5 ways to get internet when you are living in an RV

Some of you asked me how I am able to work when I am off somewhere. I have to say, it is very important to have quality internet for my digital nomad lifestyle. I needed to find ways so I am not without internet for a long time. I did a lot of research before I moved into my RV full-time.
Here are five ways you can use the internet remotely:

Hotspot:

A hotspot is more of a physical location where people obtain internet access, using WiFi technology via WLAN (wireless local area network) using a router connected to an internet service provider. In layman language, it means a location where there is good WiFi. AT&T and Verizon are great both offer the best coverage in the US. You can use a hotspot like the Netgear Unite Explore 4G LTE Mobile Wifi Hotspot which will give you internet by AT&T which has most of the U.S. covered by their service. Most wireless smart-phones usually have a built-in mobile hotspot function which you use to create an internet connection through your smartphone.

It should be noted it deducts from your data plan and it is advisable to have a WiFi password because otherwise, someone can access your data. You will also have to make sure that your automated updates are turned off on your device because your phone might end up downloading all the updates at once using your data. It happened to me! I connected my tablet which then started automatically downloading all app updates which used my data fast!
Or you can buy a device just like this one on the right. This is what I have. Then you just need a service provider. All mobile providers offer hotspot packages but they are not cheap.

What is Throttling?

Unfortunately, all providers are throttling your data over a certain usage. Throttling is the intentional slowing or de-prioritizing of your Internet service your provider. It is a reactive measure employed in communication networks to regulate network traffic and minimize bandwidth congestion. This is bad if you want to use your internet for watching Netflix, YouTube or you need lots of data. Your network can slow you down so much that you cannot really enjoy being online anymore.

How to get truly unlimited internet service?

You can, however, rent or buy a truly unlimited plan. This means no slowing down and you can watch Netflix or whatever you want all month long at a good price. Perfect for the RV life. Verizon plans are about $170+ a month or an AT&T which is overall cheaper but I found is just as good - a bit around $105/Mo. I have Verizon and AT&T both. My Verizon is on my phone but what I use most is my truly unlimited AT&T plan for $105 a month. AT&T doesn't offer this officially, but  Here is how to get yours

These can be really expensive but if you want to buy an old grandfathered-in plan and transfer the liability, make sure, you're careful when purchasing it, you can lose them if you are not saying exactly the right words. Your seller might be able to help you with what to say. You will need a business account with the provider already or an account that already has an unlimited plan to transfer them to on your name without an issue. 

 

Tether:

by using your cell phone provider and your cell phone.

The easiest way is using a data-capable cell phone e.g. smartphone, iPhone, Android which you can be able to retrieve email and also web browser. The phone also acts as a modem. Most providers now allows you to use your cell phone as a hotspot with a limit.  If you hit this limit, you can get around it by using your unlimited data plan. Download the app "EasyTether" to your cell phone then to your computer. Here is a video how. (Sorry guys, this is only for Android devices, if you have an iPhone, you can find some alternatives HERE). The cell phone needs to be connected to the laptop via USB cable or Bluetooth, this way the cell phone connects through the wireless provider to the internet without actually having to activate the hotspot option with your provider. This service relies mostly on the quality of the network you choose to use. It is very cost effective and is a popular way of connecting while on the go.

 

RV park WiFi:

Most RV parks have their own WiFi however this might be very weak. By using a WiFi Extender, Booster or Repeater you can make the signal stronger. Their major function is to extend the coverage area of your existing WiFi network. So basically what these devices do is receive your existing WiFi and amplifying it which later transmit the boosted signal. They are able to boost of the existence of the 2 built-in WiFi routers. The difference between a WiFi Extender, Booster or Repeater is very minimal, the function is the same for all three, and the difference comes in that they don't operate the same exact way but the end result is alike.

