So Why Use 3g/4g/5g And A Signal Booster
This is my top pick for a few reasons.
First is the cost. A cell booster is going to cost you between $100 and $900 up front. But the only added cost is the data usage on your cellular plan. Theres no monthly fee to use a booster. Just set it up and youre good to go.
Second is the reliability. The top cellular companies have really reliable cell and data signals. If you can get much of a signal at all, youll be able to amplify it and have basically constant access to both phone and data. It works well even if its overcast, unlike some of the other options.
Third is the simplicity. Lets face it, these days most of us have a smartphone. If you have a smartphone, then just having a 3g or 4g signal is enough to get you connected to everything. With a decent signal, you can even whip out your laptop and using your phone as a wifi hotspot, you can catch up on work or do whatever it is you need to do. It really is an awesome option.
The downside to this is the cost of data on many cell carriers. Some plans offer unlimited data in which case you really should consider this option. But if youre going to get charged a fortune for each additional GB of data you use you may be better off setting up satellite internet with data caps up to 50 GB.
In Summary
Here are our favorites
WeBoost also has a 4g/3g option that gives you 1500 square feet of signal. All three of these options boast a signal boost of up to 32x and this one will run $400.
Install The Wifi System
The installation of your network will vary, depending on the WiFi system you choose. Just follow the manufacturers instructions as they take you through the setup.
Additional coverage includes extending the WiFi range for larger vacation properties. If you have a larger vacation rental or even a two story property, it can be hard to get Internet access in all corners of the house.
Each of the recommendations above offer the option of buying a second unit to extend your range. For example, you might set up the base station in the downstairs living room with a second at the top of the stairs to expand your network to the bedrooms and den.
How To Get Free Wifi Near Me: Wifi Free Spot
WiFi Free Spot helps you find businesses and locations in your area that have free WiFi.
Often, its not advertised, so you may not know a business does unless you visit it regularly.
Thats where this site comes in handy.
If you live close enough to one of the local businesses, you may be able to use its public WiFi at home!
If you want to search for public hotspots when you travel, you can also download WiFi Map, an app for iOS and Android.
It works much like the WiFi Free Spot website, only in app form.
Let the app browse your current location to find open hotspots to join when youre staying away from home.
You may even be able to find real-time updates of hotspots near your home to get internet there.
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Century Link Home Wifi Without Cable
The internet services from this company are available in over 30 states. Some of the states are Arkansas, Montana, Colorado, North Carolina, Minnesota, Ohio, North Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Florida, Arizona, Alabama, and many more. The following are the different plans offered by Century Link.
Check With Your Service Providers For Free Internet
Most of internet service providers offer internet services at no cost, but they dont notify their subscribers. Some internet service providers have data plans which are discounted or are somehow cheaper. Such kind of data comes with higher browsing speeds, which are ideal for users. Before agreeing with any service provider ensure all your queries are all addressed, and you have explored the available options.
There are higher chances of getting free internet if you bundle services with the ISPs. Most of the leading internet service providers have started to bundle phone, TV services, as well as the internet to save customers money.
If you bundle more than one service, you will get more internet service at no cost valid for one year. If you opt for any of these services you will be able to save a lot. Upon the expiry of the free internet service, other offers are awaiting you.
Most companies will be happy to grant you other affordable offers rather than losing you to another different company.
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Hotspots + Cellular Service
Tethering your phone is an option but that can get costly. If you happen to still have unlimited data or a service that allows you to stream without using your data, we recommend you use that. IMO, hotspots are the way to go!
- The Verizon Jetpack with unlimited data changed our lives. We werent getting crazy fast speeds like we would with cable or DSL, but for the most part, we were getting at least 15 Mbps. This is still a pricey option, but if your livelihood is dependent on it, its the best option. If you want to step it up a level, some folks get Verizon and AT& T to help ensure coverage in more areas.
- Vinli is a device for the car that tracks your driving data, but it also gives you the option to buy T-Mobile service as you need it. This is a great option because its pay as you go. If youre on the lower end of how much data you use, this could be the most cost-friendly option for you. The downside is since T-Mobile doesnt get as much coverage, this only worked well in urban areas. This is when Esther would hop on to work while I drove.
*Side note: The current options on purchasing data is limited, but there are workarounds to leasing unlimited data accounts. Check out eBay or message us for details.
