Is Verizon a Good RV Internet Provider?

How Does Verizon Rank As An RV Internet Provider? 

One of the most common struggles for RVers is how to get reliable internet on the road. Many RVers work while traveling and need a consistent internet connection for Zoom calls, emails, and research. Is Verizon a good option? Let’s take a closer look at the Verizon RV internet options available.

Is Verizon a Good RV Internet Option? 

Although it may be the most expensive option, Verizon is rated as the top cell phone provider. Verizon has the best network speeds, which is vitally important for RVers working on the road. It also ranks number one in reliability and coverage, two other necessities for digital nomads. Its 5G coverage provides a strong signal and consistent data service.

Why Do So Many RVers Use Verizon? 

Verizon RV internet coverage extends almost everywhere. The network also offers cell phone plans with hotspot data and dedicated hotspot devices with separate data plans. This means RVers can use data from their cell phones or connect online via a hotspot device. With a variety of plans, RVers can manage their data usage among different devices. The unlimited options are a little more pricey than plans offered by T-Mobile and AT&T but worth the price for the reliability and speed.

Verizon RV Internet Options

Let’s take a look at three Verizon RV internet options. First, RVers can use the hotspot on their cell phone devices. Second, RVers can purchase a hotspot device with its own data plan. Third, RVers can utilize a data plan through various third parties that have secured lines of service.

Cell Phone Hotspot

A cell phone hotspot is data designated for hotspot use. This is usually separate from the data plan. If you have the Get More Unlimited plan, you have unlimited data for internet use on your cell phone. But if you turn on your hotspot and connect your laptop to the hotspot on your cell phone, you only have 30GB of unlimited data usage. You can use your cell phone’s unlimited data plan to surf the internet, stream videos, and post on social media. But connecting another device to the hotspot on your cell phone uses different data.

The biggest pro to using the hotspot on your cell phone is that you don’t have to pay for another device with a separate data plan. If you can use your cell phone for most of your internet usage, buying a separate hotspot with its own data plan is unnecessary. However, once you use all of the hotspot data on your cell phone, Verizon throttles your data to 600 kbps. If you need to use your hotspot data to work on your laptop daily, you’ll run out of data quickly. 

Another con to using the hotspot on your cell phone is you have no redundancy when traveling. If Verizon doesn’t get good service where you are, you won’t have a backup plan since your only option is your cell phone.

Dedicated Hotspot Devices

Another option is to purchase a hotspot device. This has an upfront cost like buying another cell phone. Then you also purchase a separate data plan for the hotspot device. 

The downside is the additional cost. You aren’t paying more for hotspot data when you have hotspot data included in your cell phone data plan. However, when you have a dedicated hotspot device, you’ll pay for an additional data plan. The plus side is you can have ample data for work, streaming, video calling, and more. You aren’t limited to the hotspot data provided with the unlimited cell phone plan.

Hotspot devices provide wireless connectivity to all of your devices: televisions, laptops, tablets, etc. Simply connect each device in the settings to your hotspot device. You can run your Amazon Fire Stick off of the data from a hotspot. You can have daily Zoom calls with your boss. Since it’s a separate plan from your cell phone, you can use your cell phone simultaneously. Verizon offers a mobile hotspot, Jetpack MiFi, and Inseego MiFi as dedicated hotspot devices. If you want to learn more about hotspots, you can read What’s the Difference Between WiFi and Hotspot Internet?

Third-Party Verizon Data Plan Sellers

Some third-party sellers acquire service lines and then resell or lease those lines to consumers. If you go this route, you don’t have direct access to Verizon. So there is some risk involved. Always proceed with caution when dealing with resellers. They could change or terminate your plan without much notice if they lose their data plan. And you could be stuck with a device that won’t work later.

On the positive side, these third-party sellers provide high data usage. Sometimes it’s the only way to get lots of data at an affordable price. For many RVers, it’s worth the risk as long as they have a backup plan. Access Anywhere, Internet On The Go, Nomad Internet, and SkyMobile are just a few of the third-party sellers that provide Verizon data plans.

Does Verizon Offer Truly Unlimited RV Internet Data? 

No network provides a truly unlimited internet data plan. Some third-party sellers may offer truly unlimited plans, but again, those come with risks. Verizon offers unlimited cell phone plans with limited hotspot data. The most data provided on a dedicated hotspot line is 150 GB. This is pretty standard across the networks.

How Much Does Verizon RV Internet Cost?

Depending on the number of lines, your monthly bill will vary. For four lines on the Play More Unlimited or Do More Unlimited plans, you’ll pay $45 per line per month. The Get More Unlimited plan for four lines is $55 per line per month. If you only have two lines, the cost goes up to $70 per line per month for the Play More Unlimited and Do More Unlimited plans and $80 per line per month for the Get More Unlimited plan.

Dedicated hotspot devices have their own data plans. The most expensive data plan, the Premium, will provide 150 GB of data for $110 for a single line and $80 for each additional line. 

Verizon also offers cheaper options with lower data rates. The Essential offers 15 GB for $20, and the Plus offers 50 GB for $40. But neither is available as a single line. You have to add them to an existing Unlimited plan. The Pro offers 100 GB for $90 for a single line and $60 for each additional line.

Verizon RV Internet Plan Perks

Verizon offers five unlimited data plans: Start Unlimited, Play More Unlimited, Do More Unlimited, Get More Unlimited, and Just Kids. The Play More and Get More Unlimited plans offer other perks to entice consumers, such as a Disney+ Hulu ESPN+ subscription. These plans also include a 12-month subscription to discovery+ and Apple Arcade. A Google Play Pass is also included for 12 months as an additional perk.

Is a Verizon RV Internet Plan Right for You?

Verizon is a reliable, fast network available across the U.S. If you need internet data while traveling, it’s worth looking into the options Verizon provides. If you’re more stationary, you should look at the best network in your location. But if you’re traveling all over the country, Verizon RV internet might be the right choice for you. Now you just need to decide how much data you need and how you’ll use it. Do you want a dedicated hotspot device? Are you going to look at third-party sellers? What will you do for reliable internet on the road?