Cellular, Wi-Fi & Satellite For a Fixed Location
If you're going to be in a fixed location for a while in your RV or boat - or even in a rural housing situation - you may still be dependent upon the types of mobile internet options we cover here at the Mobile Internet Resource Center. Cellular, satellite and using Wi-Fi sources aren't exclusive for use by mobile nomads.
There are times when you may park your wheels or dock your keels for an extended period of time in one spot.
Perhaps seasonal RV or boat travels, or staying in one location for a while as you take temporary work or workamping gigs, is the pace that fits your lifestyle.
Perhaps you've purchased land to keep your RV at, and want an internet solution at that fixed location.
Or you may have a fixed residential traditional home base and travel by RV or boat only part of the time - but want a mobile internet solution you can use for both.
Or perhaps you live in a rural area where traditional wired home internet solutions aren't viable - so you're looking for cellular or satellite options.
Or you're a cord-cutter relying on similar mobile solutions to RVers and boaters.
This guide is meant to help you utilize mobile internet options like cellular, satellite, and Wi-Fi when you find yourself in a fixed stationary location for a while.
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Fixed Location Mobile Internet Video Overview
Here's a quick video overview with some tips for optimizing your mobile internet setup when in a fixed stationary location:
A lot has changed since this video was filmed in 2020 with launch of Starlink. For current mobile satellite solutions check here for the latest information in our Starlink for RVers and Boaters guide.
Mobile Internet for Stationary Fixed Locations
The challenges of a stationary fixed location internet set-up and a mobile internet set-up are different. And if you're mobile but staying in one location for an extended period, that can also add challenges.
One of our catchphrases here is:
The best internet solution is the one that works best at your current location.
For mobile RVers and boaters, location is variable, so what works best will also be variable. A mobile internet setup aims to have various options ready to be deployed as you move from location to location to increase the chances you'll have the connectivity you need.
On the other hand, a stationary or extended stay setup for a fixed location can be optimized for what mobile internet solution works best at a particular location.
If you're staying in one fixed location for a long period of time in your RV or boat, you'll (hopefully) only need to figure out what works best in your given location once. With, perhaps, infrequent updates and options at that location change.
While the upside of being stationary is that you can optimize your mobile internet for the best solution, the downside can be that finding the best solution may take a lot of trial and error.
For this guide, "stationary" means optimizing for a single location because you'll be at a location for an extended time, or have a permanent or semi-permanent presence.
For more information on mobile internet options for active nomads:
How to Find What Mobile Internet is Best in a Fixed Location
Our number one tip for determining what mobile internet option works best in a specific fixed location?
Ask your neighbors.
You can learn a lot just by asking what those around you already use for their internet access.
Ask the owners, management, or other guests what they suggest if you're at a campground, RV park, marina, or other housing situation.
You can also check reviews for mentions of internet access. The FCC Broadband map can also help you see what options might be available in your area - including cellular, satellite, fixed wireless, and wired options.
If you're hitting brick walls, you must try different solutions - which can be time-consuming and costly. But once you have it all tuned in, the investment should hopefully pay off for a long time.
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Check out the Topics Covered in the Member Section:
RV Fixed Location Mobile Internet Options
The possibilities may not be endless, but they are typically more abundant than options for a mobile nomadic lifestyle. This section discusses the mobile internet options that may fit stationary fixed location setup well.
Mobile Internet Enhancement Tools
Even in a stationary setup, you may need to do things to enhance whatever signal it is you're using. This section covers your options for enhancing a setup in a stationary location.
Residential Home
Some special considerations for residential-sized homes when using mobile internet solutions are discussed in this section.
Summary: Optimizing Mobile Internet for a Fixed Location
Although mobile internet solutions are not always optimal for fixed location settings, they can often work fine or with some tweaking. In some cases, however, you will need to optimize for a stationary or long-term stay with specific gear and connection options that work best at that location.
For those who are 'too far off the grid' to access typical stationary household options, investigating what those who are mobile use can be a good 'jump off' point to find an internet solution.
For part-time nomads who spend significant time both stationary and mobile, creating a 'mixed internet arsenal' utilizing stationary options when and mobile option is often the solution.
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Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of