Hi! We are Shane and Missy, founders of Part-Time Adventuring. We bought a 25ft Airstream Flying Cloud in July 2023. We are now traveling in it full time with the goal of visiting all of the US National Parks.
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With needing to work on the road, internet access is super important for us. Lots of campgrounds offer free wifi, however we have quickly realized that most of the time it does not work any better than our phone's hotspot. We went through the pros and cons of varying options and decided that getting a cell service booster tower was the best for us.
What is a Cell Service Booster?
A cell service signal booster, also known as a cell phone signal booster or signal repeater, is a device designed to improve the quality and strength of a cellular signal within a specific area. It works by amplifying and rebroadcasting the existing cell signal, thus enhancing cellular connectivity. Here's how it works:
External Antenna: The signal booster system typically consists of an external antenna that is placed outside the building or vehicle where the signal is weak. This antenna captures the existing weak cell signal from nearby cell towers.
Signal Amplifier: The captured signal is then sent to the signal amplifier unit, often located indoors. The amplifier boosts the strength of the signal. This is important because it allows the signal to be carried over a longer distance without significant loss.
Internal Antenna: The amplified signal is then transmitted to an internal antenna, which is typically placed inside the area where you need improved cell service, such as a room in your home or an office. The internal antenna broadcasts the enhanced signal throughout that space.
Signal Repeated: When your mobile device (cell phone, tablet, etc.) tries to make a call, send a text, or access the internet, it connects to the boosted signal from the internal antenna instead of the weaker signal from the distant cell tower. This effectively extends the coverage area of the cell signal, providing you with a stronger and more reliable connection.
Here are some key points to keep in mind about how cell service signal boosters work:
They work for all major carriers and support multiple devices simultaneously.
They are not network-specific and can boost signals for 2G, 3G, 4G, and sometimes even 5G networks, depending on the booster's specifications.
Signal boosters do not create new cellular signals; they enhance existing ones.
They are particularly useful in areas with weak or obstructed cell signal, such as rural areas, buildings with thick walls, or areas with natural barriers like mountains.
We check how our phone signal is by conducting an internet speed test, if you just google that google can run it. Having at least 25mbps is ideal but a lot of the times we get over 100mbps which is fantastic. From there we just turn on our Hotspot to connect any devices (including our TVs) and we can work and entertain from there.
What are the other options?
Satellite Internet Services: Providers like Starlink offer satellite internet for RVs. Satellite internet can be slower than cellular options and is affected by weather conditions, but it works in remote areas where cellular coverage is scarce.
Mobile Hotspots: Many cellular providers offer mobile hotspot devices that allow you to create a Wi-Fi network in your RV using a cellular data connection. You can connect multiple devices to the hotspot to access the internet.
Cellular Routers: These are similar to mobile hotspots but may provide better coverage and connectivity. They can be installed in your RV for more consistent internet access.
Wi-Fi Boosters: Wi-Fi boosters can amplify existing Wi-Fi signals from nearby sources like campgrounds or cafes. These devices can help improve the Wi-Fi range in your RV.
RV Park and Campground Wi-Fi:Many RV parks and campgrounds offer Wi-Fi for their guests. While this can be convenient, the quality of the Wi-Fi signal can vary greatly from one location to another.
Pros and Cons of the Cell Service Signal Booster
Pros:
Improved Signal Strength: The primary advantage of a signal booster is that it significantly enhances the strength of your cell signal. This results in fewer dropped calls, faster data speeds, and improved call quality.
Wider Coverage Area: Signal boosters can extend the coverage area of a cell signal, making them particularly useful in areas with weak or no signal, such as rural or remote locations, or within buildings with poor signal penetration.
Carrier Agnostic: Most signal boosters are compatible with all major carriers, as they work with the existing signal. This means you don't need a separate booster for each carrier.
Supports Multiple Devices: Signal boosters can improve signal quality for multiple devices simultaneously, making them suitable for homes, offices, and vehicles with multiple users.
Reliable Data and Voice Services: With improved signal strength, you can have more reliable voice calls and faster data speeds for activities like streaming, video calls, and web browsing.
One Time Payment: While rather expensive at $650 USD, there is not any other monthly fees compared to hotspots and or star link. EX: Starlink costs $150 per month with a $599 one-time payment fee.
Cons:
Installation Complexity: Setting up a signal booster may on our Airstream was rather difficult. We actually had a mishap when trying it out for the first time that caused it to fall on our truck, breaking the windshield, days before our first trip. We made a heavier holder for the tower, putting cement into a bucket and creating space for the pole to sit in. We have had zero problems since this addition.
Only Works if There is Cell Signal Initially: Due to needing to work while traveling, we aren't doing much fully remote travel where there is zero cell service. If you're more likely to be off the grid we'd recommend starlink, as it relies on satellites in the sky.
Dependency on External Factors: The effectiveness of a signal booster can be influenced by factors like the initial signal strength, the distance from the cell tower, and the presence of physical barriers (e.g., mountains or buildings). In some cases, the boost may not be as significant as desired.
Conclusion
Due to all of the above information we decided that the WeBoost Destination RV Cell Phone Signal Booster was the right fit for us. We love that we don't have to pay monthly fees to have reliable internet access. The booster thus far has aided immensely in the improvement of our cell service speeds.
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