Name:	Tiger62 -	Reply
Subject:	Anyone using a Verizon Hot Spot for streaming TV?
Date:	12/30/2018 6:12:19 PM

I currently have Directv at the lake but I'm only there during the summer and it's just not practical, from a monetary standpoint. I used to have Charter cable for the TV, so the line is still there. Is it practical to use a cellular wi-fi Hot Spot with a Roku to get TV just during the summer, or should I just get Charter/Spectrum internet re-connected and use that? Suggestions are welcome.

Name:	boataholic -	Reply
Subject:	Anyone using a Verizon Hot Spot for streaming TV?
Date:	12/30/2018 7:14:21 PM

We have the Verizon cellular hotspot at the lake.  Not a portable cell phone hotspot, but the one that is plugged up all the time so I can get enough signal on the property to run a few cameras and control the thermostat from home.  It also provides phone service if you plug up a landline phone.  The kids blow through enough data during the summer to make it hit the limit (I think it is 20GB) so that it throttles the speed so I never attempted the Roku.  However, the Verizon website has a current plan for $60 per phone x 4 phones that allows 75GB before it throttles.  Netflix claims it takes 3GB per hour for HD video.  So for an upgrade and more cash per month, I think we could bring the Roku to the lake, as long as we don't try to run it all the time.  Should give us the option to watch a few movies and ballgames not available on antenna.

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Anyone using a Verizon Hot Spot for streaming TV?
Date:	12/30/2018 7:42:16 PM

I have a straight talk phone with unlimited data at 4g.my cheap 100 dollar phone has built in Hotspot that I have set to stay on continuously. I use it for streaming on demand with my direct TV. It works great. I just let it download a few minutes ahead to avoid any buffering issues when the network is running a little slow.

This month I got a notice that they reserve the right to review sage once 60 gigs is reached. I think it is because some folks were eating bandwidth by using it for commercial purposes. Straight talk is a no contract plan. The one time in over 8 years with them I had to call customer service it was a very pleasant experience and I spoke to an American. You can get phones on the plan that use either att or Verizon towers. For this area Verizon is the best by far.

Bottom line is I think a Hotspot would do just fine. My phone internet combined is $50/mo.

Name:	smb -	Reply
Subject:	Anyone using a Verizon Hot Spot for streaming TV?
Date:	12/31/2018 4:16:38 AM

The original question pertained to finding a low-cost option for those who mainly visit the lake during summer months.  If I understand Lifer's reply correctly, he is using Verizon to stream programing for $50/month, but he also has DirecTV...cost for that is not stated, but I assume it is another $50+ which would put total above $100 per month. Are there other options that allow you to only pay during the summer months when there is usage?

Name:	boataholic -	Reply
Subject:	Anyone using a Verizon Hot Spot for streaming TV?
Date:	12/31/2018 7:02:52 AM

SlingTV starts at $25 per month and tops at $40.  Watch it on the Roku at home or at the lake, or anywhere you have internet.  Only limitation is you can't watch it in two places at the same time.

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Anyone using a Verizon Hot Spot for streaming TV?
Date:	12/31/2018 7:57:40 AM

You're right, my direct bill is about 80 bucks/MO  but the two together I still way less than what I was paying charter. My phone and internet together are still only $50, les than charter gets for internet alone. My main point was that the Hotspot should work OK. My favorite part though is neither charter nor att get a penny of my money... Lol. Hate them both.

Name:	Carlson -	Reply
Subject:	Anyone using a Verizon Hot Spot for streaming TV?
Date:	12/31/2018 12:04:49 PM

Lifer, interesting setup with direct and straight talk.  I have Troy Cable plus very slow internet (5mg) and with 8 grandkids most with smartphones, watching a movie can be a chore.  No way to watch two movies on different TVs.  

I have direct in bham but it costs $150 per month for expanded coverage for the various espn and other sport channels.  Obviously I need to get busy renegotiate all of the providers.  At bham I use charter for 100 mg internet with no limits for about $60.  

Thanks for the info.  Any advice for us here at the lake?

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Try this
Date:	12/31/2018 12:51:57 PM

Negotiate with dish a second location for the lake. My neighbors so this and only pay for an extra box added to their home bill. It's about $10/MO. You Wil obviously have to install the actual dish at the lake. That will require an install cost possibly, but that is recovered in a month or two. You will have great TV at the lke also. Whatever you have at home will be at the lke too. If you need n install call Harrison at CableBusters in dadeville and he will hook you up cheaper than the direct crews usually.

I switch between Direct and Dish every few years when the contract runs out. You can usually get a one year extension at the same or close to the same price, plus ask for some free premium channels foa while a you usually get a. Month or two of free preium channels. If they don't offer a great deal switch to thother and get all the "new" customer goddies.

Hope it works for you.

Name:	Carlson -	Reply
Subject:	Try this
Date:	12/31/2018 3:33:20 PM

Sounds great but we have 6 TVs.  With Troy Cable with a booster it does not increase the cost.  Thanks.

Name:	Tiger62 -	Reply
Subject:	Try this
Date:	12/31/2018 4:17:27 PM

I think Directv frowns on what you've suggested...so I just didn't ask them. ;-) I "added" another receiver to my Directv system at home, bought a compatible dish, installed it at the lake, hooked it all up, aimed it, and voilá...another "bedroom" has Directv!! ;-) My problem now is, I'm wanting to "cut the cord" at home, which also means cutting the cord for my "remote bedroom";-) That's why I'm considering the "hot spot and streaming solution". I want something that I can "turn on" in the summer and "turn off" in the winter. I just can't quite decide between a hot spot for the internet or a standard Spectrum/Charter internet connection. The regular Spectrum/Charter internet can only be suspended for a maximum of six months, I think, whereas the hot spot can just be "turned On and Off" whenever I want to. Decisions, decisions!!