Internet Option

[KelloggKid]

I recently participated in an Airstream survey and one of the questions was designed to measure level of interest in a dealer installed option that would add cellular connectivity (supposedly better than cell phone coverage) along with a WiFi installation and access to the new AT&T data package that is being offered with the new Classic Smart Control system. I got the impression from the survey that any possible offering for existing Airstreams was way out in the future, however last night I stumbled on this article in Engadget that implies the option may now be available (https://www.engadget.com/2018/11/28/...gy-first-look/).

Here is a quote from the article....." .....but can be added to other Airstreams (even old ones) at a dealer. You can also pay $360 for a year of unlimited data for that true nomad life."

Is anyone aware of this option being available and if so at what cost? The survey indicated it might be around $1,000 installed.

[AtomicNo13]

Check out WiFiRangers line of sim based routers.
Far less than 1k.

[KelloggKid]

Originally Posted by AtomicNo13

Check out WiFiRangers line of sim based routers.
Far less than 1k.

As I understand it, the WiFi Rangers unit picks up a weak wifi signal and amplifies it. From what I have seen it seems to have a good reputation as do a couple of other vendors. However, unless I misunderstand it's capability, the only way one can connect it to cellular is via one's cell phone. I do not see any sim based products on their website. The only cellular capacity they discuss is obtained by tethering to your cell phone.

In many areas that we camp our cell phones are lucky to get one bar of signal, especially when inside the trailer and there are no wifi signals to be had at all. Thus I don't think a WiFiRanger would work for us.

The system that is coming from Airstream is described as consisting of a cellular radio (that is supposed to be good at pulling in weak cell signals) tied to a wifi hotspot inside the trailer and a special unlimited data package from AT&T.

I should also mention that my local Airstream dealer is not yet aware of any such dealer installed option.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by KelloggKid

. . .
Is anyone aware of this option being available and if so at what cost?
. . .

The following thread covers the ins and outs of the new plan, although the last posts [~ 11/7/18] may not be the best current info:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f483...ms-187354.html

If you have any further information, would you please share it on that thread, so everyone there can benefit?

Thanks,

Peter

PS -- On a somewhat related subject matter, this current thread has good info on a variety of cell plans:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f459...an-189166.html

FWIW

[KelloggKid]

Originally Posted by OTRA15

..............

If you have any further information, would you please share it on that thread, so everyone there can benefit?

Thanks,

Peter

Thanks Peter. I hadn't looked at that thread in a while it didn't realize it had moved beyond what is currently being offered only in the Classic. My dealer is checking with Airstream to see when a dealer installed option might be made available and has promised to get back to me. I'll post any updates to the older thread.

[AtomicNo13]

Some of the wifirangers are sim based devices. Check out their website.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

There are multiple threads about this running around here. The bottom line seems to be that the setup for the Classic is still in the "beta test" stage and is not yet fully functional. The guess is that they want to get it working properly before they roll it out as a dealer install option.

Bob

[AtomicNo13]

You are not searching the wifiranger site.
Here is a link to the wfr SkyPro sim based device......

https://wifiranger.com/shop/product/60-skypro-pack

Apparent on their site, and in service for me.