Internet While Camping

[GoneCamping]

I'm still looking at Starlink, but having a lot of trouble wrapping my brain around the cost of it...

[RandR]

I'm still looking at Starlink, but having a lot of trouble wrapping my brain around the cost of it...

This is my issue too. It seems like the best solution but the up-front coast is a killer. I'm considering it anyway, perhaps I can just use this as my only internet and take it with me when I go camping.

[CampingQueen]

RandR, that's where my thoughts were leading as well. I pay $100/month for internet at home, plus another $65 for streaming services. If I go with a Starlink, I'm not that far behind but can take it with us when we're on the road. I would likely keep the streaming service so we can watch the channels we like if it's rainy or we just feel like relaxing in the evening. There is some limitations when visibility is obstructed such as lots of trees, and wind/rain/snow, but overall it seems like it's a definite contender.

[GoneCamping]

I'm curious about how well or not well Starlink works in a storm?!?! I know Direct TV and Dish both lose signals in heavy weather, haven't heard anything (yet) about Starlink and whether or not it has weather related issues...

[4Campers]

We just switched over to T-Mobile internet. The device is about 6" in diameter and 12" tall. Plugs into 110 outlet and has two ethernet outlets. Signal comes from satellite. It's storming here now and not one bit of slow down. It's been just as fast as fiber optic we got rid of. Price lock for life is $50 a month, all taxes and fees included.
Now I've seen a few people say they take their unit with them when camping. It'll work if there's a signal you can pick up, which rumor has it there are only a few dead spots. However, T-Mobile says that isn't allowed as the device is set for one location use only. If you are on a permanent site and register it there, if service is available, you should be good to go. Snowbirds could simply notify T-Mob when they move and bring the device with.

[dno]

I remember watching one YouTube video of a guy securing his starlink dish to the roof of his car and driving down a freeway to test the signal reliability while driving. I think it mostly worked well. I think maybe he had some issues with overpasses though. In my current car I'm impressed at how well the satellite radio works even when I'm in an enclosed car wash but at other times when there seems like there is nothing to obstruct a signal it will drop out.

I saw something about some airline testing starlink on airliners as well. I also keep half expecting some announcement that Tesla is going to use starlink in their cars instead of the current 4G connection.

[GoneCamping]

We just switched over to T-Mobile internet. The device is about 6" in diameter and 12" tall. Plugs into 110 outlet and has two ethernet outlets. Signal comes from satellite. It's storming here now and not one bit of slow down.

T-Mobile doesn't do Satellite, and if the unit is indoors without something outdoors pointing to the clear sky, then it certainly isn't Satellite. The T-Mobile home internet is 5G cellular service.

[4Campers]

We just switched over to T-Mobile internet. The device is about 6" in diameter and 12" tall. Plugs into 110 outlet and has two ethernet outlets. Signal comes from satellite. It's storming here now and not one bit of slow down.

T-Mobile doesn't do Satellite, and if the unit is indoors without something outdoors pointing to the clear sky, then it certainly isn't Satellite. The T-Mobile home internet is 5G cellular service.

Oops, yes it is a 5G cell signal. It is fast though.

[CamperDan]

Wouldn't the Verizon or T-Mobile options work anywhere you can get a signal?

[GoneCamping]

In a way, you answered your own question... "anywhere you can get a signal" is the key. The campground I'm in right now, Verizon struggles to work at all.

[4Campers]

T-Mobile says you aren't supposed to move the device from place to place. I just saw what my son uses, it was just around $100 from Verizon, a mobile hotspot.

[dno]

T-Mobile says you aren't supposed to move the device from place to place. I just saw what my son uses, it was just around $100 from Verizon, a mobile hotspot.

That's interesting and too bad, It seems like it could be a good solution as long as your are within rage. I'm sure it may not work in some remote location.

[4Campers]

T-Mobile says you aren't supposed to move the device from place to place. I just saw what my son uses, it was just around $100 from Verizon, a mobile hotspot.

That's interesting and too bad, It seems like it could be a good solution as long as your are within rage. I'm sure it may not work in some remote location.

The T-Mobile internet should work anywhere you can get a cell signal. Don't know their reasoning for why you can't move it.