Campsite Internet Access in the UK
July 29th, 2009 by Ben Dolan
Recent Ofcom research revealed that ISP’s are failing to supply the advertised speeds of their broadband services to their customers. However, when it comes to caravanners, campers and motorhomers just being able to surf on the digital highway can be a challenge, and a costly one at that.
So what are your options to be able to keep in touch with your inbox, Facebook and tweet your holiday moments when you’re sitting in your motorhome and there’s no phone connection for miles around?
WIFI enabled campsites
If you have a laptop 4 years or younger or a new PDA, chances are you have built-in WIFI. Is that good news? Well, if you’re lucky enough to be staying on a campsite with WIFI hotspots you should be able to get online for a price. A quick online search reveals directories of WIFI enabled campsites so if internet access is on your holiday wish list, check before you go or be prepared to go without. Campsites offering internet access via WIFI typically charge on a per hour basis at a price of around £3-£10 per hour for this service.
3G wireless internet
On smaller campsites or in more rural areas WIFI may not be available. In this case 3G maybe the solution. 3G is wireless internet access and its UK coverage is approximately 80% (according to Vodaphone’s 3G network). Although it is advisable to check the coverage of the providers to ensure your campsite, home and main stay areas are covered. However where there is a solution like 3G, costs can be much higher. Like a normal home broadband package, 3G packages typically come with fixed 12-24 month contracts, monthly fee and a monthly data limit. For a once a year holiday this may not be cost effective.
So is there a reasonably priced solution around? Over the last year 3G prices have come down to around £15.00 per month for the lighter data usage packages. For those who venture around the UK frequently this may suit their needs. However, for the majority, the price point of wireless internet access will remain a luxury. Finally, be careful to monitor your time spent whilst online else your holiday could cost a lot more than you budget for.
1. Directory of WIFI internet access campsites: http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/articles/view.asp?id=174