Pepwave MAX Transit 5G

[GeeSag]

For anyone looking at getting a cellular router, or considering an upgrade to the one they have:

Notice: Peplink is getting ready to launch the new MAX Transit with 5G.
(Datasheet attached below)

This will make everyone think long and hard about running 4 Coax cables for the 4x4 MIMO.


Notice: WeBoost upgraded their Wideband Directional Antenna to include 600 MHz. This means with T-Mobile, the Peplink MAX Transit 5G could pull either LTE or 5G from that 600 MHz spectrum.

Personally, I think this is going to be really cool.

(Pardon the crude photoshop)

[JonDNC]

Hmm.. could this replace my airstream connect router??? When the time is right of course to move to 5G.

[GeeSag]

What data plans are Airstream Connect users using?
I know a few are probably still on the original $360/year unlimited, but even for those, what plans do you plan to use going forward?

I am thinking the 100G $50 T-Mobile is about the best offered direct from the three (AT&T, VzW, T-M).
I know there are a multitude of other third party resellers offering a variety of packages.

I am just curious as to what plans are people using with their Airstream Connect that do not have the $360 Unlimited plan?

How many bought the ToGo? (I did and still using it. I have 7 months left on $360 plan, then plan on ditching that modem.)

What Peplink router is being installed in Airstream Connect?

The above answers might help steer this thread.
Is the upgrade to the new MAX Transit 5G worth it?

I think the T-Mobile 100G $50 is worth it.
If T-Mobile activates 5G on 600 MHz, then that is worth it to many RV campers when 600 MHz means connectivity versus no connectivity over distance limited AWS / PCS / 2.5 GHz spectrum.

There are a few topics worth considering for Airstream Connect Upgrades:
Is the Poynting Antenna on the roof capable of supporting 600 MHz?

Is it 2X2 versus is it pre-wired for 4x4? I am pretty sure the answer is: it is wired for 2X2. 5G is really designed for 4x4. So replacing the Poynting with a 4X4 and pulling the extra coax probably means that this new Pepwave MAX Transit 5G is Not an easy upgrade for existing Airstream Connect Users if they want the full benefit of 5G, but using it with the existing Poynting and 2X2 would probably be sort of OK, but not worth the price up upgrade just for that.

[JimMussulman]

I just watched a good intro to the antennas for 5G on Mobile Internet Resource Center

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NasM3FfPRb0

[jan55255]

Hello,

Did you pull the trigger on the MAX? I’m waiting to hear back from AS about the one that came with my 2021 Classic. Apparently it’s a 3G/LTE and won’t work in some places, Delaware has no ATT 3G - 3G/LTE. I was at the ATT store discussing whey my new modem doesn’t connect. I’m curious how the works compared to the Netgear.

[GeeSag]

Who has bought the 5G Peplinks? (MAX Tranit 5G or MAX BR1 5G)

Every time I go to 5GStore and MobileMustHave and start loading a cart, the $1000 for the Transit 5G starts to creep up north of $1500 when adding 4 Antenna that support 600 MHz.

Chris & Cherie also point out why to get the BR1 over the Transit, so the $1000 becomes $1500 (Creeps up over $2000 to get 4 antenna supporting 600 MHz)

One of my main reasons to get one of the Pepwave 5G are to support T-Mobile in addition to AT&T and VzW.

I keep stopping before pulling the trigger because: How Much better will it be than the Hotspots M2000, Nighthawk, 8800L?
When I breakdown the $1500 - $2000 into a per month type basis, I keep thinking:
....... WAIT.........

[dah605]

I have one... it isn't certified for all carriers yet and may or may not work with many plans. If you need something now, get the LTE one; if you can wait, it will likely be a great option.

I couldn't get it to work on the AT&T 100GB for $55 plan. OTR Mobile has been a pain to get set up and working. It did work with my Verizon Prepaid $65/mo unlimited plan (the plan you can't get any more).

[centennialman]

I have used my Pepwave on several trips this year and love it! It's nice to be able to take my job on the road with me and to be able to do zoom meetings with my clients.

[GeeSag]

Thanks Dah605
Having the AT&T 100G/$55 plan not work not the 5G Pepwave is a flag to all airstreamers.

Here is just a point of View:
I see AT&T 100G/$55 plan as the best of the plans from the big three as far as where Airstreamers park. (I am ignoring plans from third party resellers and plans no longer available for this discussion)

While VzW tends to have slightly better coverage than AT&T where Airstreamers park, the 150G/$85 plan starts to get a bit more pricey.

The T-Mobile 5G on band n71 600 MHz is my main interest in this new 5G PepWave. The Inseego M2000 has no TS-9 ports. I give T-Mobile a number three just based on lack of coverage where we park. But when T-M does have coverage, it screams at 100-Plus meg on a regular basis.

Having the Pepwave 5G router NOT support the AT&T 100G/$55 plan is sort of a Show Stopper.