Road Trip Wifi: Exploring The Best Alternatives For Staying Connected

Wondering how to stay connected on the road? This is the article for you! Having reliable internet access can enhance your travel experience, whether for navigation, streaming music, or staying in touch with loved ones. Let's explore all the alternatives for getting wifi on a road trip, so you can choose the best option for your journey.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here's a quick rundown of what we'll cover:

1. Phone Hotspots & Mobile Service Providers
2. Portable Wifi Hotspots
3. Wifi Dongles
4. Public Wifi

Phone Hotspots

What Are Phone Hotspots?

A phone hotspot uses your data plan and can be used directly from your smartphone, allowing multiple devices to connect to the internet.

Pros:

1. Convenience: It’s easy to turn on your phone's hotspot, and it doesn’t require additional set-up before your holiday.
2. Flexibility: Connect multiple devices simultaneously.
3. No Extra Device Needed: If you’re just using your phone, there's no need to carry additional gadgets.
4. Added Security: Using your own private hotspot (i.e. password protected) is safer than using a public Wifi hotspot.

Cons:

1. Battery Drain: Using your phone as a hotspot can make your phone go flat faster.
2. Data Limitations: Depending on your plan, you might face data caps or hefty additional charges.
3. Lacking Additional Device Support: While you can comfortably add other devices, the cost will add up and you typically can only add 10 devices.
4. Requires Service: If you’re in rural or outback destinations you may not have Wifi. Telstra has the best coverage across Australia, followed by Optus and Vodafone. See below for more information about mobile service providers.

Tip for international travellers: If needed, you can purchase a local SIM card for your phone from the airport, which will allow you to use a mobile hotspot.

Which Mobile Service Provider Should I Choose?

While there are plenty of mobile service providers (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), there are actually only three networks across Australia: Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone.

Which one you choose will depend on where you’re going. If you’re sticking to well-populated areas, it comes down to a choice of budget. If you’re going more rural you’ll want a mobile service provider with greater coverage – which makes the Telstra Network a strong choice since it has more cell towers across Australia.

Some Popular Mobile Virtual Network Operators

Telstra Network Providers 2024:

ALDI Mobile (Offers 5G)

Belong (Offers 5G)

Boost Mobile (Offers 5G)

Everyday Mobile (Offers 5G)

Exetel (Offers 5G)

Lycamobile

MATE (Offers 5G)

More (Offers 5G)

Numobile (Offers 5G)

Superloop

Tangerine Telecom (Offers 5G)

Optus Network Providers 2024:

AGL

Amaysim (Offers 5G)

Aussie Broadband (Offers 5G)

Catch Connect

Circles.Life

Coles Mobile

Dodo

iPrimus

Moose Mobile

Southern Phone (Offers 5G)

SpinTel

Yomojo

Vodafone Network Providers 2024:

Felix Mobile

iiNet

Kogan Mobile

Lebara Mobile (Offers 5G)

TPG

Portable Wifi Hotspot

What Is Portable Wifi?

This works the same way as a mobile hotspot, except you’ll be buying an extra accessory that can function similarly to your home Wifi in addition to setting up a new data plan.

Pros:

• Battery Life: While you’ll still need to charge the device, it should last a decent amount of time. You should get about 10 hours of charge, which will last a few days if you remember to turn the device off when not in use
• Device Support: If you want to use multiple devices with Wifi, this will provide faster connection speeds.
• Security: Since it’s a private network, this is a secure option.

Cons:

• Can Be Costly: Depending on which device you’re buying and the plan you’re on, the costs can add up quickly
• Additional Set-Up Required: Unlike hot-spotting from your phone, you’ll need to arrange a new data plan before your holiday.
• Another Device To Carry: If you’re a habitual tech-user chances are you’re already carrying a range of devices such as your phone, camera, tablet, and/or laptop.
• Requires Charging: Don’t forget that the outlets in your motorhome won’t work unless you’re charged into a powered campsite.

Wifi Dongles

What Are Wifi Dongles?

A Wi-Fi dongle (aka USB modem, internet stick, or USB network adapter) is a small device that typically plugs into your laptop and provides internet access through a SIM card.

Some newer models can also act as portable wifi hotspots.

Pros:

• Hotspot Capability: You can use your laptop as a hotspot after connecting the dongle.
• Better Signal Reception: Some dongles have external antennas for improved connectivity.
• A Good Budget Option: Dongles are a relatively cheap choice to buy and set up.
• Space Conservative: A dongle will take up less space than a portable wifi hotspot
• No Charging Required: Dongles that plug into a USB port generally don’t require charging since they draw power from your laptop.

Cons:

• Extra Device To Manage: You'll need to keep track of another gadget and you’ll need to be plugged into a powered campsite to charge your laptop (laptops only have about 4-6 hours of battery life).
• Won’t Work Without A Power Source: Most dongles require a USB port or USB-C port, depending on which device you buy, otherwise they won’t function.

Public Wifi

What Is Public Wifi?

Public Wi-Fi is available at various locations, such as coffee shops, restaurants, libraries, campgrounds/holiday parks, and even some shopping complexes. These networks are usually free in public spaces, but there are some issues.

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Often free or very cheap.
• Easy Access: Available in many public places along your route.

Cons:

• Security Risks: Public networks can be unsecured, making your data vulnerable.
• Limited Availability: Not always available, especially in rural or remote areas.
• Variable Quality: Connection speeds and reliability can vary widely.

Stay Connected On Your Motorhome Road Trip!

So, should you invest in an additional accessory or just stick with your phone on your motorhome holiday? If you need reliable internet for multiple devices and plan to be on the road for a while, a wifi dongle or portable hotspot could be worth the investment.

However, for shorter trips if you already have a solid mobile data plan, using your phone as a hotspot is the easiest and most cost-effective solution.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and travel habits. Whatever you decide, staying connected will ensure you have all the information and access you need to make your motorhome holiday a breeze.

So pack your bags, fuel up your motorhome, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through one of Australia’s most incredible national parks! Start your adventure today and call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the motorhomes we have available at our branches!