How to Get Wi-Fi Service Without a Local ISP

Are you tired of your home Internet Service Provider (ISP) dictating what online services you can use and how much bandwidth you can consume? It doesn’t matter whether you get internet from Time Warner Cable, DirecTV, Armstrong Cable, Frontier, or even Comcast. You’ll be pleased to learn that there are multiple other ways to go online, each with its benefits and drawbacks.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the different methods to choose the one that’s best for you.

So, what do you do when you want to get connected yet don’t have a residential internet service provider or simply don’t want to use the available ones? Here are your options.

Mobile Hotspot

A mobile hotspot is a small device that creates a personal, wireless connection to the internet.

It relies on a cellular data signal to provide internet access and can support multiple devices simultaneously. Mobile hotspots are an alternative to home broadband and can be used anywhere with cell service from any ISP. They’re incredibly convenient for travel since they allow you to stay connected even if you’re far from home.

There are several mobile hotspot models on the market, so choosing the best one for your needs can be challenging. In addition, certain hotspot devices work with a specific provider. We recommend the following models:

Verizon Jetpack MiFi 8800L

If you’re always on the go and need a secure, fast way to connect to the internet, you need a Verizon Jetpack MiFi 8800L.

This pocket-sized hotspot gives you the freedom to connect up to 15 different devices to the internet, so you can stay connected even when there’s no broadband or fiber optic Wi-Fi available. And with Verizon’s 4G LTE network, you’ll enjoy speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G.

The Jetpack MiFi 8800L includes a built-in battery that gives you up to 24 hours of use on a single charge, so you can stay connected even when you’re on the go.

GlocalMe DuoTurbo

As anyone who travels frequently knows, one of the biggest annoyances includes dealing with different cell phone plans in different countries. You either have to pay expensive roaming fees or buy a local SIM card, which can be a hassle. That’s where the GlocalMe DuoTurbo comes in.

It’s a dual-SIM hotspot that gives you the best of both worlds. With the GlocalMe DuoTurbo, you can connect up to 10 devices to a fast LTE connection. Since it has dual-SIM capabilities, you can use it in over 150 countries without worrying about roaming fees.

So, whether traveling for business or pleasure, the GlocalMe DuoTurbo is the perfect solution for staying connected.

Although these mobile hotspots are generally very reliable, a few things can cause them to malfunction. For example, the hotspot may have trouble staying connected if there’s a problem with your cellular signal or with the mobile ISP. Additionally, mobile hotspots can overheat if they’re used for extended periods.

If you’re having trouble with your mobile hotspot device, consider restarting it or moving to a different location.

Wi-Fi 2G/3G/4G LTE USB Dongle (USB Modem)

A Wi-Fi USB modem is a small device that plugs into a computer’s USB port and allows the computer to connect to a wireless network ISP’s internet.

Wi-Fi dongles are becoming increasingly popular as more and more devices rely on a wireless connection.

One advantage of Wi-Fi dongles is that they are very easy to set up. All you need to do is insert the dongle into the USB port and follow the instructions on the screen. Another advantage of Wi-Fi dongles is that they are very portable. You can easily take them with you when you travel and use them on any computer with a USB port.

The only downside of Wi-Fi dongles is that they are slightly more expensive than other types of Wi-Fi adapters. However, they are well worth the extra cost for their convenience and portability.

Tethering

Tethering is connecting your computer or other internet-enabled device to your smartphone’s data network, allowing you to use your phone’s data connection to access the internet. Essentially, it turns your phone into a mobile hotspot, providing internet access to any connected device.

There are a few ways to tether devices, but the most common is using a USB cable. To do this, you simply connect your phone to your laptop with a USB cable and then enable “tethering” on your phone.

While this can be a useful way to get online when there is no other available connection, it can also come with some potential risks. One of the biggest risks is data overage charges from your mobile carrier. You could face hefty fees if you use up your monthly data allowance while tethering.

Another risk is security. When you tether your phone to another device, you create an open Wi-Fi network that anyone could potentially connect to. This means that if you are not careful, you could be exposing your data to others. So, if you decide to tether your phone for internet access, take precautions to protect yourself from potential risks.

Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi is a term used to describe networks that are open and accessible to the general public. They can be found in airports, train stations, coffee shops, and other public places.

While it can be convenient to access the internet while on the go, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with using public Wi-Fi.

One of the biggest dangers is that personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers, can be intercepted by cybercriminals. Another risk is that malware can be downloaded onto devices connected to public Wi-Fi networks.

For these reasons, it is important to use caution when using public Wi-Fi and to avoid accessing sensitive information while connected to these networks.

Share Someone’s Wi-Fi

If you live in a densely populated area, chances are good that you can get Wi-Fi from your neighbors. All you need is a Wi-Fi-enabled device and a little bit of know-how. Here’s how to do it:

1. Ensure your Wi-Fi-enabled device is within range of your neighbor’s router. If it isn’t, you won’t be able to pick up the signal. You can see it once it appears in “Available Network.”
   
2. Check to see if your neighbor’s router is password protected. If it is, you can see a locked sign beside the Wifi icon then you’ll need to obtain the password before you can connect.
   
3. Once you have the password, open “Settings” app and tap “Wifi” option. Look for your neighbor’s network. Select it and enter the password when prompted. You should now be connected to their network.
   

Remember that not everyone will be willing to share their Wi-Fi with their neighbors. If you’re having trouble connecting, it may be best to try another strategy.

Stay Connected

There are a few options available if you’re looking for an alternative to traditional internet service providers.

One is to purchase a mobile hotspot device, which gives you a private and secure Wi-Fi connection anywhere there is cell service. A USB dongle can be a great choice when the device you want to connect has a USB port. Another option is to use a public Wi-Fi network, such as those offered by coffee shops, libraries, and hotels. In addition, you could tether your devices to your smartphone and turn it into a mobile hotspot.

While they may not offer the same speeds or reliability as a major ISP, these options can be a great way to get online without breaking the bank.

Have you tried to go online without Wi-Fi? Have you used any of these methods? Let us know in the comments.