Latest news with #homeinternet
CNET
3 days ago
- CNET
I Tried AT&T Internet Air for a Week. It Wasn't Even Close to Fast Enough
When it comes to home internet, I often say that the best broadband connection is one you never notice. With steady buffering and long load times, AT&T's 5G internet offering, AT&T Internet Air, never let me forget I was using it. Seemingly overnight, we've seen a rise in 5G home internet popularity. One report found that 89% of new broadband subscriptions in the past two years came from just two 5G providers: T-Mobile and Verizon. So when AT&T launched AT&T Internet Air late in 2023, I was excited to see how it compared. I was quickly disappointed. I have as friendly a testing environment as you'll ever find for an internet provider. I live alone in a one-bedroom apartment, and the list of connected devices I own is shockingly short: Just my iPhone SE, Apple TV 4K and a MacBook Pro that I use to work from home. That's not much strain to put on a Wi-Fi network, but even so, AT&T Internet Air couldn't handle it. That's why I have a hard time recommending the service to anyone. AT&T's wireless internet connection consistently delivered download speeds below 10 megabits per second -- a far cry from the 90Mbps to 300Mbps it advertises. That said, wireless internet speeds are more dependent on location than wired options like cable and fiber, so your experience may be much better than mine was. (Subscribers on AT&T's subreddit reported speeds in the 150Mbps to 300Mbps range.) There were things I liked about AT&T Internet Air -- namely, the easy setup and useful app -- but that's like saying I like everything about a car except the fact that it can't go above 25 miles an hour. Internet providers have one job -- to deliver a fast, reliable connection -- and AT&T Internet Air was an unequivocal bust on that front. Locating local internet providers Read more: My T-Mobile 5G Home Internet Experience: What I love and What I Wish Were Better Joe Supan / CNET Setting up AT&T Internet Air All in all, it only took me 11 minutes to set up AT&T Internet Air. It truly couldn't have been simpler. The box only comes with two items: A gateway device and a power outlet. I followed the instructions in the box, downloaded AT&T's Smart Home Manager app and scanned the QR code on the device. The app suggested that I place the gateway device near a window and facing west if possible. I was able to find a spot that checked both boxes near my desk, where I'd need the strongest internet speeds possible. Once I'd landed on a location, the app ran a quick test and gave me the approval. I was now ready to test out the connection. AT&T Internet Air speed and reliability There's no way around it: AT&T Internet Air's speeds were incredibly disappointing, and the speeds I was getting would be basically unusable for most people. It boils down to the advertised speeds versus the actual speeds you get. After dozens of speed tests throughout the week, AT&T Internet Air averaged a download speed of 5.86Mbps and 9.87Mbps upload in my apartment. The highest download speed I got at any point was 10.63Mbps, while upload speeds peaked at 14.38Mbps. At the same time, my $50 Connect More plan through Xfinity -- advertised as 300Mbps download -- returned average speeds of 321/109Mbps. AT&T Internet Air's latency was also very high, with an average ping rate of 298ms. That's bad news if you plan on doing any online gaming, where 40ms or lower is considered ideal. AT&T says that users typically experience download speeds between 90Mbps and 300Mbps and upload speeds between 8Mbps and 30Mbps. My upload speeds fell within that range but I never came close to 90Mbps download. The highest I got was 14.38Mbps. (I used Ookla for all of my speed tests, which is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) Wireless internet like AT&T Internet Air or T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is inherently more erratic than a wired connection like cable or fiber. Because it transmits data wirelessly from a cellular tower, it's more vulnerable to network congestion and weather disruption. That's why router placement is particularly important -- if you don't have a clear line to the nearest tower, your internet connection will suffer. But I did have a clear line. I could find a spot for the router right against a window facing west, just as I was instructed during setup. The problem didn't seem to be the location of my home, either: AT&T's coverage map shows the entire city of Seattle blanketed in 5G Plus speeds, which it describes as its fastest tier. AT&T's coverage map indicates that I should have been able to access AT&T's fastest speed tier. AT&T I tried moving the router to a few different locations over the course of testing but speeds never improved. In fact, it got even slower when I moved it to another room or away from the window. AT&T recommended calling customer support to help determine the best spot for the device based on where the closest cell tower is. Wireless internet providers like AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon all include a caveat in the fine print that says they may temporarily slow your speeds if the network is congested. That might explain my test results if they were all happening at 'internet rush hour' -- the hours between 7 and 11 p.m. when traffic is highest. But I tested AT&T Internet Air at various times throughout the day and