RVingAndMore.com

Staying Connected on The Road – Wherever It Leads

        By Mac McClellan

When my in-laws started fulltime RV travel in 1986 "staying connected" meant a phone call from a pay phone or a hand written letter.  Only 1 in 10 households owned a computer, and I expect very few RV travelers were sending email.  Today, we're accustomed to being instantly connected with the whole world through the internet.  For many it's a convenience, for others it's a hobby, and for a few it's a way to work and earn an income even while traveling full time.

In just the past five years many advances in technology have made it easier, more reliable, and less expensive, to stay connected on the road from almost anywhere in North America where an RV can drive.  I'm going to tell you about several ways to stay connected on the road, and I'll cover initial cost, ongoing expense, and performance.  I'll also make some general recommendations about which systems fit different needs.  At the bottom I'll include links for further research. Let's start with one of the earliest mobile broadband technologies; two-way satellite systems.

SATELLITE SYSTEMS

It sounds strange to say that satellite internet service is one of the older ways to stay connected on the road.  Late in 2003 I was searching for a technology that would enable me to use the internet for my business wherever we moved around the country.  I discovered there was a new two-way satellite based technology from DirecWay (now Hughes) and it was packaged in an automated system called Datastorm by the MotoSat company.  This literally changed our lives, making it possible for us to start fulltiming, and still earn a living instead of waiting until retirement.

Today there are several suppliers of satellite technology.  Names you'll hear still include Hughes, and MotoSat, but also add Starband, Ground Control, Skycasters, iDirect, VCAST, and others.  The choices are many, and the price ranges broad.  All the satellite systems can be divided into two categories; automatic mounted dish, and manual portable dish.

The automatic dish (like the Datastorm shown) stows on top of the RV, deploys at the touch of a button, and finds the satellite for you.  Pricing for the base model (which I own) starts around $5300 - $6000 complete and installed.  Larger and faster systems cost more, but the majority of RVers have the base model.  Monthly internet service plans are around $80 a month.  Download speeds vary from good to poor depending on a variety of factors.  I have sometimes achieved 1800 kbps download speed, but more typically 900 – 1200 kbps.  Upload speeds are much slower, often in the 90 – 180 kbps range.  However, this isn't an issue unless you're uploading very large files.

A manual, portable system includes the same dish that you would use on a stationary home, but it's mounted on a surveyor's tripod.  These are commercially available for $1500 to $1900 complete, but some RVers have assembled their own unit from components.  You'll hear about Hughes and Starband systems, and retailers including Dustyfoot, Maxwell, Portasat, and others.  Monthly internet service starts around $60 a month.  Plans with more available bandwidth and higher data transfer limits are available for higher fees.

Advantages:  The big advantage of satellite is coverage area.  You can connect from almost anywhere in North America where you can see the southern sky (not obstructed by trees, a mountain, building, etc).  Most anywhere you can get satellite TV reception you can also be online with satellite internet.  Snowbirds who stay in only two locations may be able to have a fixed dish installed at each location and carry the satellite modem between them.

Disadvantages:  Initial cost is high, especially for automatic systems.  If you regularly download large files (hour long video for example) you'll run into download volume limits.  Upload speeds aren't great, so if you routinely upload large files (for example, many large digital pictures) it can take a long time.  Latency, the time it takes radio waves to travel to and from the satellite, can cause some pages to load more slowly especially on secure web sites (for example; financial services, and most corporate systems for virtual offices).  Manual systems may not have the same coverage area as automatic systems because all satellites may not be available to you, or moving between satellites may not be permitted.  Check with your retail dealer about this before you buy.

Who needs it?  Anyone who is an internet "power user" will want to consider a satellite system.  If you work online for your livelihood and want to travel without restriction it's a must-have.  Even with two other ways of getting online I still consider our Datastorm indispensable.  

CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY

The various cell phone service providers (Sprint, Verizon, Alltel, etc.) give you many ways to stay connected on the road.  They provide data service from the same towers that give you phone service.  The oldest of the modern systems is called 1xRTT.  It's only about 1 to 2 times dialup speed, and until the last few years this was all that was available.  Then a new standard called EVDO was developed and is now expanding in coverage area every month.  EVDO is an abbreviation for Evolution Data Only, or Evolution Data Optimized.  Although speeds vary widely download speeds in some areas exceed 1Mbps with uploads at over 400kbps.   

The device that you use may take several forms and go by various names.  Some cell phones may be used in this way, either accessing the internet directly, or connected to your computer.  Examples of "smart phones" made for this purpose are the Blackberry, Moto Q, and Palm Treo.  However, the most common device most RVers use is called an "aircard".  Below are two examples, a USB aircard on the left, and a PC card on the right

This is normally used for data only, and depending on its design it will plug into a laptop card slot or a USB port.  You can also buy special wireless routers that will operate the device and provide a personal wireless network for multiple computers. 

 Manufacturers include Linksys, Cradlepoint, Kyocera, and others.  Prices run from $150 and up.  Below is an illustration from the LinkSys website showing how this works.

Setting up a personal network is easy.  You just need an aircard, a compatible mobile router, and wi-fi capable computers.  Procedures vary with different brands, but it's generally "plug and play".  You may need a Cat 5 cable (patch cord) to connect your computer to the router for setup before enabling the wi-fi network.  I recommend buying your components as a package from a retailer who is knowledgeable and can provide support if needed.   One company to consider is the 3G Store, www.3gstore.com.  If you need improved reception in marginal signal areas you can install an antenna outside your RV.  There are also signal amplifiers to boost the signal even more.  The antennas run about $50 and the amplifier around $250.  These are simple to install and use.  However, be aware that not every aircard has an external antenna connection jack.  