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Even though wireless data is more expensive on a per bit basis than a traditional broadband connection, using your smartphone’s data plan may actually cost you less in the long run since you only need the service a couple of months out of the year. This means you won’t have the year-round expense of a landline broadband connection. What’s more, using your smartphone instead of subscribing to a separate MiFi service will also allow you to use the service whenever you want without carrying around another device or signing up for a service.
Good luck and enjoy your summer!
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Bum Wifi From Your Neighbours
As youre sitting around with no WiFi internet of your own, you may notice the WiFi hotspots of other people around you. Which brings up the possibility of simply asking someone else if you can use their WiFi internet connection. We cant guarantee anyone will agree, especially if youre a complete stranger. A neighbor you know may be more willing to do this favor for you. If so, there are some tips that could be useful here.
From your point of view, treat this shared WiFi the same as you would a public WiFi. You dont control who connects to it, so its best to use a VPN service to encrypt your data and hide your activity.
You should also ask the person whether their router supports guest networks. This is a separate WiFi network that doesnt allow your devices and their devices to mix. It only gives you internet access. Thats perfect both for your friendly neighbor and your own peace of mind.
Best Budget: Alcatel Linkzone 4g Mobile Wi
Priced just above $50, the Alcatel LinkZone 4G Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot is one of the more budget-friendly hotspots available. This SIM card-operated pick is best matched with AT& T, T-Mobile, and other GSM carriers that use SIM cards for service. It offers up to six hours battery life when fully charged and a 150 megabits per second download speed for quick and continuous streaming. Plus, it’s unlocked, meaning you can easily pop out its included SIM card and utilize your own. According to Amazon shoppers, the hotspot can connect up to eight devices with “no slow down or issues at all” and is “truly reliable and fast.”
To buy: , $51
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Verizon Jetpack Mifi 8800l
Despite being a couple of years old, the Verizon Jetpack MiFi 8800L is probably still the best 4G hotspot available right now. It uses Qualcomm’s X20 modem and supports 11 LTE bands. It provides both 2.4 and 5GHz mobile networks, supports guest connections, and allows you to connect up to 15 devices to the network at once.
The device is only available through Verizon. You can get the device for $99 if you . It is $199 if you buy the device contract-free.
What Does This Reading Mean
Okay, so now you have a reading. And it might be a negative number
Dont worry, its supposed to be.
In fact, some phones show it as a positive number. Its actually not.
This is a reading of decibels and it should fall between -30 and -120. The more negative the number, the worse the signal. So for example, a reading of -80 is worse than a reading of -70. If your phone shows the numbers as positive, then the same holds true. 80 is worse than 70. The closer the 0 the better.
You may also be seeing two signal numbers. One for 3g/4g and another for 1x. The 3g or 4g number is the one we care about right now. The 1x number will come into play later.
Heres the crux of it all. If your signal is less than about -100, youre probably not going to get much if any service. Less than -110 and even a cell booster probably wont be able to help you. The fact is, if theres no signal to boost, the cell booster is completely worthless. It doesnt create any signal at all, it just boosts whats there. The good news is that if you already have a signal thats stronger than about -100, you should be able to get service even without a booster. All you need is your phone.
But if your signal is too weak to get service, there are options. I recommend you use a signal booster.
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Just Use Wifi For Internet Access
If all the above sounds like a lot of work, and you donât think you really need to be online every minute of the day, then our suggestion would be just to use free WiFi networks as you go.
In many countries around the world you can find free WiFi all over the place. In the UK for example, most restaurants, bars, museums and many public spaces as well as public transport operators offer easy, hassle free connections.
The same can be said for the US and much of Europe. Reliable locations to find WiFi include McDonalds, Starbucks, and many others. Your hotel or lodging will nearly always include free WiFi as well â thankfully weâre almost past the days when hotels feel they can charge for WiFi access.
You might also want to consider investing in a wireless range extender, also known as a travel router. This is a small device that can boost a weak wireless signal, allowing you to connect your devices from further away to something like a hotel or coffee shop that you might not have been able to previously connect to.
Weve done a round up of the best travel routers to give you an idea of what these devices do and how they work. Our current suggestion is the this TP-Link Travel Router, which is well reviewed and very cost effective.
A travel router can also be used at home, but if you are trying to improve your home WiFi, check out our guide to the best home WiFi routers as well.
