Technology these days is amazing, plain and simple. We definitely do not have the most high-tech set up, but it works just fine for us.
Cellphones:
Thank goodness, they brought back unlimited data. We do a lot of work on our phones, from posting on social media to replying to emails.
Internal Cellular Hotspot:
Using a hotspot to get internet on a boat
Our unlimited data plan through Verizon includes unlimited (to an extent) hotspot connectivity. We keep our IPad mounted on the boat which serves as our main hotspot, our cell phones can be used as a hotspot as well. We can connect both of our computers and do whatever work is needed. Unfortunately, Verizon just changed their terms, data speed from the hotspot now gets throttled once we hit 15gb per device. That sounds like a ton but streaming Netflix and uploading videos to YouTube uses a lot of data. So we reach that 15gb quickly and our speeds are slow from then on.
External Hotspot:
Verizon also offers an external hotspot that you can add to your existing plan. This device is called a jetpack. The device cost around $200 and will add about $20 month to your phone bill. The jetpack would give you an additional 15gb of high-speed data. This is next on our list of things to buy.
Wi-Fi:
Working at Starbucks
If by slight chance we are docked at a marina most facilities include Wi-Fi. Local Cafe’s are also a great spot to enjoy a cup of coffee and get some work done. The internet speed varies at these locations and we often use an internet speed test to check about how long an upload will take.
We had one on our old sailboat Tula. This worked great if someone in a few miles had a network that did not require a password (there is usually a Starbucks somewhere near by). Billy had the bright idea of building one himself for Neverland. Let’s just say all the parts are still sitting on the boat.
So yes, even though we are living life on a boat we can still enjoy Netflix and upload our videos as needed as long we have cell phone service. When we travel to the Bahamas we rely on finding restaurants, shops, or marinas that have Wi-Fi, which most of the time just does not happen. There are plenty of other internet options out there but many of the ones we have researched, such as high-tech satellite internet, are currently way out of our price range. Feel free to let us know what you use and how it works in the comments below!
Uploading videos using a hotspot
We have the JETPACK and have not been happy with them. In fact, we got rid of one at a substantial disconnect charge. Research them carefully and understand their limitations.
In what way not happy?
Our Verizon unit worked flawlessly to supply Internet service all around FL.
It was expensive per GIG and we often consumed 15+ per month….. now IOS devices are real data hogs as the Apps are often active in the background even when unopened!
Thanks for the good post you wrote, informative as always!
I just got t mobile 55 and older plan 2 phones unlimited everything thing. $60.00 per month I have only wached one movie good worked well, not high definition
I use everything you mentioned, and in addition I find a cell booster helps when in fringe areas. There are many types of cell boosters these days, a common choice for mobile use is the Wilson (now WeBoost) Sleek https://www.weboost.com/products/drive-sleek . you can use it with a phone or a jetpack. You mentioned a WiFi external antenna, there are also cellular external antennas that help boost the signal strength in fringe areas. They don’t help in areas with no signal, but when there is a weak signal they improve the strength & therefore speed.
In the Bahamas, an option is to pay BTC for short term service and put one of their sim cards in your unlocked phone or jetpack (must be GSM compatible). As with any cell service, there are dead spots & weak areas, but they have fairly good coverage around most of the inhabited islands.
I use no contract Virgin Mobile.. For $60 a month you get unlimited internet with no throttle down.. of course you have to own your own phone.. if you own the phones you have.. you can legally Jailbreak them to VMobile format.. they also sell a full line of phones.. iPhones, Samsung..LG.. etc. Normally at a discounted price. The internet is Sprint powered.. connectivity has never been a problem.. as I live on the Rhode Island coast.
Our T-Mobile plan allows data roaming without roaming charges in the Bahamas. We used this last winter and sure enough the only charges on our bill were for voice calls at 25 cents/minute. Best part was the normal 6 GB monthly allowance for our plan was not debited and stashed for use back in the states. Connection through Bahamas phone service was sketchy at times, but generally pretty good.
Our T-Mobile plan allows data roaming without roaming charges in the Bahamas. We used this last winter and sure enough the only charges on our bill were for voice calls at 25 cents/minute. Best part was the normal 6 GB monthly allowance for our plan was not debited and stashed for use back in the states. Connection through Bahamas phone service was sketchy at times, but generally pretty good.
Great post! We also use Verizon and have two Jet Packs that connect to a cell boosting antenna mounted on the radar arch. Because I need to do some video conferencing we also have an account with T mobile for their version of the Jet Pack – not as good but provides the extra gigs I sometimes need. When in marina’s we try to use their ‘sketchy’ wifi for personal use so I can keep the faster wifi for business calls.