TL;DR
Construction sites demand fast, reliable temporary internet for blueprints, remote teams, safety systems, and cloud tools. LTE, satellite, fixed wireless, and microwave all offer options but their performance, reliability, and business-readiness vary. Here’s how to pick the right one.
Note that while wireless may be the most top-of-mind option for temporary internet, Fidalia has arrangements with all of the major carriers to offer month-to-month business internet service options over “wireline” internet services like DSL, Cable, and Fibre. Simply send us your address and we’ll let you know what services are available.
Why Construction Sites Need Temporary Internet
Modern job sites are connected workplaces. From cloud-based project management platforms (Procore, Autodesk) to VoIP phones, site cameras, and digital permitting, downtime means delays and lost productivity.
Temporary wireless internet fills the gap where fibre or DSL isn’t feasible.
The 4 Main Options for Construction Site Internet
LTE (Cellular Hotspot or Router)
LTE internet uses mobile carrier networks (4G/LTE) to deliver connectivity through a SIM-based device such as a portable hotspot or a cellular router. Instead of relying on wired infrastructure, it connects directly to nearby cellular towers, making it fast to deploy and highly portable.
Pros:
- Quick setup (same-day if coverage is strong)
- Portable across multiple job sites
- Works well for smaller crews or light cloud use
Cons:
- Data caps or usage-based billing
- Speed variability based on cell tower congestion
- Limited range in rural or developing areas
Best For:
Short-term projects, small teams, or sites near strong LTE coverage.
Note that LTE for business comes with its own risks, we’ve outlined some of them.
Satellite Internet
Satellite internet provides connectivity through a dish that communicates with satellites in orbit. The signal travels a long distance, which increases latency, but coverage is available in almost every location. This makes satellite useful for remote sites that have no other access to the internet.
Pros:
- Available almost anywhere, including remote regions
- Simple equipment (dish + modem)
- Suitable for basic browsing, email, and low-bandwidth apps
Cons:
- High latency (500+ ms) breaks video calls, VoIP, and real-time tools
- Weather disruption (“rain fade”) risks downtime
- Lower speeds than business-grade fixed wireless
Best For:
Remote sites without cell coverage needing basic connectivity.
Fixed Wireless Internet (Microwave or Point-to-Point)
Fixed wireless uses a mounted antenna to create a point to point or point to multipoint radio connection to a nearby provider tower. It delivers stable, low latency performance similar to fibre when clear line of sight exists between the site and the tower.
Pros:
- Fibre-like speeds (50 Mbps to 500 Mbps)
- Low latency, supports VoIP, video conferencing, and heavy cloud use
- Reliable for long-term projects or multi-phase builds
Cons:
- Requires line-of-sight to a provider’s tower
- Professional installation needed (antenna mounting)
Best For:
Urban or suburban job sites, or rural projects with tower coverage.
Microwave Internet (High-Capacity Enterprise Grade)
Enterprise grade microwave internet uses licensed microwave spectrum and enterprise radio equipment to create a dedicated wireless link between a job site and the provider’s core network. It offers guaranteed bandwidth, low latency, and high reliability backed by service level agreements.
Pros:
- Enterprise-grade speeds and uptime SLAs
- Designed for VoIP, BIM software, security cameras, and jobsite trailers
- Can be deployed quickly (2–4 weeks) for multi-month projects
Cons:
- Not ideal for ultra-short projects (<1 month)
- Requires a clear line-of-sight and professional install
Best For:
Large or extended builds needing high-capacity, low-latency business internet.
| Feature | LTE (Cellular) | Satellite Internet | Fixed Wireless (Point-to-Point) | Microwave (Business-Grade) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deployment Speed | Same-day or next-day | 1–2 weeks | 2–4 weeks (with install) | 2–4 weeks (with install) |
| Speed | 10–100 Mbps (varies) | 25–150 Mbps (high latency) | 50–500 Mbps | 100 Mbps – 1 Gbps (SLA-backed) |
| Latency | Low to moderate | Very high (500–700 ms) | Low (<10 ms typical) | Low (<10 ms typical) |
| Best Use Case | Short builds, mobile crews | Remote wilderness/basic use | Mid-length projects in tower range | Large/multi-phase builds, VoIP, BIM |
| Reliability | Tower congestion possible | Weather-affected (“rain fade”) | Stable, weather-resilient | Business-grade uptime SLAs |
| Supports VoIP & Cloud Apps | Limited (depends on signal) | Poor (latency issues) | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | Lower monthly cost | Equipment + usage fees | Mid-tier install + plan | SLA pricing, high capacity |
| Ideal Project Duration | Weeks or short months | Remote-only fallback | Multi-month builds | Long or critical builds |
How to Choose the Right Temporary Internet for Your Job Site
When selecting between LTE, satellite, fixed wireless, or microwave, consider:
- Project Duration: Short builds (LTE) vs. long multi-phase builds (microwave/fixed wireless)
- Crew Size: 5 users (LTE) vs. 50+ users (microwave)
- Application Needs: CAD, VoIP, cameras → low latency required
- Location: Remote wilderness may require satellite; suburban fringe could leverage microwave
Real-World Example: Mid-Rise Condo Build in Ontario
An international construction firm needed connectivity for trailers, security cameras, and remote architects. Fidalia deployed microwave primary + LTE failover (using our backup internet service), giving:
- 250 Mbps service in <3 weeks
- Zero weather-related dropouts during winter
- VoIP-ready connectivity for jobsite teams and HQ collaboration
Keep Your Site Online, Productive, and Safe
Whether you need connectivity for a few weeks or several months, Fidalia has a temporary wireless internet solution designed for jobsite demands.
Contact Fidalia for a construction internet quote