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Best/easiest internet setup for working remote/full time

way2roll
Navigator
Navigator
Over the next year we are looking to go full time. We have a class A. I am in the preliminary stages of setting things up. Forgive me me if this has been covered in depth ( did a search and found lots of info) but I would like to corral my thoughts to one post. First, I work remote now, just in a sticks and bricks. I have worked on the road for small trips before with a hotspot. Worked ok but of course it wasn't full time. My internet demands aren't unusual so "normal" internet will suffice. We also plan on continuing to use our streaming devices for TV etc. My work provides a corporate account via ATT and I have truly unlimited internet - provided it's via an ATT supported device. But I think I need something a little more bullet proof than just a hot spot. Thinking boosters, repeaters etc. I don't want to address geography here, I know I will need to be in range of a decent signal when we camp. We are touring the US, but logistics to maintain connectivity are a condition of planning. But what I do need is to ensure I have a pretty easy setup, to provide reliable internet. I will say I am NOT tech saavy. I wouldn't know know gain on shibaba shaboola over signal strength of flim flam. I am handy, done some electrical, well versed at building and repairing things etc, I'm not dumb, it's just that electronics and IT are not my forte'. So an easy, reliable plug and play set up is preferred even if it means it will cost more. In short, what do you all use that's easy, and reliable to maintain connectivity while travelling - reliable enough to work (provided you put yourself in range of a signal)? FWIW, I've looked at weboost systems etc. Sorry for the ramble and duplicity as I know this has been covered in pieces before. I just need it spelled out. Thanks.

Jeff - 2023 FR Sunseeker 2400B MBS
19 REPLIES 19

way2roll
Navigator
Navigator
To clarify, my work does not pay for my internet, but we have a contract for a drastically reduced price. It's like $15/mo for truly unlimited data per device. So at 3 phones and a hotspot I would be looking at less than $100 - not bad.

I looked at ATT TOGO and read some mixed reviews. I am not afraid of bolting something to the roof but if there is already some foretasted obsolesce, I'd rather go another route.

Am I overthinking this? Is it truly as simple as a hotspot and possibly a booster like we-boost? We don't plan on going off the beaten path too much aside from some national parks. If we find there are places we want to go without good reception I plan on using up vacation time - I have a good bit of that.

I have read that redundancy with another carrier like VZ is a good idea. We had VZ before and I was impressed with the coverage. But my company has no contract with them so this is a cost consideration. Maybe a pay-as you go deal. I assume boosters like weboost can toggle between carriers.

I am sure I'll get more familiar with setting things up, using directional finders etc to maximize connections, but I'd rather figure out most of this now, so 1- I am not caught without a connection more than I can manage, and 2 so I am not wasting cash and re-engineering a setup several months in.

Jeff - 2023 FR Sunseeker 2400B MBS

Johno02
Explorer
Explorer
I am on Verizon, because I have found better coverage in the areas we travel. I use an older hotspot box on verizon, or sometimes just use my cell phone as a hotspot. Advantage of the hotspot box is that I can take my cell phone with me, while DW used internet at the rig. However as the hotspot is on prepay monthly service, if we are just out for a short time, I just use cell phone rather than pay extra for the hotspot.
Noel and Betty Johnson (and Harry)

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JKJavelin
Explorer III
Explorer III
theoldwizard1 wrote:
Winegard/AT&T TOGO (aka ConnecT). Easy to install and configure. Can be used either as a "hot spot" (convert cell phone signal to local WiFi) OR a WiFi extender/repeater if you camping location has adequate bandwidth to the rest of the internet (personally I would not bother especially if work is paying for the data).
Connects (wirelessly) to multiple device in the coach. If your phone supports it, you can make calls through it also.

EDIT : This is also supported on Verizon, but you have to change the SIM card. Not real easy if mounted on the roof.


I have the Winegard Connect2 with 4G and it works well. The biggest negative for me is if buying data from them it's expensive. Since your employer provides ATT, you can simply use an ATT sim card. One big positive is, if boondocking, it runs on only 12 volts.
JK
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theoldwizard1
Explorer
Explorer
Winegard/AT&T TOGO (aka ConnecT). Easy to install and configure. Can be used either as a "hot spot" (convert cell phone signal to local WiFi) OR a WiFi extender/repeater if you camping location has adequate bandwidth to the rest of the internet (personally I would not bother especially if work is paying for the data).
Connects (wirelessly) to multiple device in the coach. If your phone supports it, you can make calls through it also.

EDIT : This is also supported on Verizon, but you have to change the SIM card. Not real easy if mounted on the roof.

wanderingaimles
Explorer
Explorer
You have tried successfully to use ATT for your needs, the only thing I would suggest would be a backup on another system. Having a personal line on Verizon service for occasions when ATT just doesn't have local service.
You will still have occasional areas that may pose a problem, but between the two systems you should have far fewer dead zones rather than keeping all your eggs in one basket.

And the addition of a "Weboost" type of unit will supposedly make those cases even fewer.
How far out of towns and off the interstates you wish to travel is likely the determining factor in how often you will need the additional tools, and only you know how remote you wish to live.