[Giesela]

I was at T-Mobile today looking at their pre-paid hot spot. I don't have a smart phone and don't want one. I would like internet on my netbook when I got to Michigan. Southern MI to see my Mom and once in awhile I got to Mt Pleasant or the UP. So that's on and off 5, 6 times a year.

I asked them to check coverage and first he said, oh yea but only 2G. Then looked more carefully and it looks like T-Mobile coverage is pretty sparse with everything inbetween a 2nd party carrier. Which would be fine I guess except that it doesn't work for the hot spot

Verizon's pre-paid is ridiculous, they set it up so you end up with a contract. I haven't checked with AT&T yet but figure it will be the same. Of course they both usually have best coverage.

What does everyone work and how well does it work? Verizon? Also has more of variety of more flexible/cheaper pre-paid than the big two.

[Perferator]

Where in the UP?

[Giesela]

Not just the few spots of marquette, Houghton etc. I would be moving around. The UP generally and the lower P as well

[Nephler]

If you're looking into pre-paid, go with Net-10. I've used it with great coverage from Alaska to Michigan and all part between. Coverage is very good throughout northern LP of MI up through the UP as far as the Keweenaw.

[Perferator]

We have AT&T. The cell coverage is good, pretty much in useable coverage as long as you arent out in the boonies where no houses or paved roads exist. Being from one end to the other I've found that AT&T lights up all the corridors of major travel (highways) but when you get off the beaten path you quickly lose signal.

[Giesela]

Thanks for the replies so far. net 10 is only for pre paid phones and I'm looking for wi-fi. AT&T doesn't seem to have a pre-paid or pay as you go mobile hot spot.

[Nephler]

You can always tether your phone to get WiFi, that's what I do with my Net-10 phone.
I ditched the contract bullshi* a number of years ago. I get unlimited everything, text, calls and data for $45 and no roaming fees. Now I tether to my cell when I'm on the road with my iPad or laptop at 4g or 3g speeds.

[Giesela]

I have a virgin mobile cheap pay as you go phone, not a smartphone. So that doesn't work

[ManoftheNorth]

I have Verizon in Sault Ste. Marie. Works great in and around the Soo, not as great the further away from town you get. It's much better then it was a few years ago though; used to be you couldn't really expect it to work outside the city limits, but now there are just a few spots here and there in the country that are deadzones.