Advantages:  Aircards are inexpensive, usually no more than $200, and often free with a two year commitment to a service plan.  Monthly fees for unlimited service range from $50 to $70, and are sometimes discounted if you have a cell phone account with the same provider.  They are portable, can be taken with you away from the RV, and are as easy to use as clicking an icon on your computer.  Signal boosters and external antennas are available to improve performance in fringe areas, and will also work with some cell phones to improve the range of voice communications.  Note that some service providers will allow you to try out an aircard for 30 days risk free and return the equipment and cancel the service if you're not satisfied.  As already mentioned speeds are quite fast, and there's very little delay or latency on secure websites.  They can be used in-motion, while driving and this comes in very handy for us because I'll sometimes work while my wife drives.

Disadvantages:  High speed service is not available everywhere.  Usually if you can get a non-roaming cell phone signal you can probably get some level of data connection, but it may be the older 1xRTT network.  There are large areas of the country with no service at all, depending on who your cellular provider is.  The various service providers overlap, so some areas are better served than others, but they don't all have the same coverage.  You'll want to research this and pick a provider that gives the best coverage where you typically travel most.

Who needs it?  This is the best choice for an RVer who wants a self-contained mobile solution at a low price.  It provides very good service in some areas, much broader coverage than Wi-Fi, although more limited than satellite.  Many RVers who make a living online will have an aircard in addition to one or two other ways to access the internet. 

WI-FI WIRELESS NETWORKS

Wi-Fi systems are local wireless networks.  Some are small (called Hot Spots) and cover an area in and around a location like Starbucks, the office of the RV park, or a Flying-J.  Other wi-fi networks are larger, covering a whole RV park, or even large areas of a city.  All modern laptop computers have the built-in capability to access wireless networks of this type, and it can be added to a desktop for as little as $25.  Many RV parks are installing wi-fi systems, and free wi-fi is part of the amenities package at some parks.  Where a fee is charged, prices run from $1 a day to as much as $7 a day, but there are usually discounts for weekly, monthly and annual plans.  Some service providers have dozens of RV parks in their system, making it easy to stay connected on the road because access purchased at Park A may be used down the road at Park B and C also. 

Speeds vary widely, and are mostly influenced by two factors; the speed of the main service provider to the network, and how many users are online at once.  Typical speeds range from 256 kbps to 1 Mbps download, and 110 kbps to 640 kbps upload.  An RV park with one basic business-grade DSL line may have very good speed in the middle of the night, but by the time everyone starts logging in it can slow to a crawl.  Service quality is affected by your distance from the central antennas, and also by obstructions like trees and other RVs.  Some people have equipped their RVs with wi-fi boosters and external antennas to bring in a stronger signal.

Advantages:  Using a wi-fi network is normally inexpensive, even free, and there's no initial equipment cost since all modern laptops come with this capability.  If you use a desktop, or want to extend your range, you may need to purchase some equipment but the cost is usually low, in the $100 to $300 range.  Speeds are often very good, and if you need to load or download large files you can go online at off-peak times if needed.

Disadvantages:  Some networks are inadequate for the number of people using them and speeds are slow.  Some areas may have no coverage because of obstructions.  Not all parks have wi-fi, so you won't always be able to connect.  If you move frequently it can get expensive buying one day access at a time.  If two of you want to be online at the same time you may need to pay for the access twice.  Also, using an unsecured public wi-fi you'll need to ensure that sharing isn't enabled on your private computer files or others will have open access to them.  

OTHER LESS COMMON MEANS

If you snowbird, you may be able to take your DSL or Cable Modem with you from home to your winter or summer RV park.  Check and see if your service provider operates in both locations.  A wired connection like this will be very fast and give you the most flexibility.  You may even obtain your TV service from the same provider. 

Most public libraries have computers for internet access and allow you to use them, sometimes for a small fee.  Internet Cafes also provide this service for a fee, so even if you don't have a computer with you you'll be able to check email and do other things on the internet. 

WHAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU?

As you've seen, there are a number of factors to consider and there's no perfect solution that will work for everyone.  How important is it for you to be online?  Is it vital, or just nice-to-have?  What's in your budget for initial equipment cost, and ongoing subscriber fees?  How much speed do you require?  How convenient must it be to get online?  In my case, I work in a "virtual office" as we travel and I must be online for my job, so we have three ways to access the internet; Datastorm satellite system, Sprint wireless aircard with wi-fi router, and individual wi-fi on our laptops.  This may be overkill for you, but it's essential for us.  Here are some links to help you research how you'll stay connected on the road:

Cellular Wireless Providers, Equipment Providers, and Resellers

http://3gstore.com  (includes a discussion forum)
www.Sprint.com
www.Verizon.com
www.t-mobile.com
www.alltel.com

Satellite Service and Equipment Providers and dealers

www.datastormusers.com (user support group and forum)
www.motosat.com
www.internetanywhere.us
www.skycasters.com
www.groundcontrol.com
www.starband.com
www.dustyfoot.com

Wi-Fi equipment
www.hawkingtech.com
www.rv2internet.com
www.radiolabs.com/products/wireless/wireless.html
Any electronics store, Best Buy, Radio Shack, etc.

Wi-Fi Park Directories and service providers
www.tengointernet.com 
www.coachconnect.net 
www.rv.net/campgrounds/cgphonenetaccess.pdf   (listing of RV parks with Wi-Fi)
Most campground directories will identify parks with Wi-Fi (Woodalls, Trailer Life, etc.)