Options for Internet Access On the Road

by Steven Garbade

If you have been reading some of the articles on this site then you may already know that in the spring of 2007 we purchased a new 5th wheel so that we could travel across country during the summer of 2007. But traveling wasn't the only thing we had in mind. Sure, we wanted to take some time off to relax and enjoy life before starting a family however; we also knew that we were both "A" types that could not sit still for long. We needed something to stimulate our minds. We also knew that we simply could not do without Internet access. I have to admit, I am addicted to the Internet and I get antsy after a day or two without access.

Before we quit our jobs for the summer we came up with a plan on how to keep ourselves busy and our minds stimulated. My wife Amanda decided to start teaching Online for the University of Phoenix and I decided to start BigBoyToysOnline.com to document some of the modifications that I was making to our new 5th Wheel and Sea Ray Sundancer boat. I also wanted to start a small business around the things I loved...boating and camping/RV'ing.

Since both of these endeavors required us to be connected to the Internet at all times, we had to find a solution that would allow us to stay connected while on the road. With Amanda teaching, she was required to be Online at least five of seven days out of the week. Similarly, I was trying to develop a new website and to stay current with my IT skills. This presented a need that was not easy to meet. Although Internet access is pervasive in the US, it is usually concentrated around populated areas. This was a challenge since we wanted to spend a lot of time in the back country away from populated areas.

Before we discuss the solution that we chose, let's outline some different ways that people can stay connected to the Internet while on the road and discuss each of them. The options that we will discuss are:

1. Dial up
2. WiFi Hotspots
3. Cellular - EVDO technology
4. Satellite - MotoSat Mobile Internet

 

Part 2 - Dial up, WiFi and EVDO

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