[Mike]

Correct me if I am wrong Andy but a simple way to look at the FMCA/Verizon plan (with an included hot spot) is that it is a standalone plan and does not affect your other Verizon plans or devices.

[Archived]

Thanks Andy!

You clarified the issue … sorry for the confusion.

[needtocamp]

I find it much easier to surf the net with a connection than it is without one.

We must live different lives. I use my computer or laptop to “surf the net” and when I am not at the computer I am doing something and unlikely to stop what I am doing to “surf the net”. Usually my hands are dirty from working outside or greasy from working on a machine or vehicle.

Today our home land line had 3 calls, every one being a telemarketer. I’m getting pretty close to not answering that phone and letting the answering machine screen calls and returning important calls at my convenience.

Jon

[Andy]

What’s a “land line?”

[Archived]

What’s an answer machine?

[Glenn]

I find it much easier to surf the net with a connection than it is without one.

We must live different lives. I use my computer or laptop to “surf the net” and when I am not at the computer I am doing something and unlikely to stop what I am doing to “surf the net”. Usually my hands are dirty from working outside or greasy from working on a machine or vehicle.

I can only guess that when you’re “surfing the net” on your computer or laptop, you’re using a connection. If not, then you have some pretty good telepathic skills!

I’ll also guess that my other post about Observations is correct in that some own a Prevost to get dirty and others (like me) own one to stay clean. When I’m not “surfing the net” instead of getting my hands dirty, I’m most likely attempting to get the attention of a pretty girl. I guess that answers the question why I’m on the computer so often!

[Will]

I have two connections. A wire from Comcast comes into the house so I can answer posts. Works great and is fast. It has no limits at all and it is also my telephone line and lets me watch as much Netflix as I want and I don’t have to worry about limits.

When I am in the bus my connection is my Verizon Jet Pack. It has a 5G limit and from experience I have never exceeded 3G. I use it to monitor various sites including this one and answer email. I do the same stuff on it as I do on the Comcast cable except when I am traveling I don’t use it for anything except computer stuff and not to watch Netflix which I rarely use at home.

[Andy]

My Verizon jet pack has a 15 gb limit. My iPad and I phone uses it mainly because my wireless printer uses it’s wifi. This month is typical in that I received notice that I reached my data limit by the 13th of the month and it will not reset until the 1st. I use the Internet to check 8-10 sites daily and manage my email 2-3 hours daily. I very rarely watch videos and have never tried Netflix. I just have never understood why my data usage is so high.

My guess there are some settings or apps that are set incorrectly. Problem is I have no idea what I should be looking for. Any suggestions?

[Archived]

I, too, use a Verizon Jet Pack that has a 18 GB package. Sometimes usage seems to go really fast as I’m current at 7.4 GB of usage where I should be at 5.8 GB. Mine resets on the 5th of each month.

Although it has a password, I think phones that look for wifi will connect to my jet pack.

I’m thinking of getting ‘built-in’ wifi at the house in CA since the solar people strongly suggest it so that they can monitor the system from their office.

Safe travels,

Mark

[Andy]

I had my original MiFi fail and replaced it with a new one. The new one was called a Jet Pack.

Same 5 G limit but after using it for a week my usage reached about 4 G. I went through a lot of gyrations with Verizon but finally convinced them the problem was theirs. They blamed everything from me watching movies to allowing computer updates to the full moon for the high data use.

They ultimately agreed there was something wrong when the data usage jumped about 1 G when the thing wasn’t even turned on.

They replaced the tiny little “card” and gave me a free month to compensate for the excessive usage and I am back to normal. I have no clue what adds usage, but I am on my laptop at least 5 times a day checking email, reading posts on this site and responding, looking at and posting on at least 5 other sites, and “surfing the web” to check fuel costs, routing, getting information pertaining to responses to posts etc. The typical usage from when I connect to when I log out is .1 to .3 G.

[Archived]

Well there you have it boys and girls, Jon’s gig (he always used to use that term when talking about frogs) usage is zilch and when I’m in the bus my usage is 20+ gig, so now you know who does all the work and it’s obvious I’m not getting my fair share of the dues money.

[Archived]

Tell the boys and girls how many businesses you are managing when you are in the bus.

You must be moving a lot of data back and forth because the only time I use data is when I download the sites and emails or post to the sites or send emails.

I would like to know how many hours it takes on line to eat up that much data and what you are doing. You have to be “surfing the web”.

[Ron]

I would like to know how many hours it takes on line to eat up that much data and what you are doing. You have to be “surfing the web”.

I’m glad you asked and I’m sure you’re not surprised that I have an answer!

Well, I don’t have all the answers, but “surfing the web” with Google yields some pretty good results. Here’s a quote I found on Netflix’s site:

“Watching TV shows or movies on Netflix uses about 1 GB of data per hour for each stream of standard definition video, and up to 3 GB per hour for each stream of HD video.”

So, if your streaming a two hour movie in HD, BAM…that’s up to six gigs of bandwidth or (if I’m doing the math correctly) that’s 25% of the monthly allocation on the FMCA/Verizon program.

I’ll add that while the motorhome manufacturers like to tout 4K TVs these days (that’s another conversation for another day as I don’t want Jon’s head to hurt), if you want to stream in Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) that setting can consume up to seven GB per hour.

But don’t worry, these settings are adjustable. Here’s how to adjust Netflix streaming limits: (Again, from Netflix)

1. Access your Account page from a web browser and select Playback Settings.

2. Select your desired data usage setting (please note that each estimate below is per stream, and that restricting data usage may affect video quality):

   • Low (0.3 GB per hour)

   • Medium (SD: 0.7 GB per hour)

   • High (Best video quality, up to 3 GB per hour for HD and 7 GB per hour for Ultra HD)

   • Auto (Adjusts automatically to deliver the highest possible quality, based on your current Internet connection speed)

3. Select Save

So, it’s a good idea that if you’re streaming Netflix on hotspot to check your account settings to make sure it’s not set to AUTO.

So, does this makes me a modern version of the Shell Answer Man? (If you remember that one, then yes, you’re old like me. But honestly, I was a mere child when Shell ran those commercials!).

[Archived]

I did not know that you can make those settings change. Thanks for sharing Andy.

[Davy]

I did not know that you can make those settings change. Thanks for sharing Andy.

I’m here to help.

Who knew that “surfing the net” could be so useful in solving everyday problems!