HOW TO GET CONNECTED ON TOUR

Internet access is a vital part of life these days. John Sootheran outlines how you can stay fully connected on the road

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Nowadays, it seems that there are four essentials in life: air, water, food and the internet (the order will change if you have children!).

We have all become so accustomed to having information, entertainment and apps available on demand via our digital devices, that being deprived of our 100MB/s of Wi-Fi reception can feel rather like losing a limb.

You would certainly think so in my family, given the amount of moaning and anxiety when it happens.

What is mobile internet?

Luckily for motorhomers, our access to the web doesn’t have to disappear when we head off into the wilds. Cutting-edge technology can keep you in touch almost anywhere.

First, though, we’ll outline what you need to know about staying connected on the road. Then, on p84, Falcon Technology’s Chris Williams provides an expert opinion, and on p86, we have a guide to selecting the mobile internet kit that will best suit the needs of you and your family.

Basically, mobile internet for leisure vehicles is like having your own portal to the online world, even when you’re pitched in the middle of nowhere.

It lets you stream favourite shows, access your bank account, buy tickets or share a perfect sunset snap on social media, all without having to rely on sometimes iffy, costly campsite Wi-Fi.

Of course, you could just hotspot to your phone. However, even if you do manage to get a signal with your mobile’s antenna, you’ll likely drain its battery faster than a leisure battery when someone’s drying their hair.

For the confirmed off-gridder or lovers of remote camping, a good mobile internet set-up is your route to achieving Wi-Fi nirvana.

Mobile internet in your motorhome works by connecting to mobile phone networks, much like your smartphone does, to provide internet access while you are on the move.