never saw much of a difference. How was it using AT&T Internet Air? If anyone can get by with slow internet speeds, it's me. I live alone and I don't do any bandwidth-stressing activities like online gaming and the only devices connected to the internet are my phone, laptop and streaming device. But even with that minimal setup, AT&T Internet Air struggled to pull its weight. Zoom meetings at work were reliably unreliable, to the point where I had to switch back over to my Xfinity connection several times. Working in Google Docs, the connection would routinely drop out, causing me to wait a few seconds before I could continue writing this review. AT&T Internet Air's range was basically limited to the room with the router. When I ran speed tests in my bedroom -- one wall away from the router -- my connection slowed to a mere 1Mbps in download and upload speed. It was a frustrating experience. I found myself switching back over to Xfinity or cellular data on my phone every time I wanted to do something like watch a YouTube video from the group chat or take a FaceTime call. I don't need gig speeds -- I probably don't even really need 100Mbps speeds -- but I do need at least 15Mbps, which is what Netflix recommends for streaming in 4K. Unfortunately, AT&T Internet Air failed to clear even that low bar. How does AT&T Internet Air compare to other 5G internet providers? 5G home internet has taken off in the past few years and AT&T is later to the party than competitors T-Mobile Home Internet and Verizon 5G Home Internet. In general, using 5G technology for home internet has been an unequivocal success. A survey from J.D. Power released last summer found that customer satisfaction is higher for wireless customers than cable or fiber, even though it received lower performance scores. 'A lot of the concerns I had heard about fixed wireless access were that it's just never going to be as fast as fiber,' Carl Lepper, senior director of the technology, media and telecommunications intelligence practice at J.D. Power, told me at the time. 'But for a lot of people, affordability trumps that. And it's not often that you need superfast speeds, depending on how you're using your internet.' 5G home internet often reaches rural households where cable and fiber aren't available and it's a significant step up from the satellite or DSL service that those internet users are typically stuck with. And because 5G providers are cellphone carriers first and foremost, they offer significant savings when you bundle home internet with a cellphone plan. Provider Monthly price Advertised download speeds Advertised upload speeds AT&T Internet Air Read full review $60 ($47 with an eligible AT&T wireless plan) 90-300Mbps 8-30Mbps T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review $50-$70 ($30-$50 with cellphone plan) 87-415Mbps 12-56Mbps Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review $50-$70 ($35-$55 with qualifying Verizon 5G mobile plans) 300-1,000Mbps 20-75Mbps Show more (0 item) Shop providers at my address Those savings aren't quite as significant with AT&T as they are with T-Mobile and Verizon, but paying $47 a month for home internet is still a solid deal. If you're not bundling with a cellphone plan, AT&T Internet Air is on the expensive side and there's no guarantee that it will make up for it with faster speeds -- as my week with AT&T showed. The final verdict: AT&T Internet Air could still be useful for some After those disappointing results, you might be surprised to learn that I still wouldn't swear off AT&T Internet Air completely. Other customers have clearly gotten faster speeds than I did -- Reddit users regularly report speeds north of 700Mbps -- and there's a chance my apartment is just in a particularly bad location for the service. Unlike T-Mobile 5G Home Internet, AT&T Internet Air does not offer a free trial, so you'll be out at least $60 if you sign up and find out the speeds aren't fast enough. I'd still recommend going with T-Mobile or Verizon first if you want to try out 5G home internet, but AT&T Internet is still worth a shot if you're stuck with limited options. I tried AT&T Internet Air for a week FAQs: What is AT&T Internet Air? AT&T Internet Air is a 5G fixed wireless connection that offers a singular plan. Pricing starts at $60 monthly or $47 if you bundle it with an eligible AT&T wireless plan. In areas where AT&T's faster fiber service is unavailable, this fixed wireless option could be an alternative for some. Is AT&T Internet Air fast? AT&T Internet Air advertises download speeds of 90Mbps to 300Mbps and upload speeds of 8Mbps to 30Mbps. However, after conducting a dozen speed tests at home, my actual speeds were significantly lower than what was advertised. The highest speed I was able to reach for upload was 14.38Mbps, which is on the lower end of that range. With AT&T Internet Air, I only averaged 5.86Mbps download and 9.87Mbps upload. Compared to other 5G providers, Verizon and T-Mobile advertise much faster speeds, topping out at 415Mbps and 1,000Mbps, respectively. However, it's worth noting that even if you get faster speeds at your home with a 5G fixed wireless connection, your speeds can be temporarily slowed down during network congestion. In addition, AT&T's latency is very high, which can be pretty bad if you're a gamer. The average ping rate that I received at home was 298ms. For online gaming, your ping rate should be 50ms or lower.
