RV Newbie trying to get internet (Satellite, etc)

[OldBlue]

My family and I are renting a RV this summer and heading to Yellowstone for about 10 days. The campground website specifically states that cell service and wifi is non-existent with the nearest internet service a 30 minute drive away. While I understand the point in unplugging, based on past experiences, either my wife or I will have to respond to at least 1 email over a 10 day period. I've looked at Iridium, but it appears to only work with their apps, so not a lot of options. Are there other options out there that others are using?

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Welcome to RVF, @OldBlue; hope your upcoming trip goes well. Yellowstone is a fascinating place, at least for us.

There is some cell coverage in certain parts of the park. Our experience has been that Verizon has the best coverage in that area, but we haven't been there for a couple of years.

If you have a "smart phone," you should be able to find some coverage spots and download e-mail periodically.

Others on the forum may have been to Yellowstone more recently and may have more updated information.

TJ

 

[OldBlue]

Thanks! Yeah, I figured some parts of the park would have limited service depending on carrier. We're staying at the Headwaters Campground and the description is very clear regarding coverage. I was just looking for an alternative if there is one available.

 

[CaptainGizmo]

If you have Dish or Direct, I think you’d be wise to check with them. I remember them hounding me about their new sat internet service.

I think you may gag at any of the SAT internet option’s pricing; especially considering the lack of speed.

That said, I’d be hitting ol’ Google to search for some of the latest reviews to be sure I’m up on the current offerings.

 

[lemondrop9344]

Mobile Internet Resource Center provides a lot of information on what is currently available along with advantages & drawbacks of each.
I've camped at a variety of state parks where there was no cell service & no wifi. If I needed internet service, I would go to the library in town, about 30 minutes away which had free wifi. If you don't have a towed vehicle (TOAD), driving to find a signal can be problematic.
Good luck & safe travels!

 

[PNichols]

We bought a cell booster ($400) and it worked wonders for us. Got it at Best Buy. Then I have a mobile hotspot in order to work from home.

 

[docj]

Starlink has just begun accepting people with addresses all over the US. Delivery of your dish may be mid-late 2021 and there's no discussion of whether it will still be geo-locked to a single location. But, if you spend the winter in one place, it could be an option for you. The cost to sign up is an initial payment of $100.

 

[VTPete]

Verizon Satellite - Keep connected everywhere.

Verizon, leading provider of Satellite Phones, Satellite Broadband and Satellite Airtime, essential in delivering communication services to and from remote areas around the world where standard networks are simply not available.

www.vzwsatellite.com

Rent the Immersat iSatphone Pro2 for $62/week. Voice Text and email.

 

[OldBlue]

Verizon Satellite - Keep connected everywhere.

Verizon, leading provider of Satellite Phones, Satellite Broadband and Satellite Airtime, essential in delivering communication services to and from remote areas around the world where standard networks are simply not available.

www.vzwsatellite.com

Rent the Immersat iSatphone Pro2 for $62/week. Voice Text and email.

Thanks!

 

[VTPete]

Thanks!

My wife and camped in the AZ mountains last year for five days and I knew this location had no service going in. I thought it would be good to unplug for a while. Well, we were miserable – I realized I’m hopelessly addicted to connectivity now. Sad but true. I really hope you find something that works for you during that time and that you let us know how it went.

 

[OldBlue]

My wife and camped in the AZ mountains last year for five days and I knew this location had no service going in. I thought it would be good to unplug for a while. Well, we were miserable – I realized I’m hopelessly addicted to connectivity now. Sad but true. I really hope you find something that works for you during that time and that you let us know how it went.

I must admit it's a bit irritating that I have to even ask the original question, but it's the reality of today. My wife is in sales and not being able to at least respond to an email within a timely fashion could mean the difference between a commission or not. I'm going to try a few different options and will report back.

 

[docj]

FWIW the website for Headwaters campground does state "Cellular coverage may be available nearby, depending on location and carrier." That sounds as if you don't really have to drive 30 miles to access the internet. IMHO if you're serious about maintaining connectivity you need to have service from all three of the major cellular providers.

 

[Pablo]

This one could be an option to get a good cell signal and from there you hook up to your hot spot off of your phone. Lots of reviews in Youtube. It is expensive. Easy to install and does boost your signal 50dB but you have to do a little homework before you get to the campsite to know where the closest cell tower for your provider is located. There is an app called OpenSignal that gives you the bearing on where the tower is located. Then, if you and your wife have different carriers, you will have to do the same with her carrier. Many times those towers will be located on different bearings. All this is to eliminate the guesswork of orienting the antenna to pick up the cell signal once you are at the campsite.
A booster can't make a cell signal out of nothing. There are limitations with this system. Your antenna has to pick at least a very weak signal to amplify it. Most of the time you will not be able to pickup a cell signal from your phone but when you install this directional antenna on the 25ft. mast it DOES pick it up and amplifies it.
A challenge to overcome if you want to stay married and not be sent to the doghouse is to keep her connectivity if you have yours. Since I decided to stay married, I turn the antenna (it is a directional antenna for maximum gain) for my device once she is done with her emails/texts/phone calls. Keep in mind that if you leave the system running all the time it draws about 0.5A @ 12DCV.
It is not the best solution. I am sure other folks have different opinions about this issue.

Connect RV 65 | weBoost

 

[OldBlue]

I'm not sure where you see that, but I'm getting my information directly from the main site. Maybe I'm missing something. I also checked out your campgroundreviews.com website and most of the reviews state "no cell service or wifi." It may be as simple as a quick drive in one direction, but I'm still working on a work-around.

 

[OldBlue]

This one could be an option to get a good cell signal and from there you hook up to your hot spot off of your phone. Lots of reviews in Youtube. It is expensive. Easy to install and does boost your signal 50dB but you have to do a little homework before you get to the campsite to know where the closest cell tower for your provider is located. There is an app called OpenSignal that gives you the bearing on where the tower is located. Then, if you and your wife have different carriers, you will have to do the same with her carrier. Many times those towers will be located on different bearings. All this is to eliminate the guesswork of orienting the antenna to pick up the cell signal once you are at the campsite.
A booster can't make a cell signal out of nothing. There are limitations with this system. Your antenna has to pick at least a very weak signal to amplify it. Most of the time you will not be able to pickup a cell signal from your phone but when you install this directional antenna on the 25ft. mast it DOES pick it up and amplifies it.
A challenge to overcome if you want to stay married and not be sent to the doghouse is to keep her connectivity if you have yours. Since I decided to stay married, I turn the antenna (it is a directional antenna for maximum gain) for my device once she is done with her emails/texts/phone calls. Keep in mind that if you leave the system running all the time it draws about 0.5A @ 12DCV.
It is not the best solution. I am sure other folks have different opinions about this issue.

Connect RV 65 | weBoost

Thanks Pablo. I'll look into that.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

I must admit it's a bit irritating that I have to even ask the original question, but it's the reality of today. My wife is in sales and not being able to at least respond to an email within a timely fashion could mean the difference between a commission or not. I'm going to try a few different options and will report back.

Hughes used to have portable equipment. It is slow to browse but an internet phone setup should get you phone connected. All you need is a clear view of southern sky.