Are you going on a road trip and wondering how possible it is to have a good stable Internet connection throughout your journey or maybe you’re a full-time RVer, regardless of who you are, staying connected while on the road is a priority.
No need to worry.
We've got you covered! In this article, you'll find details on various internet options for RVs and hacks to help you stay online all day.
The first thing that probably comes to mind when you think about RV internet is most likely your phone. Mobile Hotstop while this is the easiest way, it is also the least reliable way.
- The biggest problem with phone-based hotspots is speed; Mobile hotspots are, usually, significantly slower than Wi-Fi or even MiFi hotspots.
- The Internet signal that cell phones deliver is often spotty; The connection speed might be particularly slow in rural areas, where you’re less likely to find a Wi-Fi network in the first place.
- Turning your phone into a hotspot can mean massive data overcharges.
The next way people come to is Public/Free/Camp-Grounds Wifi:
This method is unreliable, to say the least. You can walk into any coffee shop and you’ll be greeted by a host of freelancers, nomads, students, and entrepreneurs who treat it like an office but well it’s free and it’s easy to access, and therein lies the problem.
- Hackers and Malware distribution: This is easily the most serious and common issue with public wifi. If a hacker gets access to your computer or other personal devices through a compromised public WiFi connection, they could have free rein over everything stored. For example, they might get access to your login credentials and log into your bank's or credit card's website.
- Slow Internet Speed: This is an issue every RVer has encountered when trying to use Camp Wifi, while coffee shops in the big city might break the bank on fiber cables, chances are camp wifi won’t and even if they do, you might be parked too far from the antenna and no number of wifi extenders can save you.
There are a host of ways to get you connected while on the road but the best solution is getting a Cellular Internet Service Provider.
If you intend on using the internet for video conferencing, playing games, streaming videos, or coding, consider using cellular internet. Cellular internet relies on the same data network used by smartphones. You just need to be near cellular towers. The more cellular towers in the area, the faster and more reliable your cellular network will be
And that’s where Nomad Internet comes in
Nomad internet is available to all rural residents and nomads in the United States. We provide reliable internet service wherever you go by combining signals from the major carriers. With a starting price starting at $129/month and a $99 one-time membership fee.
Now you’re connected to the Internet, let's talk about ways to keep you connected anywhere. Sometimes, you may find yourself in places with little or no internet signals. Here’s what you can do:
- Restart your Router: This sounds obvious but it really is the best first step. Chances are you’ve been on the road for weeks and your router hasn’t been restarted for weeks.
- Cell signal booster: A cell signal booster helps to enhance the cellular signal of your mobile hotspot, tablet, smartphone, or cellular embedded router. It works by using a more powerful antenna located in the RV to achieve a stronger signal. While the signal booster is helpful, it is limited. A booster only improves cellular signals. It doesn't manufacture cell signals. Therefore, it is unhelpful when there is no cell signal whatsoever in an area.
- Wifi booster: A wifi booster works best for people who have WiFi in their RV or camp in places with public WiFi. It is similar to a cellular booster. The only difference is that they use a weak or distant WiFi signal instead of a cell signal. WiFi booster can’t speed up your connection if it’s slow due to the number of people using the network.
- Cables: Though rarely used, some RVers access the web by using a cable TV connection. Although cable internet isn't easy to set up, it is faster than dial-up internet.
- Contact Nomad Customer Support: Our customer service professionals are well trained and ready to assist you with anything you need to stay connected.
Whether you plan to go on your dream cross-country road trip or to get into full-time RV living, you can go off the grid while still staying connected. Before you start living on the road, consider the internet options available. While your solution will depend on why you need the internet and how much data you need, the best internet option is fast and reliable.