How to spend the Internet in the car

For both short and long journeys, the Internet in the car is simply necessary: ​​it not only helps to establish high-quality navigation and download maps, but also entertains on the way, helps to stay in touch in instant messengers and e-mail. We will tell you how to set up an access to the network below.

Cell phone use

The easiest way to connect to the Internet in your car is to use your mobile as a router.

1. Open “Settings”.
2. Find the section on networking.
3. Find something like “Sharing” or “Shared modem” (the name is individual for each smartphone model) and move the slider to the on position.
   
4. Create a password and remember it.
   
5. Now set up all devices that can work over the Internet to receive Wi-Fi (media system, navigation system, etc.).

Please note that this method can entail high costs if you buy ready-made communication packages with limited network access from the operator. Megabytes are spent depending on the equipment and its “appetite”. If you have a modern car with a remote control system and other useful functions, it is better to connect satellite Internet.

USB modems: Wi-Fi for cars

Another way to bring the Internet into your car is to buy a modem with a USB output, but such that you can plug it into the cigarette lighter socket. You won’t have to fiddle with the device for a long time – only at the first connection to the radio tape recorder you will have to enter the Web interface, specify the APN and password.

The modem is much more economical, because you buy a SIM-card, which includes only Internet services, you do not overpay for calls, SMS packages and so on. Just do not take a device tied to a specific provider, for example, when it says: “Beeline modem” (or “MTS”, “Megafon”, “Rostelecom”, etc.), because if you want to change the company, supplier, you will not be able to. Better to take a USB router that works with any SIM cards.

If you do not understand how to insert a SIM card and connect a modem, look at the back of the package or insert, usually the necessary information is given there. For long journeys, in which the signal disappears from time to time, you will need an amplifier antenna – it can be purchased immediately with a modem or separately.

Using OBD-II equipment

You can also connect to the Internet using an OBD-II device. True, this can only be done by the owners of more or less modern cars with an on-board computer. To diagnose electronic systems, a special scanner adapter is used, which, among other things, is capable of distributing Wi-Fi to your car. Here again you need a smartphone to install the control app.

1. Look in the instruction manual of your car and find the OBD-II connector.
   
2. Switch off the ignition and connect the adapter.
3. Switch on the ignition.
4. Now go to the “Settings” section on your smartphone and turn on Wi-Fi.
5. The phone will search for available networks for a while, you need Wi-Fi-OBDII (or similar, the name may vary slightly depending on the adapter).
   
6. Connect to the proposed network by entering the password (it is in the insert for the adapter).
7. Download the application connected directly to your OBD-II device.
8. Open the program parameters, specify: “OBD adapter settings” – “Connection type” – Wi-Fi.
   

That’s it, now Internet access is open. Taking this opportunity, you can check the serviceability of the automated systems of the machine at the same time. But don’t forget the risks: adapters make it easy for hijackers to unlock and steal your vehicle.

Separate full-fledged Wi-Fi modem and router

If you spend most of your time traveling, then it is advisable to consider purchasing a separate Wi-Fi modem for your car. A stationary router equipped with an amplifier is able to distribute high-quality Internet to all devices.

Of course, it is not as cheap as we would like, but there is a cable – for gadgets that do not know how to work with Wi-Fi.

Unfortunately, such a router cannot be called compact – it will have to find a place somewhere in the trunk or under the seats. The installation procedure and connection setup depend on the specific model, sometimes it is required to involve a specialist. But there is also a positive point – it is easy to dismantle and install in another car.

Which connection method to choose to optimize costs

The decision on the method of connecting to the Internet should be made based on how often you use it, what places you visit and which provider you are more comfortable with concluding an agreement with. Prices look something like this:

• via smartphone – depends on the tariff and traffic consumption, you need to watch;
• via USB – about 500 – 5000 rubles;
• via OBD-II – 1000 – 5000 rubles;
• through a router – 3,000 – 10,000 rubles.

Ask the operator in advance about the proposed tariff, if there will be hidden fees. It often happens that you buy a limited package, but you are not warned about reaching the limit – they continue to provide access to the network, debiting money by default. If this happens, go to the “Personal Account” on the website or in the application of the provider, open the “Additional options” section and disable “Auto-renewal of traffic”. Sometimes such issues are resolved only by a call to the operator or a visit to the communication salon.

Before traveling outside the region, find out if your tariff is really the same throughout Russia or is it just a loud slogan behind which unforeseen expenses are hidden. A certain amount may be debited from your account as soon as you cross the border of a region, region or republic.

By purchasing a stationary router, you will pay a fixed amount and receive high-quality Internet. But such an acquisition pays off only when you are constantly on the move, and in places with unstable communications.

As an experiment, you can try the cheapest option, and if it does not suit you, go to a more expensive one.