mattkab
Senior Member
I know the subject is specifically satellite tv, but I just spent over 4 months figuring out how to solve the problem of watching TV and internet aboard. I looked into satellite tv, but it just didn't solve my problem, specifically because of the internet service, but also because of the equipment costs for tv.
My solution was to go cellular. This may not work for your case, as it's really only viable within a few miles of shore, but where we boat we have almost 100% 4G LTE coverage.
When researching, I found the big problem with tv was live events, specifically sports. I want to spend the weekend on the boat, and in the afternoon watch a soccer, hockey, or football game, and I really had a difficult time figuring out how to make it happen.
I purchased a new line/SIM card for my phone plan, purchased a dedicated cellular modem, and added an old wi-fi router that I had laying around, and purchased a Roku stick on a basic 40" TV. I now have a solid, always-on, internet connection, with plenty of bandwidth to browse the web, stream movies and shows on Neflix or Amazon Prime Video, including 4K content.
Our marina is tucked behind a hill, so we have very little over-the-air capabilities, so to solve the TV issue, I subscribed to YoutubeTV. Personally, it was my best option as it had the best sports coverage as well as unlimited DVR, but if you're not a sports fan you may find better options with Hulu, Sling, Vue, or DirectTV Now
For $40/mo I have all the local broadcast channels (NBC/CBS/FOX/ABC) as well as traditional cable channels such as ESPN/2/U FoxSports/FS1/FS2, CNN/Fox/CNBC/BBC, etc. Compare channel lineups and other offerings between the providers and pick the one that serves your needs the best.
For the past month or so I've been enjoying all the Hockey, NCAA Basketball, and soccer that I can watch on my boat. Way more selection and at a better quality than my cable account at home which costs over 5x as much. So I'm now looking into drastically reducing my cable television plan, and using this same solution at home.
My solution was to go cellular. This may not work for your case, as it's really only viable within a few miles of shore, but where we boat we have almost 100% 4G LTE coverage.
When researching, I found the big problem with tv was live events, specifically sports. I want to spend the weekend on the boat, and in the afternoon watch a soccer, hockey, or football game, and I really had a difficult time figuring out how to make it happen.
I purchased a new line/SIM card for my phone plan, purchased a dedicated cellular modem, and added an old wi-fi router that I had laying around, and purchased a Roku stick on a basic 40" TV. I now have a solid, always-on, internet connection, with plenty of bandwidth to browse the web, stream movies and shows on Neflix or Amazon Prime Video, including 4K content.
Our marina is tucked behind a hill, so we have very little over-the-air capabilities, so to solve the TV issue, I subscribed to YoutubeTV. Personally, it was my best option as it had the best sports coverage as well as unlimited DVR, but if you're not a sports fan you may find better options with Hulu, Sling, Vue, or DirectTV Now
For $40/mo I have all the local broadcast channels (NBC/CBS/FOX/ABC) as well as traditional cable channels such as ESPN/2/U FoxSports/FS1/FS2, CNN/Fox/CNBC/BBC, etc. Compare channel lineups and other offerings between the providers and pick the one that serves your needs the best.
For the past month or so I've been enjoying all the Hockey, NCAA Basketball, and soccer that I can watch on my boat. Way more selection and at a better quality than my cable account at home which costs over 5x as much. So I'm now looking into drastically reducing my cable television plan, and using this same solution at home.