Are you planning to spend time off the grid and wondering how to get internet access? In this article, we will explore the options you might want to consider when connecting to the internet in rural areas.

What Is Off The Grid?

First, you must define what’s off the grid for you. Everyone has a different definition of what that entails.

Are you planning to connect to the internet in rural areas without electricity?

Can you connect to cell carriers?

Are you going to move in an RV or stay in one place?

Those are all important questions, as the answer for a suitable off-the-grid internet connection is strongly connected to your individual needs.

Get An eSIM

If you plan a camping trip or decide to live in an RV, constantly changing the location, it might be worth looking into available eSIM plans.

An eSIM is a virtual SIM card used in most new smartphones. Websites like Simpackers.com allow users to compare the best eSIM plans in specific destinations.

The benefit of an eSIM is that you don’t need any other devices besides your smartphone. The plans are often much cheaper than any other off-the-grid internet solution.

Every eSIM provider works with various local carriers, allowing you to connect to the cell carrier with the best reception in your area.

Before purchasing an eSIM, it’s recommended that you choose an eSIM provider that collaborates with multiple local carriers to maximize the chance of receiving reception even in rural locations.

If you want a short-term, off-the-grid internet solution, an eSIM might be your most affordable option.

Connect With Starlink

If you are looking for more bandwidth and have a power source nearby, Starlink might be an option you should consider. Starlink offers internet access in many rural areas.

Starlink is a remote system that connects you to Starlink satellites. The solution comes with an antenna and a router. The antenna must be connected to a power outlet and pointed at the sky to receive a signal.

Starlink benefits boat or RV owners who like to be off-the-grid while enjoying a reliable internet connection. According to a study by Ookla, Starlink users in the United States enjoy average download speeds of 67Mbps.

Starlink's service isn’t cheap. The upfront cost is at least $599, and the minimum monthly payment is $120 for a maximum download speed of 100Mps.

In addition to high upfront costs, users can’t get a Starlink system immediately unless they opt-in for one of the priority services. Standard users might wait weeks or months before receiving their Starlink solution as it is subject to availability.

Explore Other Satellite Internet Providers

Outside of Starlink, you can explore other offers from satellite internet providers such as Hughesnet or Viasat.

Those options are typically less expensive to set up. Hughesnet comes with a 2-year contract, whereas with Viasat, you can disconnect the service whenever you want.

When choosing a satellite internet provider, it's best to compare the rates and the availability in the remote area where you want to connect to the internet.

Additional criteria to consider could be the download and upload speeds or the quality of the customer service.

Satellite internet providers are suitable, especially for remote areas where fiber or DSL isn’t available.

Use Data From Your Cell Carrier

The easiest way to get internet off grid is to use your local cell carrier, given you have reception even in remote locations.

You don’t need to buy any additional devices and can continue using your cell plan without extra costs. You can use your smartphone to create a hotspot to share the data with other devices.

While this option might be the cheapest way to get internet off the grid, it’s limited in rural areas without any signal.

Use Local WSIP (Wireless ISPs)

Wireless internet service providers (WISP) enable you to connect to the internet via WiFi. This eliminates the need for DSL or fiber in your home.

Wireless ISPs usually offer better coverage in rural areas. Depending on your location, you can search for local internet providers and ask whether they provide wireless internet coverage.

This internet solution is useful if you lack the necessary infrastructure for high-speed internet.

Note that this option isn’t suitable for people moving in an RV or constantly changing their location.

Final Takeaway

Getting internet off the grid can be a costly experience, depending on the area and the service coverage. If you are looking for a long-term solution for your off-the-grid home, it’s best to research the available options in the area.

If you are constantly moving, it’s best to use the data plans from your cell carrier, get an eSIM, or explore satellite internet offers for higher speeds and more data.