CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

I am looking into options that will allow us to have internet access when camping. We always head over to the east side of MT to help friends on a ranch as well as camp in various places to fish, hunt and trail ride. Most of these places we only have a single bar of service on my phone (just enough to send a text but not enough to get on the net) or none at all.

Just as an example of what I mean...when we go fishing at Ft Peck Reservoir...when we are down by the water camping we have no service....but if I walk up the hill a little ways we have service...what, if anything, would maybe work to get service down at camp? Or when we go to the other side of Ft Peck and camp in the campground...we are usually too far away from the marina to connect to the wifi.

We currently have tracfones and I have the availability to use my phone as a hotspot but have never tried to connect my laptop or a kindle tablet to it since I never have a strong signal. All I want to be able to do is get on the net and pay bills...oh ya and of course check UHH!

I am wondering what everyone does when out camping where you have very limited service...do the cell boosters, wifi boosters, jetpacks or Mifi's and such work? Which one do you use and why?


Thanks
Cindy

JimBart Loc: Western Michigan

Try a public library

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

No public library out in the woods..so that won't help

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

I’m an RV’r - I use Verizon - I found that 3G, LTE, or better allows me to “hotspot” with my tablets or computers. I also found that even with 1 bar, I can successfully establish a hotspot connection.
Now for signal boosters - the RV forum I’m on talks about the WeBoost Reach as being the best one out there - however - if there is no signal, there will be nothing to boost. Check around for prices…
One of the members posted this on the WeBoostRV:
First Night out hooked up to water and electric at Shenandoah River State Park. This park is known to get no cell or internet within 6 miles of the park. I was down at about the lowest point in the Park and used a "WeBoost RV" cellphone booster. I could get voice, text and short text emails. I was amazed to be able to get connected and so far so good everything worked in the RV.
He mounted his on a painters pole that he could extend to 22’ - could not do heavy data flow or video stuff, but short emails, texts and voice worked.
This is a review of the WeBoost Reach: https://www.rvmobileinternet.com/gear/weboost-reach/
Scroll down the page and you will find alternatives to consider with their costs…
Good luck in your search.

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

Thanks...this is very helpful!

old man 88 Loc: Palmview, TX when not on road

I have been using Hughesnet for many years while camping.

You can have high speed Internet anywhere that you see the southern sky.

Hope this helps

C M

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

Yes it does...I will check into that more tomorrow..they don't list pricing or plans on the website so I will call them.

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

Starlink is another to investigate...

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Many RV'ers use Hughes Net for remote RV Telework etc. Not familiar with their plans and price point but definitely cheaper than satellite telephone.

Jim

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Cindy
I have been using a cell signal booster for a few years, I started using one when I lived in a mobile home that was all metal, had a great signal outside but almost nothing indoors, Now I use it at the new place because Verizons signal is almost non-existent. A good one is not cheap and you need 110v service for it to work.
I use Viasat for internet (fantastic service) but the same as the booster for power.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

Heaven forbid no Wi Fi in the wilderness, However did early settlers survive.

Walkabout08

Cindy your options include cell booster antennas as others have mentioned. A lot of the sailors in my neck of the woods use them as signal strength gets spotty east of Penobscot Bay. The Rogue Wave is well regarded. The other, more expensive, option is to purchase a satellite antenna and data plan. Offshore sailors will have these to get weather, email, etc. Not cheap.

Peterfiore Loc: Where DR goes south

More than many, didn't.

DaleBrown

Hello Cindy,
I can’t speak for anyone else, but if I am out camping, hiking or anything else in country my goal is to get away from a signal. Before I leave all bills and letting people know where I will be is done before.
Leaving all devices turned off will let you experience what is out there in all of it’s wonder.
Smart phone, tablets or laptops are great, but they are mind traps…let it go.
Dale

traderjohn Loc: New York City

Cut the cord and enjoy the relief and your surroundings.