From May of 2000 until November of 2001, we planned our journeys to spend
as much time as possible at campgrounds that offered
"modem-friendly" service. The parks with good facilities for
connecting a computer modem were frequently the more expensive,
feature-laden parks. Trying to find instant-on phone service at the
site to allow use of the desktop computer we carried in the Airstream was
difficult at best. Knowing that there must be a better way for
RVers to "stay connected" to the internet, I started looking at
the various methods of obtaining internet service in detail.
The Escapees website's Computer and Internet Discussion Group (http://www.escapees.com
then Discussion Forum) provides a wealth of information on issues of
connecting to the internet while traveling. Some of the members of
this group have done extensive research into the currently available options
as well as the upcoming "state of the art" in mobile connectivity.
At that time one option was cellular modems and cables available for
several of the more popular cellular phones. These cost $200-$300 and
connected to your laptop computer. They were slow and they really used
up the minutes. A more recent cellular development is the dedicated
internet Aircard which plugs into your PC or Mac with unlimited service
through Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, etc. These services require a
digital signal so it does not work in areas without digital cellular
service. The Verizon service provides slightly better than dialup
speed in areas with digital service and provides near broadband speeds in
about major metropolitan areas in the U.S. Verizon originally charged
$80 per month but later dropped the charge to $60 per month for
service. While coverage gets better every year, many areas of the
country still do not have digital service available.
WiFi has become significantly more widespread. This allows users
with a wireless network card to utilize an internet connection in the
comfort of their RV. A number of businesses, such as Starbucks Coffee
and Flying J Truck Stops offer WiFi access, typically for a daily or monthly
charge. Some RV campgrounds are adding WiFi access, some free, some at
extra cost. Based on the campground WiFi systems I have used (or
attempted to use), I would be reluctant, at this time, to depend solely on
those systems for an internet connection.
At the end of 2001, one of the most exciting and viable solution to
internet access for the traveling fulltime RV'er was the introduction of the
2-way satellite internet systems. These had been available for
installation at houses for some time but were not available for mobile
users.
In 2001, MotoSat developed the first 2-way satellite internet system
specifically designed to be installed and used on RV's that move
frequently. I was fortunate enough to be selected to beta-test the
system on my Airstream. When we changed to a motorhome, we had the
MotoSat unit moved to the Safari and now have over 6 years experience using
this great system throughout the nation.
We now carry three systems, a WiFi modem, a Verizon AirCard, and the
MotoSat DataStorm automatic satellite internet system.