 

Satellite internet:

If you are planning to spend lots of times in the middle of nowhere, out in the boonies, then satellite internet might be the answer. The satellite system is usually mounted on the rooftop as a separate auxiliary unit. It acts as a modem which transmits internet signals from the dish to your computer. This service tends to be more expensive and the equipment is heavier than the other options but it is very convenient and one can get a strong signal from almost any places. You have to know that it is frustratingly slow. You will have latency issues, since the satellites are pretty far - having your internet back and forth from space takes a while. If you are really not planning to spend lots of times in the middle of absolutely nowhere, it won't worth it. 

 

Use your laptop as your hotspot:

If you want a cheap option where you can use multiple devices while you tethering, here is a good way to do it: with free downloadable programs like Connectify or mHotspot, you can use your laptop as a hotspot. I can tether my cell phone to the laptop using a USB cable and EasyTether app, then set my laptop to be a hotspot. I can then use this hotspot for my smart TV and watch my Netflix too. Most of these downloadable hotspot programs have free trials and might have a one-time fee, but it's worth it. 

I like to have two providers just in case. I now have a truly unlimited AT&T hotspot and I have a Verizon unlimited plan which throttles over 22gb. I had a Sprint plan before but that was really spotty. RV internet access is becoming more important as days go by. With the 5 ways to access the internet remotely, you are good to go.

If Not Now, When? Why Start Your RV Lifestyle Now?

If the thought of living in your RV full time has been on your mind, and you are reading posts just like this about it, then it is probably time to go for it. As with any change in life, you may have hesitations, but there are many good reasons why you shouldn’t wait any longer.

If any of these signs apply to you, then it is definitely time to start living an RV-life:

• You are bored with your mundane daily routine
• You already have a remote job or plan how to make a living.
• You already have an RV or enough savings to buy one
• You want to get rid of your debt
• You spend too long on social media
• You are jealous to see social media profiles of people who travel a lot
• You lack interest in further learning or hobbies

It's time for a change and living in an RV full-time can be just the change and the adventure you have been dreaming about. RVing is a great solution to become debt-free, to travel, and live life on your terms.
If you are able to set aside money it is easier to pack up and move off the grid. It also helps to have some form of employment or income planned too because, without a financial cushion and a way to earn a future living, your RVing dreams will not work out as well. Not having an income source is probably the main reason most people end up not being able to commit to living in an RV full time.
This does not have to detour you though, as there are ways to find opportunities. Many full-time RVers find jobs that allow them to work remotely or find seasonal work at different locations in order to make a living while on the road. But if you have a solid reason and truly want to make this lifestyle a possibility, don’t let the job factor stop you! The benefits below are waiting for you!

Be debt free: If you'd like to get out of debt, living the RV life can help you. It is not as cheap as you may think at first, but in the long run you do save. You will have to consider RV park prices and other unexpected costs. You can save more if you boondock more often, which means you live on Public Lands. It is also better to buy an RV if you can afford it rather than to take out a loan.
Live for every day: Having plans and something to look forward to on the weekends is great. Now imagine if that could be every day instead. With RVing you get that Friday feeling every day. Some RVers are still tied to a workplace and have to sit front of their computers from Monday to Friday, but if you are able to get a remote job that allows you to set your own schedule, living for Fridays will be a thing of the past.
Life is a vacation: Vacations are great, but it is even better when you have a life you don’t need a vacation from. RV life can do this for you. You can be surrounded by nature each morning, and instead of wondering when your next vacation is, you can live a life that you don’t need to escape from.
Get out of your comfort zone: You don’t really start living until you can step outside of your comfort zone and RVing is a perfect way to help you do this. Life is too short to spend your years not living to your full potential so look into the RV life as a small step towards reaching that goal and living the life you want.
Be free: Work schedules and finances make us feel trapped at times. Job responsibilities and bills keep us on tight schedules but if you don’t work, you won’t have money to live. It seems like an endless cycle. If you start living an RV life, you will have more freedom to do the things you like and not just after you retire. You never know how your health is going to be like then, so start living today and be free with RVing.