Which Wifi Hotspots Work Best in the Pacific Northwest?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the best Wi-Fi hotspot options for traveling in the Pacific Northwest, specifically Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and northern California. Users recommend Verizon Wireless and AT&T for their extensive coverage in populated areas. For those needing connectivity in remote wilderness areas, satellite devices like Garmin inReach are suggested as viable solutions for uploading text files. Iridium is mentioned as an expensive alternative, but it may be useful for specific needs.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mobile data plans and coverage maps
  • Familiarity with satellite communication devices
  • Knowledge of Wi-Fi hotspot functionality on smartphones
  • Experience with data uploading in remote locations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Verizon Wireless and AT&T coverage maps for the Pacific Northwest
  • Explore the features and pricing of Garmin inReach satellite devices
  • Investigate Iridium satellite phone options and costs
  • Learn about mobile hotspot capabilities on various smartphones
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone needing reliable internet access while exploring remote areas in the Pacific Northwest.

Tone L
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Hi all,

I am planning a trip where I will travel to the pacific western United States. The states encompassing the trip are Idaho, Oregon, Washington and northern California.
I want to upload some data along the way. I have been seeing many maps that outline hot spot coverage with companies like Verizon Wireless and AT&T. However, I wanted to ask if anyone has any experience using another outlet. Or have you used these and they turned out pretty good?

Iridium seems expensive in general but might serve useful.

My resource:
https://www.sensorly.com/en/map/US/...=44.95969142394361,-114.11599015560716&zoom=6
 
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Both Verizon and AT&T are good and have broad coverage. If you are in populated areas, gas stations, restaurants, libraries and motels also provide Wi-Fi.

Enjoy your trip.
 
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Tone L said:
I am planning a trip where I will travel to the pacific western United States. The states encompassing the trip are Idaho, Oregon, Washington and northern California.
Are you American, as in from somewhere else in the USA ?
if you are, why don't you just use your phone as a wifi hotspot ?
If you don't have much data on your phone, maybe you should be looking for a better plan, seriously ! :)

If not from the USA, the same comments apply.

I am from Australia, using Vodafone Australia and have 40GB per month for a $45 / month cost and includes phone use
I use my own phone as a wifi hotspot for connecting my laptop, and the wife's ipad etc. to the internet
I even use it when traveling overseas to 85 of the top countries around the world and
it costs me is an extra $5 / day for international roaming with data.
So far have used it in the USA, New Zealand, Uganda and South Africa.Dave
 
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I forgot to ask. Do you need to upload from wilderness mountain areas which get no cell signal? If so, then there are inexpensive solutions for text (google Inreach for example), but uploading photos or video needs an expensive satellite phone. The affordable choice is to wait until you return to civilization to do the upload.
 
anorlunda said:
I forgot to ask. Do you need to upload from wilderness mountain areas which get no cell signal?
Yes, exactly where I will need to be uploading!
 
Uploading status or text or pictures or video or audio?
 
anorlunda said:
Uploading status or text or pictures or video or audio?
Sorry for the delay. Text files.
 

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