Connectivity

4G/LTE Construction Cameras

No WiFi? No problem. Builder.Cam cameras have built-in cellular connectivity, uploading photos directly over 4G/LTE networks. Deploy anywhere with coverage— no site network required.

Why Cellular Connectivity?

No Site WiFi Required

Cameras use built-in 4G/LTE to upload photos directly. No dependence on construction site networks.

Works From Day One

Deploy before IT infrastructure is in place. The camera brings its own connectivity.

Reliable Uploads

Cellular networks are more stable than temporary construction WiFi. Fewer gaps in documentation.

Automatic Failover

If signal drops temporarily, photos queue locally and upload when connectivity returns.

WiFi vs Cellular: Why We Chose Cellular

Many camera systems rely on site WiFi. Here's why Builder.Cam uses dedicated cellular connectivity instead.

Aspect
Site WiFi
4G/LTE
AvailabilityRequires site network setupAvailable immediately via carrier network
ReliabilitySubject to construction interference, congestionDedicated connection, not shared with site users
CoverageLimited range from access pointAnywhere with 4G/LTE coverage
SetupNeeds network credentials, may require IT involvementSIM included, pre-configured, just power on
Ongoing CostMay be free if site network existsData included in subscription
SecurityDepends on site network securityIsolated from site network, encrypted transmission

How It Works

1
Camera captures photo – At your configured interval (up to every minute).
2
Photo processed on camera – Face blurring (if enabled), compression, metadata added.
3
Upload over 4G/LTE – Encrypted transmission to Builder.Cam cloud servers.
4
Available instantly – View on any device via web or mobile app.

EU-Wide Coverage

Builder.Cam cameras come with EU-wide roaming included. We select the best carrier for your specific location to ensure optimal connectivity. For cross-border projects, roaming is included at no extra cost—your camera works everywhere across the EU.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Builder.Cam cameras work without WiFi?

Yes, all Builder.Cam cameras have built-in 4G/LTE connectivity. They don't need or use site WiFi at all. This is intentional—construction site networks are often unreliable, congested, or non-existent. Cellular connectivity provides a dedicated, reliable connection for your camera.

Is 4G data included in the subscription?

Yes, cellular data is included in your monthly subscription. You don't need to provide a SIM card or manage a separate data plan. The camera arrives pre-configured and ready to connect.

What if 4G coverage is weak at my site?

Before deployment, we check coverage at your specific location. In cases of poor 4G coverage, we can configure a customized camera solution with ethernet, WiFi, or 5G connectivity. Often a slightly different mounting position is also enough to improve signal.

How much data does a construction camera use?

Data usage depends on photo frequency and resolution. A typical setup (12MP camera, photos every 5 minutes) uses approximately 50-100 MB per day. Higher resolution or more frequent captures use more. This is all included in your subscription.

Does 4G work in underground or indoor construction?

4G signal penetration into buildings varies. For indoor phases of construction, camera placement matters—often a window-adjacent location works. We have successfully used 4G cameras in underground subway tunnels. For challenging environments, we can configure customized camera solutions with ethernet or WiFi connectivity. We assess this during planning.

What happens if the cellular network goes down?

The camera stores photos locally when upload isn't possible. Once connectivity returns, queued photos upload automatically. You may see a brief gap, but no photos are lost. This is more reliable than WiFi, which can have similar issues without the same local storage capability.

Can I use my own SIM card instead?

We recommend using our included connectivity for the best experience—it's pre-configured, includes roaming, and is covered by support. However, for specific enterprise requirements, we can discuss custom configurations.

Related Topics

Ready for WiFi-Free Documentation?

Builder.Cam cameras arrive ready to connect. Just plug in power and start capturing— 4G data included in your subscription.