Internet on board at anchor

[danielgoldberg]

If you're where you have a cell signal, why not just get a broadband card and plug it into a USB port on your computer? I've been using one for years and they work great. Isn't that the easiest way?

And if you want a really good connection while anchored, make sure you use a Rocna.

[hellosailor]

sd-
"AT&T hasn't gotten the tethering worked out yet AFAIK... "
Oh, they've gotten it worked out. But as jwreck notes, it is a matter of extortion not technical expertise. AT&T wants the same $60/month that they would demand for a 'real' cellular data plan with the same "unlimited but limited to 5GB on any regular basis" plan.
Of course they're not the only carrier doing that. Boost Mobile has cheap (way cheap) data plans, but a terribly slow network. Same thing with all the carrieres, the cheap ones are dog slow, the fast ones want blood money.
Of course compared to what simple landline long distance calls cost 40 years ago, even the most extortionate plans are dirt cheap these days. Hmmmm.....

[chrisroberts56]

Originally Posted by TQA

You do not give your location and cruising area which would be useful.

Using a G Sky remote wifi modem I am getting a good connection at up to a mile and have found regular wifi [sometimes free] from Florida down to Antigua.

Mind you just come across the real Pirates of the Caribbean. Usually the rate is 30 to 40 US$ per month. ACT in Antigua are trying to charge $125.

Thanks,
I am at present in the Mediterranian. Greek mailland and Ionian Islands.

[chrisroberts56]

Originally Posted by danielgoldberg

If you're where you have a cell signal, why not just get a broadband card and plug it into a USB port on your computer? I've been using one for years and they work great. Isn't that the easiest way?

And if you want a really good connection while anchored, make sure you use a Rocna.

Thanks,
I'll try that. This year we will be pretty well not far away from cell signals most of the time. We are exploring this year - no long offshore passages which will make a change.

[self7000]

Universal and inexpensive recipe for all regions is absent. But indeed there are only 2 variants: 3G modem with local SIM-card (for long stay) or communicator in roaming (for a few days). The next step - satellite. It is not so expensive as everybody think. But of course - not very cheap.

WiFi Networking for Cruising Sailboats - ok. There are no technical problems to amplify the signal. But You have to find the WiFi network which is free for You Sometimes it is not a good idea.

[theartfuldodger]

We have bought and set up a Alfa AWUS036H wifi, and get connections out to 5 miles as well we usually have about 30 plus hits about half are open, works great, must be mounted above head height as it is a microwave signal.

[speciald]

Try using PDA.net to get around the teathering problem.