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 January 1, 2008 - So you've got your brand new RV, or you've had one for a while, and you want to be able to stay in touch on the Internet while you're on the road. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy solution that is only used intermittently, or you are a true RV Road Warrior and need your high speed connection to survive, there are many options available.
First off, get a laptop. Let's face it, weight is always an issue when it comes to safely outfitting your RV or fifth wheel, and having a bulky, heavy computer system and monitor is not what you want. A laptop just makes much more sense. Be sure you get one that has a modem jack, as well as a 802.11b (or g) wireless WiFi interface installed. You can always add the WiFi later if you don't want it now, but an integrate solution is one less thing to worry about. Next, let's take a look at what you can do to get online, from simpliest (and usually least expensive), to the elaborate and high-tech. Here's some of your choices: - Dial-up access through the local campground
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Dial-up access through your cell phone WiFi access at a local WiFi HotSpot High-Speed Cellular WLAN Access Satellite Internet Access
Part 1 - Dial-up local, cell phone, and WiFi Dial-up Access through the local campground The simpliest way to get online is to use the local campgrounds dialup connection. Most have, at a minimum, a place where you can plug in your laptops modem. If you don't already have a dialup ISP account, there are tons out there. Netzero for only $9.95 per month! is one that offers a number of good options you can use on the road or at home, including a free dialup account, with thousands of local dialup numbers nationwide. Dial-up access through your Cell Phone OK, so you've got your cell phone and you can call nationwide, why not use it to connect to the Internet as well? This option is a little trickier, as you will need to get a modem adapter for your cell phone. You'll also want to check and make sure there are no additional charges with using your cell phone as a modem. One plan I had charged $0.34 per minute for using it as a cell phone modem (which, of course, I didn't discover until AFTER I'd used it for a month)! Again, you'll need a dialup ISP account, just like the first option above. However, instead of using the local campground phone, just plug in your cell phone, an dial the number using your cell phone modem. WiFi access at a local WiFi HotSpot This is, in my opinion, one of the best options for high-speed nationwide access. WiFi HotSpots are cropping up all over the nation, with many free locations around. All you need is a WiFi adapter for your laptop, and you can be online and surfing. Here's a couple of good sites for locating free hotspots: Just go to the site location, fire up your laptop, and connect to the WiFi and you're good to go! If you prefer to have more choices for where you can connect, for about $20 a month you can get a WiFi ISP account. It works just like your dialup ISP account, except you only connect with your WiFi. Many campgrounds are also starting to offer WiFi access, with a large number of them being affiliated with Boingo. What that means is that you can signup for Boingo Wireless, and connect for one monthly rate anywhere in the US, instead of paying the $5 a day that many campgrounds charge! Part 2 - Hi-speed Cellular and Satellite Internet Check back next week for part 2 of this series to look at Hi-speed cellular and satellite internet access. Or sign up here to receive the weekly RV Road Warrior report via email, and not miss a single one!
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