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For many RVers, connecting to the ‘Net has become a big part of their travel experience. The Internet simplifies keeping in touch by email or planning your trip or gathering info on destinations and campgrounds - it also provides ‘how-to’ suggestions for dealing with specific systems/problems. Now this new technology immediately becomes available at your fingertips. RVers we met in our previous travels asked for our residential mailing address, now they ask, “What is your email address?” You may not even be on-line at home – but the kids are and they would love to teach you the basics. While away from family and friends, using the Internet is one of the most economical ways to stay in touch.
POCKETMAIL
There are several option to connect on your RV getaways. If only sending and receiving email is your priority AND you do not have a computer then a 'Pocketmail' unit may suffice. (approximately $99.00 US) for an economical and hassle free way to connect. After typing an email on an easy to use (“QWERTY” thumb style) keyboard and saving it into the compact device (about 3”x 6”), you dial a ‘toll-free’ number and place the unit next to a phone receiver – some models even work with cell phones. When you hit ‘send’ your messages are on the way and hopefully new ones will be waiting for you to open. No wires are attached nor is a computer a necessity, but NO photos or attachments can be included. Technical skill and typing expertise is minimal. Monthly operating costs are (approximately $15.00 – less annually). Many RVers sell these devices as they travel. (Look for signs such as “Email in your Pocket” or Email Without a Computer” etc). You can purchase them on line or click Here to find an agent.
POCKETMAIL
The latest Internet access ‘on the move’ is the compact versatile - 'PocketSurfer by DataWind' is promoted as the Only Technology to offer REAL WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS and it fits into your pocket - full details Here or call 877-878-3282.
As yet I have not had the privilege to work with this thin, sleek, slender, lightweight 6”x3” device but it is reputed to be a versatile Web Viewer featuring unaltered Web access – no reformatting or modifying content. Users can now access all webpages at record speed - no phone is required but a data-ready cell plan may be necessary. The compact 'PocketSurfer’s' wide (640-pixel) colour screen and easy to use ('QWERTY' thumb style) keyboard simplifies email. This device brings web content/email to the palm of your hand. The 'PocketSurfer' connects wirelessly to a cell with ‘Bluetooth’ capability.
EMAIL ADDRESSES - VALUABLE INTERNET CONTENTIONS & ISP
RVers with some computer expertise, but without a computer, should set up accounts such as 'hotmail.com' or 'yahoo.com'. These ‘free’ email addresses can be used to send or receive messages from any computer. Many RVers stay in email contact by using computers at public libraries, at Cyber Cafés or Kinko’s etc. There is generally ‘no-cost’ to use these computers, but occasionally a small fee is accessed. Frequently time allotment on each computer is limited and occasionally you may have to wait a spell before a PC is available. From personal experience it does work, but it definitely cuts into your fun time.
At times RVers take their laptops to the park modem (landline hook-up for local calls - or even WiFi) to pick up and send email. Using this modem is ‘no-cost’ but frequently, available on-line time-slots may be limited to 15 minutes. It can be a big hassle, thank heavens times are changing. IF??? dial-up is your connection choice you will need a local dial-up phone number to connect to your ‘ISP’ (Internet Service Provider). Thankfully many parks are offering WiFi connections and frequently they are No Cost to use.
NOTE: To connect to the Internet you must dial (or connect to) a phone number provided by a parent company called a 'server or ISP' - much like when receiving cable on your television where you subscribe to a parent company that sends a signal to your home. Some ISP's offer 'free' service, others provide a reduced amount of hours of service (about 10) at a low price. For a higher cost most offer programs that connect with unlimited access. The bottom line is you CAN NOT connect to the Internet using a landline phone connection unless you have a phone number to dial into.
For convenience, some Canadian ISP’s provide a variety of dial-up access throughout the USA, plus many also offer an International ‘toll-free’ number (sometimes at $0.10 p/min) to connect when no local dial-up is available. However extensive use of these ‘toll-free’ numbers can add-up.
If your regular ISP doesn’t provide dial-ups in a variety of locations, large providers such as ‘EarthLink.com’ 'www.EarthLink.com' or the one I use at ‘Allstream.net’ www.allstream.net (formerly www.attcanada.ca) do. ‘AOL.com’ 'www.aol.com' is also a popular ISP choice for RVers because it offers extensive dial-ups throughout the USA and Canada. (Look in the local Yellow pages for contact phone numbers for Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) or search on the 'Net from 'www.google.com' under ‘Internet Service Providers’). However before you subscribe to any service - ask if they use regular Windows computer programs. With some ISP’s you may have to give up familiar programs such as ‘Outlook Express for email' and use a specialized format designed by the ISP. Not a big deal, just a change in familiarity.
In the USA, places like Wal*Mart and Office Max among others sell a CD containing an ISP program. It provides unlimited usage plus a wide selection of dial-up numbers in a variety of locations. Another option is to use the ‘low-cost’ or ‘free’ service providers, accessible from the Internet, such as ‘www.Netzero.net ’ or ‘ www.juno.com ‘ (more are available by searching under 'www.google.com' for ‘free ISP’) – however you must sign up to use these low-cost or ‘free’ services. Be aware that when using them you may have to ‘put-up’ with numerous banners and annoying advertisements.
Unfortunately, no one form of ISP contact will have dial-up numbers in every location – most extensive travellers have more than one ISP option available to connect. Shop around for one that favours the area you’ll spend the majority of your time. Your second one could be a ‘free’ or ‘low-cost’ option to use when you are out of touch with your main one. Since other RVers are a wealth of information, ask them what they use.
PHONES - BOTH CELL & LAND LINES
When RVers stay in one spot for several months, many install a landline phone and subscribe to a local low-cost long-distance plan – but the installation, usage, long distance and taxes can be costly – 'Been there, done that'. If the park does not offer WiFi access - free or otherwise - you will also need a local ISP dial-up to go on-line. However most ISP’s will allow you to put your service on ‘vacation’ for several months and/or change from unlimited usage to ‘reduced’ hours of use at a lower price. Although dial-up is very slow by today's standards but it does enable on-line access in the comfort of your RV. Mobile RVers prefer a laptop but a desktop computer is more economical and a pleasure to use if you have such a landline.
NOTE: While shopping for an 'International ISP', be sure to ask if the one you choose will support the slow speed of a cell phone. Although this type of connections is becoming a thing of the past, it is still possible to connect with many phones. Even if you don’t travel with a cell now, who knows what next month will bring. Also note that all models of cell phones will not connect to digital data - a requirement your phone needs to work with your computer.
To economically connect in the privacy of your RV, look for a ‘one-rate’ cell phone plan that includes airtime, long distance and roaming fees for a data capable. Many phone plans from both countries offer some form of after-hour ‘no-cost’ minutes, but generally these ‘extra’ minutes do NOT travel across the border. However as technology reaches new levels and large carriers merge – rates and plans change rapidly. It is getting more difficult to find a cell phone plan to connect to the computer - Wireless cards are taking over. But these cards do not travel across the border and usually you have to subscribe for a 2-year contract - so an American card does not work in Cda and vice versa.
Bell Mobility offers generous after-hour local minutes within Canada only, and now Verizon (USA carrier) offers a North American Choice plan with ‘no-cost’ after-hour minutes – good in both USA and Canada. (Verizon plans in the USA begin at $39. with unlimited after-hour usage and in Canada they begin at $59.95 US plus taxes for 450 ‘anytime’ minutes plus 1000 ‘after-hour’ minutes). Most USA plan prices are comparable to Canadian plans. Although Canadians can subscribe to American cell phone plans, the majority can only be purchased from stores or kiosks in the USA – however Canadian credit cards - Canadian addresses may not be accepted. Cell carrier of AT&T (USA) recently joined forces with Cingular making them the largest American cellular company. Sprint and T-Mobil are also becoming popular with RVers - others are gaining ground. Watch for special International phone plans from those carriers as well. Check details of all options and ask if coverage is available in your proposed travel area.
NOTE: Read ALL contracts carefully. It can cost several hundreds of dollars to terminate an agreement of service. To connect to the 'Net, your cell phone must be capable of digital data – this should not cost extra.
