Caravan Internet Without Starlink: UK Options

You don’t buy a caravan to sit buffering a weather forecast, yet the moment you try to do something mildly modern - a Teams call, a film night, even updating your route - the signal decides it’s on holiday.

Starlink has become the poster child for “internet anywhere”, but it’s not the only way to get usable connectivity on tour - and for plenty of UK caravanners it’s not the most sensible way either. The kit cost, the power draw, the mounting faff, the subscription, the fact that some pitches are basically a leafy tunnel - it can be brilliant, but it’s not automatically the right answer.

This guide is about Alternatives to Starlink - Internet In The Caravan, with a calm look at what actually works in the UK, what it costs, and where the common gotchas live.

Before you pick a kit, pick your reality

Most connectivity arguments happen because people are solving different problems and pretending they’re the same problem.

If you only need WhatsApp, banking, a bit of browsing and the odd iPlayer catch-up, your bar is “steady enough”. If you’re working from the caravan (especially video calls and big uploads), your bar is “predictable and resilient”. If you tour mostly in Cornwall and Wales, you’ll hit different dead zones than someone hopping between big commercial sites near A-roads.

So before you buy anything, be honest about three things.

First: how many hours a day you genuinely need solid internet. Not how many hours you might like it, but how many hours your job, travel plans or sanity actually depend on it.

Second: what you’ll tolerate when it’s bad. Can you shift a call, tether for an hour, or walk to the site reception? Or do you need it to behave like home broadband, because your income depends on it?

Third: where you tour. “UK coverage” is not a single thing. A network can be excellent in one county and oddly hopeless two valleys over.

Once you’ve nailed that, the alternatives to Starlink fall into a few realistic buckets.

Option 1: Phone tethering - the boring answer that often wins

If you’re new to caravanning tech, tethering is the one to try first because it’s already in your pocket and it’s a proper baseline.

For light use, a good mobile plan and a modern phone can be enough. You create a personal hotspot and connect your laptop, tablet or smart TV. No extra hardware. No drilling. No cables to trip over while you’re carrying the tea.

Where tethering shines is simplicity and reliability of the kit itself. Phones are well-engineered radios with decent antennas, and they’ll often hold a usable connection where a cheap MiFi box gives up.

Where tethering falls down is convenience and endurance. Hotspots can be fiddly, phones get warm, batteries drain quickly, and some devices love to disconnect the moment you stop looking at them. Also, not all mobile plans play nicely with heavy tethering, even when the marketing says “unlimited”. Many have fair use policies, speed caps, or a quiet “no tethering for business use” clause.

If you want tethering to feel less like balancing a plate on your knee, two small upgrades help. One is to keep the phone on charge with a decent 12V charger (not the mystery one from the drawer of shame). The other is to place the phone somewhere sensible - high up, near a window, away from big metal surfaces. Yes, you can absolutely improve signal by moving a phone 30 cm.

Tethering is also a handy test tool. Before buying a router or antenna, try SIMs from different networks in your phone on the same pitch. That tells you more than any coverage map.

Option 2: A dedicated 4G/5G mobile router - proper caravan internet without the drama

A mobile broadband router is the “grown-up tethering” option. You put a SIM in a router, the router handles the mobile connection, and everything in the caravan connects to Wi‑Fi as if you’re at home.

For many caravanners, this is the sweet spot: more stable than phone tethering, less expensive and power-hungry than satellite, and far less reliant on site Wi‑Fi behaving itself.

There are two main styles.

A MiFi-style device is a small, battery-powered pocket router. It’s portable and simple, but the Wi‑Fi range can be limited, and some models struggle when several devices connect.

A mains/12V router is a proper box designed to run continuously. It generally has stronger Wi‑Fi, better radios, and - importantly - ports for external antennas. Some also support dual-SIM (more on that in a moment).

4G or 5G?

If you tour in areas with decent 5G, a 5G router can be genuinely transformative for speed and responsiveness. But 5G coverage is still patchy in rural touring spots, and the real advantage often comes from better hardware rather than the “5G” label itself.

A good 4G setup with a solid antenna can outperform a weak 5G signal on a cheap device. Think “consistent” rather than “theoretical top speed”.

What makes a router feel stable

Stability is usually about the radio and antenna, not the Wi‑Fi name on the box.

A decent router will hold on to weak signals better, manage multiple devices without sulking, and recover from drop-outs without you having to do the old IT ritual of turning everything off and staring at it.

If you’re working from the caravan, look for routers that support external antennas and - if budget allows - dual-SIM failover. That means if Network A has a wobble, it can automatically switch to Network B. It’s not magic, but it turns “internet roulette” into something more predictable.

Option 3: External antennas - the upgrade that fixes more than people expect

There’s a point where buying more data doesn’t help, because the problem isn’t the allowance - it’s the signal quality.

