How to get internet while off-shore

S

Sangstercraft

Well-Known Member
The thing that keeps my trips on the WCVI short is my inability to answer work emails and make calls due to lack of cell signal. Often I'll be camped in some remote cove that can't get any signal at all. Does anyone know of a device which makes a wifi 'hotspot' for my laptop and iPhone? I assume it'd have to be a satellite connection with an expensive data plan.
 
WCVI is a big area. Tofino and Ukee both have cell towers. Coverage is decent off-shore with ok 3G connectivity (email and internet possible). In-shore coverage is very subject to line-of-site so when you're tucked into a cove or anchorage say inside the Broken Group it's usually a no-go. You might have moderate success with a larger cellular antenna and booster with one of those 3/4G Internet hubs (with an external antenna port).

North of Tofino there's no cell coverage and South of Ukee there's nothing until Sooke. http://www.ertyu.org/steven_nikkel/...126.805908&zoom=8&type=roadmap&layers=a&pid=0

Satellite may be interesting, but holy crap it will be expensive. We have a family cabin and have a subscription to XplorNet which is reasonable at $40/mo with the ability to turn it off for up to 6 months per year -- but the dish is massive and has to be positioned to the millimeter in order to work.

Try experimenting with something like this: http://www.panbo.com/archives/2015/...oost_drive_4g_and_digital_antenna_bullet.html

I've also heard of good luck with these units -- its a combination 3G/4G/WiFi unit made for the marine environment: http://www.thewirie.com/products.html
 
Some holiday if you have to carry an electric leash around . I am reminded of a time when I was worried when I was scheduled for a medical appointment during the time I had an important job coming up. I was going through-- "Should I go?? Maybe its better if I cancel the appointment ??? ..." One of the guys I worked with looked at me straight in the eye and asked " Do you think that you are REALLY that indispensable ? " I got the message. .....
 
I'm the ceo and owner of the company - so I WANT to stay connected :) The staff handle most but not all responsibilities.

Thanks for the ideas, 10-mile.
 
Interesting conversation. Some of us can't disconnect because of our fiduciary duties. Personally I'd feel better connected (more relaxed). I worry whenever I'm at Nootka. I've thought about the Globalstar sat phone as well. There was a boat at Critter from Victoria with a sat connection a couple of weeks back that had access to real time weather and I assume Internet. I didn't talk to the owner but heard the subscription was expensive (north of $200 pm).
 
Simple answer.......you don't :D.

I don't run a huge company but I do have 8 employees. I have systems and people that I trust in place so that I don't require connection to them on my days off on the WCVI. As a business owner you need down time :). We can all agree on this right?. It's good for you, your family, and believe it or not your company. Sure things can go wrong while your away but you can come back rested and in the right state of mind to deal with it. Why ruin a perfectly good trip worrying about work? Problems are actually good for your employees to try to deal with without you. You get to see how they dealt with them and go from there. Team building. The whole key is to have it running smoothly before you go :cool:.

I fish, boat, and hunt to get away from the everyday electronic gig. It's good for the soul. We take so much for granted. It's time to get away and think about life.
 
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^^^Yeah!! What he said!^^^ the week I go fishing out of renfrew is the week I look most forward to, it sure is nice to leave the electronic age for a bit and remember what human contact is all about!
 
Sculpin said:
Simple answer.......you don't :D.

I don't run a huge company but I do have 8 employees. I have systems and people that I trust in place so that I don't require connection to them on my days off on the WCVI. As a business owner you need down time :). We can all agree on this right?. It's good for you, your family, and believe it or not your company. Sure things can go wrong while your away but you can come back rested and in the right state of mind to deal with it. Why ruin a perfectly good trip worrying about work? Problems are actually good for your employees to try to deal with without you. You get to see how they dealt with them and go from there. Team building. The whole key is to have it running smoothly before you go :cool:.

I fish, boat, and hunt to get away from the everyday electronic gig. It's good for the soul. We take so much for granted. It's time to get away and think about life.
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I agree business owners have to disconnect to stay sane. In some places I go I am pretty in dark with cell and internet coverage... Most of the time I just let me clients know in advance....If it a real emergency our clients generally can wait. I went through this summer feeling guilty for going out some of our business days . I would be checking emails etc..But it keeps you relaxed and head in the game when you get back to keep that stuff onshore. I shut everything off now.
 
most if not all lodges have wifi. I have a number of lodges that I know where I can just tie up to the dock and get emails etc. Not too good for large files though. I think the right conversation with owners will get you in the right direction.
 
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