The internet is a world wide communication network that connects different types of computers around the world. Internet Providers are companies that distribute internet service to millions of households by enabling them to connect to the network and gain access to the online web. Having access to broadband home internet is getting expensive in the United States. The charges of home internet connection that is provided by the Internet Service Providers (ISP) costs an average of between $50 to $60 per month with the internet only getting faster and reaching a wider audience day by day.
These high charges make it impossible for a lot of people to have access to wireless internet service when and where it’s needed. Also, physical cable internet connection is beginning to look like a nuisance with all the hassle that’s involved in setting it up and its immobility. These inconveniences and the high monthly cost has urged a lot of people to consider cutting out the cable when it comes to getting internet connection.
If you are thinking about whether it is possible to gain access to the internet without an internet service provider, the answer is Yes. Due to the vast usage of internet services, there are multiple ways you can access the internet without making use of the cable connection provided by the internet providers. Keep reading to find out all the various methods by which you can gain access to the internet easily without having to pay the internet service providers.
- How Can I Get Internet Service Without a Provider?
- How To Get Internet Without An Internet Service Provider?
- How Can I Have Access to WiFi at Home?
- Can I Get an Internet Connection at Home without a Cable or Phone Line?
- Am I Able to Get Satellite Internet from a Rural Area?
- Is it Advisable to Use USB Cellular Modems for Internet Service?
- Should I Go Wireless and Cancel my Cable Connection?
- Conclusion
How Can I Get Internet Service Without a Provider?
Most users decide to opt out of internet cable connection provided by Internet Service Providers because of various different reasons. Some people can not afford to pay the large sum of money required for a monthly internet bill, while some people just like the portability of internet service that you can use anywhere and at any time. Nowadays, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to getting an internet connection without a provider or a cable TV plan.
These options include, mobile hotspot devices, USB Tethering, public WiFi, fixed wireless internet, 5G home internet, satellite internet, and cable internet-only plans. The details and overview of how to use the mentioned services to get an internet service connection without a service provider will be explained below.
How To Get Internet Without An Internet Service Provider?
1) Portable Hotspot Devices
Through mobile hotspot connection, a lot of people have found an ease of access to the internet by creating a signal from a smartphone or tablet to connect with another device (computers, televisions or other smartphones). This would enable the user to connect to the internet across all devices using his mobile internet data connection.
An alternative to using a smartphone or tablet as a hotspot device is actually buying a self-stand hotspot device to make use of mobile data to give you access to the internet. This method of connecting to the internet requires no contract with a service provider and is so convenient and portable that you can take the internet with you wherever you go.
The fees of using your cell phone or hotspot devices as an internet source depends on the cellular data plan you are on. The connected devices use data out of the mobile data plan that is running on your primary device. With your mobile hotspot active, you can connect to multiple devices at once.
- Portable with easy mobility.
- Can handle multiple devices at once.
- Security management.
- Slower connection speed.
- Huge impact on battery life.
- Safety is not guaranteed.
2) USB Tethering
Much like the mobile hotspot mechanism, USB Tethering enables the sharing of internet data across devices using a singular mobile data plan. However, instead of WiFi connection, USB Tethering makes use of USB cable to connect your smartphone to your computer. Your smartphone mobile data and connectivity will be used to grant internet access to your computer.
An advantage of using tethering instead of mobile hotspot is the fact that USB tethering does not drain as much battery. The connection quality is however not as strong and can only be used for small tasks that do not require strong internet connection.
- Easy access to network.
- Less impact on battery life.
- Portable and convenient.
- Very slow internet speed.
- Not compatible with a lot of devices.
3) Fixed Wireless Internet
Fixed Wireless Internet is a type of service that offers internet connection through the use of broadcast towers to send and receive signals in the form of radio waves. It consists of transmitters that are planted on stationary objects like towers, buildings or poles to effectively provide a wireless network. Unlike wired networks like Cable, Fiber or DSL, Fixed Wireless Internet requires no form of in-ground wiring to transmit its signals.
All it makes use of is an external antenna that picks up a signal from a cell phone tower and sends it to your router where it is transformed into a WiFI connection.
- Available in rural regions.
- Does not require in-ground wiring.
- Low latency.
- Interference from weather.
- Frequent disruption of signal.
- High cost of installment.
4) Satellite Internet
Satellite Internet is a type of broadband internet connection that facilitates internet connection without the need of cables or in-ground wiring. All it needs is a satellite dish that will catch internet signals that are being beamed from an orbiting satellite in the sky, thereby giving you access to the internet from almost anywhere you are.
