Are Big Rig Satellite Systems Available For You To Watch TV or Surf the
Internet?
Big Rig satellite systems for TV and Internet access for truckers are slowly coming
to market. Some big rig satellite systems require the truck to be parked while some systems allow In-Motion
viewing.
The In-Motion satellite systems can cost almost 4 times the amount of a system
used when your truck is parked with a view of the Southern sky. With the focus in the past mostly on the RV market,
companies are now looking to cash in on the growing consumer demand for vehicle-in-motion access to TV and Internet
service.
Portable Satellite Systems Available for
Truckers
Here are few dishes (mountable and portable) perfect for truckers on the
road, tailgating, races, camping, picnics, traveling and other outdoor activities.
There is a several hundred dollar difference in the prices of the dishes
shown on the market with the more expensive systems having more bells and whistles. Compare the listed
dishes and see which device allows you to feel more at home on the road.
Satellite Subscription Service Required:
The dish is only part of what is needed as you read in the description about
receivers. You will still need the following to complete the system:
- Television or a computer capable of receiving television
signals
- Satellite TV Receiver
- Satellite TV subscription service like Dishnetwork or
DirectTv.The service will usually also provide the needed satellite TV
receiver that connects between the dish and TV. Tip
to save you money: It might be possible to add an additional receiver to your home satellite plan to take
on the road with you to use with the portable satellite dish.
- Your truck will most likey need to be parked with a view of the southern sky
but you will need to verify this with your selected service provider.
Other More Expensive Options
One company, raysat.com, has a system available that can be mounted
on cars, trucks, boats and RV’s. The cost for the system runs in the range of $3000 to $4000 for the unit.
Expect a unit installation charge which varies depending on type of vehicle and finally your monthly cost to
get programming through Dish Network.
Another company, mobilsat, offers In-Motion TV service and In-Motion
Internet Service but they are two separate systems. In-Motion satellite TV systems run in the range of $2500
or more depending on the system.
Before you decide that is too costly and you are an owner operator who deducts
expenses as a business owner; check with your tax accountant to see if it possible to deduct the system as a
business expense.
You will be doing business by looking for freight loads, sending faxes to brokers and
business emails. You may also be allowed to depreciate the cost of the unit over the life of the unit.
Sounds Great But What Other Satellite System Can I Use For My
Big Rig?
Use Your Existing Satellite System Used at Home
You can do what some truckers are doing to get access when they are stuck out in
remote areas. Some truckers are utilizing their Direct TV or Dish network system by signing up for TV and Internet
service that allows you to take the dish with you while out on the road.
The service is no different than taking your system with you to the lake for the
week.
What are the limitations of taking my satellite system on the road?
•You will need room to store the dish
•You will need an unobstructed view of the southern US sky to use the system of your
choice.
•Your rig would have to be stationary to get a fixed signal to the satellite
positioned in the southern sky.
•The mini dish would have to be mounted on a tripod or placed temporarily on the roof
of your tractor to use the system. They are lightweight and easily set up to get you connected.
•While you can’t watch TV as you go down the road, many packages include a DVR
receiver that allows you to record programs while you watch other programs or record programs as you
sleep.
You can have hours of TV program recorded to occupy you or your passenger’s time the
next day while traveling or waiting at a customer’s load center.
Who Has Satellite Systems That Offer Internet and TV
Access?
•DirectTV and Dishnetwork are the two providers used to access TV programming via the
satellite systems in the United States.
•Wildblue is the provider of satellite internet access. Wildblue offers internet
access only.
•Both Direct TV and Dish Network have teamed up with Wild Blue to offer their
customers TV and Internet access where you can save money by ordering both services as a combination
package
Forget TV – I Want Internet Access Only
You have three options:
- Use satellite systems that offer internet access only
- Wait until you are in areas where Wi-Fi (wireless) internet service is
available
- Use internet wireless services through a cell phone carrier when you are in
range of a digital signal.
Companies With Satellite Internet
Access:
Mobilsat.com
Motosat.com
Wildblue.com
WiFi (Wireless) Internet Access
Usually found available in large metro areas or at larger truckstops. Expect to pay
for access to this service unless you get lucky enough to find a public Wi-Fi access service
which are becoming more available.
Use the eight (8) links below to find Wi-Fi access systems
available throughout the United States.
TruckStops with Wi-Fi Acess – Average Price is $200 per year – Billed Daily, Monthly
and Annually
•Flying J truckstop
•TravelCenters of America
•Love's Travel Stops
•Rip Griffin Travel Centers
•Pilot Travel Centers
That is a lot of money to spend for internet access when you get lucky
enough to get to the truck stop early enough to get a spot for the
night.
The other options where 24-7 coast to coast internet access to the internet is
available sure sound good when not having internet access could mean the difference between deadheading home and
finding a good paying load.
Finding that load to keep from deadheading back home just a couple times would pay
for a year’s worth of satellite service for internet access and TV programming access.
Wi-Fi Access
Locator
Use the links below to locate Wi-Fi access areas across the United States. Some will
be free, public or fee based.
Hotspotzz.com
Technewsworld.com
Hotspothaven.com
Totalhotspots.com
GWIFi.net
WIFIfreespot.com
jiwire.com
Wifinder.com
Cell Phone Internet
Services: Internet Service is usually available as long as
you have a digital
signal.
Caution: Typically, you need to be in a digital area to be able to use internet
service and in an EVDO area for access to high speed capability especially when usually Verizon’s cell phone
service.
Verify internet access capability with your cell phone carrier to know what to expect
before you rely on this option to find your freight loads. It would be costly to drive two hundred miles only to go
back the same way to pick up a load.
•Use your cell phone as a high speed modem connected to your computer by using a data
connection kit – Verify requirements with your cell phone service provider
•Cell data cards that transmit data via cell phone towers by plugging the device into
your computer’s PCMCIA or PC Express slot can be used to connect with the internet. Verify requirements with your
cell phone service provider and computer manufacturer as needed
•Basic 1X Internet-in-Motion Cellular Router – Transparent interface
•Advanced EVDO Internet-in-Motion Cellular Router – Check to see if your cell phone
carrier supports this device.
It's Your Decision!
There are many products out on the market to consider using for your
business or entertaiment when out on the road.
Whether it is a big rig satellite system, cell phone internet access
or using Wi-Fi access, the decision is yours to make.
Big Rig Central.com can’t make that decision for
you.
We do suggest that you be diligent in doing your homework to make the
decision that is best for you. Keep in mind some internet big rig satellite systems per minute usage cost is high
compared to cell phone or Wi-Fi internet access.
Is a 24-7 connection to the internet worth it in your quest to earn top dollar in the
industry?
You will have to decide if the higher cost is worth it to you especially in the
highly competitive hunt for good paying loads.
Good Luck and Stay Safe!
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