Internet access

[stevenmd]

I am looking for some pointers for internet access while in the go. Basically I want something or a type of service that can enable me to access the net while camping or offroading, etc. Plus, if I have net access, I can get away for longer trips and still work.

I live in a somewhat rural area about an hour south of Sacramento, California. I'm not sure if some type of WiFi is available in my area. But I need something where I can access anywhere in North America (including Canada & Alaska) and possibly Central America.

I am sure there are several providers, but who is best? Who has the best price for the best service/range?

Thanks!
Steven

 

[Scott Brady]

Steven,

You and me both. If I am connected to email, I can be out longer. This last trip, we used a Verizon AirCard with a 3 watt booster and antenna (thanks MountainPete) and it rocked. We had very good coverage.

If you are outside of cell range, then it gets more complicated and much more expensive. The only viable solution for rough roads is a BGAN unit, which is moderately expensive to buy the hardware and very expensive if your email/net time requires significant data transfer.

Doug on this forum is working with it now: http://www.expeditionswest.com/arctic_ocean/Images/trip/Arctic_Ocean_EW-37.JPG

This subject will be a major research effort for me this summer, as I want full com's anywhere I travel. Sat Phone and Broadband.

 

[stevenmd]

If I can find something that will get me net usage within cell range, that is cool for right now. But please keep my updated on your findings!

 

[SeaRubi]

If I can find something that will get me net usage within cell range, that is cool for right now. But please keep my updated on your findings!

i've been investigating the bluetooth route. I have Samsung T-509 cellphone from T-Mobile and it has a bluetooth modem built-in. If your laptop has built in blue-tooth you are set, otherwise you'll need a PCMCIA card. You also have to pay an extra monthly fee for internet access. Theoretically the speeds should be up to around 50k/sec, but I have yet to subscribe to the extra service to try it out. Probably here in a month or two when I can spring for a blue-tooth PCMCIA card for my laptop.

 

[Tucson T4R]

Who ever comes up with an affordable broadband internet access that works reliably in remote areas should make a killing on the solution. I will be watching this thread with hopefull anticipation.:088:

 

[xcmountain80]

I use 2 Sierra wireless card for my work pc's from Cingular. The cards were frre on a 2yr promo, and I pay 60-70 a month for each plus all that other shyt the tack on. If there is no cell coverage like stated before it gets pricey, maybe a sat. phone could be used as a modem?

Aaron

 

[Robthebrit]

There is huges net if you are interested in only north america, service starts about $80 a month, the speed is reasonable. The downside is you need something like a 1m dish, they are all self targeting so are bulky and as far as I know cannot be used while in motion.

Rob

 

[mountainpete]

I work in the wireless industry and have good amount of experience with wireless data. The best solution for high speed wireless right now is EVDO data cards - they are fast and in the USA affordable (prices are still high in Canada). Coverage is getting better and better everyday, however the highest data transfer speeds are always going to be where the most people live and work - not where we like to play.

Like Scott mentioned, wireless boosters with a direct wired connection to the phone/data card and an external antenna are one of the best methods for increasing coverage. Cost isn't too prohibitive either - for a few hundred dollars you can have a setup that will last you for years and work with a variety of different phones (as long as they are all of the same techonolgy type like CDMA, GSM or iDEN). Wilson is the vendor of choice - solid reputation and their products are carrier certified (and yes, carriers do shut down people who try to use illegal boosters - and in some cases have them charged under communications laws).

The best way to start is with a simple external antenna and a direct connection to the phone. Get a mag mount Wilson antenna and connector to your phone. See how much additional coverage you get. Next, add in a booster. Test your setup where you like to travel at each step. It may simply be that there is no way to pull in cellular type coverage where you go no matter what type of hardware you have. At that point you need to go towards satelite.

Satelite is a pay to play. You really need to have a good reason to put out the kind of initial cost and usage fees many companies charge. Mobile data connections (surfing on the net while you are moving) gets even more expensive as not only the hardware has to do extensive tracking, but the network needs to be more complex. Over the next 6 months you will see a lot more mobile satelite offerings in North America and with more offerings comes better technology and lower prices.

Steven, for your specific needs and location, I would suggest looking towards Verizon for data card like the Kyocera Passport on one of their unlimited plans.

Hope that helps :wavey:

Pete

 

[stevenmd]

Thanks Pete and everyone! Verizon... man I really don't like that company. We had a family plan and when I got divorced about 6 years ago I only needed one phone. I called to cancel the plan, I paid the penalty, and I specifically asked if there would be any additional charges. They said "No." Then I get a bill from them for a $750 "hardware charge". It took me years to straighten it out and it is still on my credit report. Does AT&T/Cingular have anything like Verizon?

 

[mountainpete]

AT&T/Cingular is running a GSM network. While the speeds in real life applications are similar, Verizon is going to beat them in coverage. Even more so if you decide to travel in North America.

If you can, try and find someone that has a data card and borrow it for a trip. See how it works where you like to travel before you buy.

 

[adventureduo]

Great thread Steven. Keep the info coming. This is a good read.

 

[stevenmd]

Great thread Steven. Keep the info coming. This is a good read.

I agree. Since I already have AT&T/Cingular, I will probably start with their program and move onto something bigger & better in a year or so whilst I educate myself in the process.

 

[stevenmd]

Special thanks to Mike on LRRForums.com for this link: http://evdo-coverage.com/satellite-wireless-internet.html

 

[Colorado Ron]

What about HAM radios? Im not expert, but I thought I heard somewhere that you can tap into the internet or email or something? Any HAM out there have more info? I could have swore I was reading a webpage from a guy sailing around that was updating from HAM? Maybe I was wrong? Anyone?

 

[mountainpete]

Not experienced enough with data over the amateur bands to comment much other than saying that the data transfer rates are very slow.