Versatility is the biggest advantage when it comes to satellite internet because it can be accessed from pretty much anywhere since the signal is literally beamed from the sky. To gain access to this type of service, you need a professional to install a satellite dish that will capture signals for you. Satellite internet it simply ‘internet beamed from the sky‘.
- Accessible in rural areas.
- Faster than dialup.
- Does not require phone line setup.
- Very high latency and high ping rate.
- Slow internet network speed.
- Vulnerable to weather interference.
5) 5G Home Network
The 5G network is still very new and it might take a few more years before its coverage reaches the majority of the world, but a lot of people already have access to its services. 5G Home Network makes use of a fixed receiver to pick up internet signals from 5G mobile networks. Its internet speed is so fast and it rivals even the strongest of cable and fiber networks. This network does not require a cable connection or a phone line in order to work.
- Very high internet speed.
- Low latency and ping rate.
- Upgraded bandwidth.
- Limited global accessibility.
- High impact on device batteries.
6) Free Public WiFi
A lot of public places like schools, certain offices, libraries, cafes and transport hubs offer free WiFi at their facilities. You can exploit the free WiFi by visiting these places to cover your internet needs. Some places restrict access to their WiFi and a password might be required but there are still places that just need your connection to access their network. You can use softwares like WiFi Free Spot (www.wififreespot.com) and WiFi Map (www.wifimap.io) to locate places in your vicinity that offer free WiFi.
- Free.
- Efficient accessibility.
- Lack of reliability.
- No guarantee of security.
- Slower internet speed.
7) WiFi USB Dongle
This is commonly known as an “internet stick” or “instant internet“. This is a more accessible and affordable alternative to mobile hotspot. It is a USB device that is a bit bigger than a USB key that utilizes a 3G or 4G SIM card to provide you with internet service through a Wireless service provider. This service suits people that are travelling or always on-the-go and need available internet connection always.
- Portable and easy to use.
- Do not require any battery charge.
- Private and secure.
- Low internet speed and strength.
- High latency.
- Can only connect to a single device at a time.
8) Internet Provider Sharing
When an urgent need to use the internet services arises and you have no access to a connection, you can always try your luck and ask that friendly Neighbours of yours to share his WiFi network. Or you can just turn on your WiFi and connect to any available and open networks nearby.
Most people usually restrict their wireless network but if you are lucky, someone hasn’t. Always be careful on how much data you consume because you don’t want to inflict any heavy charges on your Neighbours.
How Can I Have Access to WiFi at Home?
There are multiple ways you can get access to wireless networks at home. These options include the use of mobile hotspot, USB Tethering, Portable modem or router, “neighbours” WiFi, fixed wireless network or satellite internet service. All these do not require a contract with internet service providers (ISP) or phone line connection.
Can I Get an Internet Connection at Home without a Cable or Phone Line?
Yes. This can be done by making use of wireless internet networks that can be accessed using a WiFi router that will be connected to a modem using an ethernet cable.
Am I Able to Get Satellite Internet from a Rural Area?
The biggest advantage of Satellite Internet is that it can be accessed from almost anywhere in the world because its signal transmission comes from the sky. Satellite Internet has a high latency and very low internet connection speed and this feature can be due to the long distance that the internet signal travels to reach your dish. However, in a rural area where there aren’t many options, it is a recommendable option.
Is it Advisable to Use USB Cellular Modems for Internet Service?
Modems are cheap alternatives to modern portable routers and they do not require any battery charge. You can easily plug in your modem to your computer and access the internet service wherever you are as long as there is a service provider tower nearby.
Should I Go Wireless and Cancel my Cable Connection?
Many people have decided to cancel their cable connections due to the ever increasing cost of cable internet connection by internet service providers and also because of the discovery of highly portable and easily accessible wireless alternatives. With wireless connection, there is higher mobility and ease of access with lesser service fees than cable connection.
Conclusion
The increase in the demand of internet services has led to different innovations that have made access to internet service easier and more convenient. Nowadays, you do not have to worry about the hassle of cable internet connection and the high cost of monthly internet bills required by internet service providers.
You have the option to go wireless and get your internet network without any of those limitations and cost. To choose the best option for internet connection without a provider, you need to weigh on availability, cost, security, strength and latency and decide the option that is best for you. This is why we took the time to explain the different methods and ways you can have access to internet services without needing a contract from a service provider.