To get Wi-Fi going consistently, I needed both internet service, and a way to power my setup off battery alone. For my internet service, I chose Verizon Visible Wireless which comes with unlimited data and hotspot and put the sim into a phone I already had on hand. (Its anyway against TOS to put the sim into a router directly. Some people do it with no issues, so just an FYI.) I have 30gb hotspot on my AT&T phone which will work as emergency backup in case Verizon is not available in an area I’m in. I chose Verizon for my main van cellular service because they have the best 4G coverage, which is what I’ll mostly need, since 5G is mostly available in more urban areas, while 4G is stronger in rural areas. I may get deprioritized service if a tower is flooded, but not too worried about that.
I can only connect Visible to one device at a time, but I want one constant Wi-Fi connection for all my devices, regardless of what internet service I’m using, so I have it tethered to a GL.iNet Beryl router. With this, I can use Visible, my phone hotspot, public hotspot, and/or eventually Starlink for internet service. There’s failover, so if one internet connection drops, it will automatically switch over to another one. Also, the router runs off 12v, so I can run it on battery, without powering up an inverter. There are no USB connections in my media cabinet, so I got a car charger with USB and Type C connections for the 12v plug in there.
The only way I could run the TV in my van is by turning on the 2000w inverter, which is a pretty huge power draw. I decided to get a 500w inverter to plug the TV in, which is way more efficient, and I’ll be able to plug my Starlink into that too. I got pure sine, super important when it comes to electronics. I don’t fully understand the science, I just know mod sine is no good. I also connected the Roku to the USB in the inverter, and the inverter is plugged into the 12v car charger in the media cabinet. So far so good, just hope it all works like I expect it to cause this setup cost significantly less than most van internet systems I researched online.
I wasn’t planning to get Starlink right away figuring I’ll probably have pretty decent cell coverage wherever I go. However, on two nights of boondocking on my way home picking up the van, there was no cell service, or limited just enough to send a text, but no pictures or phone calls. So then, I realized I need satellite internet for the flexibility to go anywhere and be able to work and stay connected. I’ve placed my order, and it should arrive in a week or so! Not sure yet how I will set that up, but I’ll figure something out!
Amazon.com: GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) Wi-Fi 6 Travel Router
Visible Wireless | Unlimited Data, Talk & Text Cell Phone Plans
Amazon.com: BESTEK 500W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter DC 12V to AC
Amazon.com: Otium 2 Socket Splitter 12/24V 80W Dual USB Type-C Ports
Amazon.com: Roku Streaming Stick