Internet in remote locations

*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.

 

Hello, hopefully I can help or provide some insight. I'm a executive communicator and travel to remote areas and establish comms for certain individuals. I'm guessing when you say remote you mean the anywhere in the 50 states. If so I'll point you to the Verizon Jetpack 4G LTE Mobile. It will cost you $200 dollars and purchase the Verizon Jetpack MiFi 6620L external Antenna kit to help improve cellular reception in "remote areas" they are also magnetic so they can stick to the roof of your Tacoma. Now for a plan it can get pricey I do receive updates on how much we have spent but cost for us is just a number, but if you type emails before and then send it out and check emails quickly and download graphs like you said then you should be fine. If you travel out side of the US and are going to remote areas I will point you towards the CISCO 810 4G LTE Gateway router. This will run you $500 and you will need to know some basic router configs and info. You will need a plan and it's going to cost more than the Jetpack. Service will be amazing and you'll have no problem getting work done, but other factors will come into play like supplying proper power to the router. I've used BGAN's, SDN's, other devices but this route is your best bet. Hopefully this helps and provides some insight.

 

For the OP, This solution requires access to cell tower signal, and is by far the more economical choice where you maybe working on the fringe of cell phone coverage areas. It does not communicate via satellite, and can't help you where there is no access to cell service.