Best option for global mobile WiFi?

[drivenachodrive]

We're preparing for a circumnavigation, and I'm looking for options for accessing the internet while we're on the road. Our fallback option is to seek out internet cafes, but we'd really like to have an option of using our laptop on the road or while stopped.

My first thought is to get a mobile hotspot (like Verizon Fivespot) that has the ability to connect to GSM/UMTS networks. It would have to have a removable SIM card so we could buy prepaid SIM cards as we go, rather than holding a contract and data plan. Perhaps this can be done with the new Droid 2 smartphone?

Anyone have experience with this? We met an overlander who had something that looked like a Verizon Air Card with a removable SIM card, which would also do the trick. Details would be appreciated!

 

[NothingClever]

An Iridium phone modem connection will likely prove too slow. A BGAN might prove too costly (http://www.satellitephonestore.com/inmarsat/inmarsat-satellite-phone-rental.php). I think you might have to settle for periods where you don't have coverage and then, when you do, it will be a great opportunity for a break from the road anyways.

 

[drivenachodrive]

I just found this little ditty. Looks like just what I was looking for:
http://global.dlink.com.sg/site_pdtpdfs/DWM-156/DWM-156_ds.pdf

 

[drivenachodrive]

Too bad it's unavailable in the USA. If only I had a friend in Singapore...

 

[drivenachodrive]

Okay, found one on eBay, but I'm now wondering about the availability of prepaid data SIM cards around the world. Here in the USA they're pretty much nonexistent. Anyone have experience with them elsewhere? I hear they may be available at convenience stores?

 

[Holger]

Iphone works as personal hotspot. Just get a sim card. It is amazing wher you can get reception today, from the jungle village in Indonesia to an oasis in the Sahara...
Every Australian Telco company has a mobile broadband / wifi hotspot in their range, (GSM,UMTS,HSDMA,3G..)
All of them have removable sim cards..

 

[Newtac11]

From where I have been, Prepaid sims seem to be the standard. Germany, Spain, Iraq, and S Korea. Cant speak for ALL of the countries, but that's a pretty wide slice...

You may want to get a hold of a tourism board in the countries you are looking to visit.

 

[Bergum]

Go for a yagi antenna for Wifi, and a rotor on the roof.
Theres allways a neigbour with an open wifi around.

Ex http://www.radiolabs.com/products/antennas/2.4gig/2.4-vertical-yagi.php
or combine it with a Wifi repeater to use with portables....

 

[drivenachodrive]

I took the plunge and bought the DWM-156. I'll just try to pick up data SIMs as I go. Sounds wonderful. Now we'll see if the speed can sustain a Skype session. That would be incredible. Thanks for the help.