Need Internet Solution for Remote Area - Hotspot won't work and Starlink is No Longer an Option

[mrsbaatz]

Desperately searching for a solution for internet in a remote area of Michigan.  The Hotspot only works sporadically and only if we set it out about 30 feet from the trailer in an open field.

Starlink is no longer an option.  So what is the solution that doesn't require thousands of dollars upfront just for the equipment?  Our trailer is in a permanent spot on a private campground.  We are not interested in TV (though we do stream via Netflix, etc.) and use internet for working remotely.

Has anyone managed to crack this problem?

[Kirk W]

The only answer that I know of would be to go with salettite internet in an area that is remote.

[LiveWorkDream]

Boy that was our conundrum earlier this year. We have satellite internet with Mobilsat, but couldn't use it because of tree cover in our workamper campsite. We have 3 different carriers, a booster and antenna raised 5 feet above our rig, and that didn't help either.  We had to leave the job because of no connectivity.

My best advice is to try different carriers to see if that helps. Have you done that yet? 

[Dutch_12078]

Just curious, but why is Starlink no longer an option?

The fact that you get hotspot service at all suggests that an external antenna setup would likely improve the situation. Since we started using an aimable MIMO Yagi antenna pair mounted above the roof of our motorhome, we've gotten usable signals even in some locations where our previous $600 booster/repeater system was marginal at best. Our antenna set is only about 15 feet off the ground, but if we were in a fixed location, I would probably use PVC pipe to get it up a fair amount higher. I use a cell tower locator site to determine which way to aim the antenna set. Your hotspot does need two antenna inputs and MIMO support of course.

Edited September 6, 2022 by Dutch_12078

[Randyretired]

If all else fails there is Hughesnet and Viasat? sp.  We currently have Hughesnet but hope to switch to Starlink.  Hughesnet works but is slow and the delay is a pain.  Just about every year the dish needs to be readjusted.  $175 

[Bobbyb]

Why is Starlink not an option??

[Kirk W]

According to BroadbandNow this is the current availability of high speed coverage in MI.

[RV_]

3 hours ago, Dutch_12078 said:

Just curious, but why is Starlink no longer an option?

The fact that you get hotspot service at all suggests that an external antenna setup would likely improve the situation. Since we started using an aimable MIMO Yagi antenna pair mounted above the roof of our motorhome, we've gotten usable signals even in some locations where our previous $600 booster/repeater system was marginal at best. Our antenna set is only about 15 feet off the ground, but if we were in a fixed location, I would probably use PVC pipe to get it up a fair amount higher. I use a cell tower locator site to determine which way to aim the antenna set. Your hotspot does need two antenna inputs and MIMO support of course.

Ditto, Starlink will only get faster and provide more coverage as time goes on and they get the rest of the world covering constellation up and running.

[RV_]

Another one shot member?