Portable Internet Service: 5 PRACTICAL Portable Internet Options

If you frequently travel, live in an RV, or frequently work while on the go, you'll need portable Internet service.

However, not all options for mobile Internet are created equal.

What kind of mobile Internet services do you actually need?

What to consider before getting it?

Don't miss out on this post because it will provide the answers to all of these queries!

Portable Internet

What is portable Internet?

Most likely, your home has a conventional WiFi router with at least two cords connected to it.

One cable powers the router, while another one connects it to the Internet.

Well, except that they are entirely wireless, portable WiFi routers are identical to the network you have at home. 

They are battery-powered and use 2G, 3G, or 5G networks to stay connected to the Internet.

In actuality, the WiFi networks produced by high-speed Internet portable routers are identical to those produced by current cell phones. 

Portable Internet is quite similar to a home network

What are the advantages of portable Internet service?

When a smartphone can perform the same function, why should you get portable Internet services? 

Indeed, a portable Internet provides you with several benefits.

First, an Internet portable network is safe.

You may trust it with personal information and conduct everything like online banking if you get a personal WiFi network and use strong encryption.

Second, portable WiFi routers have a separate power source and often operate for a lot longer than the majority of smartphones. 

A portable WiFi router doesn’t drain your battery

A portable WiFi router may enable you to save enough battery to make an urgent phone call in case of an emergency, which could occur at any time.

Additionally, with on the go WiFi, there are no enormous costs to be concerned about, unlike with mobile data. 

For instance, some portable WiFi hotspots have starting prices as low as $19.

Last but not least, you can build your own WiFi with portable Internet service.

When you're in command of your security, you may set up any password policy and employ the most recent WiFi encryption standard.

Benefits of portable Internet network

What are the best ways to get portable Internet?

There are five common ways to get portable Internet, including

• Hotspots and mobile data

• Travel hotspots, SIM cards, and phone hotspots

• 4G LTE Internet

• Satellite phones and BGAN terminals

• Find a public WiFi network

5 best portable Internet options

Read on to get the details…

Hotspots and mobile data

The best option for quick, simple, and swift portable WiFi is an Internet on-the-go hotspot.

Most of us have smartphones today, many of which have cellular connections that are 5G or LTE. 

So instead of spending money on a new broadband connection for your home, why not make use of that?

They may be added as an additional line to your current phone plan for a variety of price points, saving additional data expenditures.

Mobile hotspots

Of course, doing so entails a one-time expense since you'll need to purchase a hotspot gadget and join a mobile WiFi. 

Even so, a lot of businesses still provide mobile hotspots.

Travel hotspots, SIM cards, and phone hotspots

The simplest and most economical course of action is that.

We advise purchasing a SIM card from a local best cellular Internet provider if you require portable Internet when traveling abroad.

Nonetheless, you should use it with your phone and have it based in the country where you're going.

Or you can keep it easy and just utilize the hotel's WiFi.

Getting a phone hotspot is a good idea

4G LTE Internet

You can access the Internet using a 4g portable WiFi router and 4G LTE through a fixed wireless connection.

There are two versions of this relatively new sort of Internet service: a more pricey, portable version, and a home service.

With portable 4G LTE Internet, your monthly costs would be significantly higher.

Some programs additionally demand a significant upfront "membership fee."

Portable 4G LTE’s price is quite high

However, the benefit is that you get limitless data, which is essentially unattainable from portable Internet service providers otherwise.

Choose this option if you frequently travel but still require WiFi, such as when working remotely as a blogger, content producer, or social media influencer.

Satellite phones and BGAN terminals

Broadband Global Area Network, also known as BGAN, is a satellite network.

It offers phone and Internet service anywhere in the world, including the open ocean and some areas of Antarctica.

Satellite Internet equipment like one of these is not necessary for casual users.

However, they are useful in harsh conditions.

Satellite phones and BGAN terminals

Let's say you're a wildland firefighter, a mountaineer, or a rich person who must check your email while sailing through international waters on a private yacht.

In that case, a satellite phone or BGAN terminal may be all you need.

Find a public WiFi network

Depending on your location, you can connect to a local public WiFi network if you need to access the Internet without a provider.

For instance, you can frequently join networks at coffee shops, libraries, restaurants, and transportation hubs.

It’s totally free!

You can use public WiFi network

What are the best portable Internet providers?

We got good news: there are several ways for you to get a portable Internet connection.

First, your greatest wireless Internet on-the-go choice is a hotspot. 

Fortunately, the coverage areas of AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are all fairly extensive.

They offer a quick and dependable connection in any location with cell service, are simple to use, and are reasonably priced.

For instance, AT&T and Verizon Internet on the go provide massive 4G networks.

They both essentially span the entire US, according to US News & World Report.

If you are interested in AT&T, have a look at the “Att fiber in my area” post in our blog.

AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are great providers for hotspots

Besides, there are many other excellent solutions for portable Internet.

You can access WiFi when traveling abroad (where your hotspot's data provider might not be available) with USB modems and portable routers.

In an RV, van, or for a long-term setup, reliable 4G Internet is an excellent alternative because it offers greater data and flexible plan options.

It is also more expensive to set up, thus it is best used as a long-term investment instead of a temporary solution.

For public WiFi networks, it’s free but be aware of its risks such as the fact that unencrypted browsing is public.

What to look for in portable Internet service?

Of course, you need mobile Internet service that utilizes a broad network, offers you sufficient bandwidth and speed and is reasonably priced.

So, you should take into account the four primary factors listed below before making a choice.

Key factors to choose portable Internet

Data plan

Some portable Internet devices may only be used with data plans from a single provider, typically the device manufacturer. 

Meanwhile, others are unlocked for usage with data plans from several Internet service providers.

So, it’s essential to figure out how much data do I need for home Internet as well as portable high-speed Internet and then choose a suitable plan.

A data plan is worth considering

It's helpful to have the option to switch Internet service providers at any time, but don't obsess over it.

Internet service companies frequently offer portable WiFi routers at a significant discount if you accept to sign a contract, so they are not overly pricey.

Availability

Whether you're going domestically or abroad, you'll have to make sure the plan and gadget you select will function where you need them to. 

For instance, AT&T, Verizon, and Tmobile portable Internet all offer excellent coverage options inside the US.

Despite that, if you're searching for networks abroad, you'll need to research an international data plan. 

Also, make sure it includes the regions of the world you're visiting.

Pay attention to the availability of your data plan and device

Simultaneous connections

Determine how many devices you want to join your portable Internet network by counting them.

Ensure that you purchase a portable Internet WiFi router that can handle at least several more simultaneous connections than you actually need. 

You never know if one day, a friend might decide to go on a trip with you.

Ensure your network can manage simultaneous connections

WiFi speed

“What is a good Internet speed?” is of many people’s concern.

The speed of the portable WiFi router is the most important factor to consider when making a purchase.

The ideal portable WiFi router should be able to connect to 4G networks and enable 300 Mbps of data transfer.

Internet speed is an important factor