Best way to get internet service in RV

[afsgtret]

I want to be able to have internet in my RV while traveling. Anyone knw what's best, hot spot, I-pad or laptop etc. HELP

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by afsgtret

I want to be able to have internet in my RV while traveling. Anyone knw what's best, hot spot, I-pad or laptop etc. HELP

Most of us use our cellphones as hotspots since most campgrounds have poor Wi-Fi.

[formerFR]

depending on what you really mean by 'while traveling', there is no single 'best' internet source, as most of us have found: your easiest and most convenient is simply your cell phone/device and your cellular provider, whether ATT or Vz or TM or Sprint, etc. Cellular is not, though, always available, especially where 'camping' is something of a 'get away' location - the woods, mountains, and rural areas are not always the easiest place to find a signal - we've been to many campgrounds with none whatsoever.

Some campgrounds and rv parks have their own wifi - but whether that's actually usable wifi is a totally different story, and many will prohibit or limit your 'usage' to only basic services. While many of us deploy WifiRangers and similar wifi antennas and boosters, campground wifi has now become a 'dinosaur' of internet connectivity, at least when it comes to any practical speed for today's needs.

If you have any access to land-line cable internet, that would be your best source for connection and speed, but that's an unlikely option 'while traveling'.

[jeff64]

I could've gotten an internet pkg from On Star with my GM truck others maybe as well. You could stream that way

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by jeff64

I could've gotten an internet pkg from On Star with my GM truck others maybe as well. You could stream that way

I got the same with my Volt. Too expensive for my tastes.

[dedobias]

Use a wifi booster for onstar with a battery maintainer. Onstar is is a 5 Watt signal versus 1 Watt with cellphone HOTSPOT. Turn off all lights and accessories to minimize batter load. Push the start button for 5 seconds without pushing the brake to go into diagnostic mode so it doesn't shut down after 15 minutes. Get the unlimited att package for $20/ month on onstar.

[WanderMore]

If you haven’t been following it you may want to check out the Starlink system that is now in beta testing. While it’s initial target market is rural areas with no better options it looks like the system is going to be small enough to take with you. While this system is not fully deployed yet you may still want to keep an eye on it before you commit to a long term contract with another carrier.

[dedobias]

Onstar ATT data does NOT require a long term contract, you can turn it on and off at will.

[dedobias]

Starlink - Very expensive in BETA
"Prospective beta testers are told to expect periodic outages and speeds between 50 to 150 Mbps, with latency around 20 to 40 ms. Service costs $99 per month, plus a one-time equipment fee of $499. If you want to learn more, you’ll need to go to the Starlink website and join the company’s mailing list. "

[jeff64]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

I got the same with my Volt. Too expensive for my tastes.

I hear 'ya.

[dedobias]

Onstar data is $20 a month unlimited with the possibility they can throttle, never have that I've seen.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by dedobias

Onstar data is $20 a month unlimited with the possibility they can throttle, never have that I've seen.

Onstar still has the same basic issues as Cellular Service. No Cell signal, no Service.

Only benefit is the fact that Onstar uses a better antenna. Something that can be done with various "repeaters" which can be added to non-GM vehicles.

[RussPastuch]

Talk to Elon :-)

[Tim-Nancy-C]

An RVer who is also works in the telecom networking field has come up with a cellular internet solution that gives great performance in marginal areas. From what I understand you need data service on 2 carriers and wherever you can get a bar of cell service you got internet. he has a 4G system and a 5G system. Its called Insty Connect (instyconnect.com) and the 4G is about $550 for the system. So if you are a road warrior user, this is what you need. There are some Youtube videos on it, plus his channel We Can Explore It.

So you might want to check it out.

[Hi Rider]

I use a Verizon JetPack. Get excellent reception and fast downloads. I use it with my cell, a desk top PC, a note pad and my laptop.

[PodGeek]

If you're going to be totally off the grid and are willing to spend a few bucks:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadb...l_Area_Network

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by PodGeek

If you're going to be totally off the grid and are willing to spend a few bucks:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadb...l_Area_Network

Definitely a few bucks:

BGAN Service is expensive. It costs about $4 to $6 per Megabyte transferred.
BGAN Terminals are expensive and cost anywhere from $1,600 to $10,000 or more.
BGAN terminals need to be manually pointed, although pointing is easy once learned.

(from BGAN website)


For me that would only work if I was still on an Expense Account

[cfo111]

Originally Posted by afsgtret

I want to be able to have internet in my RV while traveling. Anyone knw what's best, hot spot, I-pad or laptop etc. HELP

There is a person on youtube called Nomadic Fanatic he is everywhere he has trird it all he says get htty://www.nomad internet.com you may even want to watch he's channel but he goes just about every where.

[dedobias]

Both a better antenna and 5 watts instead of 1 on a cell phone.

[markb422]

A cell phone with 4g along with a weboost amp in areas with low signals is all we use. They said we would not get cell service at Arches NP but I had no problem with it.