Cellular internet has received a major facelift since we hit the road in 2015 and the industry continues to offer new deals in the fight for subscribers. This week our “Word of the Week” is all about an exciting and inexpensive offering from AT&T: the MOBLEY.

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What is the Mobley?

The Mobley is a new hotspot device, offered through AT&T, that produces a cellular data network inside your vehicle… also know as a “Connected Car” in their marketing material. Technically, the hotspot connects to the OBD-II port under the dash to receive power and, when the key is in the ignition, the device powers-up and provides 4G data.

The Mobley data-only plan by AT&T costs $20 a month and offers unlimited data (with network prioritization beginning after 22gb).

How Much Does it Really Cost?

Once taxes and fees hit our monthly Mobley bill, the grand total is $22. However, the plan does have a few start-up costs. There are two routes to choose from – contract or no contract. The no contract plan requires you to buy the device upfront for $100, but no activation fee. The two year contract plan gives you the device for free, but charges a $50 activation fee.

We chose the no contract route.

Does My Engine Have to be On?

If you want to use the Mobley hotspot when your vehicle is turned off, there is a way to make it happen. We found this OBD-II port adapter on Amazon that allows you to plug the Mobley device into a constant power source. This device could also come in handy if your car doesn’t have an OBD-II port or if the port is inaccessible.

Beware, cellular companies watch for misuse of their products. If you use the hotspot outside of your vehicle for months in a row, AT&T may take action. We haven’t heard any specific reports of this, but it does seem to be the overall trend of the industry.

Is It Really Unlimited?

Most unlimited plans come with some restrictions and the Mobley is no different. Their unlimited plan is basically 22 gigs of data before network prioritization begins. Meaning, after 22 gigs of usage AT&T may slow your speeds during times of high activity on their network.

We’ve researched forums and talked with our friends who use the device; everyone has said speeds have remained fast and prioritization hasn’t been an issue.

How Do I Get One?

AT&T recently opened up their Mobley “Connected Car” plan to everyone – existing customers and first time customers, alike! We recommend buying the plan online. The process was very simple and the device we delivered, activated and ready, in two days.

We just plugged the Mobley into the OBD-II port and had unlimited internet!

Anything Else I Should Know?

This offer is only available for a limited time, ending on July 17, 2017.

The Mobley device doesn’t support LTE Advanced Carrier Aggregation – this isn’t a huge deal, but it does mean it will potentially receive slower speeds than other 4G devices.

We aren’t tech experts! If you’re looking for more Mobley information or any other mobile internet topic – please check out RV Mobile Internet. They are our go-to source for the most relevant and recent news in the land of cellular internet.

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