These resources are co-authored with our education & action partner at 
Router Cellular Data Plans
Finding suitable cellular data plans to meet home and work mobile internet needs while RVing or boating is always challenging, especially so for Peplink routers.
Unlike smartphone plans, which often have unlimited plans available, data-only plans for cellular routers can be more limited and challenging. Routers need cellular data plans designated especially for use in data-only devices, and most come with terms and features that differ from consumer smartphone plans many are familiar with.
This article discusses the considerations for finding cellular plans for use with Peplink or other cellular-embedded routers, such as Insty Connect, MoFi, InvisiGig, Cradlepoint, GL.iNet, Winegard, and more.
After all, cellular-embedded routers are only worthwhile if you can get suitable data plans that match your needs. So, carefully consider the current options before investing in expensive gear.
This guide is intended to assist you with focusing on data plans we consider top picks for routers.
This guide covers our current Top Pick data plans that can be used in a router, including carrier-direct plans, third-party reseller plans, non-router plans, and Peplink's plans for their eSIM-capable devices.
We also have an expanded Top Pick plans listing that also includes plans for mobile hotspot devices, smartphones, and tablets - and many more resources for shopping for data plans:
This Resource Provided by MMH & MIRC
This Peplink resource article was created in partnership with MobileMustHave.com, and is available as a free public resource. It includes additional in-depth content that is normally only available exclusively for our premium members.
The Mobile Internet Resource Center is proud to partner with MobileMustHave.com, offering education, news, and guidance on mobile Internet options for RVers and boaters. Here at MIRC, we don't accept advertising or sponsorships, nor do we sell stuff.
Please consider becoming a member to explore our content more deeply. Membership includes Peplink discounts, webinars, and advanced technical support provided by MobileMustHave.com.
MobileMustHave.com offers its Insider memberships, which include access to the Mobile Internet Resource Center. If a MMH purchase is not in your future, you can also join MIRC directly for a lower cost. You'll still get vendor discounts and Peplink tech support.
Consider Becoming a Member
If mobile internet is an essential part of your lifestyle, a MobileMustHave membership (which includes membership to this website) can help keep you connected with these exclusive benefits:
- gear and data plan discounts
- member exclusive deals
- advanced replacement
- upgraded shipping
- in-depth exclusive content
- interactive guidance & community
- alerts & insider tips
- Peplink technical support
Peplink Cellular Data Plans Video
Cherie of MIRC and Erik of MobileMustHave.com joined forces to present a webinar on finding cellular data plans for Peplink Routers. The webinar is a high level overview of considerations, not a list of current plans, to keep it evergreen.
Our Peplink Topical Series webinars are normally a member-exclusive benefit, but we've released this one as a free public resource:
Top Pick Data Plans For Routers
Below is our curated list of Top Pick Data Plans for routers, which can help narrow down your options. This list is continuously updated and current. Click through to learn more about the details of each plan in our Gear Center.
Data plans that haven't made our Top Pick criteria but might be options to consider can be researched in our Data Plan Gear Center. Use the 'Routers' filter and any other filters to look at the choices that fit your needs.
We also have a Data Plan Pricing Grid for our members, which lists options in a spreadsheet for easy comparison.
Activating Cellular Data Plans on Routers
One challenge with getting a data plan directly from a carrier is activating the plan on a cellular router. It's not uncommon for a router's modem to not be in a carrier's activation database. Activation eligibility is determined by the modem's IMEI number (every cellular modem in a device will have an IMEI number - it's like a VIN number for your car).
Generally, only devices certified by the carrier are in the activation database. If the router is not in a carrier's activation database, representatives or an online IMEI checker may say that the device isn't compatible with their network—but this is not true in the vast majority of cases.
For Peplink devices intended for the North American market, all cellular modems are unlocked, carrier-certified, and support all carriers (except Dish in some cases).
Other manufacturers may or may not have gone through the expense and process of becoming carrier-certified. Still, they should work with any cellular data plan SIM card authorized for use in a router or not otherwise tied to a specific device.
