Hello - RV-Dreams Community Forum

DigitalHeresy · RV-Dreams Community Member

Hello

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

You can get satellite connections to do what you want, you just have to pay a bit more for iDirect service and a 0.98 meter automatic roof mount. I think that is around $10 to 12K installed and something like $300 a month for unlimited satellite service through Motosat. Here is the info on the dish - http://www.motosat.com/index.php/internetantennas/67.ht. Out of your price range, probably, but doable and probably deductible.
The new 3G/4G aircards from Verizon are $80 for 10GB of bandwidth per month with $10/GB overages. They require a two-year commitment to get the aircard for $50. Or you can get the pay-as-you go Millenicom service (do an internet search) for 20GB/month for $60 using Verizon or unlimited (really 50GB) on Sprint for $70 per month. Most of these can be put in a 3G/4G router though the 3G/4G ones are in beta.
Campground wifi is shared and often not very good. Even if good I think they would hunt you down and shut you down for hogging the bandwidth.
You can also spread things out, using smartphones or tablet's with 3G to do some of the work and use their bandwidth instead of your main computer(s).
How much do you really need? There are utilities to monitor your usage so you can tell what will work instead of assuming it won't work.
There are people doing computer work on the road. It is possible and the expense of the communications might seem high but you will probably save overall due to the RV lifestyle being fairly frugal.

-- Edited by bjoyce on Saturday 29th of January 2011 06:44:33 PM

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

I know at some parks you can get an ordinary phone line at your site. That should open the possibility for DSL.

Some parks have cable TV at the sites, so cable modem may be an option.

(Both of these options would mean you would need to stay put for long periods of time. It would be tied to the phone and cable companies if they impose a length limitation for service).

As for park wifi I doubt you would want to rely on it for business purposes. I use the MagicJack IP phone and I almost always have problems when using public wifi. I would recommend a different solution.

Aircards work, but coverage can be problematic. You would probably need an aircard from each carrier, and even then I bet you would find spots where none of them work.

Satellite is another option. I would be concerned with bandwidth, up/down speeds, latency, and possibly weather. Wind can be a problem when you put that big sail up on your roof. And I would expect heavy rain to cause interruptions in connectivity. And you will need to park your rig so the dish has a clear view of the southern sky.

Power outages are not uncommon in RV parks. Not a big deal for most campers, but I would plan on having a backup plan. Inverters and batteries are one idea. A generator is better if power is a requirement no matter what the circumstances.

Hope that helps...

Rick-n-Phyl · RV-Dreams Community Member

You might want to check this web site's site map at the left and click on frequently asked questins. Go to question 19, where Howard talks about all things internet on the road.

Also the thread on technology on the road might help.

Hope your job lets you disconnect while you drive. smile

DigitalHeresy · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks for the information everyone. I've been reviewing all the tech you guys mentioned and found some other options as well. I'll discuss them in the tech on the road area though.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome to the forums. Even though I used to be a manager of a major electronics store, I have long gotten away from the technical aspect of phones and other electronics. Fortunately, there is a lot of others here with a wealth of knowledge.

Best I can do is wish you luck. Feel free to ask questions and make comments. We all learn from each other, even the mistakes.

Terry