While not suitable for most full-time US based nomads, short term data rental plans are available through several companies for data usage in the US, and beyond. These plans may be applicable to those who travel infrequently, or have limited data needs.
We track some of the options for companies that offer data and/or device rentals for short periods of a day, days, or weeks.
These plans are not typically cost effective for meeting usage needs beyond a few days.
However, for folks that require data for short bursts - or for part time nomads who don't wish to purchase their own equipment, there are options.
While this Gear Center entry does not go in depth on particular plans and companies, we do keep a list of interesting short term data rental options - and are always on the lookout for plans and companies that are highly applicable to US based RVers and Cruisers.
In addition, most Global SIM rental companies (who typically focus on International travelers) provide short term hotspot data solutions in the US (and beyond). We track some of these companies on our Alternative Global Cloud SIMs Gear Center page. These are worth a comparison with the plans listed on this page if you are considering a short-term data solution.
Services
- Event Radio Inc - A US based company offering short term (minimum of 7 days) of Verizon hotspots or AT&T hotspots/aircards. Each rental includes 1GB/day of high-speed data. Additional data (up to 5GB) can be pre-ordered for a rental.
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Alternatives to Consider
Also consider some of our other top pick data plans:
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Shopping for Cellular Data Plans
Finding the right plans for your needs is no easy task - quite simply mobile travelers using cellular data as their primary way online is not how most carriers have designed their plans. Many of us want plans that provide copious amounts of data.
Here's our video going over ways to get LOTS of data for use in your travels:
But a data plan alone will not keep you online. You also need the right gear, signal enhancing strategy and planning your travels around the options you carry with you. Head on over to our collection of guides:
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Top Data Plan Picks
Our constantly updated list of the BEST data plans.
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Which Carrier is Best?
Is Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile or Dish best for your travels?
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Selecting Data Plans
Our deep dive into understanding data plans and shopping for them.
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Data Plan Pricing Grid
Our always updated spreadsheet comparing all data plans suitable for mobile internet.
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Getting LOTS of the Data
Learn how to get lots of cellular data in your mobile internet arsenal.
Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of