The challenge is getting a plan activated if you only have a router that isn't in the activation database.
You may need to find a representative who can activate a device that is not in their database. Some stores can use an internal IMEI or are willing to use the IMEI of a different device.
If you have access to an IMEI of another certified router or mobile hotspot, you may be able to use that.
You can also always purchase a mobile hotspot device from the carrier with the plan and swap the SIM with your router. You can then return the hotspot (minus a restocking fee) or keep it as a handy portable backup option.
In some cases, we've found specific tips for certain plans and carriers to make activation easier. Our members can access those tips in each data plan's member section.
We also have a guide dedicated to activating plans and moving them between devices:
Tip: Receiving SMS/TXT Messages on a Peplink Router
Some cellular data-only plans require the carrier to send you a TXT/SMS to activate the plan or an online account to manage it. Peplink routers can receive SMS messages, accessed via the dashboard under Advanced > Misc Settings > SIM Toolkit. Other routers and devices may also have this feature.
Legacy Cellular Data Plans for use in Routers
Over the years, we have tracked many awesome cellular data plans that are no longer available but have been grandfathered for existing customers who've kept the plan. Here's a list of those that are known to be usable in a Peplink or other router:
- Verizon gUDP - Postpaid unlimited smartphone plan that retired in 2011 and works in hotspots and routers. When swapping the SIM to another device, you will get a message from Verizon about a new device which you can ignore. Check the linked guide for the care and feeding of this plan.
- Verizon pUDP - A prepaid unlimited Jetpack plan that came out in 2018 and retired in mid-2019. It works in all Verizon-compatible data devices, including routers.
- AT&T Connected Car "Mobley" - A postpaid plan for connected car devices that offered unlimited data for just $20/mo. Although the terms of service are vague, swapping the SIM from the Mobley device into a hotspot or router just works. These plans, however, are provisioned only for AT&T's LTE network, so no 5G coverage is included.
- AT&T Unlimited Plus LTE/Hotspots - Available for a short time in 2017-2018, these unlimited hotspot lines could be added to an Unlimited Plus smartphone plan. The SIMs work in all AT&T-compatible data devices including routers. Like the "Mobley" plans, these lines are LTE-only and not provisioned for 5G.
- T-Mobile Mobile Internet 100GB - From December 2020 until about mid-2021, the 100GB version of this plan was SIM-swappable into any T-Mobile-compatible hotspot or router. Plans purchased after mid-2021 can only be used in a 5G T-Mobile branded mobile hotspot device.
Using Other Internet Sources With Your Router
While having an embedded cellular modem in a router is a nice feature for connectivity, most routers have other ways they can connect to the internet.
Peplink routers, in particular, are designed to combine multiple internet sources, but most mobile routers have the option for other connections besides cellular.
Here are the most common methods:
- Ethernet - Most routers can use an Ethernet WAN source (such as Starlink, a landline, or even another cellular device with Ethernet out)
- USB - Some routers support USB tethering to a mobile hotspot or smartphone
- Wi-Fi - Some routers have "Wi-Fi-as-WAN" capability - which means they can use a Wi-Fi source as an internet connection.
Together, these give you the ability to use data plans designated for hotspots, smartphones, internet gateways and tablets with your router.
For more on using Peplink's Multi-WAN features:
3rd Party Resellers / Vendors Warning
A Third-Party Reseller is any provider that sells service on a cellular network it doesn't own. Some are legitimate and have a formal contractual relationship with the network owner (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, US Cellular, etc.). Others, however, may not, especially providers with plans that look too good to be true.
Using a third-party Reseller data plan is sometimes the only way to get large amounts of high-speed data for a router, so they are a tempting option. However, there is a risk that the plan can be shut down or changed with little to no notice. This is especially true with third-party resellers who are selling services contrary to the network owner's terms of service.
For more on third-party and other data plans, see our dedicated guide:
Using Non-Router Plans
If you want to stay legit and have a plan that will work in your router, stick with carrier direct data-only plans authorized for use in a router.
