In recent years, the major cellular carriers have introduced cellular-based broadband plans designed to compete with traditional wired internet service providers by offering internet services to residences and businesses.
The major stipulation with all these options is that they are intended for fixed locations only and are only available in limited service areas where there is sufficient capacity. This means that these options are not viable for the majority of people who are looking for a mobile internet solution, though they might work for RVers and cruisers who are stationary or in a single location for a lengthy period (months).
T-Mobile's option is quite prevalent and was marketed as mobile-friendly by its reps in their early years. However, in 2024 this is changing - T-Mobile is starting location enforcement and is planning a "RV/mobile" home internet plan. There are enough complexities and interest we have a dedicated review for T-Mobile Home Internet.
Verizon, AT&T, and UScellular all offer fixed-location Home Internet Plans. Verizon also offers plans through prepaid brands Straight Talk and Total Wireless. They all have stricter restrictions around mobility, but we do hear reports of some people successfully using the Verizon direct plan for mobile use.
Ultra Mobile also previously offered Home Internet service, but they shut down that service effective November 1, 2023.
These services utilize a cellular gateway router along with a dedicated fixed-location home internet data plan. The devices are only available to subscribers of the home internet plans and the plans reportedly can only be used in the included gateway device.
Service for these options is tied to the sign-up location and is not intended to be used as a mobile internet option. Mobile use is against the plans' terms of service, but these terms may or may not be enforced.
We are covering this in our Gear Center as it's an option for RVers and Cruisers who are often in one spot for an extended period of time.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
T-Mobile is the only one of the major carriers whose "fixed" residential and business cellular plans has allowed users to use their cellular residential and business internet service anywhere T-Mobile has service. However, the fine print says that service is intended to be at the Service address.
There are plenty of indicators that the free ride (pun intended) is coming to an end in 2024.
T-Mobile's ISP service includes a 5G gateway router for the service, which is required to use with the plan. You cannot swap the SIM to a different device, it is IMEI-locked to the gateway router.
T-Mobile also says they offer an LTE-only service for those in areas without 5G, but little information is available on T-Mobile's website.
For full details of T-Mobile's home and small business internet service, see our T-Mobile Home Internet Gear Center entry.
Verizon/Straight Talk/Total Wireless
Verizon Home Internet
Verizon Home Internet is a fixed-location residential service with both 5G and LTE options. Potential customers must have a qualifying address and the terms of service require using specific devices authorized for use with the service.
Verizon's Terms of Service are explicit that the service must only be used in an authorized device at a specific address and that consent is required to move service or change devices.
They currently offer LTE and 5G plans. Prices vary depending on whether the plan is bundled with a phone line or is standalone, and whether or not autopay is enabled.
- LTE Home or 5G Home: Bundled with phone plan: $35/month. Standalone: $60/month, or $50/month with autopay
- LTE Home Plus or 5G Home Plus: Bundled with phone plan: $45/month. Standalone: $80/month, or $70/month with autopay
For full details of Verizon's home internet service, see our Verizon Home Internet Gear Center entry.
Straight Talk Home Internet
Straight Talk offers a $45 Home Internet plan. The plan comes with unlimited data, but speeds are capped at 100 Mbps on 5G and 50 Mbps on 4G.
You must purchase their device for $99 with this service, and it is not available in all areas.
Unfortunately, the T&Cs on this plan specifically state that mobile use is not permitted, and that doing so could result in termination of service.
See our Straight Talk Gear Center entry for more details.
Total Wireless Home Internet
Total Wireless Home Internet plan
is $60/month standalone, $50/month with autopay, or $45/month with qualifying mobile phone Unlimited Plan or Unlimited+ Plan. The service promises speeds of up to 200 Mbps with no data caps. The service can only be used with their 5G Gateway, which must be purchased separately for $99.99 online or at a store.
Like other home internet services, the terms of service do not support mobile use, and customers must have an approved address in an available area to qualify for the service. Since this is a new service as of February 2024, it is unclear whether there will be any mobile or location use enforcement.
The main advantage of the Total Wireless option over Verizon Home Internet is the prepaid, no contract terms. Once you purchase the gateway, you can refill and use the service as needed.
But for mobile users looking for Verizon network data for use in a van, boat, or RV, it can be challenging to get the plan due to the limited areas where it is offered, and the terms of service clearly state it is for fixed-location use. There is also no option to use a different device with the plan, and the 5G Gateway router is rather basic with no external antenna ports.
See our Total Wireless Gear Center entry for more details.
AT&T
AT&T Internet Services
AT&T Fiber Internet is offered in select areas. You must provide your address to check availability/pricing. The speed options are: 300Mbps, 500Mbps, 1GB, 2GB and 5GB, but not all speeds are offered in all areas.
AT&T Internet is offered in select areas also. They are offering speeds up to 100Mbps for a wired connection, but speeds may vary. You must provide your address to check availability/pricing.
AT&T offers fixed-wireless service called AT&T Internet Air for $60/month. It is only available in select locations, and the FAQs clearly state that Internet Air is only for use at the address used for purchase. They provide the All-Fi Hub with your Internet Air service.
AT&T also has business versions of its Internet Air plans that are quite restrictive and require a qualified business address to sign up for service and have a quite strict fixed location and business use only terms.
UScellular
UScellular
UScellular is a large regional carrier, and they offer two Home Internet Plans. Unlimited Even Better (available in select areas) for $50/month, or Unlimited Everywhere for $50/month.
Their plans require an equipment purchase and are only offered in certain locations. The plans are not available online, but you can check your location for availability online.
Their Home Internet plans are not mobile friendly, the terms clearly state: 4G Home Internet plans require equipment to remain at one eligible service location.
News, Videos & Status
We have tested the T-Mobile home internet service which is more mobile-friendly. Our review can be found here.
We have not tested any of the other residential cellular options.
Alternatives to Consider
For other popular mobile routers on the market we are tracking - here are our featured options:
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Routers can serve as a central conductor of your local area network in your RV and boat. Mobile routers are different from residential routers in that they typically support multiple internet sources like cellular and Wi-Fi, can be powered off of 12v or AC and support external antenna for better receiving signal.
But you might not need a router in your setup. Here's a quick video overview the variety that routers come in:
Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of