Does anyone connect to internet when camping? Some campgrounds have wifi but it seems like most of the time it does not work very well. Has anyone tried the T-mobile or Verizon internet? I need something better than connecting with a hotspot on my phone.
Turn off the TV, turn off the phone, turn off the computer, enjoy the camping.
A friend of mine has been trying the spaceX internet, StarLink, I think. So far he likes it.
No, but I know that T-Mobile internet is not portable. Using it at home and wondered if it could go on trips with us. T-Mobile says it is for one location only. On FB some say they have taken it, it worked, however T-Mobile says they can lock the service if rules aren't followed.
Been researching for my daughter who works from home. Internet at the CG they visit most has wi-fi but it's not secure for her work. There are a couple different units out there, but the cost of one was $500 for the unit and $169 a month for unlimited 5G. Ouch.
Too bad clearwire is not around anymore, I had that for a time and thought it worked pretty well. There always those wifi hotspots you can buy through your cell phone provider
I need a reliable ability to work remotely and sometimes we want to watch movies. I don't have enough data on my phone for using my phones hotspot to be of any use. I often have to send and receive large files. The StarLink service sounds good, but the reviews seem to be mixed not to mention the expense for the equipment.
I have 2 sources for the internet when camping. My T-Mobile phone gives me unlimited 5G on the phone itself, and 5 gig of hot spot if needed. I also have an AT&T Wifi Router with an unlimited/unthrottled 4G hot spot that is used primarily with my Computer. Both work well, and have not been anywhere from Florida to Maine that I could not connect. Very happy with the AT&T, and it's an old plan that I'm Grandfathered into, cost me $34.99 per month!!!
Oh, and though kind of pricey, Starlink is now offering RV internet...
Quote from: GoneCamping on Jun 27, 2022, 08:41 PMI have 2 sources for the internet when camping. My T-Mobile phone gives me unlimited 5G on the phone itself, and 5 gig of hot spot if needed. I also have an AT&T Wifi Router with an unlimited/unthrottled 4G hot spot that is used primarily with my Computer. Both work well, and have not been anywhere from Florida to Maine that I could not connect. Very happy with the AT&T, and it's an old plan that I'm Grandfathered into, cost me $34.99 per month!!!
Oh, and though kind of pricey, Starlink is now offering RV internet...
You got a good deal with that AT&T internet. I think Starlink is the one I researched that cost $500 for the device and $169 a month. That's crazy pricing.
PS- good to see you here on Pop Up Times.
Well, Starlink is now priced for RV's at $599 for the equipment, and $135 per month for the service. It's the way to go I suppose, but what I have does the job for much less money.
Quote from: 4Campers on Jun 28, 2022, 08:08 AMPS- good to see you here on Pop Up Times.
I second this.
We just use our phone hot spot through t-mobile. If you're out in the boondocks it can be a bit spotty.
That's why I've kept my AT&T Wifi router paid and up to date, it does seem to work everywhere I go. And my phone is on T-Mobile and I can hotspot that as well...
Daughter's hassle is she needs a secure connection because it's bank stuff she works on. She burns up her battery using her phone as a hot spot because files she moves are huge. What takes her 15 minutes at home takes 2 hours on wi-fi.
We are generally in campgrounds with no wifi, sometimes no or weak cell service, so generally we have no internet. Any campground wifi I've come across is generally not secure enough to trust with more than general google searches (like where can we go to dinner or hiking, etc).
Quote from: toomanytents on Jul 18, 2022, 05:30 PMWe are generally in campgrounds with no wifi, sometimes no or weak cell service, so generally we have no internet. Any campground wifi I've come across is generally not secure enough to trust with more than general google searches (like where can we go to dinner or hiking, etc).
I've found the same thing, wi-fi at CGs is usually slower than just using my own 5G connection. And you're right about it not being secure.
Did you find a solution. I think I will start trying to find something as well for our now moved to next year trip.
I'm still looking at Starlink, but having a lot of trouble wrapping my brain around the cost of it...
Quote from: GoneCamping on Jul 25, 2022, 09:00 PMI'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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
QuoteWe 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.
Quote from: GoneCamping on Jul 31, 2022, 09:20 PMQuoteWe 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.
Wouldn't the Verizon or T-Mobile options work anywhere you can get a signal?
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.
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.
Quote from: 4Campers on Aug 16, 2022, 02:48 PMT-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.
Quote from: dno on Aug 20, 2022, 02:53 PMQuote from: 4Campers on Aug 16, 2022, 02:48 PMT-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.