On-line access is much more convenient if you connect your cell to a laptop from the comfort of your RV. Although it is only a matter of time before it will not function as it does now. This type of connection is slower than a landline - using a one-rate plan with after-hour minutes makes it economical. It may not be a perfect solution but for several years it was my main form of connection. In the past most cell phone carriers sold a ‘USB cable’ (special type of cable that attaches accessories to computers) to connect your data capable phone to your laptop. NOTE: this type of cell connection only works in digital areas – thankfully more and more areas are going digital.
SPEED UP YOUR CONNECTIONS - KEEP YOUR PHONE CHARGED
FYI - 'Ositech.com'
also sell a ‘USB cable/charger’ that connects your cell to your
computer. ($59.00 US list price) It connects to the ‘Net and charges
your phone while you are working on-line. Users of ‘one-rate’ calling plans can connect by dialing
long distance to their ISP (at home base) during their after-hour ‘no-cost’
minutes. With this type of connection it is no longer necessary to find a
local ISP dial-up or to drag your computer to the park office to pick up
email. If you are in a cell service area and have available minutes
(preferably ‘no-cost’ ‘after-hour’ minutes) you can communicate
on-line - although I do repeat, it is very slow.
Two years ago I added ‘ExpressLink’ compression software – another great product from Ositech ($15.00 US per quarter) to my computer. It increased my connection speed up to five times whenever I am surfed the ‘Net for dial-up connections. It even includes a pop-up blocker. Other websites offer similar software.
WIFI CONNECTIONS
A few years ago I was privileged to use ‘Wi-Fi’ (802.11-B - Wireless Internet). It is still not available everywhere, AND in that park, only the RV’s in the front half of this park were able to connect to the park antenna. However more and more ‘hotspots’ are popping up on a continual basis in least expected places such as truck stops (Flying J’s etc); at McDonald’s restaurants and in numerous campgrounds such as Encore, KOA, many Escapee parks among others. All that is needed to connect is to add a ‘PC Card’ or to place a ‘mini-antenna’ near a window – the ‘antenna’ plugs into a ‘USB port’. Originally the most popular choice of adapter was the ‘Wireless–B’ system (approximately $39.00 USA Wal*Mart – campgrounds also sell these adapters) but it is now recommended to use the ‘Wireless–G’ models (approximately $49.00 USA Wal*Mart). I have been told that the antenna picks up a weak signal more efficiently than the PC card that inserts into your computer. I used the antenna, not thecard so I pass on this advice strictly FYI. After installing the software, users simply register with the server, either on line or by phone and begin to enjoy the service. When you change locations the procedure is the same. In our present park, service is available by day, month, 3-months or annually, but since this system is still new - some parks offer ‘no-cost’ usage. It is not always reliable.
NOTE: Because the Wi-Fi becomes your new ISP, your SMTP (outgoing) settings for email may have to be changed (the WiFi techs will help you with this). When using a service that includes an ISP, you can put your home ISP on ‘vacation’ or reduce it from ‘unlimited’ to ‘basic’. This may not be a big savings but enough for an enjoyable lunch out - my ISP dropped $10.00 per month.
When you first set up WiFi, a message pops up that it is not a secure connection. As a result I was apprehensive about using it for banking etc, but one ‘expert’ (someone who knows more than I do) shared the fact that if a website begins with 'http’s' and has a closed padlock on the taskbar at the bottom or top, that site is secure. Just be sure to log out before exiting.
Many
new options to connect to the Internet surface almost daily. Many cell carriers offer wireless
data but I keep repeating this info - at this point service does NOT work
out of the country of purchase. Your ISP will be the
Internet provider of the carrier plan you choose. To connect, a wireless modem
may fit into
the PC card slot in your laptop - sometimes referred to as an AirCard –
operation requires a data cell plan (Additional hardware must be purchased for
this technology to work in a desktop).
It is also possible to connect to the ‘Net using the park cable system. A separate invoice to cover installation and usage will be initiated by the cable company – no phone is required. Costs are reasonable and while using cable it becomes your ISP but again you will still need email address(es) and when you are moving from place to place you should also have a regular ISP (see above). Be aware, NO one form of connection will work in EVERY place. Many of us have several options.
