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CarpFishermanAn's avatar
Jul 13, 2014

Getting WiFi where there isn't any?

Excuse my ignorance but is there something you can buy to get wifi to our laptop in places (campgrounds) where this is no wifi and no good cell service (to get use the phone as a hotspot)? I do not know if there are cards/equipment/etc. that gives you wifi where you can't get it. Sorry if this is a dumb question - we are older & don't know all the new technology - LOL.)

Shari
  • Sometimes I am amazed that some posters do not thoroughly read the OP post. Some of you have given the advice to use phone service or jet-packs If you read what the OP said "where this is no wifi and no good cell service (to get use the phone as a hotspot)?"
    To the OP, without a WIFI or cell phone service the options are really limited Slow expensive satellite service.
    jesseannie
  • ^^^^^ that's what I use... You can link up to 10 devices at one time.. It works fantastic...
  • Shari,

    You have a couple of options to get Internet when camped at a spot that does not supply Internet via WiFi.

    1) Use a digital cell phone as a hotspot or use a Jetpack (which is like a cell phone that only does data - no voice). I use a Jetpack. This device is about the size of a deck of cards but about 1/2 as thick. I use one from Verizon and I get coverage in most of the places I go. I just turn it on, it locks onto a cell signal, and I have WiFi in the coach.

    If I'm in a weak signal area, I have a cell antenna (Wilson) that I can mount on top of a 30' TV antenna tower (comes in 6' lengths that slip together). That gets me up high. This plugs into the antenna port of the Jetpack. Fairly inexpensive, and it works quite well. About the only place I've been skunked was at the Lake of the Woods, very northern tip of Minnesota.

    2) If you are really in an area where an antenna won't help, then your only option is a satellite dish. You need a clear view of the sky, need to lock-on to a satellite 20,000 miles in the sky, and pay multi-dollars per minute to get a slow internet connection. I don't have one but others here do. I'll let them tell you what they have and how they like it.

    Hope this helps!
  • If you are in a place with no cell service, and not at a campground WiFi, there is no reasonable internet.
    You have to drive out to find better cell service or a McDonalds, Starbucks, Hotel etc.
    It's like the old days -- you're beyond reach!
  • We use the Tru-Connect card. It uses the Sprint cellular network, and so long as there's good Sprint signal, it works great. Google Tru-Connect for all the details.
  • Google "wilson sleek" ... works great most of the time. Some places are just dead though and short of satellite there's nothing to be done but enjoy the outdoors.
  • If you have poor cell or wifi service, then an amplifier will do the job.
    If there is no service, I'm afraid you are out of luck.

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