Getting Internet at Remote Sky Watching Sites and UAP Investigation Locations

The Internet Paradox of Remote UAP Investigation Sites

The best UAP observation locations share common characteristics: minimal light pollution, clear sightlines to horizons, low population density, and distance from major metropolitan areas. These are precisely the locations with the worst internet infrastructure.

After four years of field investigations across 12 states, I’ve encountered this paradox repeatedly: The darker the skies, the darker the internet dead zone.

But modern UAP research demands connectivity:
– Uploading video/photo evidence to cloud storage
– Real-time collaboration with research networks
– Accessing satellite imagery and flight tracking data
– Communicating with witness networks
– Monitoring equipment remotely
– Sharing time-sensitive observations

For years, I relied on campsite WiFi (unreliable), mobile hotspots (expensive, limited data), or simply went offline (limiting research effectiveness). Then I discovered HomeFi’s unlimited rural internet solution—it transformed how I conduct multi-day field investigations.

The Real Internet Challenges at UAP Investigation Sites

Remote Observation Locations Have No Traditional Infrastructure

Prime UAP hotspots are definitionally remote:

Utah’s Uintah Basin:
– 30+ miles from nearest town (Roosevelt, population 7,000)
– Private ranch observation sites with zero infrastructure
– Nearest cable/fiber: 45+ miles away
– Cell coverage: Spotty to nonexistent

Nevada Desert Sites (Groom Lake periphery):
– Observation points 60-100 miles from Las Vegas
– No residential infrastructure
– Some locations: Zero cell signal for 50+ mile radius

Washington’s Yakima Reservation:
– Restricted access areas (permission required)
– Vast territory with minimal infrastructure
– Nearest broadband: Yakima city (30-60 miles from investigation sites)

Rural Pennsylvania Military Routes:
– Back roads through farmland and forests
– Houses have internet, but observation sites don’t
– Mobile coverage inconsistent

Traditional internet (cable, fiber, DSL) requires physical infrastructure. Remote observation sites have none.

Mobile Hotspots Hit Data Caps Immediately

I initially used mobile hotspots for field research. Reality check:

Data consumption during 4-day investigation:
– Trail camera uploads (motion-triggered): 2-4 GB/day
– Observation video uploads: 5-15 GB per session
– Cloud backup of equipment data: 1-3 GB
– Standard research (mapping, flight tracking, communications): 2-5 GB/day

4-day trip total: 30-80 GB depending on activity level

Most mobile hotspot plans:
– 15-50 GB monthly caps
– One research trip burns entire monthly allotment
– Overage charges: $10-15 per GB
– “Unlimited” plans throttle after 22-50 GB (becomes unusable)

I was spending $200-400/month on mobile data just for field research—and still running out of bandwidth mid-investigation.

Campground/RV Park WiFi is Worthless for Research

Some observation sites are near campgrounds or RV parks advertising “Free WiFi.” In practice:

Bandwidth Reality:
– 20-40 users sharing single connection
– Download speeds: 0.5-2 Mbps (if you’re lucky)
– Upload speeds: 0.1-0.5 Mbps (critical for cloud uploads)
– Peak evening hours: Essentially unusable

Uploading a 500 MB video file at 0.3 Mbps upload speed takes 4+ hours—assuming the connection doesn’t drop (it will, repeatedly).

Satellite Internet Has Lag Issues

Traditional satellite internet (HughesNet, Viasat) works in remote areas but has crippling latency:
– 600-800ms ping times (geosynchronous orbit)
– Real-time collaboration becomes frustrating
– Video calls are nearly impossible
– Cloud sync operations time out

Starlink (low earth orbit) has better latency but requires:
– $500+ hardware investment
– $120/month service
– Clear view of northern sky (can conflict with observation angles)
– Power draw (significant for off-grid setups)

For temporary field investigations (3-7 days), Starlink’s infrastructure investment doesn’t make sense.

How HomeFi Solves the Remote Research Internet Problem

HomeFi provides unlimited cellular data specifically designed for rural and remote locations. Here’s why it works for UAP field research:

True Unlimited Data

HomeFi doesn’t throttle or cap your data usage:
– Upload 50-200 GB during multi-day investigations
– No overage charges
– No “deprioritization” after arbitrary thresholds
– Consistent speeds regardless of usage

During a 6-day Utah investigation, I uploaded 140 GB of trail camera footage, observation videos, and equipment data logs. HomeFi handled it without throttling.