Xfinity By Comcast Home Wifi Without Cable
The internet services provided by this company are almost available in the whole country. Their plans differ according to the area you live in in the US. For example, when you are living in Minneapolis, you can enjoy a plan called Performance Plus Internet. This plan does not require a TV subscription. Its an effective plan since it costs just $29.99 per month plus a downloading speed of up to 60 Mbps. With this plan, you can connect up to 5 devices and they will work effectively. Therefore, it can provide home Wi-Fi that wont let you down.
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Buy A Portable Router
Whether your phone is not hotspot-enabled or your data plan is not sufficient for your needs, an alternative is to purchase a portable router. These generally allow up to 10 devices to access the internet. Like your smartphone, these require inserting a SIM card for connectivity. While using a portable router will incur an upfront fee and an additional charge for internet access, there are plenty of service providers from which you can rent them and often at a reasonable rate.
These routers are typically powered by USB, and most models come with an extension cable to plug them in. Just remember that binging on Netflix during your travels can be a serious drain on your battery, so dont forget to bring a travel adapter! As a plus, many models allow you to plug devices into the router, which can be an effective way of charging your mobile devices on the go.
There are many benefits to using a portable Wi-Fi router. They are substantially more secure than public Wi-Fi. Further, they are highly convenient while traveling. Unless you have a connected car with built-in internet access, a portable router may be necessary. While they may incur some additional costs, they are a great way of getting reliable internet access without savaging your cellular data plan.
How To Select A Satellite Broadband Provider For Your Vacation Home
Posted under: Blog, Exede, HughesNet, Internet, Satellite and ViaSat
Buying a vacation home makes it easy to get away from it all, but chances are good you’ll still be packing at least one or two digital devices in your weekender bag. For most people, equipping a beach house or cabin in the woods with satellite broadband is all about balance: being able to stay connected even when the plan is to go off the grid.
That’s a good thing considering that having internet access at your vacation property is about more than just the ability to check your email. With a stable internet connection that works even in the most remote locations, you can stay connected to the important people back home, get a little work done after hours, and reach help in an emergency. Plus, if you’re planning to rent out your vacation home, having satellite broadband available for guests is a real selling point.
Getting by with just a phone’s data plan is sometimes possible , but it’s not ideal. If your vacation home is well off the beaten path, your cellular signal strength may be spotty or nonexistent. At best, an unreliable signal is an inconvenience. At worst, you could end up unable to reach out for help when you need it most.
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If Driving/commuting Is An Option
If youre able and willing to leave the house to get internet access, there are a bevy of options that you can take advantage of, including some of the obvious ones:
- Coffee shops
- Your local university campus
- Gym/fitness center
Keep in mind that using public Wi-Fi at an establishment requires a certain give and take. Its customary and a common courtesy to always purchase something when you take up space at a coffee shop or fast food joint. Better yet, if you tip well and get to know the baristas, no one will give you the stink eye when you plug your surge protector into the wall and pull out your days work.
Furthermore, some places that offer public Wi-Fi limit it to members only. You might have to show proof of a library card to use your librarys Wi-Fi, or you may have to be a member of the gym if you want to take advantage of the internet there. Its always a good idea to call ahead and see what their policies are before you make a solid plan.
Keep in mind that public Wi-Fi can be dangerous. You dont have any control of security, which may not be up to recommended standards, and these can be popular spots for hackers looking to intercept financial information. If you frequently rely on public Wi-Fi, we recommend adding a VPN to your devices.
Best Multitasker: Netgear Nighthawk M1 Mobile Hotspot
Able to connect and share data with 20 devices at once, the Netgear Nighthawk M1 Mobile Hotspot can handle multiple tasks at once without sacrificing power or speed. The Amazon’s Choice router is an unlocked device that will connect with all SIM cards, powered by a rechargeable battery that delivers 24 hours of continuous use. It’s equipped with fast 4G LTE broadband and offers up to one gigabyte per second of download speed. Worried about how much data you’ve used? Its LCD screen clearly displays how much storage is remaining, calculates when it will run out, and keeps count of the devices connected. “Works great,” one Amazon shopper shared. “Streams TV, accommodates desktop and cellphone Internet simultaneously with no slowdown or drops in service. Consistent connectivity and smooth service. Easy to set up.” Many noted that it’s a great portable Wi-Fi hotspot to have when traveling to rural areas.
To buy: , $259
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