My club does not have internet. What are my choices?
If your club does not have internet, there is no time like the present to "connect." Within the last 5 years, the number of options available to rural customers have expanded rapidly.
FCC ISP Lookup
The FCC has a tool that allows you to see the internet providers in your area at https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov. Enter your address and the download speeds available. We highly suggest you start your search for an internet service provider here.
Cable or DSL
Cable and DSL are the most common internet solutions out there, with providers such as Xfinity, Spectrum, Century Link, Frontier, and Time Warner. Look up who your local internet service providers are, and see who has service in your area. If none of them do, no need to worry. There are many other solutions for rural customers.
Satellite
Sattellite internet is one of the fastest growing internet solutions in the world today, with companies like StarLink already offering consumer service, with others like BlueOrigin and Facebook, having plans to or are beginning to launch service.
- StarLink
- We suggest StarLink for the price/performance that is offered. Typically there is a one time fee for the equipment, and a ~$100/month fee for service. With an average throughput of 114 Mbps, and no data-caps or throttling it is the best satellite solution on the market today.
- ViaSat
- If StarLink is not available in your area you may consider looking into ViaSat, they offer slower speeds than StarLink, and have datacaps.
- HughesNet
- HughesNet is another solution that is available anywhere in the world. We only suggest it if you cannot access a LTE/5G provider. This is because HughesNet has datacaps before your service is throttled to an almost unusable point (1-3 Mbps).
LTE/5G
LTE/5G internet solutions use the same technologies as your phone, except with higher throughput modems. This allows you to have a wireless internet solution anywhere there is cellular signal. Unlike with Satellite internet, LTE and 5G internet allows you to move from location to location without experiencing interruptions. Equipment is often purchased separately from the data plans, and the data plans often have datacaps, but they are much higher than the data caps of some Satellite providers. Do not use cellular boosters, they only work for voice.
Why not use a hotspot?
Hotspots are great for short periods of wireless internet usage. However, they are not good for prolonged usage. They run off of a battery even when plugged in, which means that they inherently have to use low power modems. This causes slower download speeds, and gives them worse range. Leading to poor signal, and performance. Since they are compact, they also often have poor ventilation, leading to overheating, which causes the device to throttle itself, and reduce download speeds. Because this hotspots are not recommended for long term use, but are a great backup solution.
Available Services and Bundles
- Verizon Home Internet
- Verizon has the easiest and most affordable internet solutions. Starting at $60/month for unlimited data. Assuming that you have good service already with Verizon in the clubhouse, then this is an excellent option. If they are not available do not worry! There are many other solutions available.
- T-Mobile Home Internet
- T-Mobile has their own home internet solution. It is a flat rate of $50/month, however availability is limited in comparison to Verizon. Contact them prior to purchasing to see if it would be a good fit for your club.
- UnlimitedVille
- We suggest UnlimitedVille to anyone who wants a plug and play solution. You pick one of their three plans (blue/AT&T, pink/T-Mobile, red/Verizon) based off of what carrier has the best reception in your area, if you aren't sure what plan is right for you you can have them recommend a plan for you. When you receive the unit in the mail, plug it in, and follow the setup directions. Now you have highspeed internet. Speeds average about 80Mbps, they have a 100% refund policy, and you get truly unlimited data, with not throttling. If you are inside of a metal building, or a building that interferes with your existing cellphone, we would suggest looking at the next solution or Satellite.
- Mobile Must Have
- This company is a hardware seller, who sells the equipment needed for LTE/5G networks. The sell bundles of equipment designed for RVs, but can be used for home/office installations as well. They also are a reseller of internet service from AT&T and Verizon. They have tons of videos and guides explaining mobile internet, and is a fantastic resource to learn about LTE/5G internet and how to install your kit.
- Full Time Bundle
- This is a great package for the price, it has a LTE/5G antenna, with the lowest installation overhead, and the easiest setup of any package they offer. The antenna also has the best reception of any bundle they offer, which makes this a great option when you are further away from the cell tower. Requires a dataplan (see below)
- Essentials Bundle
- This is the most affordable package they offer. It has a single LTE antenna Requires a dataplan (see below)
- Plans
- B300
- 300GB of data per month on AT&T ($150/month + $50 for the first month)
- Canary 800
- 800GB of data per month ($120/month + $80 for the first month)
- B300
- Full Time Bundle
- This company is a hardware seller, who sells the equipment needed for LTE/5G networks. The sell bundles of equipment designed for RVs, but can be used for home/office installations as well. They also are a reseller of internet service from AT&T and Verizon. They have tons of videos and guides explaining mobile internet, and is a fantastic resource to learn about LTE/5G internet and how to install your kit.
- RV Mobile Internet
- This is the best solution for more technologically adept users, with more options, guides and configuration choices