My Internet Setup
In May 2018, I became a digital nomad, working remotely full-time. Sometimes I will get asked how I stay connected so I wanted to share my internet setup.
My current setup:
Apple iPhone 15 with T-Mobile cell service. To help reduce costs, I am on a family plan. I also have the option to use my phone as a hot spot but I try not to do that. I want to save the T-Mobile data as a backup in the event that I would need to use it.
Apple iPad Pro 6 with AT&T cell service ($1,300 - my work paid for this). The data plan I have on my tablet is AWESOME! It is unlimited data for $25 a month! This is the primary device that I work from. Even though I try to stay connected to wi-fi whenever possible or if I’m in my van, I am connected to my Starlink service but I love the freedom that the dedicated AT&T service provides me as backup or if I am away from any other wi-if option.
Both of the devices above have the option of installing an eSIM. If i’m in a location where the cell service isn’t good and wi-if isn’t available to get me by, I will install an eSIM. My eSIM provider app of choice is: Nomad (https://getnomad.page.link/app). I have an account set up with them and I have the app installed on my cell phone. If I want to install an eSIM on either device, I do it on my phone and can transfer it to either device. If you decide to sign up, it would be awesome if you used my referral code! You can get 25% off any data plan with my code: BGTC75HL
My current RV-specific setup:
Starlink Flat High Performance Dish ($2,500 but I bought this on sale for $1,800). I have this mounted to the roof of my van. This solution is expensive but I’ve justified the price of it as something I have to do to be remote. My internet-enabled devices like my security cameras are also connected to this wi-fi connection. Before buying the more expensive Flat High Performance Dish mounted my roof, I had the Standard Starlink dish, on a pole attached to the back of my van. That setup was ok but I hated having to set it up and break it down so often. Being in van, without a daily driver, the freedom of being able to pack up and move quickly to go somewhere is very important me.
Recurring Monthly Expenses
T-Mobile Unlimited Cell Service – Family Plan: $40
AT&T Tablet Only Unlimited Data Plan: $25
Starlink Unlimited Data Plan: $150 (I keep this paused unless I am in my van & I need it)
Total: $215
Please comment below if you have any questions about anything!
My previous setup:
In February 2019, I signed up for the a Verizon “Unlimited” hot spot on a pre-paid plan for $65 month. This was my main source of internet service in the van. This data plan worked when i was somewhat near a cellular tower, which was around 80% of the time. Verizon retired the plan so nobody new could sign up for it. I ended up trading my plan to somebody who wanted it and I replaced it with my much more expensive Starlink plan.
In May 2018, I purchased a WeBoostDrive 4G-X cell booster. They advertise that it helps increase a weak cellular signal. I tried my best to get this to work but I never could notice any significant increase the speed. One of the potential problems I had was the need to have the outside antenna 20 feet away from your internal antenna & being in a van, that can be somewhat difficult to do!
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