You may face charges from the hotel or airport providing internet service, or from the local cellular company if you roam on its data network -- as most non-residents must.

BBC: Rentable wi-fi for overseas travel

The researchers eventually will switch to satellite communications, which will allow the robot to roam farther and transmit data in real time.

ENGADGET: NASA's GROVER eco-rover to examine Greenland's ice sheet (video)