Getting Internet on a Cruising Boat
Getting internet on a cruising boat might seem like conjuring a genie. However, you can easily get cell data and set up a boat Wi-Fi system. Legions of remote workers are living the dream, connecting to the internet from their boats. You can too, and you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to do it.
In this course, you’ll learn how to get the best internet for boats. You can get an unlimited data SIM card, use that data across all your devices, and boost your signal so you can work and connect from your boat. This is one of the best ways to get cheap internet for boats.
You don’t need to be a techie (I’m not!). Using a SIM card and hotspot doesn’t take any setup or technical knowledge. You can use your system and have Wi-Fi on your boat.
We’ll also cover why shared Wi-Fi like marina and coffee shop Wi-Fi can be unreliable, and why Starlink for boats and other boat satellite connections aren’t available and affordable for most cruising boaters.
We’ll also look at cell data boosters and how they can improve your boat’s internet access. We’ll go over the list of cell data providers and look at the simple equipment you can buy.
Most cell data plans cost between $35 and $100 a month, and a hotspot costs around $250 (one time). If you want to buy a booster, you might spend another $250-$500. So, with a one-time set-up cost of $250-$750, and a monthly cost of $35-$100, you can get reliable U.S. internet on your boat.
The course covers:
- Shared Wi-Fi and Satellite Data Limitations
- Calculating Data Usage
- US Cell Data Coverage and Plans
- Connecting Your Devices
- Boosting Your Cell Data Signal
- Choosing a Cheap Voice Plan
- Creating a Connectivity Plan and Getting Online
This course focuses on US plans, however, you can use the technology to get online worldwide. You can get a local SIM in the new country, use your hotspot, and get online anywhere there is cell service. Check out my article about getting internet in The Bahamas.