For anyone who'd like to understand the differences between the Jetpack models, we have a quick video at the top of this guide that explains things like modem category, carrier aggregation, frequency band support and internal antennas. And, we have a head to head comparison of potential speeds between all of the recent Verizon models. 

Guide: http://www.rvmobileinternet.com/lte-modems

The 8800L is indeed the current flagship that came out last October, and is Cat 18 with internal 4x4 MIMO antennas. It was riddled with reboot and disconnect issues, but the 1S firmware update that was pushed earlier this month seems to make it much more stable than most. 

If you have the now retired prepaid unlimited plan - definitely purchase 3rd party, not directly from Verizon. If purchasing a new plan, the 8800L is not yet available for purchase directly with prepaid (but some reps are able to sell it that way) - it shouldn't be locked into pre or post paid that way, and you can swap SIMs as desired. 

 - Cherie

Edited August 30 by Technomadia

I do not currently have a data plan, but I am a current Verizon customer with two post paid phones and unlimited data. I stopped by the Verizon store and they recommend adding a line to my current plan for $20. He said I could add multiple lines for $20 each and that each one would come with 15gb of 4G data. I am still in S&B until the end of Sept and have Comcast. Looking at this year's data usage from Comcast, I have used anywhere from 59gb to 98gb. I'm sure some of that is that both phones are set to connect to wifi when in range and we do stream music and video on the phones. I may be forced to cut back my usage some.

Thoughts?

  On 8/30/2019 at 3:36 AM, Packman said:

do not currently have a data plan, but I am a current Verizon customer with two post paid phones and unlimited data.

Wait! You have no data plan but have unlimited data? With unlimited data can you just use your phone as a hot spot? Or am I, once agin, showing my ignorance?

Linda

I think, correct me if I'm wrong, but you'd have to use your phone as a hotspot and you are limited on hotspot data.

You have unlimited data? Is that on a wireless plan. Or do you mean a DSL phone line? Beware of the clowns at the verizon stores. My experience is they lie. They don't know what they are selling. They will be gone next week when you need clarification of what they promised. You only need one line. How much does each GB over your wireless plan really cost. Mine used to be $10 per GB.

  On 8/30/2019 at 9:18 AM, Sehc said:

You have unlimited data? Is that on a wireless plan. Or do you mean a DSL phone line?

You mean in the S&B? Unlimited cable modem. Wireless phone plan - Unlimited postpaid.

  On 8/30/2019 at 1:41 AM, Technomadia said:

The 8800L is indeed the current flagship that came out last October, and is Cat 18 with internal 4x4 MIMO antennas. It was riddled with reboot and disconnect issues, but the 1S firmware update that was pushed earlier this month seems to make it much more stable than most.

When we got our current phones, we were offered tablets for free with just the additional line device fee. I paid edtra to get a Mifi in place of one tablet. I had one of the previous Verizon Mifi versions. It started constantly rebooting. It was always considerably slower than the Samsung 7 and Tab A. I tried to get it replaced with a Tab A (which I could have gotten for free when I upgraded but chose to pay extra for the Mifi). Verizon would not give me a Tab A and replaced the Mifi with a 8800L. It also is considerably slower than the phone and tablet. It is running the 1S firmware and drops off frequently. If I tether it, it will work for a while and then slow to virtually 0. Restarting it does not resolve the issue it needs to be turned off for awhile before it will work again. When it is time to upgrade again, I will not get another Mifi if I can get a tablet for the same price or cheaper. 

  On 8/30/2019 at 10:27 AM, Packman said:

You mean in the S&B? Unlimited cable modem. Wireless phone plan - Unlimited postpaid.

Ah, the unlimited data is on a cable modem. If I understand correctly the unlimited on the phone is just for phone calls, not for data? That makes a huge difference.

Linda

I also owned the 8800L. After 3 days I just threw it away because of nerves

There's a good post on iRV2 on utilizing SIM cards in a router with antenna.  My son set us up with a similar cusom made system and it's a sweet setup.  Used the SIM card from a formally used 8800L.    http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/configuring-and-optimizing-your-pepwave-max-cellular-and-wifi-router-449892.html