Works on Multiple Carrier Networks

HomeFi’s devices access multiple cellular networks (carrier-agnostic), increasing coverage in remote areas:
– Automatically connects to strongest available signal
– AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon network access
– Better coverage than single-carrier hotspots

At Pennsylvania observation sites, my T-Mobile hotspot had zero signal, but HomeFi connected via AT&T network with strong 4G LTE.

No Contracts or Commitments

Field research is seasonal and variable. HomeFi’s flexibility matches research schedules:
– Month-to-month service (no annual contract)
– Pause service during off-season
– Restart when planning investigations
– No cancellation fees

I run HomeFi April-October (peak observation season) and pause November-March. This saves $400-500 annually compared to year-round contracts.

Competitive Pricing for Unlimited Rural Data

HomeFi pricing ($59-89/month depending on plan) is significantly cheaper than alternatives:

Cost Comparison (unlimited data in remote areas):

Option A: Mobile hotspot with overages
– Base plan: $50-70/month
– Research usage overages: $150-300/month
– Total: $200-370/month

Option B: Starlink
– Equipment: $500 upfront
– Service: $120/month
– Total first year: $1,940

Option C: HomeFi
– Equipment: Device included or $150-200 (one-time)
– Service: $59-89/month
– Total first year: $708-1,068

HomeFi saves $600-1,200 annually compared to alternatives

Real-World UAP Research Applications

Trail Camera Cloud Uploads

I run 4-6 cellular trail cameras at observation sites for continuous monitoring when I’m not physically present. These cameras:
– Capture motion-triggered photos/videos 24/7
– Automatically upload to cloud storage
– Send alerts for significant activity
– Generate 15-40 GB weekly during active periods

HomeFi provides the upload bandwidth. Without it, I’d need to:
– Physically check cameras every 2-3 days (defeats purpose of remote monitoring)
– Use SD cards (risk losing data if cameras stolen/damaged)
– Pay massive mobile data overages

With HomeFi, trail cameras upload continuously. I can monitor observation sites remotely from home, review footage in real-time, and only make physical trips when cameras detect activity worth investigating in person.

Multi-Researcher Collaboration

Serious UAP investigations increasingly involve team collaboration:
– Simultaneous observations from different locations
– Real-time communication about phenomena
– Shared data analysis
– Coordinated equipment adjustments

During a three-researcher investigation across Utah (Uintah Basin) and Nevada sites, we used:
– Video calls for coordination
– Cloud-shared spreadsheets for observation logging
– Real-time photo sharing of aerial phenomena
– Collaborative flight tracking analysis

This required consistent bandwidth across all locations. HomeFi enabled seamless coordination that would have been impossible with basic mobile hotspots.

Witness Communication Networks

Productive UAP research involves witness networks—local residents who report ongoing phenomena. These witnesses:
– Text/email photos of activity
– Call when observations occur
– Share historical accounts and patterns
– Provide property access

Maintaining these networks requires reliable communication from remote field locations. HomeFi ensures I can:
– Respond to witness reports immediately
– Receive photo/video evidence
– Coordinate with property owners
– Build trust through consistent availability

I’ve lost investigation opportunities because mobile hotspots failed and I missed witness calls during active events. HomeFi’s reliability prevents this.

Real-Time Flight Tracking

Distinguishing conventional aircraft from UAP requires real-time flight tracking access:
– FlightRadar24 (bandwidth-intensive)
– ADS-B Exchange (detailed aircraft data)
– Military flight monitoring platforms

These tools require consistent internet during observations. When you see an aerial light, you need immediate flight data to rule out conventional aircraft.

HomeFi provides bandwidth to run these platforms continuously during observation sessions. This is critical for credible investigation—you can confidently state “no conventional aircraft were in that airspace” because you had real-time tracking data.

Cloud Storage Backup

Equipment failure and theft are real risks at remote locations. Cloud backup mitigates this:
– Upload observation videos immediately after recording
– Sync equipment logs and metadata
– Backup field notes and documentation
– Store copies before equipment potentially fails

I learned this the hard way when a camera was stolen from a Nevada site. Fortunately, that session’s footage had already uploaded to cloud storage via HomeFi. Without that backup, 3 nights of observations would have been completely lost.

