Once again I'm in Ohio USA. I need decent Internet and in the past I was able to use WiFi but the free locations are now few and far between.

I went to AT&T because in the past they had the best coverage. The store wanted to sell me a phone. I didn't need a phone. The lady waiting on me Looked around and then whispered to me that I should go to Verizon or Radio Shack because they have what I wanted. There was a Radio Shack close to that store so I went and had a look.

Prepaid in the US is not so easy to get. I ended up having to buy a Verizon MiFi router for $130. Then another $50 for a five GB 30 days of service. At least the next time I'll still have the MiFi device for the next trip. It is a 4G device but a 3G device will work. Both my phone and my netbook work fine. It's not that fast but it serves the purpose. I was able to setup Google Talk on my phone and it works fine for free US phone calls using WiFi. It only works in the US.

They do offer international calling and calls to Thailand are three cents a minute. Unfortunately I am not able to use my Google Wallet here to buy credit. My address is in Thailand and they will not accept my credit card here in the US even though it is a US credit card. Trying to contact Google sucks.

Too late for you, Gary A, but for others reading and looking for access in the USA, you might also consider Virgin Mobile as long as they have coverage in your area: http://benchmarkrevi...=1&limitstart=5

The data plans are $35/mo for 2GB data and $55/mo for 5GB data. Both plans, however, offer unlimited 4G, although I believe it is shaped after a certain level.

Too late for you, Gary A, but for others reading and looking for access in the USA, you might also consider Virgin Mobile as long as they have coverage in your area: http://benchmarkrevi...=1&limitstart=5

The data plans are $35/mo for 2GB data and $55/mo for 5GB data. Both plans, however, offer unlimited 4G, although I believe it is shaped after a certain level.

Actually I did check it out and there is no coverage in the areas that I need.

Too late for you, Gary A, but for others reading and looking for access in the USA, you might also consider Virgin Mobile as long as they have coverage in your area: http://benchmarkrevi...=1&limitstart=5

The data plans are $35/mo for 2GB data and $55/mo for 5GB data. Both plans, however, offer unlimited 4G, although I believe it is shaped after a certain level.

not sure where that link is supposed to go but here is virgin mobile

http://www.virginmobileusa.com/mobile-broadband-plans/broadband-2-go/overview/

I'm not sure I'd recommend Virgin Mobile? They are a Sprint MVNO so any travelers will have to purchase a new Sprint-compatible phone or MifFi device.

I am pretty sure the OP has an unlocked Motorola Android phone so I probably would have recommended a StraightTalk (an MVNO for both T-Mobile and AT&T - the only two GSM providers in the U.S.) SIM, with data. Then use the Mobile AP functionality of Android to create a WiFi hot-spot for other devices to share the mobile data connection. Obviously you could also use the phone for unlimited calls and texts. I recommend a calling card for international calls.

There are many, many, many more pre-paid options now, both on T-Mo and AT&T directly, and via MVNOs. Depending on equipment, location, requirements, length of stay, frequency of visits I can make specific recommendations.

http://www.straighttalk.com/

not sure where that link is supposed to go but here is virgin mobile

http://www.virginmob...-2-go/overview/

Thanks, SBK. Yes, I posted the wrong link. <sigh...>

(But, don't you think proper application of heat sink paste is absolutely fascinating? )

not sure where that link is supposed to go but here is virgin mobile

http://www.virginmob...-2-go/overview/

Thanks, SBK. Yes, I posted the wrong link. <sigh...>

(But, don't you think proper application of heat sink paste is absolutely fascinating? )

Better than alot of stuff I read!