I live in southern Wisconsin and have the WISDOT WISCORS RTN Network avaialable across most of my work area. I have been using it for post-processing missions, but could benefit from using it occationally in real-time mode.
My question is regarding data volumes for RTN use. I'm sure there are a lot of variables, but I am trying to see what wireless data plan might suit me best for occasional (5 days / month) use.
Can you offer an average or range of data volume for an avaerage day or hour, etc. I will be utilizing US Cellular for service.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Matt
Approximately one megabyte per hour is the figure I have seen for streaming RTK corrections.
That's good to know. Thanks! Doesn't really seem like that much.
I heard Verizon is about to cap their "unlimited" plan.
If I am not mistaken, Verizon has already capped their plan. Well, concerning the MiFi anyway. We use the MiFi for connecting to different networks. I bought a MiFi for personal use through AT&T. You get more than twice as much data usage for the same amount of cash. (5gb AT&T, 2gb Verizon; each for $50 a month)
Pole-Lock's got it pretty much hit it-right-on-the-head.
Most all the Cellular Service providers have a 5Gb/Month plan for $50 month, with 2-year commitment.
Select "Tethering option", tell the Cellular sales reps at the mall kisok you want to connect your PC to the internet; U dunt need their phone, just their GSM SIM card, or CDMA modem device + a montly data plan, that includes SMS Texting, NO VOICE service, with these details, they'll get the type of service plan U need right the first time, (Maybe). Your local GNSS Equipment Dealer has been through this fire drill over + over again, good local source for information.
GSM Networks (ATT, T-Mobile) use SIM Cards
CDMA Networks (Sprint, Verizon) No SIM Card, but the new Verizon Wirless 4G LTE USB modems + MIFI Hot Spots now uses SIM Cards, (New Global Standard). That was new one on me in April'11, when I bought a VW 4G LTE USM modem for my collection of laptop PC's
I've talked to surveyors using the Verizon, (VW) MiFI Hotspots that have WiFI capable data collectors to connect into the VW MIFI hot spot,and then their local RTN. The VW MiFI can connect up to(5) RTK Rovers, U get about 1000' to 1500' "Line-of-Sight" range with the VW MiFI device. The RTK Surveyor needs to rig-up a battery power supply to the VZ MiFi device all day, or have a really long extension cord...
-BbB
you don't need to worry about plans not being unlimited anymore....
It turns out that 5GB of data is enough to run a VRS rover 24/7 for a month....
Matt,
I use US Cellular. Standard data plan package. No smart phone. Motorola W385 phones.
I've never had a problem and sometimes I use it 8 hours a day seven days a week.
Kevin
Currently, Verizon's data plan, as applicable to a PHONE, has unlimited data. The second you tether or otherwise use something other than the phone itself for data access, the 5GB limit applies.
However, on July 1, 2011, that will change. Data plans will be capped even for the phone itself. The good news is, if you already have an unlimited data plan, you will not lose that. The change pertains to new customers only. So, if you want the unlimited plan, you better jump in before July 1.
