In recent years we've taken Verizon MiFi2200 and 5-Spot devices when we go out on the water. These portable WiFi hot-spots connect up to 5 devices (laptops, tablets, whatever) and provide great connectivity, with good coverage here in the Northeast US.

This weekend was my first time out with a new 4G device and Verizon had awful coverage, here in Western LIS (NYC suburbs). Out in the center of LIS and even in Huntington Harbor (Long Island) I often had zero, one or two bars of signal strength. If it's that bad in a major metro area, I don't have high hopes for places further out.

I've seen very good coverage with their older 1XRTT and 3G devices. Based on this limited experience, I'm going to take an older 3G 5-spot device when we head off for our summer vacation cruise. If I can arrange it, I'll take both types and compare.

Meanwhile, anyone considering one of these devices, might do better with 3G. In the past I've been able to get 3G data at acceptable speeds out on the water while ~15++ nm or more from the nearest possible tower. Maybe 4G has less range? GeneC do you have any insights on this?