How To Get Internet In An Rv
5 ways to get internet when you are living in an RV
Some of you asked me how I am able to work when I am off somewhere. I have to say, it is very important to have quality internet for my digital nomad lifestyle. I needed to find ways so I am not without internet for a long time. I did a lot of research before I moved into my RV full-time.
Here are five ways you can use the internet remotely:
Hotspot:
A hotspot is more of a physical location where people obtain internet access, using WiFi technology via WLAN (wireless local area network) using a router connected to an internet service provider. In layman language, it means a location where there is good WiFi. AT&T and Verizon are great both offer the best coverage in the US. You can use a hotspot like the NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 Mobile Hotspot which will give you internet by AT&T or T-Mobile, even Verizon all have most of the U.S. covered with internet service. I noticed AT&T is the best for me in most places I go to, but sometimes Verizon is better. Most wireless smartphones usually have a built-in mobile hotspot function which you use to create an internet connection through your smartphone.
It should be noted it deducts from your data plan and it is advisable to have a WiFi password because otherwise, someone can access your data. You will also have to make sure that your automated updates are turned off on your device because your phone might end up downloading all the updates at once using your data. It happened to me! I connected my tablet which then started automatically downloading all app updates which used my data fast!
Or you can buy a device just like this one on the right. This is what I have. Then you just need a service provider. All mobile providers offer hotspot packages but they are not cheap.
What is Throttling?
Unfortunately, all providers are throttling your data over a certain usage. Throttling is the intentional slowing or de-prioritizing of your Internet service your provider. It is a reactive measure employed in communication networks to regulate network traffic and minimize bandwidth congestion. This is bad if you want to use your internet for watching Netflix, YouTube or you need lots of data. Your network can slow you down so much that you cannot really enjoy being online anymore.
How to get truly unlimited internet service?
You can, however, rent or buy a truly unlimited plan. This means no slowing down and you can watch Netflix or whatever you want all month long at a good price. Perfect for the RV life. Verizon plans are about $170+ a month or an AT&T which is overall cheaper but I found is just as good – a bit around $160/Mo. I have now a Google Fi and AT&T both. Google Fi was needed for my international travels. I love the fact that just turning on my phone in a new country allows me to use my phone fully. So far it has worked in many countries in Europe, Singapore, and the Philippines. What I use in the U.S. the most is my Mobly for $30/Mo. Sadly AT&T doesn't offer this any longer.
I used to be able to find old grandfathered plans on eBay it is still possible. There were other third-party services in the past for cheap but now these are all way more expensive after the providers went after those resellers. If you buy an old grandfathered-in plan and transfer the liability, make sure, you're careful when purchasing it, you can lose them if you are not saying exactly the right words. Your seller might be able to help you with what to say. You will need a business account with the provider already or an account that already has an unlimited plan to transfer them to on your name without an issue.
Tether:
by using your cell phone provider and your cell phone.
The easiest way is using a data-capable cell phone e.g. smartphone, iPhone, Android which you can be able to retrieve email, and also a web browser. The phone also acts as a modem. Most providers now allow you to use your cell phone as a hotspot with a limit. If you hit this limit, you can get around it by using your unlimited data plan. Download the app "EasyTether" to your cell phone then to your computer. Here is a video on how. (Sorry guys, this is only for Android devices, if you have an iPhone, you can find some alternatives HERE). The cell phone needs to be connected to the laptop via USB cable or Bluetooth, this way the cell phone connects through the wireless provider to the internet without actually having to activate the hotspot option with your provider. This service relies mostly on the quality of the network you choose to use. It is very cost-effective and is a popular way of connecting while on the go.
RV park WiFi:
Most RV parks have their own WiFi however this might be very weak. By using a WiFi Extender, Booster, or Repeater you can make the signal stronger. Their major function is to extend the coverage area of your existing WiFi network. So basically what these devices do is receive your existing WiFi and amplifying it which later transmits the boosted signal. They are able to boost the existence of the 2 built-in WiFi routers. The difference between a WiFi Extender, Booster, or Repeater is very minimal, the function is the same for all three, and the difference comes in that they don't operate the same exact way but the end result is alike.
