Money can’t buy happiness but it can buy an RV and an internet to go with it – which is pretty much the same thing!
Road tripping in an RV is a great way to explore different places around the country. But just because you are traveling around remote areas, doesn’t mean you cannot have access to the Internet.
And, in this day and age, staying connected with your friends, acquaintances, and family is a much more than a luxury. So, whether you need to work remotely or simply upload those aesthetic photos to your gram, high-speed internet is what you are going to need.
How will you find it, you may ask?
Understandably so, it can be a bit challenging – but by following the guide below, you can find the best RV internet with no hassles.
Satellite Internet for RVs: The Ultimate Solution
While on the road, finding a reliable internet connection becomes a daunting task, however, satellite internet makes it a piece of cake for you.
If you are a 90s-born, then you would be familiar with the concept of satellite internet. If not, then here is a comprehensive explanation of what this connection type is all about.
Satellite internet is a wireless internet connection in which a stream of signals radiates from the satellite orbiting around the Earth. It then reaches the place of residence of a subscriber – could be a house or an RV.
How does it benefit you? Well, here are some of the pros and cons of satellite internet for road trippers.
Pros of Satellite Internet
- Vast Availability: Satellite internet is virtually available everywhere in the US.
- Affordability: Cost-effective as compared to mobile hotspots.
- Speed: Often faster than advertised.
Cons of Satellite Internet
- Expensive: Satellite internet is a bit heavy on the wallet.
- Latency: Due to the time it takes to send and receive signals from space, satellite internet has high latency.
What is Latency? : It is the time your device takes to send and receive a signal to and from the server.
Lower Latency = Smoother Internet Usage
What Can You Do with Satellite Internet?
With satellite internet access, you can use different apps and get a whole lot done.
Want us to go into specifics?
Well, here are the activities you can seamlessly do with a satellite connection.
Send Emails
Music Streaming
Content Creation on Social Media
Work Remotely
Having said that, if you are wondering what are your best available options? Then, check out our comparison of the top three satellite internet providers:
Top Satellite Internet Providers for RV
Provider | Download Speeds | Priority Data | US Coverage | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hughesnet | Up to 100 Mbps1 | Up to 200 GB | 100% | View Plans |
Viasat | Up to 150 Mbps | Up to 850 GB | 100% | - |
Starlink | Up to 220 Mbps | Unlimited (Data deprioritization) |
99.5% | View Plans |
1. Monthly Fee reflects the applied $5 savings for ACH enrollment. Enroll before the 2nd billing cycle for continued savings. Service plan availability varies based on geographical area. 24-month commitment required.
Find the Best Satellite Internet for Your RV. Call (855) 771-3154
Mobile Hotspots and MiFi Devices: Everything You Should Know About Them
Did you know that RV ownership is increasing significantly with each passing day? Well, this significant growth is credited to Millennials and Gen Zs. An astonishing number of 84% of ages between 18 and 34 years old plan to buy another RV, while the 78% is more inclined to buying a new model.
Keeping these figures in view, the demand for mobile hotspots and MiFi devices is equally on the rise. Let’s take a look at both technologies one-by-one.
Mobile Hotspots: What’s the Deal?
A mobile hotspot device functions as a wireless router that connects to local cellular towers to provide WiFi-enabled devices with high-speed internet. Road trippers can purchase the mobile hotspot to connect it with their devices.
Pros and Cons of Mobile Hotspots
Pros
- Affordable rates
- Reliable performance on 5G devices
- Connectivity for multiple devices
Cons
- Data caps
- Location dependent speed
But is it the same as a hotspot?
If this is the question that just popped into your mind, then allow us to elaborate. Well, a hotspot is actually a location where you can access the internet wirelessly with your smartphone devices. Most hotspots function by using cellular data to connect devices to the internet.
As a matter of fact, these hotspots offer a variety of benefits to regular campers and RV owners. Those benefits include:
Easy to Set Up
Hotspots allow to establish an internet connection with minimal time and effort. They can be set up in a few steps.
Reliable
Due to the development of 5G technology, hotspots can now deliver faster speeds and lower latency.
Security
Hotspots are private networks and this is why they provide a more secure connection than public WiFi.
MiFi Devices: What are They?
Don’t worry, it’s not a typo. MiFi is an actual term coined to refer to ‘mobile WiFi.’ It is used to describe a portable hotspot device and helps you access WiFi.
These devices work on cellular networks and allow you to use the internet on the go, whether you are in a camping ground or just hanging out in an RV park.
So, how can you get one for yourself?
The good news is, AT&T offers MiFi 8000 4G LTE wireless hotspot that allows you to connect wirelessly to a cell tower and use the internet even in places where traditional networks might not be available. You can connect your devices to it without having to rely on public WiFi.
Pro Tip: Avoid accessing public WiFi because connecting your devices to it can put you at a great security risk. A study conducted by Forbes found that 40% of people have their information compromised while using a public WiFi
Are you still going to use it, though?
If yes, then consider enabling the VPN (Virtual Private Network) to protect yourself from lurking cyber dangers.
Wireless Home Internet
Wireless home internet is similar to hotspots.
How?
