We used a USB wireless modem through Verizon online. It was great driving down the road in our RV and checking-out campsites online before we had to park for the night. However, it doesn't work very well in remote areas. As you might expect, the cel phone didn't work too well either. It was usually only a problem in the middle of national parks (which is where we spent the bulk of our RV trip). A reliable, stable internet connection was mandatory during our trip as my husband was working. We would spend every other night or so in a KOA just for the connection.

Thanks for the info. We were curious about the reliability of the cell phone/air card connection. Doesn't sound too good. We plan to stay in national parks whenever we can as well. I anticipated spotty coverage and am considering purchasing an amplifier (pricey @$250) and external antenna. Not sure if they are worth the $$$. We do have free ATT hotspot access through our DSL account @ home so that may help since they are now in Starbucks, McDonalds. I sounds like we may need to budget a few KOA nights if we want to stay connected.

FO

Hello! I actually created a product, based on my need for Internet on the road, that may help here. It is a kit that comes with a high-gain antenna that has a built-in ground plane, so it can be mounted anywhere. I actually include a 3-way mounting bracket so you can mount it on a ladder, etc.

Then, you connect the antenna to a 3-watt amplifier (just like they use in the logging industry). The kit uses cellular networks as the backbone (Sprint, Verizon, etc.) but this is where it gets interesting...

The amplifier boosts the signal to the point that it has been tested to hold on to a cell signal another 40 to 60 miles beyond where you normally lose it. In an emergency, you can also use the kit to boost your phone's signal.

Then, I include a cable that runs from the amp and connects to the data card (from Sprint, etc.) Then, you plug the card into a mobile router (comes in the kit), and your RV becomes a WiFi hotspot floating down the highway. So now, if you have more than one laptop, you look for local networks, and you will be able to connect to your own highly secure network. You can also plug a networked printer in to the router, and print wirelessly.

Again, I created this product out of a passion for road trips, and a passion for wireless communications. I am happy to help answer any questions if anyone has any!

Rob Taylo This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
503-849-2752

Given that I have to have an internet connection, I do not have a choice when I go full time - I will have both cell and satellite service.

I've been looking around, and these folks keep coming up in my research when looking at vendors of cellular networking: http://3gstore.com/ . They focus on Sprint and Verizon hardware. They sell a kit that includes an antenna, signal amplifier, router, and phone (or any combination there of). and are related to this site: http://3gstore.com/ and http://www.evdoforums.com/ .

This discusses antennas: http://www.evdoforums.com/thread3136.html

hope it helps.

Walter