Internet access has become necessary to our way of life, and that won’t change anytime soon. Whether it’s working on the go or browsing the web in the waiting room, having access to high-speed internet is nonnegotiable. Not only is mobile internet a baseline requirement for many cellphone users, but it’s also more prevalent now, as most people today have remote or hybrid jobs. It’s never been more important to understand which internet service providers (ISPs) offer the best and most efficient coverage.
Here’s a look at major ISPs with extensive hot spot networks, including what makes them stand out from the competition.
AT&T
AT&T is a brand that almost everyone knows, whether as an ISP or as a mobile carrier with a notable hot spot network. What does AT&T have going for it that its competitors might not? High-speed hot spot data (and a lot of it!). AT&T offers a sizable chunk of hot spot data every month with its AT&T Unlimited Premium plan. Users will receive 5G access in addition to their standard features for unlimited talk, text, and mobile data. This plan, as opposed to their other options, also includes 4K UHD streaming availability.
After their allotted data is utilized for the month, users will still have access to hot spot data, but the speed will decrease. Lower speeds are only useful for emailing, basic internet browsing, and potentially light streaming activities. If you’re more interested in the internet speed needed for gaming, you should have at least 12 Mbps, but it can vary by game and location.
If you’re not looking for the largest amount of data, AT&T’s hot spot options are also available in smaller offerings. While the rates for these plans are lower per month per line, you’ll reach your monthly hot spot data limit quicker, resulting in slower internet speeds before the end of your plan’s monthly cycle.
If you’re not interested in adding hot spot data to your mobile device, you can also review AT&T’s mobile hot spot devices, which come in at various monthly rates, depending on your device preference. The device differences range from battery capacity to processing speed, memory, and wireless technology.
Verizon
While not all of Verizon’s plans have hot spot capabilities, they’re competitive price-wise and offer many similar features to AT&T. Verizon’s plans come with various amounts of hot spot data and speeds that slow down after you’ve used it up. The higher the amount of hot spot data included in your plan, the less likely you are to experience slow speeds.
Verizon is the largest network nationwide, meaning you’ll have more coverage and more plan options compared to other ISPs.
Visible
Verizon also owns Visible, one of the lesser-known companies on this list. We’ve included it due to its affordability. Visible offers two simple plans, both of which include unlimited mobile hot spot data that’s limited to one device. This not only makes things simpler for customers, but also more budget-friendly.
While its plans boast no data limits on hot spot usage, its speeds may be slower than the competition. Visible is also solely digital, so it doesn’t have storefronts or call centers. It runs on Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband, 5G Nationwide, and 4G LTE networks. While many users may prefer having access to a storefront, Visible’s fully digital catalog and the simplicity of its plans make it an appealing option for users seeking hot spot coverage.
T-Mobile
While T-Mobile is one of the Big 3 mobile providers, its hot spot options are fewer than its competitors. There’s a significant increase in data among its plans the higher you go. Similar to other ISPs, T-Mobile also offers customers hot spot devices that are separate from their mobile plan.
Sprint
If you’re familiar with Sprint, you might already know that it has merged with T-Mobile’s network. Sprint is a front-runner for extensive hot spot coverage and capabilities. Its plans are categorized as unlimited plans, but Sprint also offers two additional plans that are solely geared toward hot spots. The available Wi-Fi devices for Sprint are now the same options featured on T-Mobile’s website.
XFINITY
Xfinity is another ISP that offers millions of secure Wi-Fi hot spots nationwide, as well as 5G, 4G, and LTE internet coverage through its powerful network. By offering internet, TV, and phone services, Xfinity provides incredible flexibility to its customers. Its mobile plans are as robust as its bundles, each of which comes with different amounts of hot spot data and streaming qualities. Xfinity’s internet and mobile bundling options are plentiful, and its customizable plans make it easy to find a way to connect from anywhere at any time.