CNET
5 days ago
- CNET
Ready for a Router Upgrade? Don't Buy Until You Read This Wi-Fi Guide
Picking out a Wi-Fi router can be one of the most challenging parts of setting up home internet, but don't let that scare you away from finding the best router for your house. Retailers often exaggerate the speeds routers can offer, and continual developments in Wi-Fi technology, such as the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, complicate the process. A good router is an investment: They don't come cheap, and we all want to make sure we're getting the best use of our internet for the money we spend on it. Whether you've finally decided to stop renting your router from your ISP or you want to upgrade to a mesh router system, having some Wi-Fi basics under your belt is helpful when splurging on a good Wi-Fi router. In this primer, we'll cover the basics of Wi-Fi technology and how it relates to your router, how ISPs may limit your router's capabilities and everything else that goes into finding good equipment. Once you can make sense of some fundamentals, you'll have no problem finding the right router for your internet setup. You can check out our complete router shopping guide for more thorough router shopping tips and recommendations on our favorite routers, mesh networks and Wi-Fi extenders. So, what is Wi-Fi? Let's start at the very beginning. Your router connects multiple computer networks together using Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi, or "wireless fidelity," refers to the family of wireless network protocols that allow your router to exchange data through radio waves. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers developed and released the first version of Wi-Fi in 1997 and classifies Wi-Fi within the 802 family of standards for local area networks. The IEEE's full code for Wi-Fi is 802.11, pronounced "eight-oh-two-dot-eleven" and that ".11" distinguishes Wi-Fi from other standards in the family, including Ethernet (802.3), Bluetooth (802.15.1) and Zigbee (802.15.4). Locating local internet providers Over the years, the IEEE has done quite a bit to certify new improvements to Wi-Fi and standardize them for widespread use. That's where those confusing letters that come after "802.11" come into play: Each of them denotes specific generations of Wi-Fi. For instance, the first widely used version of Wi-Fi was released in 1999 and called 802.11b; shortly after that came 802.11a, then 802.11g in 2003 and 802.11n in 2009. Wi-Fi 6, or 802.11ax, is the current-gen version of Wi-Fi that most devices use today. If your eyes glazed over a bit just now, I've got some good news for you. The Wi-Fi Alliance, the nonprofit trade organization that holds the Wi-Fi trademark, finally realized that Wi-Fi labels had gotten too confusing for consumers. When 802.11ax launched in 2019, the group decided to market the standard as "Wi-Fi 6" and retroactively refer to previous Wi-Fi generations similarly. The new standard makes it much easier to differentiate Wi-Fi labels: 802.11be : Wi-Fi 7 : Wi-Fi 7 802.11ax : Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E : Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ac : Wi-Fi 5 : Wi-Fi 5 802.11n : Wi-Fi 4 : Wi-Fi 4 802.11g: Wi-Fi 3 Wi-Fi 7 is the latest version... but you probably don't need it yet So what is Wi-Fi 7 and should you be worried about making sure your router uses it? In a nutshell, Wi-Fi 7 is faster and better at connecting lots of devices and users, with access to several wider frequency bands at once. Whereas Wi-Fi 6 and 6E also allowed access to multiple bands, devices were limited to one band at a time. Wi-Fi 7 reduces latency, increases network capacity and supports faster speeds. The only catch is that to take advantage of Wi-Fi 7, you'll need a Wi-Fi 7 router and a Wi-Fi 7-capable device. Wi-Fi 7 is backward compatible, so you can use your current devices with a Wi-Fi 7 router just fine -- but you won't get the full experience. New routers supporting the standard are already starting to pop up on store shelves, but they're expensive. Though more and more devices are equipped with Wi-Fi 7 capabilities, including Apple's iPhone 16, they're still relatively rare -- for now. Consider your speed: Household speeds vs. router speeds Now that you know how some of the Wi-Fi technology on your router works, it's time to pay attention to speeds. The best place to start is figuring out how much speed your household actually needs. You can do this by first figuring out how much speed you're currently getting, with a simple speed test -- Orb and Ookla are some of our favorites. (Disclaimer: Ookla is owned by Ziff Davis, the same company that owns CNET.) Next, take stock of the devices and type of internet usage in your house. If you have a lot of gamers, streamers, remote workers or students in the house (not to mention the number of smart devices), you should consider a 1-gig or multigig tier. When upgrading your router, consider the minimum speed recommendation for your household and make sure you're getting a router that can support those speeds -- but watch out for misleading marketing tactics. Retailers are notorious for reporting the combined top speeds of your router's bands, misleading people into thinking they're buying equipment that supports 3,000 megabits per second when, in reality, that router most likely supports a fraction of that speed. Also keep in mind that the internet speed advertised by an internet provider is the maximum speed of any device in your home. If you're buying a router with multigig capabilities but you don't have a multigig plan, you won't get those speeds unless you upgrade with your internet provider. A note on Wi-Fi speeds vs. Ethernet speeds It's important to note that your internet connection will almost always be faster with Ethernet than it is with Wi-Fi. This is what it looks like when you connect a device to a router using Wi-Fi. PhotoBecause Ethernet is a direct, wired connection, there's little-to-no obstruction between your router and your device. Wi-Fi, on the other hand, is a wireless connection to your router that relies on frequency bands instead of a cable. In some cases, retailers will advertise speeds you can only get with a wired connection, making the typical speed for a Wi-Fi connection much slower than that advertised price. What does that number in the router name mean? Along with each manufacturer's internal naming schemes, most of today's routers will typically also come with designations like "AC1900" or "AC3150." The point is to give you a quick, comparative sense of which version of Wi-Fi each router supports ("AC" for Wi-Fi 5, "AX" for Wi-Fi 6 and so on), along with a rough sense of its speed capabilities. I say "rough" because those numbers after the "AC" or "AX" part indicate the sum total of the maximum theoretical transfer rates across each of the router's bands. That's not useless information as you're