Wifi options
Hi all, I am looking into options for Wifi connectivity while traveling. Here is our situation: We head over to a friends ranch in Winnett MT for about 5 to 7 weeks to help with the cattle, whil...
Forum Discussion
amontanagl wrote:
I am thinking that if I want anything it would have to be a satellite type setup.
Besides cell data service, there are a number of satellite data services:
- Ones That You Can't Afford
- Ones That You Might Afford -- Starlink, HughesNet (Ku band), HughesNet Gen 5 (Ka band) (see below)
STARLINK
Cost: $500 for dish. $99 monthly fee.
Speed:100 to 200+ Mbps (my average)
Mobility: Kinda sorta. You can move your Starlink dish by changing your Service Address. However, the area you're moving into may not have Starlink service. Also, when you may not be able to return to your "home" service.
Notes: Expect a 6-month to 1-year wait time to get your equipment. You'll need a clear view of the sky like my roof setup. Don't hold your breath for a truly mobile version of Starlink. Check Starlink Reddit for more info.
HUGHESNET (KU BAND)
Cost: Way too much for what you get.
Speed: 1 - 3 Mbps (at best)
Mobility: Ku-Band HughesNet ("your father's HughesNet") was made for RVing. Lots of Rvs had that dish with the blue light on their RV roof.
Notes: Ku-Band HughesNet is still available and service is typically supplied by iDirect.
HUGHESNET (KA BAND) -- Business Service, NOT Home Service
Cost: $1500 for equipment (dish, tripod, etc). Data Plans from $40 to $600/month.
Speed: 10 Mbps (my average speed)
Mobility: My .98M HughesNet Gen5 dish was a PITA to set up, but it was easy to aim, and ultimately always performed well. Rooftop automatic HughesNet Gen5 systems are available.
Notes: To reaffirm, this is the Business version of HughesNet Gen5, not the home version. FYI - the home version uses a .74M (29 in) dish while the Business HughesNet Gen 5 uses .90M (35 in) to 1.2M (47 in) dish. In this case, size does matter. Finally, you're locked into a 2-year commitment.
