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 now a Google Fi and AT&T both. Google Fi was needed for my international travels. I love the fact that just turning on my phone in a new country allows me to use my phone fully. So far it has worked in many countries in Europe, Singapore, and the Philippines. What I use in the U.S. the 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 a web browser. The phone also acts as a modem. Most providers now allow 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 on 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 transmits 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 time 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 that 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 place. This service used to be frustratingly slow. However, there is a newer RV satellite service called RVDataSat which might be better. (See fellow RVers Live.Work.Dream. experience with this system here).

Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos also has a plan creating a satellite network providing internet reaching every inch of the world in the future. Hopefully, that will become a reality someday. Until then, I believe the satellite internet might be too expensive for most; unless you have to be online each day and you plan to stay in the middle of nowhere a lot.

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.