| This article will discuss various methods to connect to | | | | The cost is $60 a month, but can be limited in terms of |
| the internet when traveling in a recreational vehicle | | | | the amount of data downloaded before being charged |
| (RV). The equipment involved with each method and | | | | extra.o Cell Phone |
| the download speed of each type will be addressed. | | | | Most cell phone plans now offer an internet access |
| With many of us now depending on access to the | | | | option. In order to use this method, you'll need the |
| internet for both personal and business needs, a | | | | following things: |
| reliable method for internet use is necessary when | | | | 1. Add internet access to your cell phone plan |
| traveling in an RV. | | | | 2. A cell phone you have will work for accessing the |
| These internet access methods are:o Satellite | | | | internet, not all phones will do this |
| Satellite internet service requires a receiver dish that | | | | 3. A cable to connect your cell phone to your |
| would either be mounted on the roof of the RV or one | | | | computer |
| that is portable and sits on the ground. The roof | | | | The speed of this method will will be faster than dial |
| mounted installation is more expensive initially, but does | | | | up, but no where near broadband. There is a monthly |
| not require manual set up of the dish at each new | | | | charge added to your cell phone plan for this service.o |
| location. The roof mounted dish also requires clear | | | | MiFi |
| access to the southern sky, so being parked under a | | | | This service uses equipment that is the size of a credit |
| tree is a problem. This method allows internet access | | | | card, which combines a modem, router, and access |
| no matter where you are and achieves near | | | | point. The signal is again delivered from a telephone |
| broadband speeds. The cost is between $70 and $100 | | | | company cell tower. The speeds you'll have are near |
| a month.o Air Card | | | | broadband, with coverage once again good in the |
| This internet solution is offered by the major telephone | | | | cities and degrading into rural areas. This method |
| companies. It involves the use of a small modem that | | | | supports up to five users at a time with a wireless |
| plugs either directly into your computer or into a router. | | | | signal. A monthly subscription is needed with a |
| The signal that the modem receives is delivered from | | | | telephone company for this service.o Free WiFi |
| cell towers, just like your cell phone. Most areas of the | | | | A number of RV parks and campgrounds offer free |
| country have this service available, but speeds will | | | | WiFi to their guests, but naturally some parks do not |
| vary. In major metropolitan areas the speeds will be | | | | have this service. If you don't need daily internet |
| near broadband, but as you get into rural areas the | | | | access, using a free signal at places where it is |
| speed will drop. In remote areas you will not get any | | | | available may be enough such that you would not |
| service at all. You can improve your signal reception in | | | | need to subscribe to one of the other plans. |
| rural areas with the use of antennas and amplifiers. | | | | |