearly all of my questions.

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Posted by wftwnj

on 18 Aug 2016 1:31 PM

Do these work well outdoors?

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Posted by shaughnyb

on 18 Aug 2016 3:37 PM

Yes, these hotspots work well (inside or outside) wherever there is Sprint 4G LTE network coverage. Be sure to check the coverage area map before requesting Mobile Beacon device(s). I use one of these devices myself and love it!

Barb, TechSoup Senior Relationship Manager

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Posted by billimo

on 14 Feb 2017 2:03 AM

is it the same like an app on mobile phone? anyway, i love this function because it helps me connect more to internet without limitation. however, the big problem is battery.

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