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RV Internet Options: Our Top 4 RV Internet Recommendations

Whether you’re camping in the great outdoors or living the RV life, choosing the path less traveled used to mean having to sacrifice the solid connectivity we all know and love. So, how can you enjoy the journey while also staying in touch with outside world?
Man and women sitting together in the back of an RV camper while looking at a an iPad.

In this article, we’ll explore our recommendations for the top RV internet options, from 5G Gateways and satellite internet, to a mobile hotspot and Wi-Fi extender. These mobile internet ideas for RVers and other adventurers will help keep you connected.

Top 4 RV internet options: Our recommendations

1. Mobile RV/camping gateway

Advances in 5G technology and the use of powerful 5G Gateways have provided a popular option for getting wireless internet at home. Now, there’s a similar product designed just for road warriors who need RV internet during their outdoor adventures! T-Mobile now offers AWAY™, which gives you powerful connectivity just about anywhere you travel. Here’s what you’ll get with the AWAY plan:

  • 5G Wi-Fi gateway 
  • Connectivity on-the-go (up to 64 devices at a tim
  • Parental and security controls
  • No annual contracts
  • No extra equipment fees
  • Pricing starting at $110/month with AutoPay for 200GB/month
  • Can pause up to 90 days, twice a year, for $10 a month

Since it’s powered by T-Mobile, America’s largest 5G network, it’s a budget-friendly option for getting coverage on 90% of highway miles coast to coast.

Visit our website for the latest offers on phones, devices, and accessories.  

2. Satellite internet

Another RV internet option comes in the form of satellite. While satellite internet will likely give you the connectivity you need, it can get pricey, since you often need to buy special equipment in addition to paying for monthly service. Also, some satellite providers keep your service tied to one place. In other words: it won’t travel with you across multiple locations or when you’re on the move. So, be sure to do your homework.

3. Mobile hotspot

If you’re on the road a lot in your RV, a portable Wi-Fi hotspot can give you the connectivity you need. Be sure to choose one with the features that suit your needs, whether it’s baked-in Wi-Fi capabilities for a multitude of devices, on-board Wi-Fi 6 Dual Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz technologies, the ability to charge external devices, a long-lasting battery, etc. This RV Wi-Fi option will likely come with data limits, so you will probably have to invest in a good data plan, in addition to the hotspot.

4. Wi-Fi extender

While free public Wi-Fi often exists at campgrounds and RV parks across the country, the connection can be dicey at times. That’s where a Wi-Fi extender may help…BUT…that assumes that the public Wi-Fi is strong to begin with. In other words, if the Wi-Fi signal is great and it’s just not reaching your RV, then an extender will help. If it’s a bad connection to begin with, it's probably not worth “extending” a bad signal. Another consideration is security. Public Wi-Fi networks are generally less secure, especially those without password protection, as they are open to anyone, including hackers and cybercriminals who are standing ready to steal personal information. So, make sure you proceed with caution and avoid entering sensitive information like passwords or banking details. If you do decide to go this route, a good extender will cost around a hundred bucks, while a long-range extender will set you back a few hundred dollars.

How to choose the best RV internet plan: 3 steps

Whether you’ll be streaming movies with your family under the stars or checking emails from a remote trailhead, choosing the right setup can make or break your mobile experience. Here are a few simple steps to guide your decision: 

  1. Think about how you’ll use the internet

Will you be working remotely, streaming shows, gaming, or just occasionally checking maps and weather? If you're a heavy data user (think video calls and HD streaming), you’ll want a plan with higher data limits and faster speeds, like a 5G gateway or satellite option. Light users can often get by with a basic mobile hotspot or campground Wi-Fi (with a little help from a Wi-Fi extender). 

  1. Factor in where you’ll be traveling

Coverage matters. If you're mostly on highways and near cities, a 5G-based plan will likely keep you connected – but be sure to check you internet provider’s coverage map before you commit. If your route takes you entirely off-grid and away from cell towers, you may need to consider satellite internet for broader reach.  

  1. Set your budget and watch out for extra costs

Connectivity on the road doesn’t have to break the bank, but plans and equipment can vary widely in cost. Some options, like satellite internet, come with up-front hardware purchases or rental fees, while others, like some 5G internet plans, offer a simple monthly price with no extra equipment fees. Also, watch out for data overage charges or long-term contracts if flexibility is important to you. 

Need great connectivity on the road without expensive equipment fees and long-term contracts? T-Mobile has you covered virtually  anywhere you roam! Learn more about AWAY™ to see if it works for you. You can also bundle it with a phone plan from T-Mobile and save big on America’s largest 5G network.

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