How can I access internet with no cell service?

[OTRW22]

We relied on cell service to support our full-time remote work for over a year. It was painful and disappointing. Our dream was to roll across the country and explore all the wild places we never had time to visit before. The unfortunate truth is that most of the places we wanted to go do not have cell service. We ended up in a long stream of often dreary RV parks. A few months ago we were able to get StarLink. We use it outside our home area for a small monthly premium. In fact, we have never used it in our home area. Our experience with Starlink has been that it is far more stable than cellular, often faster, and available wherever we have a reasonably open view of the northern sky. I installed an ethernet jack on the outside of the trailer and can place the dish up to 150' away from the trailer to get a clear view. We can now work from remote parks or BLM. We aren't tied to cell service anymore, although we maintain cell capability as a backup or for when service is available and we don't want to deploy the Starlink.

[Boxite]

I don’t boondock to get on the internet.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by romeb

I had good luck with a Verizon Mifi jetpack and a Netgear MIMO antenna ($50 at Amazon) at Horseneck beach campground where people with WeBoost got nothing. To use that antenna you do need a jetpack that has TS-9 connectors

Yes. That's the combo I've been shopping. 4G or LTE
That eliminates the 5G jetpacks which have no inputs.
But, I've been told that you're not going to get 5G in the more scenic areas anyway.
Then I wondered if I'd be better served by trying AT&T or T-Mobile for the service since I have Verizon and can use the phone as a hotspot (although I don't like doing it)
T-Mobile's web site is torture. All they want is to sell you a phone. So I called, asked about a Jetpack and stumped the woman on the phone. I said, "You sell them" and she hung up. Good start with T-Mobile's service.
I don't think AT&T has anyone to ask by phone, so I'm going to have to walk in to stores and ask.

I can buy a Jetpack from Amazon, but it doesn't have a SIM card. I don't know what the providers will charge for one.

Any advice is appreciated.

[Mollysdad]

The YouTube RV couple "Changing Lanes" did a test of Starlink residential vs. Portable service and the issue was 'throttling'. One throttled at 10 times the other.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7-7wasDVAM

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Residential Starlink can and does throttle at 2 Mb/s .... I have empirical data on this ....

Bob

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

The YouTube RV couple "Changing Lanes" did a test of Starlink residential vs. Portable service and the issue was 'throttling'. One throttled at 10 times the other.

Excellent information! Thanks! If I were working on the road, I would surely try out Starlink for wifi. Interesting he noted at the end of the video he still will use his cell services. As for Starlink, Many folks I met this summer in Glacier, Yellowstone, and Teton area were using Starlink when they had clear view of the sky and loving it.

I opted for the Weboost Destination RV with the "directional" antenna on the adjustable pole. I only use ATT and have an unlimited plan. It has worked well for our cell phone coverage and streaming for the most part...had one area in New Mexico up in the mountains at Black Canyon CG, that no signal could be obtained, but that also had serious tree coverage, so no Starlink either. Not sure there is a solution in that situation. Rare we have no signal now days, but it does happen.

So far, as long as I can find a signal from a tower using my Weboost app or Network Cell Info showing me direction/distance to closest tower, seems to work great for wifi and cell service. At our WY Star Valley Ranch location, it took us from 1/2bar to 5 bars once I got it installed and antenna up about 25'.

[TeddyK]

I’ve the WeBoost Drive Reach RV that I clamp to my awning. Opposite end front next to interior WB antenna I’ve a T-Mobile 5G gateway ($50/mo incl tax/fees, free Netflix, 50% off YouTube TV, free basic Triple A)

Currently in San Diego at great RV park w horrible Wi-Fi notoriously bad cell signal cross all providers. I’ve stayed st a few like this across the country been pretty happy w that combo.

I’ve zero cell signal using T-Mobile iPhone 11.
2 bars on Gateway DL 4-5mbps.
WeBoost w Gateway 4 bars consistent > 10mbps

I’ve a 20 ft telescoping pole ready to attach to my Flamma rack haven’t needed

[K4TCJ]

One of the best ways to have internet and WiFi calling without cell service is with Starlink. Have it for my 27 FC and very happy with it. Spend the winter in southern Arizona and Mexico with good service and fast speeds.