Whether you are traveling abroad, or you live in an area where cell phone companies do not provide Internet services, there are ways to get online. You can get free Wi-Fi, or you can use a USB cellular modem to tether your phone. The internet can be accessed through your smartphone by setting up a mobile hotspot or using a fiber network.
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Free Wi-Fi is available in many cities across the world
If you’re traveling to an unfamiliar city, consider using free Wi-Fi. It can help you get directions and stay connected while you’re in the streets. You can also use it to document your trip and upload videos.
Most major cities offer free Wi-Fi. But, the internet is not always available in certain places, so it’s a good idea to ask. Some businesses, such as cafes, will even provide it for free.
Public places such as train stations, airports, and museums are prime contenders for free Wi-Fi. Other locations include coffee shops, restaurants, and hotel Wi-Fi.
New York, for instance, has a rapidly growing network of free Wi-Fi locations. Several companies are offering free apps to locate Wi-Fi hotspots.
While some cities have little or no Wi-Fi, there are other cities across the globe with extensive networks. The following cities have many options to choose from.
Tethering an Android or iOS phone
Tethering is a great way to get internet from your smartphone without using your carrier. However, it’s important to note that tethering can be costly. Plus, it can take a toll on your battery.
In most cases, tethering is only available if you have a mobile data connection and a smartphone with a decent data allowance. If you don’t, you may have to sign up for a different plan or move to a better coverage area. Luckily, tethering is easy to set up.
Several carriers, including EE and O2, offer tethering as part of their monthly plans. Other networks, like Vodafone, may allow you to tether for free but will charge a fee if you overuse your tethering allowance.
The process for tethering is fairly straightforward and is generally a wireless or USB connection. Some devices, such as the Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy S6, allowing you to set up your own hotspot.
USB cellular modem
If you want internet without a provider, you can use a USB cellular modem as your primary connection. A modem connects directly to a mobile data network and allows you to share your data connection with other devices. Some modems even include a built-in router. However, there are a few things you need to know before buying a modem.
The best cellular modems are the ones that can provide a secure and stable connection. It is also important to get the correct antenna. You will need to buy an appropriate pigtail cable and an LTE antenna. Depending on your needs, you may also need a power source.
There are many cellular modems available on the market. While the cheapest model may not need any configuration, more sophisticated models will.
Mobile hotspot
If you have a smartphone, you can use your phone’s cellular data to access the internet. This is known as a mobile hotspot. However, before using your phone as a hotspot, you should set up a password.
Mobile hotspots are useful for those who don’t have a reliable home Internet connection. They also provide a cheaper alternative than buying a new broadband Internet connection.
Most smartphone models have a built-in hotspot feature. This allows other devices to connect to your phone wirelessly. It is a good option for those who just want to use the Internet occasionally.
One downside of using a mobile hotspot is that the device’s battery can deplete more quickly. For that reason, it’s best to have a charger handy. Also, you need to watch how much data your phone uses to prevent over-usage.
Fiber
Fiber Internet without a provider can be a good option for people looking for a high-speed connection. It’s a great way to stream TV to a Smart TV, and it can also be used for video conferencing. However, the quality of your connection can vary depending on your location.
The best fiber Internet providers offer high-speed Internet without the usual hassles. For example, AT&T and Verizon Fios are two of the top choices. They offer excellent customer service, high-speed Internet, and a number of other benefits.
Another option is to go wireless. Those who live in the boonies might find that satellite is the only viable option. Some ISPs are even in the process of replacing copper with fiber.
Aside from the aforementioned fiber-to-the-premises and wireless, cable modems are another option. Although not as fast as fiber, they are very affordable. Most cable modems are capable of providing transmission speeds of 1.5 Mbps.
