[Hidden-tech] AT&T Mobile Hotspot MiFi® 2372 - Wifi on Amtak

[Robert Heller]

At Sat, 28 May 2011 11:43:23 -0400 Jeff Rutherford <jeff at jeffrutherford.com> wrote:

> 
> Thanks everyone. It's amazing to me that we're even having to discuss
> the lack of WiFi on Amtrak in 2011. Sigh . . .

Strange as it sounds, but the USA (where the Internet was *invented*) is
still at a very *primitive* level in terms of deployment of the
Internet, compared to much of the *rest* of the world.  Not just the
lack of WiFi on Amtrak, but also the lack of broadband Internet in
*most* of rural America.  It is embarassing: there are *third world
countries* with better broadband Internet coverage.

> 
> Jeff
> 
> Jeff Rutherford
> 413-475-0087
> jeff at jeffrutherford.com
> http://about.me/jeffrutherford
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On May 28, 2011, at 10:26 AM, Robert Heller wrote:
> 
> > At Sat, 28 May 2011 10:10:35 -0400 Rich Roth <webmaster at hidden-tech.net> wrote:
> > 
> >> 
> >> These questions are actually about getting wifi on Amtak to NYC - which is probably the
> >> Vermonter
> >> 
> >> We just took that to DC and back and found (to our annoyance) there is a network
> >> AmtrakConnect
> >> both ways -- the issue is it requires a password (not just a browser screen) and I can
> >> find no info about how to get one
> >> except on the Acela - which this is not.
> > 
> > I expect that this is not an 'official' public access service, but
> > might be for the use of the staff (conductors, since the Vermonter is
> > one train where many people buy their tickets on board).
> > 
> > There are 'rumors' (fairly reliable ones) that there will be public
> > wireless access on the Vermonter at some point in the near future. 
> > Amtrak is in the process of upgrading its passenger fleet to include
> > WiFi, but I believe it is not some mass thing, just as cars go though
> > their regular maintenance cycle, the WiFi router is added in.  It is
> > uncertain as to whether the WiFi access will be free or will be an
> > added cost feature (pay as you go or something).
> > 
> > 
> >> 
> >> Note this is when using an iPad, so may not be the same with a laptop.
> >> 
> >> More at:
> >> http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer/AM_Content_C/1246044325520/1237405732514
> >> 
> >> We did find some random stations have good free access - like one around Philly that is
> >> next to a Home Depot.
> >> 
> >> Any other info would be helpful -- any Amtak network admin on the list ?
> >> 
> >> Rich
> >> 
> >> On 5/27/2011 10:45 PM, Robert Heller wrote:
> >>> At Fri, 27 May 2011 16:38:22 -0400 Jeff Rutherford <jeff at jeffrutherford.com> wrote:
> >>> 
> >>>> Has anyone used one of these? What was your experience? I'm specifically wondering about anyone's experience using one of these on Amtrak to NYC.
> >>>> 
> >>>> http://www.wireless.att.com/businesscenter/devices/att-mobile-hotspot-mifi-2372.jsp
> >>> The only experience I have had was second hand.  While traveling south
> >>> on the Vermonter in mid April, I discovered that someone had an
> >>> unsecured Verzon (I believe) MiFi device that I was able to 'leach' off
> >>> of.  I was able to get a decent connection that worked from somewhere
> >>> in northern VT all the way to Amherst, which is where I detrained.
> >>> 
> >> 
> > 
> > -- 
> > Robert Heller             -- 978-544-6933 / heller at deepsoft.com
> > Deepwoods Software        -- http://www.deepsoft.com/
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> > 
> 
> 
>                                                                                                              

-- 
Robert Heller             -- 978-544-6933 / heller at deepsoft.com
Deepwoods Software        -- http://www.deepsoft.com/
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