WiFi

DrJMB · 05-29-2013, 08:57 AM

I will be a new Forest River 3050S owner by mid June. Very excited to have larger and wider RV with creature comforts. We camp in various National Forest campgrounds. Most do not have WiFi, no cell signal, and no cable etc.
I want to add satelite TV and WiFi to this RV but I am extremely confused on how to do this. It seems most people get a card and have WiFi through their cell service. Well we do not get cell service. So what do I do to WiFi?
For satelite I was thinking of Dish with the tailgater satelite pay as you go but how do I add WiFi?

I am a bit naive thinking satelite would provide WiFi but it does not from what I have read.

**ependydad** · 05-29-2013, 09:24 AM

Some satellite does. I believe that there is a service called HughesNet is satellite-based internet. I'm not sure how it would work from an RV application.

Keep in mind, though - you need a clear line of site to the sky for satellite to work (aka- watch the trees).

DrJMB · 05-29-2013, 10:05 AM

Hughsnet does not provide for RV install.

**ependydad** · 05-29-2013, 10:19 AM

Well there went my only idea.

Hopefully someone else can chime in...

I use my cell phone as a hot spot, but I saw you wrote that you won't be within cell service.

TURBS · 05-29-2013, 10:43 AM

Dish network has in most areas internet service with there satellite service.

Turbs

jlbreaux · 05-29-2013, 11:29 AM

Dish network offers internet service, but you may need a separate antenna/LNB combo. I think motoSat may offer VSAT services for private individuals. If all else fails look into getting a Wilson cell phone booster. I have one set up at my camp and I went to having no cell service inside the camp to full 4g service.

BarryD0706 · 05-29-2013, 05:36 PM

You say "no cell service". What provider did you try? I hear that Verizon is everywhere.

ritzyteach · 05-29-2013, 05:55 PM

we use Verizon MiFi. It works most places we have been in the last two years and cam be bought without separate cell service. But if you want internet everywhere, the sat ones or maybe Dish are the best choices, IMHO.

**Herk7769** · 05-29-2013, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrJMB

Hughsnet does not provide for RV install.

My astronomer/navigator buddy uses HughesNet with his Montana 5th wheel.

I was considering it but the data limit with the service (time of day dependent) and cost was just not worth it in my opinion. He carries the satellite dish and all the hardware with him when he travels.

http://customercare.myhughesnet.com/

Dovetail · 05-29-2013, 06:11 PM

We have been happy With the Verizon WIFI. Has worked most places. But we are not of the beaten track very much.

RodeoGeorge · 05-29-2013, 10:19 PM

I use my Verizon phone with a system called EasyTether. It allows me to connect to the internet through the Verizon 3G System via a USB cable between the phone and the Laptop. The Google Play (App) Store has the information on this free application. You do have to pay a one time $9.99 charge if you want to access the secure (https

sites.

There are no charges (above your normal data charges) to use this system. I have an OLD 3G unlimited data plan that Verizon would love to have me convert to their newer 4G plan with data limits. But my trusty Droid X just plugs along at 3G data rates. Besides, the 4G network is still very spotty, and many 4G users wind up on the 3G system anyway.

RodeoGeorge

DrJMB · 05-30-2013, 06:09 AM

I have Verizon now used to have Tmobile neither gets a signal. The booster might help. I'll try talking to Dish again.

DrJMB · 05-30-2013, 06:23 AM

Thanks I'll check Dish again. I see now they have a new service called DishNet.

BarryD0706 · 05-30-2013, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrJMB

Thanks I'll check Dish again. I see now they have a new service called DishNet.

Please let us know what you find out.

Dishkid · 06-07-2013, 09:47 AM

I'm A Dish Retailer, DishNet uses a two way Dish (up to Satellite and down) and it has to be aligned manually with a Satbuddy meter ($799). Go with Verizon and a Wilson signal booster.

billt01 · 06-07-2013, 02:09 PM

Start investigating a Hotspot and looking at the following technologies.

-Playon TV

-Slingbox

-DLNA

As posters have stated in a previous, you need to be cognizant of bandwidth usage. If you're going to camp to watch TV, you may be in trouble. I am able to watch 30 to 45 minutes of TV through my hotspot and I have not exceeded my 5GB limit.

Also investigate a Andriod Mini TV to install into one of your HDMI inputs to your TV.

I could go into what I have done successfully, but it will take some time.

jlbreaux · 06-07-2013, 02:34 PM

If you go with a Wilson cell booster make sure you do your homework on which booster to buy. Make sure your carriers frequency will be supported by the booster. My work phone is AT&T and in my camp I get full 4g service, my personal phone is Verizon and at times I go from not having 3g/4g to having it, but I still have cell service on both phones.

ridersfan · 06-07-2013, 03:29 PM

I can't speak to the satellite, but for cell coverage... a booster is a great option, then if you do have signal... many smartphones can make their own wifi hotspot with no extra equipment or charges... that's what I do in my own

sandkreese · 06-07-2013, 03:41 PM

As a former user of HughesNet, I would not recommend it to anyone. The data is limited. When I first moved to rural Alabama, I had to have an Internet connection for work and HughesNet was the only choice I had at the time. The service was terrible and the customer service was worse. IMO, find you a wireless card.

HughesNet will cause a lot of this -- >

WestCoastRV'er · 06-07-2013, 09:35 PM

I'm very happy with my Verizon 4G hotspot with one exception (data limit 3GB). I've been doing some research and find that Millenicom uses Verizon's 4G network for their Hotspot plan which gives 20GB for $70/month.

Does anyone use Millenicom?
.
.
.
.

You may also like: