When you’re off the grid, you’re responsible for all your own utilities. Under such circumstances, off-the-grid internet may sound impossible, but it’s not. Several types of rural internet offer off-grid services; you just need to rethink where your internet comes from. Here are your off-the-grid internet options, including tips for how to power your online connection.
Off-grid Internet Options
Your off-the-grid internet options include satellite internet, cellular hotspots, and fixed wireless services. Depending on your location, you may have your choice of one or more of these options, with satellite internet typically being the only service available in very remote regions.
Satellite Internet
Satellite internet is excellent for rural life, whether you’re on or off-grid. With no need for ground infrastructure beyond a satellite dish, off-the-grid internet can deliver reliable connectivity even in the most remote locations. The lack of terrestrial infrastructure makes satellite internet disaster-resistant — an important consideration if your nearest emergency services and neighbors are miles away.
In terms of speed, satellite internet averages 25 to 100 Mbps, depending on location, making it possible to stream movies, make video calls, and work with cloud-based resources.
Cellular Hotspots
Cellular hotspot internet uses your phone or tablet’s cellular signal to deliver internet data, creating a personal Wi-Fi network centered on either your phone or a mobile hotspot device. If you have decent cell service, a cellular hotspot is a possible off-grid internet option. Such services offer faster speeds, plug-and-play access, and are portable.
The catch, of course, is you need cell service, and many off-grid homes are out of range of cell towers. Cellular internet plans often include data caps that, once exceeded, result in additional charges or the “throttling” of your signal to slower speeds.
Fixed Wireless Internet
Like cellular hotspots, fixed wireless internet uses cell tower signals. Fixed towers transmit data as radio signals, which are received by a home antenna. Fixed wireless offers good speeds, but like cellular hotspots, it relies on proximity to a cell tower. Additionally, a strong signal requires a direct line of sight between your antenna and the tower. Hills, heavily forested areas, and other obstructions weaken the signal.
Powering Your Off-grid Internet
Routers and modems have relatively minor power demands, but you’ll need power no matter what type of off-the-grid internet you choose. Solar panels, battery banks, and generators can all power your network.
Why Choose Hughesnet
Hughesnet® satellite internet plans are perfect off-grid internet options for even the most remote areas of the continental United States. Choose Hughesnet if you want:
- Download speeds of up to 100 Mbps.
- Unlimited data, so you can do more of what you love online.
- Professional installation.
- Built-in Wi-Fi with optional Mesh Wi-Fi Nodes to extend coverage and eliminate dead zones.
- A two-year price lock guarantee.
- Availability in areas beyond the reach of cable and fiber.
Hughesnet also offers Hughesnet Fusion® plans. Available in select locations, Fusion plans combine satellite and wireless technology to reduce latency and deliver a faster, more responsive internet experience.
Knowing how to get Wi-Fi off-grid keeps you connected in remote rural locations. Hughesnet offers reliable high-speed internet with built-in Wi-Fi to those who prefer to live far from ground-based internet infrastructure. So why wait? Find an internet plan that works for you!
