When embracing a remote work lifestyle, one of the most crucial elements is ensuring you have a reliable internet connection. Whether it’s for video calls, accessing corporate systems, or simply staying connected with your team, the quality of your internet can make or break your remote work experience. This is especially true if you’re considering more exotic or unconventional locations such as a cruise ship, a beach bungalow, or a rural retreat.
Broadband is now more accessible than ever, with a growing number of high-bandwidth options and alternative solutions available. However, as anyone who has attempted to work from an airplane knows, leading-edge connectivity solutions often come with limitations and inconsistencies. Slow connections, frequent drops, or unreliable service can quickly turn a remote work paradise into a productivity nightmare.
Before settling into any new location, particularly if it’s rural or exotic, it’s vital to assess the internet infrastructure. You’ll need to consider three key factors:
-
Connectivity Needs: Determine the bandwidth requirements for your work, especially if you use video conferencing tools which can consume a lot of data. Consider the number of people sharing the connection. A typical household may require at least 25 Mbps of download speed and 3 Mbps of upload speed for basic tasks. However, for households with multiple users streaming, gaming, or engaging in high-bandwidth activities simultaneously, needs might jump to 100 Mbps download and 10 Mbps or more upload.
-
Local Internet Providers: Explore the incumbent providers in your chosen location. The FCC’s Broadband Map (https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/#/) is an invaluable resource for U.S. locations, showing available types of internet connectivity such as ADSL, cable modem, fiber, fixed wireless, and satellite, along with providers offering specific speeds.
-
Testing Connectivity: The best way to gauge how well a location will meet your remote work needs is to test the internet connection firsthand. If considering a move, try staying at a vacation rental in the area to experience the local connectivity. This can also reveal whether geographical features like mountains or islands impact service. Online speed tests can help compare advertised versus actual speeds.
If initial tests suggest subpar bandwidth, here are a few steps to diagnose and possibly improve the situation:
- Check Wi-Fi Placement: Ensure your device is near the Wi-Fi router or connected directly via ethernet to avoid signal issues.
- Consult Hosts and Reviews: On vacation rental platforms, hosts may list internet speeds, and guest reviews can provide real-world insights into connectivity reliability.
- Explore Local Alternatives: Visit local cafés, libraries, or other public spaces that offer Wi-Fi to see if connectivity issues are widespread.
Should these steps confirm that the local infrastructure is inadequate, you might need to consider alternative solutions:
- Satellite Internet: This can be a viable option for remote areas, though performance can vary based on geographical location.
- Mobile Data: Cell phone providers are continuously expanding their networks. Mobile data or using your phone as a hotspot can provide an interim solution if fixed internet options fall short.
- Advanced Wi-Fi Solutions: Investing in Mesh Wi-Fi systems or newer technologies like Wi-Fi 6 can significantly enhance in-home internet coverage, extending reliable service to more remote parts of a property.
Ultimately, ensuring robust internet connectivity is foundational when planning to work remotely, particularly in less urbanized or unconventional locations. By carefully planning and testing your connectivity options, you can ensure that your dream of working from anywhere doesn’t turn into a struggle against technological limitations.