Technical Setup for Field Research

HomeFi Device Configuration

HomeFi provides a cellular modem/router device. Field setup is straightforward:
– Device is battery-powered or 12V compatible
– Creates WiFi network for your equipment
– Supports 10-20 connected devices
– Range: 30-50 feet (sufficient for vehicle/tent setups)

I power mine via vehicle 12V outlet or portable battery station (same station that powers observation equipment).

Power Management

Internet connectivity adds to power budget. Typical power draw:
– HomeFi device: 5-10W continuous
– 24 hours: 120-240 Wh
– 4-day investigation: 480-960 Wh

For context, my full field setup power budget:
– Telescope mount and tracking: 300 Wh/night
– Cameras and recording: 200 Wh/night
– Laptop: 150 Wh/night
– HomeFi: 120-240 Wh/24hrs
– Lights and accessories: 100 Wh/night

Total: 870-990 Wh per night

I use a 2,000 Wh battery station, giving me 2-3 nights of full operation. Solar panels (200W) extend this indefinitely for longer investigations.

Signal Optimization

Remote locations sometimes have marginal cell coverage. Signal optimization strategies:
– External antenna (improves signal by 10-20 dB)
– Elevated positioning (mount device on vehicle roof or pole)
– Directional orientation toward nearest cell tower (use apps like Network Cell Info)

At a Pennsylvania site with weak signal, adding an external antenna transformed connection from unusable 1 Mbps to solid 15 Mbps—enough for video uploads.

Security Considerations

Remote investigation sites mean your internet equipment is potentially accessible. Security measures:
– Strong WiFi password (prevent unauthorized use)
– VPN for sensitive communications (especially witness information)
– Device lock (prevent theft when unattended)
– Cloud device tracking (locate if stolen)

I use a cable lock to secure the HomeFi device to vehicle or equipment frame when leaving setup unattended briefly.

Comparing HomeFi to Research Alternatives

vs. Standard Mobile Hotspots

Standard Hotspots (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile):
– Data caps: 15-50 GB typically
– Overages: $10-15/GB
– Single network (limited rural coverage)
– Cost with overages: $150-300/month

HomeFi:
– Truly unlimited data
– No overage charges
– Multi-network access
– Cost: $59-89/month

For research use cases (50-200 GB/month), HomeFi is clearly superior and more cost-effective.

vs. Starlink

Starlink:
– Excellent speeds (100-200 Mbps)
– Low latency
– Works virtually anywhere with sky view
– Cost: $500 equipment + $120/month
– Requires AC power or large battery (40-100W draw)
– Setup time: 10-15 minutes

HomeFi:
– Good speeds (10-50 Mbps typical)
– Standard cellular latency
– Requires cell coverage (most UAP sites have this)
– Cost: $0-200 equipment + $59-89/month
– Low power draw (5-10W)
– Setup time: 2 minutes

For permanent remote installations, Starlink wins. For temporary field investigations (3-7 days), HomeFi’s simplicity and lower cost make more sense.

vs. Campground/RV Park WiFi

Campground WiFi:
– Free (included with site fee)
– Extremely slow (0.5-2 Mbps)
– Unreliable
– Shared with dozens of users

HomeFi:
– Paid ($59-89/month)
– Fast (10-50 Mbps)
– Reliable
– Private connection

Campground WiFi is useless for real research needs. HomeFi provides your own dedicated connection.

Strategic Use Cases Beyond Field Investigations

Base Camp Internet for Extended Stays

Some investigations involve renting cabins/houses near observation sites for weeks at a time. These rural properties often lack internet or have terrible DSL.

HomeFi provides full-speed internet at temporary base camps:
– Work remotely between observation sessions
– Process and analyze data
– Maintain communications
– Stream educational content during downtime

I rented a cabin near Utah’s Uintah Basin for 3 weeks. The cabin had no internet. HomeFi provided 20-30 Mbps connectivity sufficient for all research and personal needs.

Vehicle-Based Observation Mobility

Some UAP hotspots require mobility—moving between observation points based on activity reports or environmental conditions.

HomeFi enables internet connectivity while mobile:
– Receive real-time witness reports
– Access flight tracking continuously
– Upload data without stopping
– Coordinate with other researchers

During a Washington investigation, we repositioned vehicles 3 times in one night based on witness calls. HomeFi maintained connectivity throughout, enabling rapid response.