comparing routers, but it's a bit misleading: The sum total will almost always be significantly higher than the fastest speeds you'll experience as a user. "AC" tells you that this is a Wi-Fi 5 router, while "2600" refers to the combined theoretical max speeds of each of the router's bands. Your actual speed per device will be a lot lower. Ry Crist/CNET For instance, the D-Link DIR-867 is listed as an AC1750 router. It's a dual-band Wi-Fi 5 router with theoretical maximum transfer rates of 1,300Mbps on the 5GHz band and 450Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. Add those two numbers together and you get 1,750, hence the name AC1750. The problem is that you can't actually add those bands together-- you can only connect to one at a time unless you're using a Wi-Fi 7 router with a Wi-Fi 7-capable device. That means the fastest speed you could theoretically get from the DIR-867 is 1,300Mbps, not 1,750Mbps. And I say "theoretically" because those top speeds are measured by the manufacturer in optimized lab conditions, not in real-world environments. When we tested the thing out, we measured max speeds of 163Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 802Mbps on the 5GHz band. Solid results for a budget-friendly router, but nowhere close to 1,750Mbps, even if you add them together. Things get even more inflated once you start looking at tri-band routers that add in an extra 5GHz connection. For example, Asus now sells a tri-band Wi-Fi 6 gaming router in its ROG Rapture lineup with the designation "AX11000." The "AX" tells you it's a Wi-Fi 6 router, and the "11000" indicates the combined top speeds of each band -- 1,148Mbps at 2.4GHz, and 4,804Mbps on each of the two 5GHz bands. That's a lot of concurrent bandwidth, but don't start thinking your computer, phone or gaming console will connect at anything close to 11,000Mbps. The fastest figure you'd ever possibly see from a single device is 4,804Mbps, and today's ISP connections are nowhere near that fast yet. In fact, the average internet speed in the US currently sits at 564Mbps, according to the latest data from OpenVault. A mesh router network, like the one pictured here from TP-Link, can significantly improve connectivity around the else should I look for when I shop for a new router? You'll see all sorts of Wi-Fi jargon as you shop for a new router. Here's a rundown of the terms you'll see the most, and what they actually mean for your home. Mesh: A mesh Wi-Fi network uses multiple access points to provide better coverage throughout large homes. Similar to Wi-Fi extenders, a mesh Wi-Fi system extends coverage throughout the house but with a smaller zone of coverage. Start with one that wires to your modem like a traditional router, then add satellite units around the house that act like repeaters for the signal. If you have a pesky back bedroom that struggles to stay connected, then move mesh routers up to the top of your list. A mesh Wi-Fi network uses multiple access points to provide better coverage throughout large homes. Similar to Wi-Fi extenders, a mesh Wi-Fi system extends coverage throughout the house but with a smaller zone of coverage. Start with one that wires to your modem like a traditional router, then add satellite units around the house that act like repeaters for the signal. If you have a pesky back bedroom that struggles to stay connected, then move mesh routers up to the top of your list. MU-MIMO: Short for "multiuser, multiple-input, multiple-output" (and pronounced "multiuser-meem-oh"), MU-MIMO lets your router divide its signal between multiple streams. That, in turn, lets the router send data to multiple devices at once. MU-MIMO is optimal for households or spaces with a lot of devices and heavy internet use, as it optimizes your network. If the receiving device supports it, MU-MIMO also lets the router use multiple streams at once to send data to the device, which makes for faster transfers. Wi-Fi 6 routers can support up to eight streams (8x8), while Wi-Fi 7 routers can support up to 16. Short for "multiuser, multiple-input, multiple-output" (and pronounced "multiuser-meem-oh"), MU-MIMO lets your router divide its signal between multiple streams. That, in turn, lets the router send data to multiple devices at once. MU-MIMO is optimal for households or spaces with a lot of devices and heavy internet use, as it optimizes your network. If the receiving device supports it, MU-MIMO also lets the router use multiple streams at once to send data to the device, which makes for faster transfers. Wi-Fi 6 routers can support up to eight streams (8x8), while Wi-Fi 7 routers can support up to 16. Band steering: Different brands have different names for the feature, but a growing number of routers will automatically move devices between frequency bands as their positions change within the range of the router. So, if you're using Wi-Fi to make a video call on your phone, and you're sitting in the living room near the router, it might automatically assign you to the 5GHz band, which is the speediest at close range. If you move into another part of the house during the call, the router might automatically "steer" your connection onto the 2.4GHz band, which offers a steadier connection at a distance. Different brands have different names for the feature, but a growing number of routers will automatically move devices between frequency bands as their positions change within the range of the router. So, if you're using Wi-Fi to make a video call on your phone, and you're sitting in the living room near the router, it might automatically assign you to the 5GHz band, which is the speediest at close range. If you move into another part of the house during the call, the router might automatically "steer" your connection onto the 2.4GHz band, which offers a steadier connection at a distance. Beamforming: A basic router will broadcast its signal more or less equally in all directions, but with beamforming, the router can focus its signal in the specific directions of the devices that are trying to connect to it. That can help it reduce interference and maintain a better range. A basic router will broadcast its signal more or less equally in all directions, but with beamforming, the router can focus its signal in the specific directions of the devices that are trying to connect to it. That can help it reduce interference and maintain a better range. Quality of service: Often abbreviated to QoS, quality of service is a feature that lets the router prioritize certain types of traffic above others. It's a common feature for gaming routers. Beyond basics like those, router manufacturers are turning more and more to extras like simplified, app-based setup, integrations with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, VPN support, better parental controls, and optional cybersecurity monitoring. All are worth considering if you think you'd put them to use in your home.
