It’s a wonderful time to be a digital nomad. While there are challenges, the switch to remote working has given freelancers and those who chose the digital nomad lifestyle so many new opportunities. The pandemic also allowed more traditional workers to take a break from their stressful office-home routines, and to try a new approach to work. The crisis has allowed workers to work from the comforts of their home, or even in faraway places like vacation spots and even in the wilderness.
Whether you’re new to remote working or have been doing so for quite some time, and if you’re a digital nomad who wants to try your hand at camping or going on a long drive, but needs to stay connected with people from home and your bosses or clients during your trip, here are some ways to do so.
Satellite internet
America boasts of some of the most picturesque views in its national parks, but sometimes the price we have to pay for these stunning views lacks access to cellular and 3G networks. If you find that where you’re camping won’t allow you to use your cellular data or want a reliable backup communication device if there’s an emergency, local networks are down. You need to connect with people from home; a portable satellite internet device is your best friend.
This device can give you high-speed internet through the help of a satellite as it takes an internet signal from your ISP. It’s also fairly easy to set up and navigate—your provider will give you the modem and all the instructions you need for a smooth
Portable push-to-talk service
Another ingenious option is the Iridium push-to-talk solution, which is a portable, satellite-powered push-to-talk service. It allows people from anywhere in the world to communicate with the simple push of a button. It was specifically designed to be fast and secure, with connection speeds comparable to no-compromise and encrypted standards and land-mobile radio. The push-to-talk service is powered by the Command Center, a browser-based tool that powerfully and flexibly manages talk groups, devices, and coverage areas within seconds.
If your company requires instant and secure communications, this push-to-talk service might be for you. When all else fails, it’s a reliable tool that allows you to reach people you need to talk to wherever you may be in the world.
Mobile modems
If you’re not camping alone and all going to share an internet connection, you will need this to ensure that everyone has access to the connection. Mobile modems function and work similarly to USB dongle sticks, although many of these modems have to be plugged into a 120V socket to turn on. This is the best option for digital nomads who are traveling through an RV or going to a campsite with electrical hookups, but this might not be the most suitable choice for those who will be spending the majority of their time in the wilderness.
DIY “cantenna”
This may seem fake, but hear me out: You’re in the middle of nowhere, hiking up a side of a mountain, when suddenly the signal on your smartphone vanishes, and your mobile hot-spot signal also disappears. You might be surprised to find that if you have an empty can of Pringles with you, as well as some basic tools and hardware, you might be able to use them to build a makeshift antenna.
There are plenty of DIY solutions on the internet to turn a can of Pringles into an antenna to help boost your Wi-Fi signal. Just remember to follow the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines for frequencies because they still apply to homemade devices. There are also various risks when you make these devices, so be sure to arm yourself with information before trying this hack.
Antenna booster
But if you’re not the type to DIY your own electronic devices, store-bought cellphone boosters will do. The signal is usually weak when camping because campsites are usually far away from cell towers. The further you are from cities or towns, the further you are from connectivity. A cell signal booster works by amplifying the weak cell signals to provide you with a stronger and more reliable reception while you’re camping.
Final Thoughts
Being a digital nomad is fun until you find yourself stuck in a place with no way to connect with others. Try these devices and hacks to give yourself more reliable connectivity when you’re out there in the wild.
Meta title: Ways Digital Nomads Can Stay Connected in the Wilderness
meta desc: If you’re a digital nomad who wants to try your hand at camping but needs to stay connected with others during your trip, here are some ways to do so.