Seven Things to Consider Before You Choose
Staying connected while travelling Australia isn’t just about picking a SIM card or buying a shiny new gadget. It’s about matching your internet setup to the way you actually travel.
The truth is, there’s no “best” option – only what works best for your route, usage and lifestyle.
Before diving into your actual internet options or what to do if it goes wrong, here are the key things to think about when setting up the internet for your van.
1. Where you’re actually travelling
Your route is the biggest factor in your internet setup.
If you’re sticking to coastal towns, highways, and popular caravan routes, mobile coverage is usually solid. But once you head into remote Australia, coverage becomes patchy fast and in some places, disappears entirely.
The further off-grid you go, the more you’ll need to think beyond mobile networks.
2. How you actually use the internet
Not all internet use is created equal. Consider:
- Light use: emails, maps, messaging
- Moderate use: social media, browsing, occasional video calls
- Heavy use: remote work, streaming, large uploads/downloads
A quick check of your habits will quickly tell you whether mobile data is enough or if you need something stronger.
3. How often you move
Are you staying a few nights in each spot, or settling in for weeks at a time?
Frequent movers benefit from simple, flexible setups like mobile hotspots. Slower travellers or long-stay campers can justify more complex systems like satellite or fixed connections.
The more you move, the more you’ll want “plug and play” internet.
4. How many devices you’re running
It adds up quickly. One phone becomes two. Then a laptop. Then a tablet. Then maybe a smart TV or work setup.
More devices mean more data usage, more bandwidth demand and more need for a stable connection (not just signal bars).
5. Budget: upfront vs ongoing costs
Internet on the road has two types of cost:
- Monthly plans (SIMs, data packages)
- Hardware (routers, antennas, satellite equipment)
Some setups are cheap to start but expensive long-term. Others are a bigger upfront investment but more reliable in remote areas.
6. Your power setup
If you’re travelling off-grid, power matters more than you think.
Routers, boosters and especially satellite systems can draw consistent power. If you’re relying on solar or limited battery storage, your internet choice needs to match your energy capacity.
7. Backup options (because things will drop out)
No matter what setup you choose, there will be dead zones.
A second SIM on a different network, or even a basic prepaid backup, can save you when your primary connection disappears – which it will, at some point.
So What Are Your Internet Options?
Once you’ve considered how and where you travel, these are the main ways to stay connected on the road:
- Mobile Networks (SIMs, eSIMs, hotspots, portable Wi-Fi): This is internet delivered through cellular networks using a SIM or eSIM from providers like Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. It can be used directly on your phone or shared via a hotspot or portable Wi-Fi device.
- Satellite Internet (e.g. Starlink): Internet delivered via satellites rather than mobile towers, making it a popular option for remote and off-grid travel across Australia.
- Public Wi-Fi: Free or low-cost internet available in towns and travel hubs.
Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman Cynthia Gebert said the impacts of dodgy internet can be bigger than the technical problem behind it. PHOTO: TIOWhat To Do When Things Go Wrong
If your service isn’t delivering what was promised, the first step is always to contact your provider. But if you’re getting nowhere, you’re not stuck.
The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman Cynthia Gebert offers a free, independent service to help resolve phone and internet disputes, even if you’re on the road.
Ombudsman Cynthia Gebert tells us you don’t have to wait until you’re home to raise a complaint.
“The TIO can step in, even if you’re lodging from the road, a caravan park or a remote town. If you can't resolve the problem directly with your telco, contact the TIO – we’re free, fair and here to help,” she said.
You can contact the TIO for help online at www.tio.com.au or by phone at 1800 062 058. The TIO also takes complaints by post or fax.
