There is no doubt that the RV lifestyle can be a lot of fun. You get to explore new places, meet new people and bond with your family. And while it’s true that there are tons of things to do in an RV, you might also find yourself feeling confined at times.
If this sounds like you, then it may be time to start thinking about adding some high-speed internet to your rig.
Can you get High-Speed Internet In an RV?
Of course, you can get high-speed internet in an RV. however, the idea of high-speed internet varies from person to person.
For standard high-speed internet of 50 – 100 Megabytes per second, mobile phones, wi-fi and even satellite can provide this speed. It, however, depends on the location you are accessing it from.
But if your idea of high-speed internet is in the gigabyte per the second route, mobile phones, wi-fi and satellite cannot provide this.
How Can I Get Good Internet In My RV?
There are several ways to get high-speed internet in an RV, but they all involve one thing: getting a signal. Here are the options:
Method 1: Using Cell
The majority of RV users by far prefer cellular-based internet as their primary internet source. Even though you’re used to accessing the internet on your phone, the same connection may be enhanced and expanded to provide fully functional internet for all of your devices.
Of course, in order to use cell internet, you must be in the range of your cell service provider. However, users can install specialized hardware on RVs that will significantly improve the phone’s ability to receive cell service. Depending on the equipment, frequency bands, and geography, a cell tower’s distance from a location typically ranges between 10 and 40 miles.
Method 2: Through Wi-Fi
You can also use wifi to get high-speed internet in your RV. In many campgrounds, coffee shops, and occasionally even towns, WiFi is accessible from hardwired access points. Wifi coverage is not as widespread as cell service; also, you frequently need a password that you must obtain from the provider and must be within range in order to access it (generally within 100 to 1000 feet).
Some RVers rely on WiFi provided by their campground or coffee shop, but it can be challenging for primary use when you need to be online constantly.
Similar to cell service, RVs can be equipped with specialized antennae that can pick up WiFi at considerably greater ranges.
Method 3: Satellite Internet
It might appear that a satellite connection would be the ideal option for an RV that is constantly on the go. This is true in the sense that you can receive internet in remote locations where nothing else would function. It is effective for that, but because of a few downsides, many RV owners find it less desirable.
It is first of all more difficult to set up and inoperable while you are driving. It calls for you to direct your satellite dish to a particular spot. Additionally, the service is slow. not really by download, but by latency. Finally, satellite internet is typically the most expensive and limited type of internet access.
However, newer satellite internet provider is trying to fix limitations that come with older satellite internet. Star link and OneWeb are trying to make satellite internet-like cellular-like connections.
Method 4: Through Cable/fiber (Hardwired)
Cabled or hardwired internet is the final high-speed option for RVs. The majority of homes utilize a similar kind of internet to this one.
For the majority of RV owners who prefer wireless connectivity, this type is less than perfect. However, it is feasible to hook an RV up much like a house for a longer stay (or when nothing else is available).
You can use the cable ports and cable runs that are attached to many RVs to access the internet. Even if they don’t, it is still possible to set up a wireless router at a nearby internet source.
Why Is My RV Internet Slow?
Your RV internet could be slow for a lot of reasons. It could range from being out of cell provider service range to having old wifi devices.
Here are reasons why your RV internet is slow
– You are surrounded by trees
You can’t be too upset about this reason. After all, you left the city to be surrounded by nature, right? Unfortunately, the beautiful trees that you are surrounded by could obstruct the signal as it goes from the transmitter to your receiving device. You can try moving away from there or try choosing a spot that is filled with fewer trees.
But if you absolutely love being surrounded by trees then you can buy a wifi adapter to improve the situation
Here are some wifi adapter recommendations that you can get
- TP-Link N150 TL-WN725N
- D-Link DWA-X1850
- Netgear A6150 AC1200
- TP-Link Archer T4U Plus
- D-Link DWA-192
- Asus USB-AC68
- Netgear Nighthawk AC1900
- TP-Link Archer T3U Plus
ii. The Campground is crowded
If you’re using a campground internet there is a strong possibility that the internet will be slow, especially if there are a lot of people camping there at the time, campground wifi does not have strong bandwidths and they tend to get slow when they are a lot of people on the network.
iii. Distance From Cell Service Coverage
As we all know, most cell service provider has a limit to which their signals can reach. Basically, a cell service’s tower emits signals as far as 10 to 40 miles.
If you’re farther than the reach of your cell provider signal, the internet in your RV will be slow.
How to Find a Good Service Plan for RV Internet?
There are a lot of things you need to consider before choosing a service plan. It ranges from price to internet speed and you also want to make sure that the service you select will work well for your needs.
Below are some tips on how to find a good service plan for RV internet.
– Know your internet need
There are three main types of RV internet connections- satellite, cellular, and wired. Satellite is the most common and typically the most expensive. Cellular is growing in popularity because it can be used anywhere there is a sell signal.
Wired is the least common but can be the fastest and most reliable option if your RV is parked in one spot for an extended period of time.
– Compare prices
Once you know what type of connection you need, start shopping around and compare prices from different providers. Be sure to read the fine print so you understand what is included in each plan
– Consider your usage:
How much data do you need? If you only need internet for light web browsing and checking email, a lower data cap will suffice. However, if you plan to stream movies or download large files, you’ll need a higher data cap. Choose a data plan that suits your budget and needs.
Once you’ve seen the one you like, to be on the safe side, check other people’s reviews about that service plan.
How Much Does Starlink Cost Per Month?
If you are looking for a reliable and fast Internet connection, Starlink is a great option. With the base package, you will get access to speeds up to 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload with no data caps or throttling. If you want more speed, there are additional packages available for purchase.
The next step up is 50 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload with no data caps or throttling. It costs an extra $10 per month compared to the base package but if you need more speed than that then it’s worth it!
Starlink RV satellite internet starts at $60 per month which includes their base service plus 20 GB of data included in your monthly bill (for comparison: AT&T includes 5 GB). This means if you go over this limit then they will charge another $10 per gigabyte (GB) used beyond 20 GB of usage – which adds up quickly.
In addition, all plans include unlimited calling to Canada and Mexico as well as free technical support 24/7 through email or phone so if anything goes wrong with your system they can help fix it quickly before any problems arise.
What Is The Difference Between Starlink and Starlink RV?
To understand the difference between Starlink and Starlink RV, it’s important to first understand what they are.
Starlink is a satellite-based internet service that you can use in your home or office. You should not confuse this with Starlink RV, which is a satellite-based internet service that is limited to rural areas only. The main difference between these two services is their availability; since it’s restricted to rural users, Starlink RV requires a much larger dish than its residential counterpart.
If you’re looking for high-speed internet access in an RV or other vehicle that travels from place to place, then Starlink may be better suited for your needs because it does not require such an extensive installation process as its namesake does.
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Conclusion
Having high-speed internet while camping is fun and relaxing, you do not want to have slow internet while camping. Following the instruction listed in this guide, you should be able to know why your RV internet is slow and how to get high-speed internet to your RV.