Digital Trends
24-07-2025
- Digital Trends
Why home internet beats 5G hotspots for speed, savings, and reliability
Streaming lags. Downloads crawl. And just when you're about to join that 8:00 AM meeting with your boss? Glitched again. If you've been using your smartphone's mobile hotspot as your primary home internet connection, you already know how dicey things can get. What might seem like a convenient, cost-effective alternative to home internet often turns into a frustrating guessing game of connectivity. But here's the kicker: home internet doesn't just offer better performance, it can actually be more affordable, especially when bundled with mobile service. The Case Against Mobile Hotspots at Home Sure, using mobile data for internet access feels like the minimalist move. No routers. No installation. Just turn on your phone's hotspot and you're online. But this setup is built on compromises…and they show. Speed and stability: Mobile networks are built for mobility, not stability. Your smartphone shares tower bandwidth with everyone in your area, which means peak-hour slowdowns, dropped connections, and inconsistent speeds. That's a recipe for disaster if you're gaming, streaming 4K, or on an important work call. Network congestion: When your neighbors all get online during the same Netflix hour, your mobile hotspot can buckle under the pressure. This isn't just about buffering, it's about your phone being forced to act like a makeshift router, which it wasn't designed for. Device limitations: Want to connect your smart TV, laptop, security system, gaming console, smart lights, and a few phones? You're pushing the limits of your hotspot, which typically can only handle a handful of connected devices before performance nosedives. The Smarter Switch: Reliable, Affordable Home Internet Enter: Astound. For as little as $35 a month, Astound gives you ultra-fast, fiber-powered home internet that doesn't flinch when your entire apartment wants to stream at once. And the cherry on top? You get unlimited mobile data — completely free for one line — when you bundle it with internet service. And from July 15 through September 30, you'll get a $100 gift card. Let's break that down: $35/month for reliable gig-speed internet for 3 years Free unlimited mobile data for one line $100 gift card The Data Reality Check Think you're saving by relying on your hotspot or tethering? Think again. According to a recent study from Astound, the average household uses more than 600 GB of internet data every month, a number that far exceeds what most 4G or 5G wireless data plans comfortably support without throttling. Using a mobile hotspot device or a capped phone plan puts your connection at serious risk of slowdown, especially when multiple users are sharing it. When You Bundle, You Win Bundling mobile and home internet helps you save money, simplify billing, and ensure that your internet experience doesn't drop off the moment you leave your front door. With Astound's fiber-backed network and mobile perks, you get seamless coverage at home and on the go. That $35 home internet plan suddenly looks a lot better than your $80-a-month data plan and with none of the throttling, buffering, or midnight resets. And yes, it supports all your streaming, gaming, and smart home habits. If you're setting up a first apartment, upgrading your living situation, or just sick of paying too much for too little, this is the moment to rethink your setup. Astound is ideal for renters, movers, young professionals, and students. So stop duct-taping your digital life together with a mobile hotspot. There's a smarter, more stable, more affordable option waiting. Your Hotspot Was Never Meant to Be Your Home Internet Astound's $35 Gig Internet for 3 years with free unlimited mobile and $100 gift card is more than just a good deal, it's a total upgrade. Want your home WiFi to just work? Want your mobile data to be free? Want it all without blowing your budget? Then this is your sign: it's time to ditch the hotspot. *Internet speeds may vary & are not guaranteed. Certain equipment may be required to reach advertised speeds. DOCSIS 3.1 modem with 2.5GE physical LAN port is required for 1 Gigabit speeds and higher. See for why speeds may vary. To view Astound's FCC Network Management Disclosure see Limited time offer, subject to change without notice. Gig+ Internet for 3 yrs with 1 line of Unlimited Mobile. Price includes a $30/mo discount off the stnd Gig+ rate. Mobile must be activated within 14 days & kept active for promo period or std. rates apply. Mobile line pricing is not price locked and is subj. to change. Speeds under 1 Gig, pricing valid for 12 mos. Excludes taxes, surcharges, & fees. Offer subj. to change. Modem required for Internet service. Enhanced Wi-Fi or Whole Home Wi-Fi (eero) included with 1 Gig and higher speeds; $5/mo for lower speeds or additional devices. Offer includes a monthly discount for enrollment in both automatic payments (autopay) & paperless billing (e-bill). Discount of $10 applies with automated bank account deduction or a discount of $5 applies with automated credit/debit card payment. Valid email address required. Must complete enrollment in autopay and e-bill within 30-days of placing the order. Without enrollment, the discount does not apply. Discount appears on bill within 3 bill cycles after enrolling. If either autopay or e-bill is canceled, services are changed, or the account is not in good standing, then the monthly discount will be discontinued. Offer valid only for new residential Astound customers or previous customers with an account in good standing who have not had Astound service within the last 60 days. Any add'l services, equipment, premium channels & other tiers of service are subject to an add'l charge & regular increases. A one-time activation fee of $14.99 (in addition to any installation fees) will be charged & is subject to change. Add'l fees apply for taxes & surcharges, and are subject to change. WA RESIDENTS: unless otherwise specified, price does not include a 2% Regulatory Administration Fee. For details about taxes, fees & surcharges visit No early termination fees apply in the event service is terminated in advance of the promotional end date. Customer is responsible for any accrued service charges in the event service is canceled. Subject to credit check. Not all services & speeds are available in all areas. A multi-product discount may be available to qualifying addresses with a subscription to mobile, TV, and 600 Mbps Internet or higher. Discounts will be reflected in your order cart at time of purchase, if available. Other restrictions may apply. All services are governed by the Astound Customer Terms & Conditions that can be found at ©️ 2025 Radiate HoldCo, LLC d/b/a Astound Broadband. All rights reserved. ^Limited time offer, subject