If I plan ahead I can get most of the critical items done in less than an hour or so each day. A portable satellite Internet device allows me to extend my time away from "civilization" where otherwise I would be restricted to week-end only travel.
The equipment and megabyte usage is not cheap. I really had to cost justify the expense (to myself). In the end, this has allowed a freedom to roam that I thought would never be possible. I calculated that it would be less expensive to purchase vs. rent the equipment if I used it at least three times per year.
Before setting out on an adventure I need to prepare my laptop to use as few megabytes as possible. Remember, bandwidth is expensive for this type of service is expensive. In Windows, I disable all updates. Ant-Virus updates, Windows updates, software updates, and all other updates must be disabled before the trip to keep Internet usage to a minimum. I also disable web browser (Firefox, IE, etc.) graphics to reduce traffic on the satellite. In Windows Outlook, I disable all mail accounts except for business. I also disable attachments.
When using the system on a trip, I keep usage to business only. Since other web "surfing" wastes precious bandwidth usage and keeps me away from my main goal of enjoying my trip.
The service uses Inmarsat BGAN satellites. They have three geosynchronous satellites that provide nearly global coverage.
The system is quite easy to use. Some software needs to be installed on the laptop to aid in connection to the satellite and to track megabyte usage (not required but makes it easier). This software also includes SMS text messaging capability. Between the satellite unit is an Ethernet cable. If you are in the market for one of these. I recommend only those units with Ethernet connections (the USB-only devices can be problematic in my experience).
Here in Southern California, you use these approximate instructions to aim: 45 degrees elevation and 161 degrees. You need a clear view towards the satellite. On one of the nights on the Indian Country Expedition, we were close to one of the "Monuments" in Monument Valley that blocked the view to the satellite. I walked about 100 feet North and was able to use the satellite. Lots of trees will also block the signal.
Here is the unit communicating with the satellite:
Here are a couple photos of the whole system in use (Bow Willow campground, Anza Borrrego):
You can see from the photos that it also includes telephone service. You can make or receive phone calls while simultaneously using internet from a computer.
On the recent Indian Country Expedition, I used this system from inside my tent each night.
Yes, this system and service is "expensive". This mode of travel and recreation is expensive when add up all we spend on our vehicles, tires, winch, roof racks, tents, skid plates, tent, repairs etc. This is just another one of those expensive items. There is the cost of the satellite terminal like the Wideye Sabre 1 which cost somewhere just over a grand. Usage costs somewhere in the neighborhood of $6-8 per megabyte of data and about the same per minute. Usage prices appear to have dropped a little since I purchased mine. I estimate that my voice and data usage during the Indian Country Expediting cost me around $250.
Without this portable satellite device I would have missed more than 12 weeks of remote travel over the last 3 years! Without it I would have missed an 8 day trip to the Parashant, a total of 2 weeks in Death Valley, a total of 9 days in the Mojave, a total of 4 days in Anza Borrego, 10 days in Navajo Country, a total of 18 days camping with my kid's school (priceless) and other trips.
The device I have is a Wideye Sabre 1. There are several terminals available. I like my Wideye Sabre 1 and I'd recommend it. It has an Ethernet connector (important), a phone connector (standard RJ411) and supports Bluetooth.
The Wideye Sabre 1 has an internal battery which lasts almost four hours, almost the same as my laptop. So I can get a few hours work done at night then charge both devices in my truck during the day.
A quick video from Inmarsat:
