Here’s a not-so-fun fact about RV life: finding reliable, fast internet on the go can be a major pain point. As my buddy Bill likes to say, “Bad internet is the dysentery of the digital age!” And ain’t that the truth?
After all, you want to be able to fire up your laptop and binge watch Ozark during a rest stop without the video constantly buffering. Or hop on a Zoom call with friends and family back home. Or heck, even post that killer sunset pic to Instagram without having to wait ages for it to upload.
Well, after testing a whole slew of solutions in my RV adventures across 46 states, I’m happy to report that I finally found an internet company that delivers consistent, fast speeds wherever my wanderlust takes me: Nomad Internet.
An Introduction to Nomad Internet
So what exactly is Nomad Internet? In a nutshell, it’s a cellular internet provider aimed specifically at RVers and other life-on-the-road warriors.
The basic idea is they give you a modem/router combo device that picks up 4G LTE signals from multiple major cellular carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc. This differs from using a hotspot or your phone’s mobile hotspot feature, which typically only uses one carrier’s network.
By tapping into multiple carrier networks, Nomad Internet is able to get you fast, reliable connections even in remote areas where cell coverage can be spotty. Plus their unlimited data plans mean you never have to stress about going over a limit!
The company was started in 2011 by a husband and wife team who loved RVing but hated the lack of decent internet. I had the pleasure of meeting them at an RV show in Tucson and they’re good people who really know their stuff.
Nomad Internet Plans: Speeds, Data & Costs
Alright, enough background. Let’s dig into the nitty gritty of Nomad’s service plans. They offer a few different options depending on your budget and how much data you need. Here’s a quick look at the key details:
- Cost: $129/month
- Speed: Up to 20 Mbps download / 2 Mbps upload
- High-speed unlimited data on AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile & Sprint networks
- Best for heavy data users or multiple people/devices
19GB Data Plan
- Cost: $89/month
- Speed: Up to 20 Mbps / 2 Mbps
- 19GB high-speed data then unlimited at reduced speeds
- Good for lighter internet use
5GB Data Plan
- Cost: $59/month
- Speed: Up to 20 Mbps / 2 Mbps
- 5GB high-speed data then unlimited at reduced speeds
- Best for very light internet users
They also offer short term 1-month plans if you just need service for a limited time. Pricing is the same monthly rate but without a contract.
As you can see, unlimited is the way to go if you plan on streaming, gaming, video calls and so on. Personally I need enough bandwidth for my wife to watch her shows while I’m working, so unlimited is the only way for us.
And at $129/month all-in, I find Nomad’s unlimited plan very fairly priced compared to alternatives. Especially given the blazing fast speeds and reliability I get with their modem and multiple carrier networks.
Nomad Internet Modem & Router
Speaking of hardware, a huge benefit of Nomad is the modem/router combo they provide called the Nomad Internet Air Modem.
This thing is awesome! It automatically connects you to the strongest cellular signals it can find from AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint.
It has WiFi support for connecting laptops, phones, tablets and other wireless devices. And it also has an ethernet port so you can directly wire in devices like smart TVs or gaming consoles for faster speeds.
The Air Modem is super portable and compact, which is perfect for using in an RV. It’s about the size of a small book and has a battery so you can take it with you wherever you roam.
It also allows you to connect up to 20 devices simultaneously. So you can have multiple laptops, phones, iPads, etc online at the same time with no slowdowns. For comparison, a mobile hotspot only allows up to 5-10 devices typically.
Another great feature is the Air Modem has an LCD screen that clearly displays the current cellular carrier, data usage, battery level, signal strength and more. So you always know your current connection status.
And the Nomad app for iOS and Android makes it easy to monitor data usage, change network settings and reboot or reset the modem if needed.
I’m telling you, this little modem is a game changer compared to using a hotspot or USB modem. It just works so smoothly with zero headaches.
What Makes Nomad Internet Unique?
There are a few other mobile internet providers out there, so what makes Nomad the best choice especially for RVers? Here are the key factors in my experience:
Reliable Connections & Fast Speeds
By accessing multiple carrier signals, I get much better coverage with Nomad than just using a single network. Even out in the boonies!
