Episode 49: Van Life WiFi: My Secret to Seamless Connectivity on the Road

Ever wondered how to maintain a digital lifeline while leading a nomadic lifestyle? Envision the freedom of living on a sailboat or campervan, while still running an online business.

My secret? The potent combo of a Visible cell phone hotspot and Starlink satellite internet. I’ll break it down, exploring why Visible’s $45 plan is perfect for me, and how it unlocks access to the 5G network and cross-border connectivity in Mexico and Canada.

But, that’s not all. Let’s journey through the marvels of Starlink, a game changer for remote work on the road. While it’s not without its share of challenges—from the demand for a clear sky view, portability issues, to the initial setup complications—I’ll tell you why it’s worth it.

Plus, I’ll discuss the financial aspect, how the investment in Starlink gets balanced out by the savings from not having to pay rent or a mortgage.

Gear up for an enlightening conversation on navigating the digital nomad life effortlessly!

Links mentioned:

Visible
Visible Wireless Review
Starlink mobile internet – Roam vs. Residential breakdown
The Wayward Home Podcast – How to get Wifi in your Van or RV with the RV Mobile Internet Resource Center

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What We Discuss in Episode 49 of The Wayward Home Podcast:

In this solo episode, our host, Kristin Hanes breaks down her approach to getting internet connectivity to run her online business on the road. She describes her data needs for her work vs. what some other nomads may need.
Visible Wireless is popular in van life circles – you can get unlimited data, talk and text anywhere in the US with their cheapest plan at $25 per month. The $45 per month plan includes more access to the 5G network with no throttling.
Visible does work in Mexico and Canada but Kristin experienced some difficulties with her service when crossing borders. Another downside is the limitation of only being able to connect one device at a time.
We also learn about the benefits of Starlink satellite internet, which is great for boondocking in remote areas and works abroad. Starlink Roam works anywhere in your home continent with unlimited high speed data for $150 per month and $599 hardware.
Some of the downsides of Starlink are that it’s bulky and can be cumbersome to set up. It requires a clear view of the sky and can be prone to occasional brief dropouts.
See links for more great information and resources on the topic of getting internet connectivity on the road.