Satellite internet:
If you are planning to spend lots of time in the middle of nowhere, out in the boonies, then satellite internet might be the answer. The satellite system is usually mounted on the rooftop as a separate auxiliary unit. It acts as a modem that transmits internet signals from the dish to your computer. This service tends to be more expensive and the equipment is heavier than the other options but it is very convenient and one can get a strong signal from almost any place. This service used to be frustratingly slow. However, there is a newer RV satellite service called RVDataSat which might be better. (See fellow RVers Live.Work.Dream. experience with this system here).
Starlink
Amazon founder, Elon Musk has already started testing Starlink. He has a plan to provide internet reaching every inch of the world. Some of my friends are Beta Testing it, they reported that the internet is lightning fast and it doesn't yet work from everywhere. Shading can also be a problem, the equipment needs to be able to have a clear view of the sky for the best performance. In a few months, a year, it will be available to everyone in the U.S. This is going to change boondocking for sure! Way more spots will be open for camping for those who have to work using the internet.
Use your laptop as your hotspot:
If you want a cheap option where you can use multiple devices while you tethering, here is a good way to do it: with free downloadable programs like Connectify or mHotspot, you can use your laptop as a hotspot. I can tether my cell phone to the laptop using a USB cable and the EasyTether app, then set my laptop to be a hotspot. I can then use this hotspot for my smart TV and watch my Netflix too. Most of these downloadable hotspot programs have free trials and might have a one-time fee, but it's worth it.
I like to have two providers just in case. I now have my Mobly AT&T hotspot and I have a Visible account with Verizon service which throttles. I used to have a Sprint plan before but that was really spotty. RV internet access is becoming more important as days go by. With the 5 ways to access the internet remotely, you are good to go.
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How To Get Internet In An Rv
Source: https://smallrvlifestyle.com/5-ways-to-get-internet-when-you-are-living-in-an-rv/
Posted by: toddphrebre98.blogspot.com
16 Comments
Great Article…Thanks for taking the time to share ✌
Surely the point of living in an rv is to get off grid?? I don't understand why you would still want to be hooked into this insane and corrupt matrix and yet have the illusion of freedom…. Beats me
It's not about being off-grid for me. It's about freedom – being able to work from anywhere, at any time I want and still be able to discover new places, be anywhere I want – LONG TERM. This is not a few days or weekend away from everything. I have to generate income and live my everyday life. I need to keep in touch with friends and family and also find ways to meet other like-minded.
Not everyone lives in and RV to be off grid. Many live in it full time but need to stay connected in order to work. That's my plan.
I'm a little confused. But is tethering not always the better option compared to mobile hotspot? If I understand correctly, mobile hotspot turns the phone into a wireless router but requires the service provider to be in the know/enable some feature for this to work, typically with additional restrictions for some reason. On the other hands, tethering makes it appear like you're simply using your smartphone only, when really it's transferring service to your laptop, etc?
Why would anyone opt for mobile hotspot then?
Checking out EasyTether for my Apple devices. Looks like it's not in the App Store . How would you evaluate the ease of installation? I'm looking at it wondering…
It is easy, but what's easy? I am computer savvy. It would be hard for my 72 year old parents 🙂 I believe that EasyTether is only an Android app, but I found some alternatives for iPhones: HERE
I am think of living full time on the road and off grid .. I really need to know what's the best internet… I do have sprint and GOD THEY SUCK….
I like my hotspot with a truly unlimited plan that you can get here.
Hi, I do think this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will return yet again since I bookmarked
it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you
be rich and continue to guide other people.
It's difficult to find educated people about this subject,
however, you sound like you know what you're talking about!
Thanks
Appreciate this post. Will try it out.
We are putting RV on our land waiting for our house to be built. How would we gat internet? I don't want to use a hotspot because regular wired internet would be more reliable since we won't be traveling. Any suggestions?
I guess then you will have to find this out from your local internet provider. I don't know how developed your land is, but if you want wired, you will need a provider that has cables in your area.
However, I believe, mobile hotspots can just be as reliable. I've been using them for years. If there is steady internet in your area by one of the mobile providers, you won't have issues even with a hotspot device.
It's a fact though that wired home internet if you have that available will be probably cheaper and unlimited.
Hi. I just wanted to say Elon Musk is the one who started and is in control of Starlink. Have a great day.
You are right, I updated it. Thanks