The Problem
Being completely disconnected from our devices has been great. We certainly don’t miss the dinging and pinging of our cell phones in the slightest. Unfortunately, certain aspects of our lives are dependent on being able to access them. We don’t necessarily need all the phone calls and text messages, but we do need the ability to make sure our work-camping paychecks are deposited, balance our checkbook and update our website. And it would be nice to have that ability without making a trip into town, which sometimes isn’t possible. As a result, we looked into and ordered the Connect RV 65 by WeBoost.
The Fix (or so we thought)
Prior to finalizing our decision to purchase the WeBoost, we left a question on their website inquiring about returning the item if we weren’t satisfied. WeBoost replied and confirmed that they do offer a money back guarantee if the item is returned within 30 days of the purchase. They also added that a cell signal must exist in order for the external antenna to boost it. We were stoked, since we had a signal, and sure this was the answer to our problem. No more trips to town for us… we would soon have internet access!
The Delivery
We ordered our Connect RV 65 from an authorized dealer, Cellular Outlet Inc., which was suggested by a helpful WeBoost customer service representative. With a quick phone call to the dealer our purchase was made and we awaited delivery. The WeBoost arrived approximately a week after placing the order and came in a large rectangular box that was taller than me. The box contained an antenna pole, coaxial cables of various lengths, an external antenna, an internal antenna, signal booster and power supply.
The Assembly
The instructions were easy to follow, and the sequential numbering of the boxes made installation almost foolproof. Hesitant to hardwire any of the components to our Airstream, I did everything but drill holes or attach adhesive tape. With the external antenna mounted to the telescoping pole, I attached the pole with zip ties to our bike rack and extended it as high as it would go. I then pointed the antenna toward an opening in the trees and powered up the signal booster. The lights on the signal booster lit up green and my cellphone showed Verizon LTE three bars.
Going Down Hill, Fast
I tried using my phone to load our webpage, but nothing happened. Additional webpages from my favorites were also tried, but again, nothing happened. I looked at my cellphone to confirm I was still receiving a strong signal and I was. Frustrated, I decided to call Rebecca’s phone, which was right beside me. The call was received and the voice quality was perfect. Confused, I sent a text to Rebecca’s phone and it was also received. Still hopeful, I tried to load our webpage again but got the same result… nothing! I disconnected the cables and placed the components in a safe place, and then I waited for our day off to drive to town and contact a WeBoost technical support representative.
The Bad News
On our day off we visited Starbucks, as usual, so we could reconnect with the world. I dialed the WeBoost support line, waited in que for the next available representative, and once connected explained my problem. I explained to the Rep. that we purchased the Connect RV 65 and received a strong cell signal, but we still couldn’t connect to the internet. The rep inquired if I could load a webpage prior to boosting the cellular signal, and I responded “No.” He then advised, in a matter of fact tone, “You have to be able to download a webpage prior to boosting the signal in order to have internet connectivity after the signal is boosted.” I immediately responded, “That would have been nice to know prior to spending almost $700!” Let’s be real, phone calls take a back seat to data and internet connectivity, otherwise we would all still be carrying flip phones.
On The Hook
After some back and forth with the WeBoost representative, I inquired again about the return policy. He asked if it was purchased directly from WeBoost or through an authorized dealer. When I told him it was purchased through an authorized dealer, he said I would have to contact the dealer directly. He then advised that if I had purchased it directly from WeBoost, they would have issued a prepaid return postage. After a phone call to the authorized dealer I purchased the WeBoost from, I was informed I was on the hook for the return postage!
The total is just for the return… not the delivery
Duped
I have to say, we’re extremely disappointed the WeBoost didn’t work, but even more so in the lack of information provided by the company. Absolutely everyone uses their phone for internet connection these days. It’s ludicrous for a company, that markets to cell phone users, to fail to ensure a customer is informed that internet connectivity isn’t always possible just because the cell signal is boosted. And just to add insult to injury, we paid the shipping costs to and from our location for a product that didn’t serve our needs.
Lessons Learned
Two things learned: First, only buy directly from the manufacturer when buying a high-dollar item. Second, if your primary reason for purchasing a WeBoost is data, don’t buy it if you can’t download a webpage to begin with. Keeping these two things in mind, if you’re considering the WeBoost, could save you a good chunk of change, time, and a whole lot of disappointment. Maybe in the future we’ll look into satellite internet, but until then, we’ll just continue making trips to town to reconnect!
Update:
We may have found our internet solution.
You need to talk to Powerful Signal (www.PowerfulSignal.com) about RV booster kits. They are the best on the market. You were given incorrect information.