iPad being used as a hotspot on a boat

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

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

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.

External Wi-Fi antenna:

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

Uploading videos using a hotspot