How To Get Online In Remote Locations
Whether you’re catching up on your favourite TV show, checking the weather in case you need to rearrange your plans, or just keeping the kids entertained, internet access has become a key part of touring.
Those who have been in the caravan and motorhome world for a while will know that many sites offer Wi-Fi but it is not always the best, often patchy and slow, especially in the more rural sites. You no longer have to suffer with this as you can now set up internet in your caravan or motorhome thanks to the ever-evolving world of technology introducing WiFi Dongles & Boosters.
Whether you are spending a week away in the countryside or taking a trip down to your favourite coastal location, here are some ways you can get online and stay connected in remote locations.
Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal
Ideal use: General use. Uses an existing signal e.g. site Wi-Fi or other public networks
Device connection: Multiple devices including laptops, phones, tablets and even game consoles
Works well with/Solution for: Problems with a Wi-Fi connection for example poor site Wi-Fi.
A Wi-Fi signal booster takes a weak signal, extends the network coverage by amplifying the existing signals, and rebroadcasts the enhanced signal in your caravan or motorhome. This allows you to share the boosted connection with all your devices with no wires to mess around with and no disks or drivers to install.
You can forget about heading into town hoping to find free Wi-Fi or better signal strength. With a booster, you essentially create your own secure wireless network in your caravan or motorhome, which is ideal if you are on a campsite with low signal, or have an access point just out of range.
Meet the KUMA Wi-Fi Booster Antenna Kit. This booster package consists of two main ideas. The Kuma Directional WiFi Antenna, a high powered long range antenna which picks up any Wi-Fi network available within 1.5km, and the Kuma Wireless Repeater which rebroadcasts the boosted signal.
It is super easy to set up. Simply point the directional antenna at your vehicles Wi-Fi signal, connect the repeater to the antenna with the provided USB cable. Then all your devices can connect to the external connection wirelessly.
Many campsites charge for Wi-Fi use per device. Using this package will be a great money saver if your campsite has this service charge, as you only need one connection for all your devices.
Create Your Own Mobile Personal Hotspot
Ideal for: More remote location use
Device connection: Up to 5 devices – tablets, phones laptops and more
Works well with/Solution for: No Wi-Fi and poor mobile signal
If you’re truly wild camping with no Wi-Fi in the surrounding area, your best option would be to create your very own personal mobile hotspot. A hotspot essentially turns your phone into a Wi-Fi router. It connects using its 3G/4G cellular data connection and then broadcasts this through a Wi-Fi connection.
You can use other devices such as phones and laptops on this Wi-Fi connection so everyone can go back to tapping away at their screens.
With some mobile phone providers, you have a tethering option that allows you to connect multiple devices to a mobile phones internet connection but that is often limited in data. This is the same for Mi-Fi mobile hotspots.
Why not get a helping hand with the Kuma Caravan & Motorhome Mobile 4G Wi-Fi Kit. The kit pairs a small wireless USB rechargeable personal hotspot with a compact but powerful booster bringing you instant internet inside your caravan or motorhome. Just simply insert the provided Three SIM card or any SIM card with data and start browsing! With the Three SIM card included in the pack, you can enjoy 200MB of data FREE each month and simply top up once you run out. Otherwise, you can use any network SIM card with data and share the connection with up to 5 devices.
Designed for easy everyday use in mind, this device can set up in less than 2 minutes and requires no technical knowledge. The external Wi-Fi antenna allows you take your data providers signal from outside so you can use the internet inside your caravan or motorhome. The kit its super versatile and comes with sticky pads to help create a permanent mount on your window, hidden inside a cupboard or outside if needed.
If you have no 4G signal in your area, fear not you will still have a connection with the outside world. This kit is backward compatible with 3G and 2G speeds. This can limit some actions such as movie streaming, but it will still be able to give you a basic internet connection.
The Kuma Mobile 4G Wi-Fi Kit is the perfect solution for ultimate flexibility; ideal for using in your caravan or motorhome, giving you Wi-Fi in a remote campsite with minimum fuss.
Wi-Fi Calling
Ideal for: Making calls and minimal use
Device connection: Single device connection - links to its own Wi-Fi calling option
Works well with/Solution for: Making general calls without using up data or minutes
If you are going on a quick getaway without the kids, and just want to check up on them or update friends and family on your grand trip, Wi-Fi calling is the solution for you. Newer Apple and Android devices allow Wi-Fi calling and let you use apps such as WhatsApp or Skype on your provider’s network. However, be careful not to use up all your data at once or face a hefty bill and the end of the month!
Wi-Fi calling allows you to make phone calls and send text messages over wireless internet networks instead of over the 3G or 4G mobile internet connection you would normally use. This service is compatible with many Wi-Fi networks including public networks in cafes, airports, train stations, and even your own at home connection.
You simply need to connect your smartphone to the closest Wi-Fi network and make your phone call. Easy right!
Those are some recommendations on how to get online wherever your journey takes you, especially if you are in remote locations! Now you can explore new places without compromising your web access, using up your own data, suffering slow site connection speeds and saving money on Wi-Fi services.
Happy Touring!