And their unlimited plan delivers speeds up to 20 Mbps, which is plenty fast for streaming, gaming, video calls and normal internet use. Verizon and AT&T have the strongest networks for Nomad overall in my experience.
Unlimited Data
No worrying about running out of data or overage charges with Nomad’s unlimited plan. We can use as much as we want!
Portable Hardware
The Air Modem is so small, easy to set up, and lets me connect anywhere. Beats clunky hotspot devices.
Allowance Rollover
If you don’t use all your high-speed data one month, it rolls over to the next month. Sweet!
No Long Term Contract
You can go month to month or save more with a 12 month contract. But no long term commitments either way.
RVer Friendly Customer Support
Nomad’s support reps actually own RVs themselves, so they can help troubleshoot any issues with knowledge and patience. Big difference from other companies.
Bill Credits for Outages
If you lose service for over 24 hours in a month through no fault of your own, Nomad credits your next bill. Fair enough in my book!
So in summary, you get a lot of value for the reasonable monthly fee. The unlimited data, fast speeds, rollover allowance and reliable hardware make Nomad well worth the investment.
What About Starlink for RVs?
You may be wondering how Nomad compares to Starlink for RVs. Starlink is SpaceX’s satellite internet service that’s now available for RV use.
It also provides high speeds and unlimited data anywhere you can view the sky. But there are a few drawbacks:
- Higher cost – Starts at $135/month plus $599 hardware.
- Bulky satellite dish.
- Availability limited – Waitlist for new users.
- Performance can drop in extreme weather or congested areas.
Don’t get me wrong, Starlink is very appealing technology, especially for totally off grid spots. But for most RVers, I think Nomad Internet is the smarter choice when you factor in price, hardware, and reliability.
What About Public WiFi Hotspots?
Some RVers try to get by only using free public hotspots they find at campsites, cafes, libraries and such. But this approach has some big headaches:
- Hotspots are not available everywhere you go. Can’t rely on finding one.
- They’re often slow with limited bandwidth.
- Public hotspots have security risks and lack privacy.
- It’s a hassle to have to constantly hunt down hotspots and reconnect.
Occasional hotspot use is fine as a backup. But for your primary internet, Nomad or a similar cellular provider is definitely the better route for security, speed and convenience.
Getting Set Up with Nomad Internet
Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks: how does one acquire Nomad’s services? It’s actually a super easy process:
1. Select a Service Plan
Browse Nomad’s plans at www.nomadinternet.com and select the one that matches your budget and data needs. You can change plans anytime without penalties.
2. Provide Your Cell Number & Shipping Address
When signing up online, Nomad needs your cell phone number for account verification purposes.
You also provide a shipping address where they can send your modem kit. If you’re on the road, you can use a mail forwarding service address.
3. Activate Your Account
Once Nomad ships out your modem, you simply follow the quick start guide to get your account activated and modem connected.
You can also watch their setup videos if you need a visual walkthrough. I’m pretty tech illiterate and even I figured it out no problem.
4. Install the Modem in Your RV
Nomad has tips for best installing the modem in your RV. I put mine right by the fridge which gets good reception, keeps it secure, and provides visibility of the status screen.
5. Connect Devices & Enjoy the Internet!
Now you’re ready to connect phones, laptops, tablets and so on to the modem’s WiFi network or ethernet ports.
Fire up Netflix and revel in that sweet, uninterrupted video streaming anywhere you roam! You can also set up a router for wider WiFi coverage if needed.
And there you have it – getting Nomad up and running is super straightforward. Within 24 hours of activating your account, you can have fast unlimited internet in your RV.
Nomad Internet: Final Thoughts
Well amigos, hopefully you now see why Nomad Internet is such a great solution for staying connected on the road.
To quickly recap the key benefits:
- Fast unlimited data on multiple carrier networks
- Reliable connections even in remote areas
- Portable modem with long battery life
- Allows up to 20 devices connected
- No long term contract required
- Customer support that understands RVers
Of course internet needs and budgets vary. But if you’re looking for a top-notch premium service with great performance, I can enthusiastically recommend Nomad based on my own full-time RVing experience.
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