It also uses cell towers to create a home network you can connect your devices to. It requires a data plan and also has a monthly limit of data usage. People camping around in rural areas or remote locations can bring wireless internet with them.
But how is wireless home internet different than WiFi?
WiFi is the wireless network you use in your home. The thing is, you can create it from any internet connection type (satellite, cable, fiber, etc.). On the other hand, wireless home internet is a specific internet connection type itself. It uses cell towers available in the surroundings to create a WiFi network from them.
Wireless Home Internet Provider
Earthlink is known for providing high-speed wireless internet to areas that are typically underserved. You can take your internet to where you go. Whether it is a treehouse or an RV, Earthlink claims to deliver you wireless internet, no matter where you are.
What’s more, the device provided by Earthlink can be operated on 4G LTE and 5G networks. This way, you can use it in your RV, as long as you have 120V outlets and stay within a range of 5G cellular networks.
Fun fact: Wireless home internet and fixed wireless internet are two different technologies. Fixed wireless internet requires the installation of a receiver near your home to receive internet from your provider.
On the other hand, wireless home internet doesn’t require professional installation and relies on a modem that you can set up yourself.
Nationwide WiFi Hotspots for RV
The good news is, even if you are only traveling on your RV for a few days or weeks, you can still get access to your Internet Service Providers’ nationwide installed hotspots. Although they may not be available in the remotest locations, you will still be able to find them in most cities across the country.
Here are some of the providers with free nationwide WiFi hotspots:
22 Million Secure Hotspots | Starting at $19.99/mo.1 (varies by location) | View Plans | |
4 Million Wifi Hotspots | Starting at $50.00/mo.2 | View Plans | |
Nationwide WiFi Hotspots | Starting at $49.99/mo.3 | View Plans | |
2 Million Nationwide WiFi Hotspots | Starting at $40.00/mo.4 | View Plans |
1. Taxes not included. Additional equipment fee may apply. Automatic payments and paperless billing required.
2. Everyday low price. No annual contract.
3. For 12 months with Auto Pay
*Speed based on wired connection. Available Internet speeds may vary by address. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit spectrum.net/modem. ©2024 Charter Communications. See Offer Details for terms and conditions.
4. For 12 months. Additional taxes, fees and other charges apply. Auto Pay and Paperless Billing included. Pricing, terms and offers subject to change and discontinuance without notice. Wired connection speeds. Wi-Fi speeds may vary. All services not available in all areas. View Full Disclaimer.
Cellular Data and Signal Boosters
You have a smartphone and we have a solution to your internet needs!
By using your smartphone devices, you can access the internet wherever you go. However, the quality and the speed heavily depend on the coverage area - still pretty convenient, ain’t it?
But if you need to amp up the speed, you can always try signal boosters. These devices are used to amplify the mobile signals to improve the coverage. But they can be a bit heavy on the wallet.
Signal Boosters Worth Giving a Try
weBoost Drive X RV
- Ideal for RVs
- Can be used either in stationary or moving vehicle
- Reaches far away cell towers
Cel-Fi Go RV
- Weather resistant
- Coverage for multiple devices
- High power single-carrier solution
Surecall Fusion2Go
- Works with multiple devices
- Up to +50 dBi gain
- For all types of vehicles
weBoost Drive Sleek
- 5G compatible
- Can be used to charge phones
- Supports multiple carriers
Entertainment and Rewards on the Road
Tired of spending huge amounts of money during your road trips?? Download reward apps on your smartphones today!
Apps like Cosmic Rewards are gaining massive popularity these days. You can earn rewards or gift cards from your favorite stores like Amazon and Target.
Cosmic Rewards has a wide range of game genres including puzzles and RPGs. Its key features include:
- Allows you to cash out the rewards every 24 hours
- You can use these gift cards for gas, meals, and other on-the-road expenses.
- A chance for you to earn Stardust to redeem for Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more.
So, give Cosmic Rewards a try and redeem your rewards.
Long Story Short – The Final Review!
If you are going cross-country in your RV and wondering how to find the best internet, then don’t forget to weigh your options.
You can consider satellite internet since it is virtually available everywhere – and you have great options already (cue: Hughesnet, Viasat, and Starlink).
But if you are finally thinking about giving MiFi and mobile hotspots a fair chance, then go for it! They are reliable, secure, and very portable. If not, then you always have an option of cellular data and your wireless home internet.
Plus, if you already are a subscriber to Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, or Optimum, then you are in for nationwide free hotspots.
So, stop worrying about going off the grid and choose the option that fits all your needs!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you get internet in an RV?
Yes, getting internet in an RV is very simple. The options include satellite internet, mobile hotspots, MiFi, hotspot devices, cellular data, wireless home networks, and nationwide hotspots.
How much does RV internet cost?
The cost of your RV internet depends on the services you choose, the location, or whether you invest in a signal booster or not. You can also take advantage of free nationwide hotspots provided by your home ISP.
What is the difference between a cellular hotspot and a satellite hotspot?
A cellular hotspot is ideal for RVers who stay near the civilization. On the other hand, a satellite hotspot is perfect for those who travel to far-flung areas.
What does RV WiFi do?
RV WiFi works exactly like any other WiFi. You can connect your devices to your RV WiFi and start using the internet in no time.
Check for services and offers available in your area