If you’re parked in a marginal area, an external antenna can be the difference between “one bar and hope” and “usable all week”. That’s because antennas do two jobs: they pull in a better signal, and they reduce noise. The second part is why calls stop sounding like you’re speaking through a sock.

In the caravan world you’ll mostly see two types.

An omni-directional antenna is “fit and forget”. It receives from all directions, so you don’t have to aim it at a mast. It’s convenient and often the right choice for touring.

A directional antenna is more powerful but needs aiming. It can be brilliant on a seasonal pitch or if you tend to stay put for a while, but it’s less fun when you arrive in the rain and just want to get the kettle on.

To be clear: an antenna can’t conjure a network that doesn’t exist. If there’s no coverage, there’s no coverage. But in the more common situation - a weak or noisy signal - it can make everything feel more like normal internet.

Don’t ignore the boring bit: cables and placement

Antennas are surprisingly easy to sabotage with poor placement and long, lossy cables.

If you can mount the antenna higher (without doing anything unsafe or permanent you’ll regret), do. Signal tends to improve with height and clear line of sight.

Keep cable runs as short as practical, and use decent quality coax. With mobile frequencies, cable loss is real. It’s the caravanning equivalent of towing a bit over your comfort level: you might get away with it, but it’ll never feel quite right.

Option 4: Dual-SIM and network switching - because the UK isn’t one coverage blob

People talk about “the best network”, as if the UK is a single field and we’re all standing in the middle of it.

In reality, network performance varies wildly between regions, and even between pitches on the same site. Trees, hills, the position of your van, and plain bad luck all play a part.

There are three practical ways to handle this.

One is to carry PAYG SIMs from two networks and swap when needed. It’s cheap and surprisingly effective, just mildly annoying.

The second is to run two routers or a router plus phone tethering as a backup. This is the “belt and braces” approach for people who genuinely need connectivity for work.

The third is a dual-SIM router with automatic failover. You pay more for the hardware, but you buy back calm. If you’ve ever had to explain to a client that you’re late because a sheep looked at your 4G mast funny, you’ll understand the appeal.

If you want a starting point, the sensible approach is usually one main network that performs well where you tour most, plus a second network on PAYG for the odd awkward site.

Option 5: Campsite Wi‑Fi - useful, but don’t build your working week on it

Site Wi‑Fi has improved in some places, and on a good day it can be absolutely fine for browsing and streaming.

The problem is that it’s shared. Your speed depends on everyone else’s behaviour, and some people treat campsite Wi‑Fi like they’re at home downloading the entire internet because it’s “free”. Also, Wi‑Fi coverage can be uneven: reception is great at the café, awful at the far end by the hedgerow.

If you’re using site Wi‑Fi as a convenience rather than a lifeline, it can be a nice bonus. If you need reliable internet for work, think of it as a backup, not your primary plan.

Wi‑Fi extenders - when they help, and when they don’t

A Wi‑Fi extender (or bridge) can help if the site Wi‑Fi is decent but doesn’t reach your pitch well. It can also help if your caravan’s walls and layout make internal Wi‑Fi patchy.

But an extender can’t improve a bad internet connection. It can only improve the link between you and the site’s router. If the site’s backhaul is weak, you’ll simply get excellent Wi‑Fi that delivers disappointing internet. It’s a special kind of modern frustration.

Option 6: Public Wi‑Fi and “digital pit stops” - underrated and very British

Not every day on tour needs to be solved with hardware.

If you only need serious connectivity occasionally - uploading a batch of videos, doing an hour of admin, a long video call - it can be smarter to plan a “digital pit stop”. Many towns have reliable 4G/5G, and you can often get solid Wi‑Fi in libraries, visitor centres, cafés or coworking spaces.

This isn’t a high-tech solution. It’s a low-stress one.

If your touring style already includes popping to a farm shop and pretending it’s “just for the bread”, you can fold connectivity into that routine. One strong hour online can save you a week of fiddling with settings.

Option 7: Satellite alternatives (non-Starlink) - niche, but worth knowing about

There are other satellite internet services besides Starlink, including traditional geostationary satellite and newer low Earth orbit offerings.

In UK caravanning terms, they tend to be either expensive, higher latency, more restrictive on data, or less straightforward to set up. They can still make sense for very specific needs - remote locations with no mobile coverage, or long stays where you can set up a dish properly.

The key trade-off is this: satellite can extend reach, but it usually adds cost and complexity. For most touring caravanners, improving mobile internet gets you 80-90% of the benefit with far less faff.

The part nobody wants to hear: power, mounting and “caravan life” realities

Internet kit isn’t just about signal. It’s also about living in a caravan without turning it into a science project.

Routers and antennas typically sip power compared with satellite systems, but they still draw something. If you’re often off-grid, check your battery capacity and charging setup, and be realistic about running gear 24/7. A setup that’s fine on hook-up might be a nuisance on aires and CLs.

Mounting matters too. The best antenna in the world isn’t helpful if it’s permanently in the locker because it’s annoying to install. The best system is the one you’ll actually use when you arrive late, it’s raining, and you’re hungry.

