Aug 03, 2023

 

Portable Wi-Fi is a dependable solution for boat connectivity that avoids many issues other types of watercraft internet can run into (including poor marina Wi-Fi and dead zones). If you haven’t thought about installing permanent Wi-Fi, consider several questions first:

 

• Where do you use your boat? Do you take it out to lakes, rivers, bays, etc.?

• How long do you use your boat in a session? An afternoon, a weekend?

• How many people do you usually take with you when boating?

 

In most cases, a broadband Wi-Fi router answers your long-term needs. Let’s look at why and some popular questions about boat Wi-Fi.

 

Benefits of a Permanent Cell-Based Router Device

Why include a router device on your boat at all? If you’ve never installed a portable, cellular Wi-Fi device on your watercraft, you may wonder what the big deal is. It can actually have a significant impact, especially during longer excursions. Here are some of the best advantages:

 

• Smartphone battery life isn’t a big concern. You aren’t relying solely on your phone when you have a router. That means smartphone batteries aren’t as important to manage, and you’ll likely use less power.

• You don’t have to worry about your internet going down. Other internet connections aren’t as reliable as a router designed to pick up cellular data signals in the area.

• It plugs directly into your boat’s power. You don’t need to rely on another device or a portable battery to get internet, and you don’t have to worry about your internet failing as long as you have power.

• You don’t have to depend on marina Wi-Fi. Marina Wi-Fi networks can be notoriously slow and unreliable, especially during active days. A cellular router bypasses marine Wi-Fi and receives signals directly from nearby cell towers, so you don’t have to worry about these issues.

• A permanent router offers a better signal. You receive a more reliable signal that’s less likely to be lost and has a better range than many alternatives, plus the ability to go around mountains and other obstacles. That’s handy on the boat and helps if you’re lounging in the marina or similar locations and still want to receive a personal signal.

• It’s faster than most alternatives. Speed is important to today’s wireless connections. Whether you’re streaming a show waiting for the fish to bite or getting live satellite updates on the weather, you need an internet connection to handle it. A dedicated router is the best option to make sure you don’t freeze, slow down, or try to open a page your connection can’t handle.

• No worries about others tapping into your Wi-Fi. A popular day on a lake can get a little crowded – but you don’t have to worry about others stealing your bandwidth and using your router. A cellular router offers all the protection you need, so with the right password protocols, only you and your friends can tap into the signal.

• Multiple options for carriers. With a permanent cellular router like those offered by ispMint, you can work with a carrier you already have. That freedom of choice is useful if you already know which providers offer the best phone service in the areas where you like to go boating.

• Bandwidth for multiple people. Smaller hotspots and similar solutions can be limited and may only work best with one or two people. If you have a group join you on your boating venture, a full router is a better bet to allow everyone to use their devices without creating problems with performance.

• Options to upgrade. If your connection isn’t as powerful as you want, upgrade a router with a repeater or booster device to enhance the signal. That option may not be available with other internet options like hotspots.

 

What About Connecting a Hotspot Device?

There are portable hotspot devices designed for travel, as well as the ability to set up your laptop or a similar device as a hotspot for your boat or another area. This allows the device to send out a signal that authorizes other nearby devices to use it to connect to the internet. However, this isn’t a good solution for a space used regularly and for significant periods, like taking a boat out on the weekends.

 

A portable hotspot like this typically relies on battery power, meaning it can run out of power at inopportune times and requires users to ration how it’s used. Using a phone or a laptop to create the hotspot can drain these devices until they run out of power, making going online even riskier. Plus, hotspots like these may not be as dependable or fast as a dedicated router.

 

While hotspots are an option for temporary device connections, we recommend a more permanent solution for a beloved boat or similar craft, like a cellular connection you can rely on without worrying about other details.

 

What About Satellite Internet on My Boat?

Satellite internet is a possible recommendation for watercraft. However, it has several downsides that can make it difficult for boatowners to implement:

 

1. It can be very expensive for long-term service, especially compared to other options that are much more affordable.

2. Satellite internet is not especially reliable: It doesn’t cover all areas and can be disrupted by bad weather and other events.

3. Satellite internet requires specialized devices, which aren’t as common as routers.

 

In most cases, it’s better to use cellular data connections or similar options than to use satellite internet, especially for river and lake boating, where a cellular connection is likely.

 

Find Out More About Affordable Cellular Internet for Your Watercraft Adventures

 

If you want a long-term Wi-Fi solution for your boat, ispMint offers low-cost internet for rural areas and outdoor ventures. Our plans include unlimited data via cellular connections that can reach speeds up to 130mbps – without any contracts locking you into a plan. Ready to learn more? You can check your availability at a particular address and see how it works on our website.