Cheapest 4G tablet service

[T2urtle]

So I was recently on a road trip. LA to Chicago. For those whom done the drive or travel know 3g/4g service is spotty in many regions.

Tmobile service in good in chicago where I'm at and we'll average other places. On the road trip I had my tmobile phone, friend had Verizon phone and sprint tablet. So we covered most of carriers, if there was 4G service we would find it. It as decent.

That got me thinking on picking up a small tablet with 4G service, I'm already hitting my 2.5gb limit on my tmobile note4. So I figure get a tablet on another carrier, increase my bandwidth overall and cover me when tmobile isn't the best service.

So pretty I'm interested in a 4G tablet service that's not tmobile. What are some recommendations and prices for standalone or under a family plan. I might ask someone to join them. I'll be looking to use under 5gb for sure and a android tablet of some type.

 

[paperwastage]

No t-mobile, you probably don't want Sprint (their LTE is spotty as well, evdo/1x will be too slow for your liking/what you're paying)

Either AT&T or Verizon.

Is there a tablet price limitation? I'd really recommend getting an iPad or Nexus 7/9 , would work across AT&T/Verizon (and T-mobile/Sprint). Roughly $10-$15 per GB.

Dont think there are other tablets that work properly on LTE bands 2/4/5/17 (ATT/tmobile) + 13 (Verizon)


https://gigaom.com/2013/11/01/ipad-air-with-lte-tip-you-can-switch-carrier-sims-at-will/

(Pricing below)
http://www.imore.com/how-to-pick-ipad-data-plan

 

[sweenish]

You should try completely reading the OP before posting.

 

[paperwastage]

You should try completely reading the OP before posting.

I did... he asked about non-tmobile (android) tablet service

I recommended Nexus 9 (usable w/ Verizon or ATT), or iPad (because it's easier to get support if you want to switch between ANY provider in the future... and when Sprint has better service)

and I showed him the standalone tablet pricing for iPads... you'll get the same tablet pricing for non-iPads

 

[Artdeco]

Verizon.

Just be sure to get a Verizon device, if you want cheap, get an LG G Pad with a different launcher to reduce the lag,if you have a VZ store that'll work with you, all you have to do is activate the SIM in a VZ tablet, then switch it to what you buy if it's non Verizon device, but unlocked with VZ bands.

You can score a used LG G Pad cheap.

 

[T2urtle]

Is the going rate really $10-15 per gb? ON A STANDALONE LINE? What's the going rate for a family plan add on?

I ask because it's like $10 for 5gb for tmobile tablets. But they are known for the cheapest rates. How about the prepaid/those smaller guys like boost mobile and etc?

Seems it's a VZ or ATT battle.

 

[paperwastage]

Is the going rate really $10-15 per gb? ON A STANDALONE LINE? What's the going rate for a family plan add on?

You can see from that ipad page...it goes down to $8/gb ($80 10GB on verizon), but you have to pay for 10GB

For family plans on postpaid MORE EVERYTHING: The best per GB rate from Verizon is 10GB for $80 (aka $8/GB) or 15GB for $100 ($6/GB)... but you need to pay for all that data
Also, you need to pay $10/tablet line access fee on top of that. plus any overage if you go over

I ask because it's like $10 for 5gb for tmobile tablets. But they are known for the cheapest rates. How about the prepaid/those smaller guys like boost mobile and etc?

Seems it's a VZ or ATT battle.

that's why T-mobile is T-mobile... (and $10 for 5GB is promotional rate. it's usually $20 for 1GB If you don't have any postpaid phone plans)

I don't think Boost mobile has tablets... you can do a daily plan with a phone + tethering

you can look at straighttalk (they have options for t-mobile OR at&t... choose at&T). $40 for 4GB and valid for 2 months

https://www.straighttalk.com/wps/portal/home/shop/serviceplans/tablet




think about it - Google is reselling data @ $10/GB on Project Fi.... that's roughly the going rate

 

[T2urtle]

Ty sir for all that info. 10gb is almost overkill for me since I will try not to stream. 5gb is the spot I love to be at.

Hitting up some stores morrow. Was hoping they had an unpublished offer someone knows about. Att/VZ here I come.

 

[lazybedone]

for your roadtrip route, the best 4g device to use will be on either Verizon or AT&T. They have a wider and stronger coverage, since its a road trip that you are after.