Search the
archives -- there is tons of information.
To briefly summarize --
1.
Satellite Internet is very costly or extremely slow. I don't know of anyone using it other than real superyachts.
2. Mobile telephone Internet is the main way of connecting for most cruisers. Use a mifi device or router and buy local SIM cards in every country, and Bob's your uncle. In
Europe, LTE is now widespread and in many places we get speeds comparable to home hardwired
broadband -- 10mbs and more download speed. Cost varies, but in some places it is as little as 1 euro per gigabyte and even less. Coverage in many areas is nearly seamless and up to some miles
offshore.
3. When crossing oceans nearly all cruisers forgo having an actual Internet connection in the normal sense. Satellite data devices like DeLorme InReach, or data over sat
phone will let you send short text messages or short text emails or social media updates from the middle of the ocean economically.
4. You can also use data over
HF radio (Winlink or SailMail) if you have the
equipment (HF
radio preferably with
Pactor modem) and necessary skills, licenses, and patience. Suitable only for text only
email; not Internet browsing. Works in the middle of the ocean.
5. I note that although most cruisers disdain marina
wifi as being poor quality, costly, and usable only in a specific port, this year I have noticed a dramatic improvement in quality of marina wifi in many, many
ports in Northern
Europe. It's usually free or included in berthing and I've started to use it more often. Might be worth even getting my Bullet working again.