RVERS GUIDE TO THE INTERNET ACCESS E-BOOK - INTERNET SATELLITE DISH
In preparation for this column I contacted Steven Fletcher, a good friend and fellow fulltimers - he really understands the Internet. His informative e-book titled RVer’s Guide to Internet Access on the Road was a big help in putting this article together. Steve constantly upgrades his ebook. It only offers a heads-up of what is available; Steven goes into much more detail than is possible in a column such as this. He and his wife Fran live in a fifth wheel and they both are travel writers based in California. Over the years they’ve connected to the ‘Net in a variety of ways - some successful and some very frustrating. Several years ago they became proud owners of DIRECWAY (Now Hughes.net) satellite dish from ‘RV-SAT-LINK’ ($60.00 US p/month) Cost of their system was approximately $1500.00 US. ‘StarBand’ is another USA satellite option – cost approximately $1700.00.US. Steven manually sets up their satellites on a tri-pod much like he would a portable TV dish – it was only challenging until they learned the ‘how-to’ of logging on. Maybe it’s not the most economical connection but now after set-up at each stop, both Fran and Steven’s computers have access to the Internet.
Much more in depth information and satellite/options plus other technology is explained in Steven’s comprehensive e-book - RVer's Guide to Internet Access on the Road. see my BookNook page for details. Complex automatic satellite systems are available from MotoSat and similar companies – cost range between $5-$6000.00 US plus $700. - $1000.00 US installation with unlimited monthly usage at approximately $99.00.US
I have a Hughes.net system from Armand Lalonde at alalond@techmcw.com 1-866-494-4801 or 705-878-9252. It is important that you tell him Peggi asked you to call. RV Living is a referral affiliate of this system. Read my entire story about my wonderful fantastic DISH. Go Here for details.
Armand Lalonde (owner) and Todd Griffin (chief tech) from
Tech
They are only a phone call away and both are EXTREMELY patient to walk you through problems.
Click Photos to Enlarge
3i Communications Inc has designed a precision, low-cost RV rooftop Internet mount for DIRECWAY antennas. It is a three-point mount that folds and stows the Dish flat to the roof when not in use. The system includes an easy to follow instruction guide and all the necessary tools to easily find the satellite. Surfing the ‘Net can now be at your fingertips.
Both manual 'Roof-Mount Systems' plus the 'Tripod Configuration' are available. Either the HUGHES.NET's (formerly DIRECWAY) Automatic RV Roof-mount system - which sells for approx $5000. + $500.00 installation and both RV Tri-Pod systems from ‘3i Communications’ suggested retail price of $1499.00 Cdn – are available. Service usage packages range between $69. to $89.00 per month for unlimited mobile Internet service. In a word I LOVE MY DISH over every other set-up I have experienced.
By now you can easily see the choice is extensive from basic to complex at a variety of prices. How elaborate you want your connection to be depends on how important the Internet is to you and what price you wish to spend. Only you can decide how fast is important and what system will suit your preference. Happy travels and stay connected.
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SIDE BAR TO THIS COLUMN
For additional web sources, search www.google.com. Technology is moving at record speed. Many NEW options surface daily in various price ranges – it pays to shop around!
___________________________________
RVers Guide to Internet on the Road www.rvliving.net/BookNook.htm
Ositech: Ositech.com 1-519-836-8063; 1-800-563-2386 ExpressLink – www.expresslink.biz 519-836-8063 Ext. 404 (and also link above)
Pocketmail www.rvliving.net/pocket.htm Phone (California time)1 408 689 1920
Pocketsurfer www.pocketsurfer.net - 1-800 530 4664
DataWind www.datawind.com 1 877 878 3282
HUGHES.NET (FORMERLY DIRECTWAY.COM) www.hughes.net
StarBand www.starband.com
MotoSat www.motosat.com
RV-SAT-LINK http://www.home.earthlink.net/~flicka15/portfolio_page3.html
Tech Mobile Communications and Wireless (formerly 3i Communications Inc) 866-494-4801 or 705 878 9252 or email alalonde@3icommunication.com www.techmcw.com
RV WebLinks; Meet Your Hosts; Getting Started; Articles; Destinations-(Canada, Mexico, USA); Forums(Now SPAM FREE);
Advice and How- To(Many updates Nov 07); BookNook; (As of Nov 07) RV Shows; Travel to Canada: Travel to USA; Q&A; Contact- Us