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Best SIM cards for motorhome Wi-Fi

Last updated: 15th Jul 2023

Estimated read time: 4 minutes

When driving around in a motorhome, you need to make sure your internet connection is strong enough to cope with any Wi-Fi blackouts that occur on the open road.

Could something as small as a SIM card give you the level of connectivity your trip demands?

In this article, we look at some of the best SIM cards for motorhome Wi-Fi as a way of hotspotting other devices to access the internet.

Motorhome parked in field

What’s the best way to get motorhome Wi-Fi?

For decent motorhome Wi-Fi, you need to consider the following:

  • Devices you’re using

  • Your locations(s)

  • Why you want the internet

When it comes to motorhome Wi-Fi, you basically have two choices. One, you can connect to an existing internet system, like a Wi-Fi router. Or, you can use mobile data (where you have 4G/5G* signal on your device).

Remember, if your device doesn’t have a SIM card, you won’t be able to connect to the internet. This is because the device itself can’t pick up a signal for cellular data without first having the proper SIM installed.

Kindles, iPads, laptops, etc. don’t have their own SIM card, so some sort of Wi-Fi connection is needed to use the internet on these devices. 

*With 3G shutdown already happening around the UK, it’s wise to avoid anything that uses this technology.

What motorhome Wi-Fi options are there?

When travelling in a motorhome, you can connect to Wi-Fi by:

  • Connecting to a campsite network

  • Creating an internet hotspot using your phone or other SIM-compatible device

  • Installing a specialist system for your motorhome that provides satellite internet

  • Using public or free Wi-Fi networks (usually found in cafes, libraries, etc.)

Creating a mobile hotspot in your motorhome

No matter what device you own, setting up a new mobile hotspot via your phone can usually be accomplished in a few short steps.

For Android phones:

  1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering. Here, you can choose to share a connection via Wi-Fi, USB, or Bluetooth

  2. For a Wi-Fi connection, tap Wi-Fi hotspot to toggle it on. The hotspot name will be displayed on-screen

  3. Connect another device to this Wi-Fi network

For iPhones:

  1. Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Personal Hotspot or Settings > Personal Hotspot and make sure it's on

  2. Then verify the Wi-Fi password and name of the phone

  3. Stay on this screen until you've connected your other device to the Wi-Fi network

Hotspotting capabilities with an Asda mobile SIM will depend on your device. But assuming you have this feature and intend to use it, this will allow you to access the internet on another device using your Asda mobile data (charges may apply). To make sure you don’t run out of data, try one of our unlimited bundles

If you’re having trouble accessing your personal hotspot, check your handsets manual or contact Asda mobile Customer Services.

Motorhome Wi-Fi and international roaming

If you’re planning to go abroad in your motorhome, then prepare to pay extra for mobile data.

Since leaving the EU, most UK mobile networks have re-introduced data roaming charges. This means keeping your eye on what you’re using; otherwise, you could end up with a hefty bill at the end of your trip!

With Asda mobile, international data roaming and calling bundles start from just £5. All our bundle customers have a 5GB data roaming limit, regardless of whether their usual bundle limit is higher than this.

Once they’ve used 5GB of data, they will be charged 10p per extra MB, same as in the UK. They will receive notifications when they reach 80% and 100% of their data limit. 

How to get motorhome Wi-Fi in remote areas

Chances are at some point you’ll be driving your motorhome in the middle of nowhere. This means it’s highly likely that your signal will drop out, but don’t panic.

As a rule of thumb, forward planning goes a long way with motorhome Wi-Fi. Be sure to take physical copies of any important information you need, like route maps.

Your next step will be to check for any signs of Wi-Fi or 4G Calling, which lets you make calls without cellular signal and can be very handy if you’re stopping in remote locations.

If there are no signals you can connect your device to, you may be able to use satellite; however, not all mobile devices have this feature, and it can be expensive to run.

How to improve your motorhome Wi-Fi signal?

If you’re planning a motorhome trip with your phone as the sole source of internet, then you may wish to upgrade your SIM for the journey.

At Asda mobile, we have three great value unlimited data SIMs that’ll keep you connected during your travels:

  • Unlimited Value: Available for just £20 per month, you can easily get online, listen to music and use social media while relaxing at your next stop.

  • Unlimited Speedy: At £22 per month, this bundle includes everything our Value bundle does, as well as unlimited HD video streaming and stronger upload/download speeds for maximum convenience.

  • Unlimited Superfast: Our essential entertainment bundle is made for motorhome travelling; enjoy 4K streaming, online gaming, near-instant downloads and more for just £24 per month.

We include variable speed caps with our plans, so be sure to check which one best fits your motorhome Wi-Fi needs.

Learn more about our great value Unlimited Data offers!

 

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