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Can You Get Satellite Internet for an RV?

RVs parked outdoors with one RV featuring an installed satellite.

Traveling as well as living in an RV is becoming increasingly commonplace as more careers become available remotely. If you own an RV or are thinking of living the RV lifestyle, you may be wondering about obtaining satellite internet access and how to go about doing so before heading off on the road. With any RV you choose, it is possible to get satellite internet access if you are living in the US.

Is it possible to use satellite internet in an RV?

Yes. There are many different satellite internet providers available for those who are living remotely or in an RV.

Internet options for those in an RV

A man looks at his smartphone in the kitchenette inside an RV while a young girl is at the loft bed enjoying her gadget.

If you are living in an RV or even traveling in your RV for the summer, you may want to remain connected to the internet at all times, for either work or personal reasons. Whenever you are planning to hit the road in your RV, you will need to consider how you will stay connected using your smartphone, laptop, and any other wireless devices you intend to travel within your RV itself.

The most common internet provider solutions for those living remotely and traveling via RV include a mobile hotspot, cellular internet, and satellite internet. With cellular internet, it is important to note that you will be required to have a modem and router in your RV along with an ongoing data plan to keep your internet service active.

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Internet hotspot

One of the most popular options for those who are looking for internet access in their RVs is to opt for a mobile hotspot. Mobile hotspot packages and internet plans are available from most of the mobile phone providers today. Using an internet hotspot will provide you with the ability to connect to the internet from just about anywhere as long as you are able to connect to your hotspot.

Cellular internet plan

You can also choose a standard cellular internet plan based on where you live and where you intend to travel with your RV while using your internet services. With any cellular internet plan, you will need to equip your RV with the proper modem and router device(s) necessary to get online. Most cellular internet plans offer up to 4G LTE internet, which can guarantee top speeds when you need them most, even when you are traveling across the country.

A satellite internet plan

You can also choose a satellite internet plan from your preferred ISP, or internet service provider. Satellite internet solutions are often considered ideal choices for those who are living the nomad or off-the-grid lifestyle, especially those who choose to travel using their RVs. A satellite internet plan can allow you to roam freely throughout the country, as satellite internet-only relies on the satellites above in order to receive wireless access.

Renting a satellite hotspot plan

It is also possible to rent a satellite hotspot plan from just about anywhere, which is ideal for those who are traveling via RV in locations that are without any wireless internet access points. While traveling across the country in your RV, you are likely to come across locations that are devoid of the ability to connect wirelessly. Using a rented satellite hotspot can help you to access the internet in even the most remote of areas.

Is it possible to just use a smartphone to connect to the internet in an RV?

An open laptop and a smartphone on the table by the window inside an RV.

Yes. If your smartphone has data or a wireless internet plan, it is possible to access the internet using your smartphone from within your RV, regardless of your location. In some cases, it may also be possible to use a hotspot with your mobile phone, depending on your current provider as well as the service plan you are using.

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What are some of the drawbacks of using only a smartphone to get online in an RV?

While it is possible to connect to the internet with only the use of your smartphone and your smartphone’s wireless internet plan, there are a few potential drawbacks that you may encounter on the road, such as:

  • Range: Not all cellular wireless internet plans have the same range, which can cause connectivity issues when traveling across the country or in remote areas in your RV.
  • Battery: Using your smartphone is a fine way to access the internet until you do not have the battery life to sustain your needs for use. If you intend to use the internet for more than just browsing for information, you may want to consider an alternative connection solution such as satellite internet.
  • Data limits: Another factor to keep in mind if you choose to use your smartphone’s wireless data plan is the data limits you may have in place. Depending on your mobile phone service provider, you may be limited or restricted when it comes to the amount of data you have available each month as well as the amount of 4G and 5G internet you have available to use while on the go.

Advantages of using satellite internet for your RV

A man works on his laptop beside a parked RV outdoors.

Choosing a satellite internet plan provides an array of benefits that are simply unavailable with a standard mobile hotspot connection, such as:

  • Stability: A reliable satellite internet provider ensures stable connections with fewer disruptions and disconnections compared to mobile providers and standard smartphone connections.
  • WiFi access: Stream content such as Netflix or news channels that you prefer even when you are on the go without worrying about your data plans and overall data usage.
  • Access: Depending on the satellite internet provider you choose, you may also gain access to hundreds of additional channels and programming options for streaming and watching even while you are traveling across the country.
  • RV satellites available: Many satellite internet providers also have RV-compatible satellites that can be easily installed on most RV models today. Using an RV-compatible satellite can help significantly boost your wireless internet signal while providing you with access to even more channels and connections for your streaming, entertainment, and browsing needs.
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How much does it cost for satellite internet in an RV?

Obtaining satellite internet in an RV will vary in cost based on your current location and available providers. A mobile hotspot can range anywhere from $200 and up for a new device, whereas a satellite can cost upwards of $99 per month for a 4G LTE service.

If you are thinking of investing in 4G LTE equipment of your own, you can expect to invest at least $200 to get started, in addition to a monthly service fee, depending on your preferred satellite internet provider. When you are in the market for a satellite internet provider, be sure to inquire about data plans, limits, as well as range, and equipment to find a provider that is ideal for your RV model as well as your traveling needs.

Getting satellite internet for your RV is not complicated and can be done by simply contacting your preferred satellite internet provider. Whether you use your RV for vacations or if you are transitioning to working remotely and living off the grid, a satellite internet connection is a way to golf for anyone who is serious about and committed to RV life.