to change. Free mobile offer includes one Unlimited line reflected as a $40/mo credit on bill statement for 12 months from time of service activation. Standard rates apply after promo period or if qualifying services not maintained. Promo limited to one mobile line per account. Free Unlimited line cannot be applied to existing mobile lines on account. Add'l mobile lines beyond the first free line are available for an add'l cost. Astound Mobile requires Astound Internet service for initial activation. Max 5 lines. Equip., int'l. & roaming charges, taxes & fees, & other charges extra, & subj. to change. Astound is not liable for any disruptions, failure or interruption of service nor makes any guarantee of service such as network outages. An increased charge will apply if Astound Internet service is not maintained. Mobile service only available in states Astound operates in. Pricing subject to change. In times of congestion, data may be temporarily slowed. After monthly threshold is reached, 1.5GB & 3GB data plans will be capped; Unlimited & Unlimited Plus speeds reduced to 768 Kbps after 20GB threshold. No rollover data. Add'l data can be purchased for $10 per Gig. Coverage not available in some areas. Some uses may require a certain plan or feature. Astound Mobile Services provide broadband Internet access service ('BIAS') bundled with data, voice, texts, and short message service ('SMS'). ‡Astound Internet is powered by fiber and connected to the premises via coaxial connection or fiber, where available. Delivery methods may vary by area. **A trademark of Ziff Davis, LLC. Used under license. Reprinted with permission. Where available. ©️ 2025 Ziff Davis, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Whole Home WiFi: Activation and installation not included. Up to $40/mo for Whole Home WiFi equipment. Additional eero devices available for an additional cost, per device. ©️2025 Inc. or its affiliates. eero and all related marks are trademarks of Inc. or its affiliates. c/o eero LLC, 660 3rd St. San Francisco, CA. ±±Gift Card Offer is good for an Amazon or Virtual Reward Card gift card with an online order of Astound Internet or Internet and Mobile. is not a sponsor of this promotion. Except as required by law, Gift Cards ('GCs') cannot be transferred for value or redeemed for cash. Amazon GCs may be used only for purchases of eligible goods on or certain of its affiliated websites. GCs cannot be redeemed for purchases of gift cards. Purchases are deducted from the GC balance. To redeem or view a GC balance, visit 'Your Account' on Amazon is not responsible if a GC is lost, stolen, destroyed or used without permission. For complete terms and conditions, see GCs are issued by ACI Gift Cards, Inc., a Washington corporation. All Amazon TM & ©️ are IP of Inc. or its affiliates. No expiration date or service fees. Virtual Reward Card is issued by MetaBank®️, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Can be used everywhere MasterCard debit cards are accepted for online, or phone/mail orders. Valid for up to 12 months; unused funds will forfeit after the valid thru date. Terms and conditions apply. This gift card promotion cannot be combined with any other gift card offers. Additionally, a customer must be in good standing for 90 days before the gift card is issued. After 90 days, customers will receive an email with instructions on how to redeem the gift card online. After following the instructions, the virtual reward card will be issued.
CNET
21-07-2025
- CNET
Can My Mobile Hotspot Be Better Than My Home Internet? I Tried It So You Don't Have To
Mobile hotspots are incredibly handy when you're in a pinch-whether your home Wi-Fi is down during a storm or you're traveling and need a quick way to connect. But could a mobile hotspot actually replace your home internet altogether? It's a fair question, especially with rising monthly bills from traditional providers and the growing reliability of cellular networks. While it seems like a simple enough solution to bypass internet throttling from your provider or save money, as someone who writes about broadband daily, I wasn't easily convinced. Instead of relying solely on other sources, I decided to test it for myself. Here's what I discovered after using my mobile hotspot at home for three days. First off, what is a hotspot? Let's clear this up: A hotspot is a physical location where people can connect wirelessly to the internet. There are three different types: public, private and mobile hotspots -- with mobile hotspots generally being the most secure. Let's take a closer look. Public hotspot Public hotspots are specific locations established by businesses or public spaces that provide free Wi-Fi. You can find these in libraries, cafes and even shopping malls. Public hotspots allow anyone within range to connect to the internet, but usually lack the security you'd find with a private hotspot. Most public hotspots are not encrypted with passwords, which makes it easier for hackers or outside threats like malware and viruses to intercept connected devices. If you're handling sensitive information while connected to a public hotspot, you should take extra security measures and use a VPN. Private hotspot On the other hand, a private hotspot is not free, but it is more secure than a public hotspot. For example, your home network can be characterized as a private hotspot. A private hotspot can wirelessly connect devices to the internet using a router supported by your internet service provider. Your network will likely be encrypted with a strong Wi-Fi password and only certain people will be able to access it. Locating local internet providers Mobile hotspot The cellular network that your mobile phone is connected to can also be used as a hotspot. If your phone is nearby, you can connect devices such as your computer, tablet, smart gadgets and more to the internet. Many mobile providers such as AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon offer users the built-in personal hotspot feature. Using a mobile hotspot at home: Yay or nay? I tested my mobile hotspot for three days by using it as my primary internet connection method. Before setting up my hotspot, I made sure my phone was near my computer. Then, I disconnected from my Wi-Fi on my phone, went into my iOS settings and turned on my personal hotspot. Next, I opened the Wi-Fi panel on my computer and waded through the different networks until I found and connected to my phone's hotspot. For context, my mobile provider is AT&T, and I have the 60GB Unlimited data plan. Right away, the first thing that leaped out at me while using my hotspot was the drastic drop in speed. On average, I was getting less than 10 megabits per second in download speeds and about 10Mbps in upload speeds. Yeah -- that's a no from me. When using my mobile hotspot, I received an average download speed of less than 10Mbps and only 10Mbps in uploads. Ookla/Screenshot by CNET Speed is usually not a deal-breaker for me, since I don't game excessively or stream that frequently. But working from home means joining video conferences, which require at least 10 to 20Mbps, according to CNET's speed guide. I used Ookla to perform an internet speed test over my mobile hotspot. