CaptainGizmo
RVF Expert
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2019
- Messages
- 855
- RV Year
- 2015
- RV Make
- Newell
- RV Model
- 2020P
- RV Length
- 45
- TOW/TOAD
- 2021 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
- Fulltimer
- No
Ok, let me kick this topic off with my "READERS DIGEST" version of the state of the union in regards to AT&T's Connected Car Plan.
In short, it's a rolling disaster, and here's why...
So, while you can see these plans for $360 a year or even $65/month, it's just not that simple. You've got limitations, restrictions, etc. etc. etc.
Again, one VERY important factor to remember, is that the plans we're referring to, are considered PRE-PAID plans, which means you pay up front on a month by month basis and can cancel at any time. AS such, AT&T treats you like Whale-poop...the lowest in the ocean. By this, I'm talking about the DE-PRIORITIZING of your service. When you put these SIMS into a device that either they see as a Hotspot, or even worse, don't recognize, you will be subject to degraded speeds or even caps!
Most folks who have had limited success, have had plans that are attached to an existing phone service, considered "Post-Paid", and are treated a bit better. Just like with my T-Mobile Tablet add-on, I can get much better speeds and a price that's not too bad; around $35/month.
But, when I comes to slapping that pre-paid AT&T SIM card into your PepWave...all bets are off, and your sailing uncharted territory. As of now, AT&T has no concept of "In-Car" vs. "In-RV", nor do they know that a "Mobile Hotspot" they sell is no different than a "PepWave" router. Until then, be prepared to have some long calls and/or frustrating moments of far less than satisfying service.
In short, it's a rolling disaster, and here's why...
- You'll get the WORST run-around, should you need to contact customer support; and YOU WILL! They have a SEPARATE number for the Connected Car Plans (CCP), which is: 866-595-1222.
- Their CCP reps are pretty much CLUELESS of this plan, what the devices are (ie. SPARK vs. MOBLEY vs. TOGO), what an RV is, and where to point you. In fact, the last rep told me to call another number, "specifically to help me with my RV". I looked it up...and it's the TOGO ROADLINK phone number!
- Their website, even though it has a PICTURE OF AN RV on it, has not a single RV manufacturer in their "Makers" list; they're all Auto-makers!
- The SPARK device, which I used to set up and account, MUST BE TIED TO A VIN of a "QUALIFIED VEHICLE". Once you move it, OR IT'S SIM, to another vehicle that AT&T doesn't recognize, THEY WILL CANCEL YOUR SERVICE. That's what happened to me. It's not a 100% sure thing, but most likely, they'll catch up to you.
- Their terms of service are starting to become CLEARER on the restrictions, throttling, etc. with regards to "Mobile Hotspot" usages. In fact, one fo their plans for "Bring your own", clearly states PROHIBITED FOR MOBILE HOTSPOT USE!
- And, speaking the "BYO" Pre-paid plans...OY OY OY...there are a TON of them! You can start out at "by the minute", then graduated up to 8GB...and up. But, you'll find that they ALL have caps. For example, their TOP OF THE LINE plan is $75, yet has the following cap: "10GB mobile hotspot. After 10GB, hotspot speed limited to maximum of 128Kpbs."
- These plans seem to change EVERY DAY. Here you go:
Shop
www.att.com
- If you try to get to their Connected RV plans, you'll find yourself in a stuck hole to TOGO Roadlink, and end up having to set up an account before going further. Here's the link for example: Togo Roadlink RV Wi-Fi Hotspot - AT&T
So, while you can see these plans for $360 a year or even $65/month, it's just not that simple. You've got limitations, restrictions, etc. etc. etc.
Again, one VERY important factor to remember, is that the plans we're referring to, are considered PRE-PAID plans, which means you pay up front on a month by month basis and can cancel at any time. AS such, AT&T treats you like Whale-poop...the lowest in the ocean. By this, I'm talking about the DE-PRIORITIZING of your service. When you put these SIMS into a device that either they see as a Hotspot, or even worse, don't recognize, you will be subject to degraded speeds or even caps!
Most folks who have had limited success, have had plans that are attached to an existing phone service, considered "Post-Paid", and are treated a bit better. Just like with my T-Mobile Tablet add-on, I can get much better speeds and a price that's not too bad; around $35/month.
But, when I comes to slapping that pre-paid AT&T SIM card into your PepWave...all bets are off, and your sailing uncharted territory. As of now, AT&T has no concept of "In-Car" vs. "In-RV", nor do they know that a "Mobile Hotspot" they sell is no different than a "PepWave" router. Until then, be prepared to have some long calls and/or frustrating moments of far less than satisfying service.