Working on The Road - Digital Nomad Connectivity

Staying Connected On The Road

For most of us, working on The Road means being connected. Even if it doesn't, you still want a strong signal, whether surfing the web, scrolling Social Media, or just for the security of being able to call for help if needed. While Cell Phone Reception and Data Limits have improved dramatically, there are still many places (especially if you're Boondocking) where signal will be weak or even non-existent.

If you're thinking,“Well, I'll just hit the local coffee shop or internet cafe then....” Not so fast! (In this case we mean, literally, “not so fast”.) There are several businesses that offer “Free WiFi” to their customers, and we'd all be lying if we didn't admit that we've sat in a parking lot and “borrowed” WiFi from a McDonalds, Starbucks, or similar location, but those signals are limited. They're okay for surfing the web, but often won't allow large data transfers, such as uploads and downloads, (or they charge extra fees for them). -To say nothing of the manager wondering why that damn bus has been parked in their lot all day...

Digital Nomad Signal

You'll need to bite the bullet and come up with a Digital Nomad Office Setup. - Sadly, when you Google that exact phrase, you'll be hit with a ton of blog entries discussing which laptop to buy and raving about backpacks and monitor stands. Very few seem to discuss the nuts and bolts of actually Getting Signal On The Road. - That's what we'll be discussing here (but we might include a link to a Laptop Stand or Backpack at the end, just for fun).

Here's the Good News: - Setting up your Digital Nomad Connectivity is pretty easy once you understand what everything does. Basically, you'll want a Cell Phone Signal Booster, some sort of Hotspot, and the devices you already use (although and upgrade might be in order). The items are relatively Plug and Play so you can Start Small and Scale Up.

How to Set Up WiFi for your rv, bus, or van:

First, How Much Data Do You Need?: - The short answer is “A Lot”. We'll go easy on the math, but for a point of reference, 1GB of data will get you roughly 40 minutes a day of Web-Surfing, about 10 hours of Streaming Music, or possibly 1-2 movies per month. The average person used 3GB of Data per month in 2019, but remember that the average person also had a separate Home or Office Internet Connection for most of their Work. Your Digital Nomad Connectivity will be, more or less, 100% reliant on your Cell Phone Data on The Road. You'll likely need to upload or download large files quite frequently, and perhaps you'll use Video Conferencing or Skype.

You can try one of the many Online Data Calculators but, just like with Solar Power Calculators, they are in the business of selling you Data Plans... That being said, even if your entertainment and work habits are primarily off-line, it's safe to assume that you'll be going with an Unlimited Data Plan. (The additional cost is minimal.) You're likely already aware that “Unlimited Plans” are not truly Unlimited. All major carriers “clock down” your Data Transfer Speed somewhere around 50GB, often to a painfully slow rate.

So, How do you Beat Cell Phone Data Caps?: - Well... You don't, really... However, a common way to maximize your Data Dollar, is to get a Family Plan with as many extra discounted lines as possible. Most Cell Phone Providers will charge $10/month for line 3, and $5/month for each additional line, or something similar. Many Digital Nomads have their own Personal Cell Phone as one line, and then add 2-3 Additional lines to be used solely for extra data, or as a “Mobile Hotspot”. This, of course doesn't work if your “Unlimited Data” is shared between all lines on the plan, but certain carriers will let you allocate data per line, if not provide “Unlimited” for each. Since one or more lines are used strictly for data these can be the cheapest (or free) phones that come with the plan. All they have to do is turn on, connect, and have Mobile Hotspot capability. (We'll include a few more Tips at the end of the blog.)

What is a Mobile Hotspot?: - This phrase is sometimes used interchangeably with “WiFi Hotspot” and “WiFi Stick” or “USB WiFi Device”, but they are actually different things. Most modern phones have Mobile Hotspot capabilities, allowing another device to connect to them and use the Data.

A WiFi Hotspot is a separate, Stand Alone Device used specifically for this function that will allow other devices to connect to it. They often come with additional data included, or via subscription, and work essentially like the WiFi Router in your house. Just enter the password and connect.

A WiFi Stick (USB WiFi) or “Dongle” is something you plug into your laptop or tablet to connect to the existing signal. It may require special software on your device to connect to whatever signal is available. One or two people will get away with a simple USB WiFi Stick connected to a Mobile Hotspot (phone) if they don't require much Data, but if you're uploading video or large files you'll likely want a Stand-Alone WiFi Hotspot for the heavy lifting.

Check out some of our picks by clicking below (More on the Tech Page):

Which Mobile Network is Best for a Digital Nomad?: - Data Plans and Coverage Areas regularly change, but in short; Verizon costs the most but provides signal to more areas. AT&T runs a close second in coverage and is often less expensive. As we write this, Sprint and T-Mobile are usually the cheapest of the major carriers, but don't provide signal in many rural areas once you get a mile or two off of the freeway. Don't be afraid to look at the “Budget Carriers” (Cricket, Tracphone, etc.) as they use the major networks but cost much less. Sure, there might be a slight difference in speed, but with your Cell Phone Signal Booster in tow, you shouldn't notice it, except on very large files.

What's the best Cell Phone Signal Booster?: - (Sometimes called “Cell phone Amplifier”.) This is an area in which you get what you pay for. However, it's also an area in which you don't need more than you require... If you're primarily a City Stealth Camper, you may not need one at all. If you tend to Boondock or stay in remote areas, and/or work with large files, a Cell Booster is likely an absolute necessity. They can be expensive, up front, but tend to work with all major networks (double check this before purchase) so you don't need to switch your Booster when you jump ship on T-Mobile. Also, they don't “use” Data from your plan, as they only amplify an existing signal. (If you haven't guessed, this means they won't work if there is No signal present.)

They typically work with an outside antenna connected to the Booster, which amplifies the signal. (They do use a fair amount of Electricity, so shut it off when not in use!) When comparing products, the main things to consider are “Gain Rating” (bigger is better), Range, and “Omni-Directional” vs. “Directional” Antennas. (A Directional antenna only works when pointed in the direction of a cell tower.) Also pay attention to the Mounting specs of the outside antenna. It obviously must fit your Rig, some need to be kept a certain distance from the inside unit, and you might find that you have to remove and re-install when you Move (often not as bad as it sounds). Here are a few we'd recommend:

What Digital Nomad Setup Should I Use?: - We've created this chart to break down some of the basic options (Click to enlarge). Again, you can start small and scale up, but be sure you have enough data to work from the road before you lock the door for the last time and roll out of the driveway. As with Solar, we suggest you do a few test camping trips to see how well your system works.

A few tips for Maximizing Cell Phone Signal and “Beating” Data Caps: - 1.) Unlock (or “jailbreak”) your phone. This allows the ability to switch between carriers without buying new equipment, and potentially run with more than one Plan in place. This offers better coverage in different areas, and/or a “Data Only”/Hotspot phone on multiple carriers. 2.) If there are two of you, each can buy a Family Plan with a different carrier (and second cellphone for a hotspot). Use the strongest signal wherever you are. 3.) Your Laptop or Smart TV likely uses less Data to stream movies than the App on your phone. You can also download and save multiple titles when you have good coverage to watch later, or hit up goodwill for DVDs. 4.) Use a VPN service like “Nord” (click below) to change your IP location for “security”. (Oh, and as promised, here's a backpack and a laptop stand.)

Freedom is closer than you think.