Float Cabin Living: Do you get Internet?
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| Being a wirehead in town. |
Over the years Internet access up the lake has evolved. Some solutions have been effective. Some less so. All come with a hefty price tag.
Cellular Internet Access
Cell phones can be used to access the Internet. One method is to use data services offered by a cellular provider directly on your device.
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| Signalboost Desktop cellular connection at cabin. |
You can also use a smartphone as a wifi hotspot for your laptop or other Internet capable devices. Another option is get an Internet key to plug into a laptop or a cellular wifi hub. When we installed satellite Internet we discontinued this service.
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| Laptop with Telus Huawei LTE Internet USB key. |
These days, all cellular companies have data plans. We use Telus and Verizon. Even though we still use cellular data as one solution, the disadvantages are high cost and even with a cell booster, our connectivity is sometimes slow or non-existent.
Satellite Internet Access
Two-way (download and uplink) satellite Internet can be accessed as long as you have a view of the southern sky where the satellites are in geostationary orbit. Globalstar is the provider in our area. This has been the best solution for us.
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| Our Xplornet dish attached to the shed on shore. |
We waited until 2017 to install high-speed Xplornet. We've been very happy with the service. Our plan includes 100GB at 25 Mbps for $100 plus device rental and taxes. That's enough for us to stream a few movies a month, watch some Internet-based television, web surf, conduct online business, and e-mail.
Here are additional posts about Internet access:
Xplornet Satellite Internet
Wilson Signalboost Desktop for Cellular and Internet
Telus Wireless Internet with USB Key
Do you have a telephone?
Do you have television?
Tech Talk
Surf on! -- Margy
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Float Cabin Living
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As wireless internet spreads it will get easier to get online from anywhere. Thank you for the information here.
ReplyDeleteJust like the cell phone craze back in the 90's, I think wireless internet access is really going to take off as soon as the speed increases a little more. It's just so easy to use and will eventually work everywhere.
ReplyDeleteSatellite seems like a good solution. When our Internet goes out, I'm glad I can use my computer via my phone's hotspot.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to have alternatives. We too have used our phone hotspot, but it isn't as powerful as the satellite. - Margy
DeleteWe're on Xplornet, too.
ReplyDeleteI understand they are nationwide. - Margy
DeleteWe too are connected and sometimes I think too connected as we seem constantly to be using the internet for all but the books as you mentioned above. However, that said, it is our news source, our source of communication with friends and family far and near, and really quite nice!
ReplyDeleteSame for us. We now start and end the day online. I read a lot less (book wise) these days. - Margy
Delete'Wirehead' is a word I've never met before. "Learn something new every day" is advice to be carried into old age, to keep my brain active. Thanks, Margy!
ReplyDeleteKay
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
It's one I've heard since since the 80s, "Don't be a wirehead." At least sometimes being one does bring with it the opportunity to learn. - Margy
DeleteOh wow, I didn't realize there were so many ways to get Internet access in remote locations. This was a very informative post!
ReplyDeleteWe have struggled over the years to find a good connection. For us, satellite service is the most reliable. - Margy
DeleteGreat post! This must be a challenge given the requirement to be active online!
ReplyDeleteIt was until we started using Xplornet. Before that I would write blog posts in town and schedule them ahead of time. - Margy
DeleteIt's very expensive to stay well connected but so important these days. I'm glad you found a solution that works for you. I'm still waiting for the high(est) speed internet to be hooked up in my building. It's getting closer but my goodness I've been waiting for close to a decade.
ReplyDeleteWe were lucky our town got high speed fiber internet a few years back. For us at the cabin the satellite internet has been a new luxury, but we don't want to use it too much and not enjoy our surroundings. - Margy
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