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) I averaged less than 10Mbps in downloads and 10Mbps in uploads over the three days of using my hotspot. For context, the Federal Communications Commission defines broadband as speeds of at least 100Mbps in download and 20Mbps in upload. Comparatively, I saw much faster speeds when I used my traditional Wi-Fi router, which was receiving an average of over 530Mbps in downloads and 240Mbps in uploads. Besides the intermittent lagging during video conferences, sending large files and emails also took a hit. CNET's How-To expert Nelson Aguilar encourages people to avoid connecting their computers to a mobile hotspot. "The only time I ever use a mobile hotspot is when I'm sharing it with someone else's phone or tablet," says Aguilar. "A mobile device typically uses less data than a computer, and so the performance is much higher than with a computer, which often runs several high-bandwidth tasks in the background that can quickly consume data and slow down performance." Mobile hotspot use and battery life Since your mobile hotspot acts as a router, sending and receiving signals, using your mobile hotspot throughout the day can lower your battery. Unless your phone is continuously charged, using a mobile hotspot may not be an ideal way to connect to the internet long term. A mobile hotspot at home can be convenient (until it's not) Trisha Jandoc/CNET My mobile hotspot use abruptly stopped while I was on the train on my way to the office. I was attempting to connect my computer to my mobile hotspot in hopes of accessing the internet to send some emails. My laptop would say connected on the Wi-Fi panel, but there was no internet. Thankfully, I was on the way to the office and could access the internet there. But the next day, I was working from home, and the looming question came: What do I do now? I was on AT&T's 60GB Unlimited data plan, and as you can imagine, I was confused. Did I really burn through 60GB of data in the two days I used my mobile hotspot? At least the "unlimited" part of the plan meant I would not be charged data overage fees if I reached maximum data. Besides the slow speeds, you should always consider that your mobile hotspot is less reliable than traditional Wi-Fi. There could be different factors, such as network outages, poor signal, proximity to your provider's nearest cellular tower, or, in my case, technical issues (which I'll get into in a bit). These things are outside your control and ultimately disrupt how you stay connected. The following day, I had to call AT&T and troubleshoot my mobile hotspot in order to continue working from home. How to troubleshoot your mobile hotspot at home when it's not working There are different ways to diagnose issues with your mobile hotspot from home. Whether you're an iPhone or Android user, sometimes the easiest action to start with is to simply turn your phone on and off. If that doesn't solve it, try the following steps. Turning off battery-saving mode: If restarting your phone doesn't work, you can try turning off battery-saver mode in your phone settings. According to Asurion, low-power mode can interfere with your mobile hotspot. If restarting your phone doesn't work, you can try turning off battery-saver mode in your phone settings. According to Asurion, low-power mode can interfere with your mobile hotspot. Disconnect from your VPN: While using a VPN can protect your network from outside threats, it can also disrupt your mobile hotspot signal. A VPN may not be necessary if you are using a private hotspot (connecting to your mobile provider's network). While using a VPN can protect your network from outside threats, it can also disrupt your mobile hotspot signal. A VPN may not be necessary if you are using a private hotspot (connecting to your mobile provider's network). Updating your phone's software: Before you know it, it's been over six months since you updated your phone. It happens to the best of us. Conducting a software update on your phone could prevent issues that arise from your mobile hotspot. To do this, simply go into your iPhone or Android settings and check if any updates are needed. This software update could take some time to complete, so keep this in mind if you have any time-sensitive things you need to do quickly. Reset your phone's network settings Trisha Jandoc/CNET If you're like me and these tips did not improve your mobile hotspot, the next thing to do is contact your mobile provider. I called AT&T's tech support number and explained my issue. The AT&T representative confirmed over the phone that I still had plenty of usage left in my data, so my concern about burning through my data was unfounded -- that was not why I was having problems. The AT&T rep gave me the following instructions on how to restart your network settings. While I followed these steps on my iPhone, I also included instructions for Android users. iPhone To change or update the name of your mobile hotspot, go to Settings > General > About > Name > change the name to [user's iPhone]. To change your mobile hotspot password, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot > Update your password. To reset your phone's network settings, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset. (Important note: If you get to this step, your phone will automatically disconnect, restart and forget all the Wi-Fi passwords your device is connected to.) Android To change or update the name of your mobile hotspot, go to Settings > Wi-Fi network > Hotspot & Tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot > click hotspot name > Change name. To change your mobile hotspot password, go to Settings > Wi-Fi network > Hotspot & Tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot > click Password > change password. To reset your phone's network settings,go to Settings > Click System > (Advanced) > Reset Options > Reset Network Settings > click Reset. If you're still stuck, I would consider contacting your mobile provider for further assistance. Using a mobile hotspot at home: Pros and cons While using a mobile hotspot has some unique benefits, you should also be aware of a few drawbacks if you're aiming to use it at home. Pros Convenient: As long as you can access your mobile device, a hotspot is easy to use. As long as you can access your mobile device, a hotspot is easy to use. A solid internet backup: It's always safe to have an