Yet Another Connect+ Alternative

[MejDam]

No cheap modem does 5g, including this one. I'm building a 5g modem but expect to pay 60-90 for 5g pcie modem and another 30 to make it support USB and another 30 for enclosure or raspi hat. In other words a diy 5g is about 150 and retail is minimum 300 to 450.

If price weren't a concern, what's the top-performing USB dongle or MiFi device that supports all US cellular bands, including 5G? I'll be using a Google Fi data-only SIM. And just a heads-up to anyone annoyed with Rivian Connect+ subscriptions: some manufacturer monthly data plans are just as pricey as what I pay for my Tesla and Rivian connectivity, with far less features. While I'm definitely keeping Rivian Connect+, I'm eager to cancel the other two subscriptions.

Chevy Bolt 2023: Unlimited Data Plan
$25 per Month
$200 per year

Tesla Model Y 2023: Premium Connectivity
$9.99 per Month
$99 per year

Rivian R1S 2023: Connect+
$14.99 per month
$149.99 per year

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[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

For me nothing because I'm under my data cap as I rarely otherwise use my mobile data (I'm always around Wi-Fi).

The data SIM just rolls up to the cell phone plan I already have.

So say I have Mint Mobile with unlimited data, I could just get a SIM card from them, plop it into this device, connect that to one of the USB-C ports in the truck? Hmm... I can see the utility of something like this (but 5G version) for sake of downloading updates. Faster than Connect+.

 

[dfacto]

So say I have Mint Mobile with unlimited data, I could just get a SIM card from them, plop it into this device, connect that to one of the USB-C ports in the truck? Hmm... I can see the utility of something like this (but 5G version) for sake of downloading updates. Faster than Connect+.

In theory: yes.

 

[dfacto]

I'm still hacking on my 5g router but if you wanted to just buy one, I'd probably get:
GL.iNet GL-X3000 (Spitz AX) Cellular Gateway 5G Router for House & RV, Wi-Fi 6, Detachable Antennas, Dual-SIM, T-Mobile & AT&T IoT Device Certified, Family/Rural Area/Road Trips (Free 10GB SIM Card) https://a.co/d/0NaSoEi

At 370 this is a very fair price. I've spent the same amount on my raspberry pi diy version (though mine will also be a server and has NVMe).

 

[MejDam]

I tested the HOSAYA Portable WIFI 4G SIM Card WIFI Modem, as discussed in the initial post, for several days. It's adequate for replacing Rivian Connect+ if the only device using it is the Rivian. However, it's unsuitable for sharing internet with multiple devices, like iPads and phones, due to its instability.

During a recent trip from Southern California to Las Vegas, the device frequently rebooted or lost connection, requiring manual restarts. I experimented with different power sources (power bank and Rivian's power) and SIM cards (Google Fi data-only and AT&T), but neither resolved the random reboots and connection drops.

The GL.iNet GL-X3000, while a capable 5G router, appears overpriced at $370 for those solely aiming to replace the $150 annual Rivian Connect+ subscription. Its versatility for international travel, ISP outages, or RV use justifies the cost for multi-purpose needs. However, for a simple Rivian Connect+ replacement, it's not cost-effective.

I've acquired a Ubiquiti Mobile Router Ultra ($130, not 5G compable) for testing and will share the results. While still a significant investment, its compatibility with my existing Ubiquiti ecosystem, along with features like OpenVPN and WireGuard support, makes it suitable for upcoming trips to Mexico and Spain. Additionally, it serves as a reliable home internet backup during ISP outages.

 

[MejDam]

I'm going to test the HOSAYA Portable WIFI 4G SIM Card WIFI Modem with my GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) travel router before returning it, as I wait for the Ubiquiti Mobile Router Ultra. I think too many devices might be causing the HOSAYA device to overheat. Tomorrow, I'll see if the rebooting and disconnects continue during a two-hour drive with the kids. Wish me luck.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

The GL.iNet GL-X3000, while a capable 5G router, appears overpriced at $370 for those solely aiming to replace the $150 annual Rivian Connect+ subscription. Its versatility for international travel, ISP outages, or RV use justifies the cost for multi-purpose needs. However, for a simple Rivian Connect+ replacement, it's not cost-effective.

I abandoned the idea as quickly as I realized how much the typical 5G ones cost. I guess I'll just leave my phone in the truck whenever I want the OTAs to download faster and more reliably than Connect+.

 

[-TK-]

The dedicated hardware is a great alternative. For me, since I use Verizon it would cost me more or roughly the same as C+ to add the device to my monthly plan. My sole interest here is to enable controlling Spotify from the screen. I currently just use Bluetooth from the phone, but that is cumbersome as I use Siri to change music. I too, loathe subscriptions, paying $15 a month just so I can use Spotify from the main screen is not worth it.

I got excited, based on the discussions in this thread to try my iPhone hotspot for WiFi. I setup an iPhone automation to enable the hotspot when phone BT connects to Rivian audio and disables the hotspot when disconnected from BT Rivian audio.

The automations mostly work, not always which is frustrating, the biggest issue is iphone hotspot has been quite unreliable and consistently disconnects or does not connect at all. (Verified the hotspot is active). Even when it does connect the interface is often laggy to the extent of almost unresponsive. I’ve verified I have good phone Verizon network connectivity. I also live in an urban area with plenty of coverage. It’s so unreliable that I’ve reverted back to just using BT. I don’t have connectivity issues with BT, so I figure it’s a phone to Rivian issue.

I’m curious if others have had better luck with just the phone hotspot and if there are any suggestions on how to improve what I’ve tried. 26-R1T
Thanks!

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