Internet in remote locations

Are there any options under $1k for internet connectivity while traveling in remote areas? The internet yields foggy results.

Does anyone have experience with this? My wife needs this for her to be able to join in on trips. She doesn’t need to down/upload video or anything, but does need to be able to down/upload things like graphic slides, work in the cloud. Emails etc.

Let me know if you need better info...

 

I hate to say this, but if you need to work while in remote locations, then you shouldn't choose that type of vacation. That is no vacation.

Most of us go to remote locations to avoid the type of things you listed.

I actually feel kind of sorry. Not being able to totally leave work for a few days would depress me.

 

There are some satellite based options out there.... I can’t recall the name of the one our outpost cabins used burnt was like a briefcase.... set it up to point at the satellite. I don’t think any of these solutions will be cheap. Sat phone plans are in the buck a minute price range usually....

 

A cell booster can extend your 4g LTE and 3G range for a few miles for a few hundred dollars. I don’t think you can get a satellite setup for under $1000. Might be better to plan your itinerary around service and your wife’s work needs.

 

Satellite may be your only option. They put them on RVs but it’ll be expensive both materials and subscription. Not to mention bulky.

 

Panera Bread or Starbucks

 

Well that was a worthless response. Why judge another person's lifestyle?

How remote? Wifi can be beamed in to some pretty remote locations but for short stays it probably isn't worth setting it up. Last I checked, satellite is still expensive for the amount of data she needs.

 

I’m not enthusiastic about it at all and it does seriously impact the quality of the trip for me, but it’s a compromise I have to make.

 

Yea, it looks expensive, and it has to work all the time to be effective for her needs.

 

How remote are we talking?

 

As remote as one can possibly get in the lower 48. For now.

What about this? Are these speeds just abysmal?

https://www.bluecosmo.com/cobham-ex...MIrZCU26qu3QIVRY1-Ch0TkQd8EAkYASABEgLiwvD_BwE

 

Satellite internet (BGAN, WGAN) units are available for rent, but the pricing for data is $5.00 to $8.00 per MB. Gets very pricey quickly.

 

For how long, and how often does she need to connect? Remote is great but you need to come to town to resupply eventually.

 

What do you mean resupply?

I’d say she needs to connect for a few hours at a time.

 

I think he's suggesting that you travel back to civilization to resupply any needs you might need.

 

But he’s not mobile, correct? Part of the expense is having a system that find the satellites after you drive a few hundred miles.

And yes, resupply. I assume you plan to be out for weeks at a time given your trying to find a way for her to work instead of taking vacation. You’ll need to come back for fuel, food, and water eventually. Plan your trips back around her work schedule.

 

Will work in the most remote of environments

 

Aiming a satellite antenna is easy, I am a ham radio operator and work sattelites A lot with a 5-element Yaghi ant

Aiming a satellite antenna is easy, I am a ham radio operator and work satellites and ISS a lot that are not geostationary with a 5-element directional Yagi. Since those are moving across the sky at different times and locations, you have to use a predictive app or website to help, its easy. The communications satellites used for internet and TV are geosynchronous, and very easy to aim at as they dont move across the sky. For that, use a basic compass, and a simple clinometer made out of a straw, string, washer and a student angle compass.

 

Having setup and used both large scale, trailered antenna and small desktop BGAN and WGAN antennas, the small units are easy to setup on a stable surface with a clear view of the sky.
The big antenna tens of thousand dollars antenna takes a bit more work to aim accurately, but delivers the lowest cost per MB data at reasonable speed.

 

*raises hand* I work for the U.S. Federal Gov't and can state that the Thrane & Thrane/Cobham BGAN Explorer series works well within the design limits. I personally take two of the Explorer 500 units my site has when I go to the field, because hardwire/WiFi/Cellular bandwidth is NOT ubiquitous.

The usage cost is an unknown for me because Uncle Sam gets different pricing, but the Explorer 500 units go for $500 on up on the secondhand market. I found one place advertising the exact unit I use at that price for used: https://satellitephonestore.com/catalog/sale/details/thrane-explorer-500-inmarsat-bgan-terminal-10

Do NOT expect anything other than basic internet access, while the unit specs cite 464k max throughput, I've found that 384k is usually achievable, and depending on latitude you might only get 256k. Also, make sure to have a generator or mains power plug, the battery doesn't last the full 8-hour rating under moderate to heavy use.