Internet Access

[Heymate]

Hi there, Does anyone know what people who are travelling around the country use to internet access on the RV's?

[azotto]

Not sure what you're looking for here? Hardware? Connection?

A lot of campgrounds offer a connection for a fee. Some are dial up and some are high speed. Some are a hard connection and some are wireless. Some are wired to the sites and others are in a common area. We stayed at a campground in Colorado a few years back that had a little room off the office were you could hook up your PC.
You would need to inquire with each campground for specifics.

[Heymate]

I am looking for a connection method. The reason I ask is I am having a 48foot show trailer built for one of my busineses. This trailer will be going all over the country and setting up at events where I will want to be able to use the internet. I have heard there are some companies that offer dish services, and the other option is wireless conectivity. I wanted to see if anyone on the site has or knows anything about services I would be able to use anywhere in the country.

Clyde

[Wolfhound]

WiFi when near or Verizon phone & laptop for cheap or High speed Verizon & laptop (free phone time nights & weekends), or there are a few VERY expensive satellite hookups. Can also use dialup from RV parks with phone line.

[RAMTech-RC]

I use the Verizon laptop card. Costs an arm and a leg, but its worth it to have access anywhere. On a RV, you hsould be able to get satelite internet.

[cnord]

I use Tmobile wireless plan with a Sierra Wireless Aircard, I can access the net at 56K normally 40K and I have no roaming no data charges and no other hassles for $31.00 a month, I was able to put RA in ocotillo wells on a live web broadcast for 6 hours without a problem. The web cam on the other hand was a problem.
The cost ofr the aircard varies but is cheaper than satelite and any other connection you get, but is slow and requires a cell phone signal from any company.
Carl

[Wolfhound]

CNORD,
With phone & usb cable you don't need a "wireless aircard" ... Just curious why buy extras ?

[cnord]

None of the cell phones were working when this card was working, anywhere I was I could get a good signal, but on cell phones it was very difficult to get a signal, also it just fits in the PCMIA slot and not all cell phones can be connected.

[Heymate]

Hi there and thanks for the information. I think this covers pretty much the "cost economical options. I did find a system that works, but you need to spend $ 10K in hardware, which is a little more than I want to pay. I was thinking about the T-Mobile option as the coverage is pretty good.

[Wolfhound]

You might want to check a few RV forums before going with T-mobile...

[Heymate]

Hi there, I have done some more research on the coverage and connection speeds given by various service providers and I am going to get a couple of test lines to check out - starting off with Sprint PCS and T-Mobile. I will let you know how it works out once I have had some field testing done in different parts of the country.

[duneDS650]

I would think Earthlink and DirectTV satellite programs would be the way to go. Just set the dish up when you get to where you're going, or get a servo-controlled RV dish and surf while you drive.

[Oldskewl]

I own a Trucking Co. and travel from Northern CA. to Houston-Dallas TX.I have a PC card from Verizon($200.00) for my laptop that works around most every major city,even out at the Dunes in spots.Excellent coverage area.I have unlimited internet access for $80.00 a month.In my business it paid for itself and the laptop in the first 2 weeks.

[Wolfhound]

Slow speed access $20 a year (Verizon/Alltel only) :

http://www.mobileweb4u.com/index.html

[AAA]

DirecWay Internet Access through DirecTV offers a dish that provides "high-speed" mobile internet service. This dish is not on a auto tracking system, meaning you cant drive and surf at the same time, but the new versions will automatically scan and lock onto the satelitte when the vehicle is stopped. There is a company in town that offers this. A hummer drives around town with this dish and advertises..

[Wolfhound]

I guess the real question is how much do you want to spend . . .