There are many different factors and variables to consider when putting together a solution for having consistent internet access while RVing. There are many different things that can determine what will be the most ideal solution for each unique situation.
But if there’s one thing for certain – it’s that there is not a singular solution that is going to consistently work well for you every time and in every location.
Which is why we always recommend building redundancy into your setup. If you want to be reliably connected while traveling from location to location, you’ll need to have multiple connection options at your disposal.
Why Redundancy?
There are many reasons that mobile internet options can vary so much, including:
- Coverage. Every cellular service provider has a coverage map, and none of them cover every single location across the country. All of them have some areas where they don’t have coverage.
- Congestion. Even if you have a solid signal, the internet source you’re using may have a lot of traffic and become unusable for your needs.
- Obstacles. Mountains, trees, ravines, buildings, and even other large vehicles can all obscure a wireless signal.
- Data Caps. Many data plans have data caps. Unexpected data spikes can eat up your monthly data allotment, either cutting off your data completely or reducing your speeds greatly.
- Equipment Failures. The hardware used to get online can fail, be damaged, or encounter a bad firmware update that renders your connection useless.
Approaches to Redundancy
There are multiple ways to enhance the redundancy of a mobile internet arsenal, and it’s important to balance your mobile internet needs with your budget. You want to make sure you have enough different options to stay connected, while keeping within a reasonable budget.
There are several different ways you can build redundancy into your setup, including:
Cellular Carrier Diversification
Once you’ve found a plan that meets your data needs on one carrier, consider a second or third carrier that can act as a back-up plan in case your primary plan doesn’t work well at your current location. Or consider data plans that can roam between different carriers using a single device and SIM card.
Having plans with more than one carrier increases your personal coverage map, giving you more options across the country. Also, If your primary plan doesn’t quite supply enough high-speed data to meet your needs throughout the month, adding a plan from another carrier can supplement your pool of available data.
Another approach is selecting flexible plans that you can add data to, for those occasions where you need to depend on a plan more than normal.
Multiple Signal Enhancing Tricks
Getting a solid cellular signal is an important piece of getting the best data performance in any given location. The challenge is that the optimal signal enhancing approach could be different as you travel. Terrain, weather, and distance to a tower can all play a role in the best approach. Having different antenna and booster options to optimize your cellular signal can improve your online experience.
Wi-Fi Extending Gear
Utilizing Wi-Fi provided by campgrounds isn’t something that RVers and boaters who need a reliable connection depend on. Because publicly shared resources like this don’t often provide the bandwidth needed for video streaming, conferencing, or other bandwidth-intensive activities.
But every so often you may find an RV park with a solid Wi-Fi experience, or you might get invited to driveway surf with friends who can share their home Wi-Fi network with you. So you might find it worthwhile to have Wi-Fi extending gear onboard and at the ready for just such occasions.
Redundant Equipment
Technology in general can be finicky, even more so if used in a mobile environment where it’s subject to motion, moisture, heat, or drops. Keeping a spare hotspot or phone, a blank SIM card, and a fresh battery onboard could save you from entering a full-blown panic if you find yourself with a device that’s not working as it should.
If you’ve recently updated a device, it might be worth hanging on to the device you replaced to use that as a backup option. The temporary replacement device may not be optimal, but it’s better than nothing.
Or you may want to take a mobile hotspot with you on a hike or for in-town exploration, instead of using your normal router that doesn’t have a battery.
Starlink / Satellite Internet
Starlink has become popular with the RVing crowd, but it is not without its limitations. Service can be expensive, it can be affected by the weather, it uses a lot of power, the terms are always changing and it needs a large clear view of the sky to deliver great service and consistent reliable access.
But it can be a real game changer if you’re in an area with no (or very poor) cellular or Wi-Fi signal.
There are also satellite communication options, including some built into modern smartphones, that allow for basic communication when out of cellular service areas.
Last Ditch Plans
It is an important part of building out a redundant mobile internet arsenal to know what you’ll do if all of your options fail to thrive. Sometimes, you’ll just need to accept that you won’t be able to stay in your own rig to get connected. You many need to work in another location such as a coworking space or cafe, and you may even need to move your RV in order to get a usable connection
When you set-up at a new location, take the time to test a few of the options you keep on board before you need it. Knowing what works, and what isn’t worth your time at a given location, could save you frustration and time if one option fails at a crucial moment. Knowing what plans, devices, and enhancement strategies are viable for use at a given location means you should be able to switch over to your back-up quickly and without too much hassle.
Redundancy Considerations
When deciding on and building out redundancy into your setup, there are certain considerations you may want to keep in mind. Redundancy is important for those who rely on mobile internet. You’ll need to decide on your own personal needs and constraints. As you consider just how many options to keep on board, consider some of the downsides of too many options:
- Cost – Creating a redundant arsenal will come with upfront costs for the initial purchase and the recurring plan costs. Keeping multiple plans active – especially when you rarely find yourself using one or more of those plans – can be financially draining, or feel like a waste of money.
- Storage Space, Installation & Upkeep – RVs have limited space, so you definitely have to consider just how much stuff you can reasonably keep – and where to store it without it becoming clutter.
- Obsolete Hardware – Technology is always changing, and eventually some pieces of equipment in your setup may become obsolete. So if you are using an older piece of equipment as a backup solution, make sure you’re updating it with the latest firmware, and remember that older equipment may not be as technically relevant – such as not supporting today’s current frequency bands. Make sure you’re aware of what your older equipment is capable of – and if it’s too out of date – or even obsolete – it may not be a good fit as a backup solution.
- Complexity – The more options you add, the more complex your setup becomes. How will you integrate all of your possible options into a streamlined local area network? What if a device just doesn’t integrate into your setup? Just how many power outlets do you need to provide to keep everything working? And how often will each device need configuration, updates, and attention? Sometimes keeping it simple is more effective than trying to assemble a ‘one of everything’ solution.
Summary
Redundancy is a crucial mobile internet strategy for those that wish or need to be connected while mobile. We don’t recommend hitting the road or waterways without a redundant mobile internet source if you have crucial internet needs as a traveler.
Just as you wouldn’t jump out of an airplane without a spare parachute, don’t expect to always be connected if you don’t have a backup solution in place.
There are multiple ways to flesh your mobile internet arsenal out to create redundancy, with some being more cost-effective, easier to apply and understand, and more readily maintainable than others.
Your mobile internet requirements, travel style, budget, personal comfort with technology, and willingness to learn will all impact the methods that you apply to create redundancy. But, regardless of how you do it – you should consider redundancy to be a primary tenant for creating a reliable mobile internet arsenal.
For more on Redundancy, see the Mobile Internet Resource Center’s Guide:
Mobile Internet Redundancy – The Solution For A Reliable RV Or Boat Setup
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Author:
Jen Nealy
Jen and her husband Deas were full-time RVers for 5 years, and now they part-time travel in their van from their home base in Asheville, NC with their dog Finn. Jen works part-time for the Mobile Internet Resource Center.
