MOTORHOMES & CAMPER VANS

On the road

Staying connected on the road. Solutions for every need

GPS, music, telecommuting, Smart TV... there are many reasons to stay connected on the road. There are also many ways to do so. From sharing a connection to installing a satellite antenna, we take a look at the solutions available. Before choosing an installation, it's important to take stock of your needs, so as not to over- or undersize the solution to be put in place.

Connection sharing. The simplest option

The simplest solution for staying connected is still the cell phone. It can be used to share a connection with a computer or smart TV, whether you're working or watching a movie. Your phone then becomes a little 4G or 5G modem, depending on your smartphone and package. You can even share your connection with other users, but this will be at the expense of your throughput. This is probably the most widely used solution.

A package tailored to your needs

You need to adapt your package to your needs. "My husband and I each have a 120 GB package. The kids each have a 60 GB package. That gives us peace of mind, but we reserve the screens for rainy days," sums up Lénaïg Maréchal. The downside of this solution remains the random coverage of the territory. In white zones, you can quickly find yourself without a network, and therefore without a connection solution. This can be a real problem if you're working or teleworking from your vehicle (see our article on teleworking in a camper van).

Abroad. Local Sim card or eSim

When you travel abroad, whether within or outside Europe, make sure your package is portable. If you go abroad without a suitable package, the bill can be very high. Today, French rate plans are valid in almost all European countries at no extra cost. Check the list of countries covered with your operator before you leave. If you're traveling outside the EU or to countries not included in your package, you can adapt your plan. Often more economical, you can buy a local SIM card on the spot, which can be a bit tricky if you don't speak the local language. An even simpler solution is the eSim card, which lets you add telephone lines to your phone. When traveling, you can subscribe to a mobile data package online, anywhere in the world, without needing to insert a physical SIM card.

4G key. Mini modem

The 4G key takes the form of a USB key that you plug into your computer. The key is equipped with a SIM card that enables you to connect to your operator's network. In addition to the cost of the key, you need to take out a subscription to access the Internet. They are increasingly being replaced by 4G routers.

The 4G and 5G router. A mini box for your motorhome.

The 4G or 5G router is more like the box you have at home. It's a box into which you slip a SIM card, which amplifies the signal emitted by your operator. You can then connect several devices to your 4G box. TP-Link models start at 60 euros. Huawei offers a model for 80 euros, followed by more powerful and therefore more expensive models. But the star router is more expensive. The Netgear Nighthawk M1, or MR1100, starts at 250 euros. While the cost is higher, the connection quality is equally impressive. The investment depends on your needs and usage. Once again, you'll need to take out a subscription with a mobile operator.

4G and 5G antennas to improve connectivity

If your router isn't enough, you can install a 4G or 5G antenna on the roof of your motorhome. It will pick up signals from antennas at longer distances and amplify the signal for a better connection. Prices start at 150 euros. This solution is often preferred by digital nomads and people who work on the move.

Satellite dishes. Assured connection

With a satellite antenna, you're sure to be connected wherever you are. It can receive both Internet and television. It's a guarantee of reliability, but the cost is correspondingly high. Expect to pay around 1,000 euros for an antenna, plus installation costs. "The manufacturers don't offer it, but it can be installed at a dealership. You have to bear in mind that it takes up space and adds weight, so it's an investment you have to think about in terms of use and vehicle weight", notes Marc Liberge, sales manager at Autostar. This solution is best suited to long-distance travellers.

Public Wi-Fi networks

In a campsite, café, restaurant or library, public Wi-Fi networks will save you data on your cell phone plan. This can come in handy for operations requiring high bandwidth, such as videoconferencing or sending large files. Not all of them are of equivalent quality or very secure. If you want to protect your data while using a public Wi-Fi network, we recommend using a VPN.

Towards a connected vehicle?

The motorhome of the future will surely be connected. That's what Marc Liberge thinks. "The solutions already exist for cars, so sooner or later they'll be deployed on motorhomes". For him, the problem remains finding the optimum system that can be deployed in series. "Each person has a particular appetite for this or that technology. You can't buy a house with a box," he says mischievously.

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