Equipment Remote Monitoring

Advanced setups use remote-controlled equipment:
– Motorized telescope mounts
– PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras
– Automated tracking systems
– Environmental sensors

These can be monitored/controlled remotely via HomeFi. I can:
– Check equipment status from hotel 30 miles away
– Review camera feeds without being on-site
– Adjust settings remotely
– Troubleshoot issues without physical travel

This extends investigation hours without requiring continuous physical presence.

Cost-Benefit Analysis for Serious Researchers

Annual Research Data Requirements

Conservative estimate (monthly during active season):
– Trail camera uploads: 30-50 GB
– Observation video uploads: 20-40 GB
– General research usage: 10-20 GB
– Equipment data/backups: 5-10 GB

Total per month: 65-120 GB
7-month season: 455-840 GB annually

True Cost Comparison

Option A: Mobile hotspot with overages
– 7 months × $250/month (including overages) = $1,750/year

Option B: HomeFi
– 7 months × $89/month (high-tier plan) = $623/year
– Equipment (one-time): $150-200
– Year 1 total: $773-823

Annual savings: $927-977

Over 3 years of research, HomeFi saves $2,800-3,000 compared to mobile hotspots.

Value Proposition

Beyond cost savings, HomeFi eliminates bandwidth anxiety. You’re not constantly monitoring data usage, worrying about caps, or rationing uploads.

This mental freedom allows you to:
– Upload everything (don’t skip footage due to data concerns)
– Collaborate freely (video calls, data sharing)
– Maintain continuous cloud backup (every observation safely stored)
– Run bandwidth-intensive tools (flight tracking, mapping)

The value of never losing critical footage because you were trying to conserve data is immeasurable.

Limitations and Considerations

Still Requires Cell Coverage

HomeFi works where cellular networks exist. Truly remote locations (beyond all cell towers) won’t have coverage:
– Deep wilderness backcountry
– Extreme desert isolation
– Mountain valleys with geographic blocking

However, most documented UAP hotspots are near enough to civilization that cell coverage exists, even if marginal.

Speeds Vary by Location

HomeFi provides cellular internet—speeds depend on:
– Signal strength at location
– Network congestion
– Tower capabilities (4G LTE vs 5G)

I’ve seen speeds ranging from 5 Mbps (marginal coverage) to 80 Mbps (excellent 5G). For research applications, even 5-10 Mbps is sufficient for cloud uploads and collaboration.

Weather Can Affect Performance

Heavy storms occasionally degrade cellular signals. This is rare but does happen. During severe weather, I’ve experienced:
– Temporary speed reductions
– Brief connection drops
– Increased latency

These are generally short-term issues that resolve when weather clears.

The Bottom Line for UAP Field Researchers

Modern UAP investigation requires reliable internet access at remote locations for:
– Cloud backup of observation data
– Real-time collaboration with research networks
– Witness communication
– Flight tracking and verification
– Equipment remote monitoring
– Trail camera uploads

Traditional solutions fail:
– Mobile hotspots have restrictive data caps
– Satellite internet is expensive and complex
– Campground WiFi is worthless for serious research

HomeFi provides truly unlimited cellular internet designed for rural and remote applications:

Key Benefits:
– Unlimited data (no caps, no throttling)
– Multi-network coverage (better remote access)
– Month-to-month flexibility (pause during off-season)
– Affordable ($59-89/month vs $200-300 for mobile hotspot alternatives)
– Low power draw (battery-compatible for off-grid use)

Cost Savings:
– $900-1,000 annually vs mobile hotspots
– $1,200-1,700 annually vs Starlink
– 3-year savings: $2,700-5,100

For researchers conducting 4-8 multi-day field investigations annually with 50-200 GB monthly data requirements, HomeFi is the practical solution that balances cost, capability, and reliability.

You’re already investing $8,000-15,000 in observation equipment. Spending $600-900 annually to ensure that equipment’s data output is reliably uploaded, backed up, and accessible is basic research infrastructure.

The real value isn’t just cost savings—it’s the operational freedom of unlimited bandwidth. Never worry about data caps. Never ration uploads. Never miss collaboration opportunities. Never lose critical footage because you were trying to conserve data.

In UAP research, the phenomena you’re investigating don’t operate on predictable schedules. When significant activity occurs, you need full bandwidth immediately—uploading everything, coordinating with other researchers, sharing with analysis networks.

HomeFi ensures you’re never bandwidth-limited when it matters most. For serious researchers committed to multi-year field investigation programs, reliable unlimited rural internet isn’t optional—it’s essential research infrastructure.