Internet Cafés and Wireless Communication via Laptops

Internet access from computers located at hotels, internet café and airports are not as secure as your home computer which may have anti-virus programs, firewalls etc.

It is therefore not recommended to use these access points to access confidential information.

A cybercafé or internet café is a place where you can use internet access for a fee that is chargeable by minutes or hours.  It may or may not be an actual café.  A list of internet cafés are available by doing a Google search but such access may not be as readily accessible in out of the way places including the outback of Australia.
 

Internet access is also often available from local public libraries, back-packer hostels and caravan tourist parks. A fee may be applicable.

One of the ways of using internet whilst on the road is to setup a free email account such as a hotmail, yahoo or gmail through a web-interface.  Major ISP (Internet Service Providers) include AOL, Ozmail, Primus, CompuServe and Telstra Bigpond.  This will enable you to receive and send emails to friends and relatives.  These accounts usually need to be accessed regularly to keep them active.  Normally once every 30 days.
 

Another option is to acquire a mobile email appliance which you can use at public telephone box.  Using this appliance you can compose your emails and send them down a telephone line by dialing an Australian toll-free access number, hold the appliance against the telephone handset in the phone box and press a button.

Laptop Computers/ Wireless internet

Using your own computer is a far better way to avoid security problems associated with public computers.  If you have your own laptop computer you can have an ISP (Internet Service Provider) email account and download your emails to your laptop at these internet cafés and read them off-line later.  Emails you intend to send can be prepared earlier and saved in readiness for sending when next on-line.

Wireless internet or ‘wireless hotspots’ are sometimes available at airports, hotels, various bookstores, Starbucks, Gloria Jean coffee shops and some McDonalds outlets.  A list of wireless hotspots can be obtained by a Google search. 

To use a Wi-Fi  hotspot you will need a Wi-Fi enabled laptop or PDA.  If you do not have this the other option is to set up and pay for a wireless account with an ISP.  You can buy a period of wireless access or sign up for a monthly contract.  Prices can vary so make sure it will meet your needs as excess charges can be quite high.

Another option is to obtain and install a USB or special wireless card.  This card plugs into a USB port or card slot in your laptop computer. 

You can also use a dial-up connection on your Next G mobile phone handset.  This can provide a direct dial-up connection but you will still need an ISP to provide the email service. 

There has been advancements in high speed wireless broadband (WBB) and mobile broadband (MBB).  Wireless broadband operates without a landline or pay TV cable and your laptop may have to meet certain requirements so this should be checked with your provider. 

To operate your laptop in your RV you will need either a sufficient battery supply in your laptop, a mains power source, or an inverter to convert the 12V battery power to 240V to run the computer and modem.  Transportable modems usually require mains source power if you choose this option.

Communication
When considering the type of communication system you need it is important to understand all the options available to you including their capabilities and limitations.

CB & UHF Communication
What is the difference, and which is the best suited to you.  Contains a list of the recommended channels, including emergency channels.

HF Radio
Information on HF Radios, their use in the ouback for emergencies and how they can link to the landline and mobile telephone networks.

Hand Held / Portable UHF CB
Hand held communications can be useful for caravanners to assist in parking their rigs.  They are also useful for camping, trekking, fishing and sporting events. 

Public Telephones and Phone Cards
Is it safe and practical to use public telephones or phone cards whilst travelling?

Mobile Phone Connection
Choosing the right mobile is important to enable you to "stay in touch" whilst travelling.  CDMA, 3G, Next G?  Which is the best one?

Satellite Phones
Do you need a one?  How do they work? Can you hire a Satellite phones?  Are Satellite phones expensive?

Distress Beacons and EPIRBS
What is an EPIRB?  When do you need to carry an EPIRB? 

Also see:

Best Tow Vehicle
Different Types of Caravans
Hitches, Anti-Sway Bars & Chains
Fifth Wheelers
Caravan Reversing

In this case, the ‘Next G’ mobile telephone showed zero service and the Telstra Turbo Modem had a flashing light indicating zero service but once the aerial was connected the subsequent download speeds were reported as ‘sensational’.  These reports stood for areas such as Burrum Heads Qld and Middle Lagoon about 180 klm from Broome WA.