TV and Interent Aboard

[rlb2252]

This has to be the most basic of questions. I did a search on this sight but most of the questions related to home electronics rather than on board a boat.

Can you connect to the internet from a boat, WiFi. If so, how far out is the limit.

Same question for TV. Will a dish work at sea?

 

[ftl900]

Re: TV and Interent Aboard

Assuming your talking about a wifi signal from a cell tower, if you have cell phone signal, it's a good indicator that you can also get a wifi or data connection that far out. The data network and the voice network are technically separate signals, but your results will be very similar to cell phone coverage.

You can also use your cell phone as a modem to power your laptop internet signal, but it's no different than having a dedicated wifi USB or similar attachment to get the signal.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: TV and Interent Aboard

Will a dish work at sea?

Only way is to have one of the autmatic tracking dishes that they have on expensive yachts. They run around $2,500.

Regarding WiFi, are we talking 802.11 or cell based?

 

[RickJ6956]

Re: TV and Interent Aboard

You probably won't get 802.11 wifi unless you're close to a populated area on shore. Wireless routers found in the home have a very limited range, usually under 100 feet. Many marinas and public docks have wifi, so you may pick up a signal if you're close.

A broadband connection ("aircard") is probably your best bet. It will cost between $40 and $60 a month.

 

[dingbat]

Re: TV and Interent Aboard

A broadband connection ("aircard") is probably your best bet. It will cost between $40 and $60 a month.

An Aircard is cell based so you have limited availability in a lot of areas, even on land. Aircard plans very but mine is $40 a month for up to 5 Gigs.

If you're looking at TV as well the best option would be to get a dish and use Direct TV and Hughes net internet service. I had Hughes before cable was available in my area and it worked well, just not the fastest service out there