If you're willing to accept more risk, there are plans known to work in routers if you're willing to violate the terms of service. Some of these may be smartphone, tablet, or mobile hotspot plans, or plans locked to specific devices. Just note that while methods may work today, there's no guarantee they will continue tomorrow. The carriers can and likely will make moves to block these practices and have done so in the past. Using a lot of data each month is more likely to trigger action by the carriers.
Here are some common methods used to get around plan terms:
This is most definitely moving into a grey area of the terms of service of your data plans.
- SIM Swapping: Some plans just work if you stick them in a router like a Peplink. As you browse plans in our Gear Center, you'll find notes in the member areas for plans that work on routers (at least for now). We also have these plans marked in our member-exclusive Data Plan Pricing Grid (look for Router* in the device types column).
- Changing Device Settings: Some plans may work with a router by changing its settings. Methods vary from legitimate to fraudulent. Examples include APN, TTL, and IMEI settings. Attempting to get around carrier TOS can result in line or account cancellation.
- Using VPNs: VPNs can sometimes mask hotspot usage on a smartphone plan and also bypass video throttles. While a VPN masks network traffic details, carriers can detect VPN usage and may choose to restrict it. Additionally, many video streaming services generally block known VPNs, as it is a common way to get around geo-locked copyright protections.
Peplink eSIM Data Plans
Some newer Peplink routers have built-in eSIM capability; eventually, every Peplink router should have this feature. Unfortunately, the major carriers do not yet support activating plans on a Peplink router's eSIM, but eSIM-based plans are available from Peplink directly and MobileMustHave.
MobileMustHave Roamlink
MobileMustHave also Peplink eSIM as an option for its RoamLink data plans. Roamlink can also be used with a standard SIM card.
Roamlink plans are multi-carrier, using AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and US Cellular.
For the details, please see our news story on Roamlink's launch.
Peplink eSIM Data Plans
Peplink also offers data plans directly for the eSIM in its routers. This allows you to buy cellular data directly from Peplink without needing a carrier plan (or SIM card) of your own.
Peplink's eSIM plans offer several international use options, including global and EU/North American plans. Additionally, pooled data plans are available that can be shared among more than one Peplink device. Plans are also bundled with SpeedFusion Connect data to allow for bonding.
The main downside to the Peplink eSIM plans is their price—they are very expensive compared to other options. Peplink's eSIM plans are primarily intended for devices that need only a little data or as an on-demand backup to another (much cheaper) primary plan.
These plans can be purchased on the Peplink online store.
Related Resources
Here is some related MobileMustHave & MIRC content to explore:
- MIRC Guide: Peplink & Multi-WAN: Using Multiple Internet Sources - Cellular, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Starlink
- MIRC Guide: Selecting Mobile Routers
- MIRC Guide: Top Pick Data Plans
- Data Plan: Peplink eSIM Data Plans
- Data Plan: MobileMustHave Roamlink
- MIRC Resource: All Our Peplink Guides
Explore the Resource Center
Have Questions?
Join our 'Library Desk':
Internet for RVers & Cruisers Facebook Group
We cross post news articles and guides, and can help point you in the right direction to our content here on the resource center.
It is with gratitude to our premium members that we're able to offer our free content - and for that, they also have access to our member Q&A areas for more in-depth guidance.
Become a Member
The MIA is our premium membership - designed for those who consider mobile internet an important part of their lifestyle.
In thanks for making content like this possible, we offer a bunch of additional perks. From interactive guidance, in-depth member exclusive content, discounts, alerts, classroom and ability to book private advising sessions.
Stay In the Know
We're constantly tracking the industry and analyzing new developments for mobile travelers. If you'd like to receive updates, we offer several ways:
- Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter
- Subscribe to our News Stories RSS Feed
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Follow our Facebook Page
View our Peplink product line overview and articles - co-authored with our education & action partner at MobileMustHave (who offers advanced support, guidance and discounts to our members):
Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of