I love to say it, and I’ve said it in several articles: In the 2020s, getting away from it all doesn’t mean being disconnected. RV life is more popular than ever, but the idea that you could take off and leave the world behind … that belongs more in the 1920s. Today it’s all about bringing the comforts of home with you.
That why so many people outfit their RVs with satellite TV, cell phone signal boosters, and wireless internet. There are so many excellent options out there and you’ll really want to take advantage of them. I’ll tell you how at the bottom of this article, but for now let’s talk about internet access.
How to get internet in your RV
When you’re ready to connect (and of course you’re always ready to connect, there are three options to consider. Obviously you can’t take a long fiber strand with you while you’re driving, so these are all wireless options.
Option 1: Starlink
If you’re really serious about internet, you’re probably thinking about Starlink. Starlink is a new concept in satellite internet that combines the global reach of satellite with the technology of cell phones. By using thousands of tiny satellites whizzing overhead, you get a faster connection than you would just connecting to one satellite 22,000 miles away.
Starlink has officially rolled out mobile service which is great news for RV users. However you do need to be aware that you will need a special antenna to be able to use the service while you’re moving, and the cost of service may be different than it is from the account you would have at home. The other thing to know about Starlink is that, as new technology, it may become obsolete quickly and require more investment.
Option 2: Wi-Fi hotspot
Hotspots are very popular with travelers. One small device will give Wi-Fi to any device in the RV. They do require their own data plan, separate from your cell phone plan. However, that shouldn’t stop you if you want a good internet connection. Devices like RevGen Networks’ Gotspot work very well in RVs no matter where in the country you are.
Because hotspots rely on a cellular connection, it’s smart to get a cell phone signal booster which will give you better signal for your hotspot as well as all your cellular devices.
Option 3: Tether to your cell phone
A lot of cell phone plans support tethering, which lets you use your cell phone as a temporary hotspot. It’s a tradeoff, because using your phone as a hotspot does limit battery life and you’ll need to be pretty close to the phone to use it. But it’s a good solution because it doesn’t generally cost more than your cell plan. In fact, AT&T upped the amount of data available for tethering in early 2024 making this an even better value.
Like other hotspots, you’ll probably want to get a cell phone signal booster in order to use this feature.
What is a VPN?
You might have some idea about VPNs, or at least heard the term. If you want a fairly deep dive, check out this article. The simple explanation is that, through the use of computer wizardry, a VPN is a connection between your device and someone else’s, that is almost impossible to eavesdrop on. There’s another benefit as well: a VPN does an excellent job of hiding your actual location, making it look like you are somewhere that you aren’t. The cell company knows where you are, of course, but as far as the rest of the internet is concerned, you could be anywhere in the world.
VPNs are usually activated through an app on your device, or built into the internet browser you’re using. Some of them require almost no configuration at all and are easy to use “right out of the box.”
Why do people use VPNs? There are three reasons in general.
Reason 1: Enhanced Privacy
It’s popular to use a VPN to help with privacy concerns. When combined with a browser like Opera, you can browse the internet without a lot of unwanted attention. The vast majority of people do this just because they don’t like being tracked. It can be a little daunting to think about just how many companies get access to your personal information when you browse, and a VPN helps with that.
Reason 2: The office makes you
If your company still keeps a lot of data onsite instead of in the cloud, they might be worried about how that data is access. Making sure that it’s only available using a VPN is a common way of dealing with that concern. If your company processes credit cards, for example, they may want you to connect using a VPN if you’re away from the office. This reason is less common today than it was a decade ago because more and more offices have moved to Microsoft or Google’s cloud-based office solutions.
Reason 3: You’re trying to put one over on someone
No judgment here, folks. It’s just a fact. You might use a VPN to pretend you’re in a location you’re not in. This might let you watch shows that aren’t available in your country, for example. It might let you download apps that aren’t available in your app store. People do this, and I’m not here to debate whether it’s legal or illegal. You can find plenty of information about that.
But should you use a VPN in your RV?
I would say, if one of those three reasons above makes sense to you, then yes. VPNs generally are slower than browsing the internet without one, because of the trickery needed to make it look like you’re somewhere that you’re not. If that makes your internet connection hard to use, that might be a good reason not to use a VPN. Personally I don’t use a VPN when I travel, except when required for work. I personally find the slow speed too annoying. But it’s a personal choice.
If you do choose to use a VPN, though, make sure it’s a reliable one. Are you using one for work? You’ll want to check with your IT person because you probably only have one choice. If you’re using it through your phone, though, you’ll find dozens of apps that promise the VPN experience.
Beware of VPN apps you’ve never heard of
If you’re using a VPN app, you’re actually making it easier for the company that operates the VPN to spy on you. You’ve opened up a clean line between you and them. That means they can steal your data more easily. That’s why it’s important to choose a reliable app. Look for online reviews and don’t just rely on one site for information. Google the name of the app and the word “scam” and you’ll generally get some good info, even if it is a reliable app.
The folks who choose to use a VPN to get programs they shouldn’t get are particularly susceptible to being scammed by VPN operators. Don’t believe the promises you read on the app download page. Always use the “first party” app stores like Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store. They’re not perfect but they do try to scan their apps for all sorts of malware. Just be sure to do as much research as possible before installing one of those apps.
By the way, operating a VPN server costs money. So, if the VPN app is free, you have to wonder how they’re paying for their server. Sometimes it’s through selling your private information, which is exactly what you’re trying to avoid.
Want more great advice?
If you’re ready for any sort of upgrade to your RV’s entertainment system, call the folks at Signal Connect! We can help you with live TV solutions, cell phones, internet, and all sorts of upgrades to the RV experience. No one has more experience with satellite systems than Signal Connect, and we’re also experienced with internet service and cellular. You’ll want Signal Connect’s expertise on your side.
Call the experts! The number is 888-233-7563. Call during East Coast business hours or, if it’s after hours, fill out the form below and we’ll get right back to you.