And if you’re thinking “I’ll just mount it on the roof”, remember: anything on the roof becomes part of your pre-tow routine. If you’re already building confidence with towing and set-up, keep it simple. Internet is supposed to reduce stress, not become another thing to worry about while you’re hitching up. (If towing confidence is the bigger gremlin for you, this is more your lane: Towing a Caravan for Beginners: Calm, Confident Starts and Towing a Caravan: Confidence Tips That Work.)

Choosing the right alternative: three realistic setups

Rather than a shopping list, it helps to picture a few setups that match real touring styles.

Setup A: The “weekends and holidays” option

If you’re mostly touring for breaks, and internet is convenience rather than necessity, start with a decent mobile plan and phone tethering. Add a PAYG SIM from a second network for the occasional black spot.

If you find yourself tethering a lot and it’s annoying, that’s your cue to upgrade to a simple 4G router. Keep it portable, keep it easy, and you’ll still be ahead of most site Wi‑Fi situations.

Setup B: The “we work from the caravan sometimes” option

This is where a dedicated router starts to pay for itself.

A 4G/5G router with external antenna ports, paired with an omni-directional antenna, is often the most sensible “alternative to Starlink” for UK touring. You get better reception, more stable connections, and you’re not draining your phone all day.

Add a second SIM (even if it’s just in your phone) so you can switch networks when one is struggling. If you do regular video calls, the ability to move between networks is often more valuable than chasing headline speeds.

Setup C: The “we genuinely need it” option

If the caravan is your office for weeks at a time, treat connectivity like any other safety-and-confidence topic: plan for failure.

A higher-quality router, dual-SIM failover, and a properly mounted antenna is the calm approach. It won’t make every remote pitch brilliant, but it will reduce the number of days where you can’t work because you picked the wrong corner of the country.

And yes, this is the point where Starlink becomes a serious contender. But it’s still not the only answer. Plenty of people get rock-solid working internet with mobile, because the UK’s 4G footprint is better than we sometimes give it credit for - and because antennas and decent routers do more than most people expect.

Common myths (and the calmer version of the truth)

“Unlimited data means unlimited, full stop”

Sometimes it does. Sometimes it means “unlimited, until we think you’re taking the mickey”. Always read fair use terms, especially if you stream a lot or upload large files.

“A signal booster will fix everything”

Be careful with the word “booster”. Some devices are essentially antennas or repeaters, others are regulated signal repeaters with legal constraints. The practical point is: you can improve reception, but you can’t invent coverage. If you’re in a true dead zone, you need a different network, a different pitch, or a different technology.

“5G is always better”

Not always. A stable 4G connection with good signal quality beats a flakey 5G one for video calls and work.

“The campsite Wi‑Fi was great last time”

It might be. It might also be awful next week because the site is full and it’s raining and everyone is inside streaming. Treat it as a bonus.

A quick, sensible way to test before you spend

If you want to avoid buying three gadgets and still being annoyed, do a simple test routine on your next couple of trips.

Try your phone on your current network in a few spots around the pitch - inside by the window, outside near the awning, and at a higher point (even just holding the phone up). Note the difference in speed and stability, not just the number of bars.

If it’s poor, try a SIM on a different network in the same phone. This isolates the network from the hardware. If Network B is much better in the same place, you’ve learned something valuable without buying a router.

If both are okay but tethering is annoying, a router is a convenience upgrade.

If both are marginal but one is “nearly there”, an external antenna is likely the best next step.

If both are consistently awful in the places you tour, that’s when you consider bigger changes: a different touring pattern, planned digital pit stops, or satellite.

Costs, without the sales pitch

The reason “Alternatives to Starlink - Internet In The Caravan” matters is that Starlink isn’t just a technology choice, it’s a money choice.

Mobile-based setups range from “already have it” (tethering) through to a few hundred pounds for a good router and antenna, plus your monthly data plan.

Starlink-style satellite tends to be higher upfront cost and a more significant subscription, plus the hidden costs of power and practical set-up.

The calm way to decide is to work backwards from your worst-case scenario. If losing internet for half a day is mildly annoying, you probably don’t need a satellite subscription. If losing internet costs you work, then spending more for resilience can be rational.

One last thought: don’t let internet become another caravanning myth factory

Caravanning attracts strong opinions. People can get oddly absolute about tyre pressures, noseweight, stabilisers… and now, apparently, internet.

The truth is you can build a perfectly dependable caravan internet setup without Starlink, especially in the UK, by combining the boring wins: a decent router, the right network for your touring areas, and an antenna if you’re often on the edge of coverage.

If you want more calm, experience-led guidance that cuts through the noise, that’s what we do at CaravanVlogger.

Pick the setup that matches how you actually tour, not the one that looks best on a forum signature. Then go and use the caravan for what it’s meant for - getting out there, not troubleshooting Wi‑Fi with a headtorch.