Satellite Internet While Traveling

[mitch5252]

I can't remember who, but someone was recently asking about satellite internet while traveling, for work purposes, I believe. I forgot all about this site, which could prove to be useful:

http://www.datastormusers.com/

I was looking at that site tonight to download a program they have to help you point your satellite dish (including Directv).

Just thought I'd pass it along.

[Bethers]

More and more people are getting rid of it - but others take it. That's what Carol and Bill used for a long time (traveling to MX, etc) but they have recently gotten rid of it for an air card.

I'm not saying it's bad - but we have so many other options now - and while the satellite should work everywhere - when it doesn't, and you're in MX or Canada, you can spend a fortune calling, etc to get things fixed - and sometimes they do - and others - as Carol can tell you this year in MX, they don't.

[JudyJB]

That was me that was asking. I have decided to go with a Verizon Air Card for now, and get a new cell phone. My old phone is a 6 year old Palm Treo that is falling apart, literally!

I am a heavy internet user because I will still be teaching online, so I am hoping this works. It is the cheapest alternative. I can supplement it with free wireless when I find it. I have checked out wireless sources in public places even in national parks like the Grand Canyon--they have a library, for example, with free wireless access. If necessary, I will plead that I am a teacher at places like libraries.

I was told satellite is not only expensive, but not any more available in terms of service than an air card and free wireless locations.

Someday, hopefully, wireless will be free and available everywhere.

[Bethers]

That was me that was asking. I have decided to go with a Verizon Air Card for now, and get a new cell phone. My old phone is a 6 year old Palm Treo that is falling apart, literally!

I am a heavy internet user because I will still be teaching online, so I am hoping this works. It is the cheapest alternative. I can supplement it with free wireless when I find it. I have checked out wireless sources in public places even in national parks like the Grand Canyon--they have a library, for example, with free wireless access. If necessary, I will plead that I am a teacher at places like libraries.

I was told satellite is not only expensive, but not any more available in terms of service than an air card and free wireless locations.

Someday, hopefully, wireless will be free and available everywhere.

Judy - the free internet at libraries is for everyone. And don't forget hotels/motels - lots of time you can just visit the parking lot for a bit. As to the Grand Canyon- at the north rim the internet was available at some of the places to eat, etc, also. I use my phone to tether now - but when someplace has wifi - like where I am now - I do all uploading/downloading I can - so that I don't use up my allotment. And, believe me, if you use a lot, you can. That said, it's not as expensive for most plans to add more - and mine will add for a flat rate now, instead of the old mega bucks. I would think if you just got the aircard, yours will also.

[JudyJB]

Thanks, Beth. I have not been shopping yet at Verizon because I can use the internet I now have that is bundled with my cable tv. When I get a couple weeks from moving, I will go to a local store. Did get some advice from one of my students who works for corporate Verizon, which was nice. (Semester is done so no conflict of interest now.)

I can also use internet at my kids places, where I plan to spend some time during the year visiting grandkids. I was told even the patio of the store at the North Rim had good internet for free, so I think there will be lots of places where I can supplement Verizon and save on my bills there.

[monik7]

Sorry, but what's an air card? Also, don't you have to be careful about security when using WiFi in public places? As you can see, I'm not only a novice RVer, but also a complete computer dummy.

[retiredhappy]

JudyJB, if you don't want to deal with a 2 year contract with Verizon check out Cricket's aircard. I've had both and Cricket has signal everywhere Verizon did - I think they may e actually using Verizon's towers. Its cheaper and month-to-month so you don't have to commit to a long term contract.

Monik7, an aircard is a USB plugin that you get to access the internet. All the cell phone carriers have them. Its a separate plan from your phone. You plug it into your computer, sign on and can get on the internet IF you're in an area with a tower just like your cell phone. You buy the device and then pay a monthly fee.

[JudyJB]

Thanks. I did get the Verizon Jetpack and have been happy with it. I had to get a 2-year contract for my new i-phone, and the jetpack was only something like $60. I have unlimited voice, and share 6 gig of data between my phone and jetpack. So far, it has been way more than enough, but I don't download video or music. I may try some video once I get a better hang of how many gig I will be using each month. Right now it has been less than 2.

Total bill per month for both phone and jetpack is supposed to be about $150, which is a lot but I really wanted unlimited voice and a lot of data for the internet available.

I have had excellent coverage, also, even in Rocky Mountain National Park Moraine Campground, and it is a LOT fast than the free WiFi available in RV parks.

[Rufflesgurl]

Hi Monik7 - Just tried to send you a PM but not sure it went thru. Where in the SF Bay Area are you? Was just there this past week visiting daughter & family. Did not take my RV tho.

Linda