Some of the best listening spots have no WiFi at all — a woodlot, a marsh edge, a cabin, the far corner of a big property. The good news: a Terra Station just needs an internet connection and power, and there are several ways to provide both far from home. Here are the three approaches we recommend, roughly in order of cost.
1. Point-to-point WiFi (if you're within about a mile of WiFi)
If the site has a clear sightline to a building that has internet — up to roughly a mile — a point-to-point WiFi link is usually the best option. A pair of small directional units (one at the house, one at the site) beams your network across the gap, and the Terra Station connects to the far unit just like normal WiFi. These links are reliable and there's no monthly fee; the key requirement is a clear line of sight between the two units.
2. Cellular (where cell towers are available)
If the site has cellular coverage, a cellular modem/router with a data-only plan can supply the internet connection. Data-only plans typically run around $30-45 per month.
3. Satellite via Starlink
For truly remote sites beyond cell coverage, Starlink can provide the connection — currently around $50 per month for suitable plans.
A note on power
The cellular and Starlink options also require a power source at the site — typically a solar panel and battery — sized to run both the data connection and the Terra Station.
Planning a remote setup and want a second opinion before you buy gear? We're happy to talk it through — send us a message at support@terra.zohodesk.com.
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