internet backup option, especially in cases of emergency. Whether your power went out, severe weather affected your internet connection or your wired internet provider is experiencing a massive network outage, a mobile hotspot can be an easy way to stay connected to the internet. Cons Costly: At first, it may seem like using a mobile hotspot is a cheaper alternative than paying for your traditional home internet service, but this could prove to be more costly down the line. On average, customers pay a monthly bill ranging from $20 to $50 for their phones. On top of this, you may also incur additional data overage fees for every certain block of data used. If you're on an unlimited data plan, you won't have to worry about paying overage fees, but you may face annoyingly slow speeds once you've reached your data cap. At first, it may seem like using a mobile hotspot is a cheaper alternative than paying for your traditional home internet service, but this could prove to be more costly down the line. On average, customers pay a monthly bill ranging from $20 to $50 for their phones. On top of this, you may also incur additional data overage fees for every certain block of data used. If you're on an unlimited data plan, you won't have to worry about paying overage fees, but you may face annoyingly slow speeds once you've reached your data cap. Slow, unreliable speeds: Generally, you'll find faster speeds with traditional fixed home internet. Even if you can only access a fixed wireless or satellite internet connection, most home internet providers can deliver speeds that meet the Federal Communications Commission's broadband benchmark with 100Mbps in download and 20Mbps in upload . Generally, you'll find faster speeds with traditional fixed home internet. Even if you can only access a fixed wireless or satellite internet connection, most home internet providers can deliver speeds that meet the Federal Communications Commission's broadband benchmark with 100Mbps in download and 20Mbps in upload Not accessible everywhere: Your actual speeds will probably not match the advertised speeds of your plan. Your mobile hotspot relies heavily on your mobile provider's cellular tower. Depending on your proximity to the tower, your speeds can vary. More importantly, for those who live in less populated or rural areas, access to a 5G connection may not always be guaranteed. Your actual speeds will probably not match the advertised speeds of your plan. Your mobile hotspot relies heavily on your mobile provider's cellular tower. Depending on your proximity to the tower, your speeds can vary. More importantly, for those who live in less populated or rural areas, access to a 5G connection may not always be guaranteed. Can reduce phone battery: Overall, using your mobile phone as a hotspot throughout the day may not be ideal. Unless you can keep your phone charged at all times, a mobile hotspot may not be ideal when you're on the go. Bottom line: It's a no for me on using a mobile hotspot at home, but it can still be a lifesaver in other cases After completing this experiment, I confirmed that it doesn't really make sense to use your mobile hotspot as a primary source of home internet connection. The purpose of having a mobile hotspot at home is to act as a backup option in times of emergency. When your power goes out or your internet provider is experiencing a network outage, a mobile hotspot is a great way to stay connected. However, using a mobile hotspot as your primary mode of connecting your home to the internet isn't ideal. You'll find a faster, more reliable internet service with a fixed broadband connection. If you love traveling, then a mobile hotspot might be something you use pretty frequently. For typical household usage, you'll want to turn to your mobile hotspot only as a secondary option. Mobile hotspot at home FAQs What is the difference between a hotspot and Wi-Fi? The two are related. A hotspot is a specific location where you can connect wirelessly to the internet. It can be public (typically libraries, airports, malls or cafes) or private (your home network, for example, or using your phone to connect other devices wirelessly). Wi-Fi is a broad term used to describe connecting to the internet wirelessly. Is using a mobile hotspot better than using your Wi-Fi router at home? Not really. While a mobile hotspot is convenient and portable, making it easier to stay connected on the go, it shouldn't be your primary way of connecting to the internet at home unless it's your only option. Usually, a fixed internet connection will provide you and your household with better performance at home.
CNET
20-07-2025
- CNET
Why My Mobile Hotspot May Be Better Than My Home Internet
Mobile hotspots are incredibly handy when you're in a pinch-whether your home Wi-Fi is down during a storm or you're traveling and need a quick way to connect. But could a mobile hotspot actually replace your home internet altogether? It's a fair question, especially with rising monthly bills from traditional providers and the growing reliability of cellular networks. While it seems like a simple enough solution to bypass internet throttling from your provider or save money, as someone who writes about broadband daily, I wasn't easily convinced. Instead of relying solely on other sources, I decided to test it for myself. Here's what I discovered after using my mobile hotspot at home for three days. First off, what is a hotspot? Let's clear this up: A hotspot is a physical location where people can connect wirelessly to the internet. There are three different types: public, private and mobile hotspots -- with mobile hotspots generally being the most secure. Let's take a closer look. Public hotspot Public hotspots are specific locations established by businesses or public spaces that provide free Wi-Fi. You can find these in libraries, cafes and even shopping malls. Public hotspots allow anyone within range to connect to the internet, but usually lack the security you'd find with a private hotspot. Most public hotspots are not encrypted with passwords, which makes it easier for hackers or outside threats like malware and viruses to intercept connected devices. If you're handling sensitive information while connected to a public hotspot, you should take extra security measures and use a VPN. Private hotspot On the other hand, a private hotspot is not free, but it is more secure than a public hotspot. For example, your home network can be characterized as a private hotspot. A private hotspot can wirelessly connect devices to the internet using a router supported by your internet service provider. Your network will likely be encrypted with a strong Wi-Fi password and only certain people will be able to access it. Locating local internet providers Mobile hotspot The cellular network that your mobile phone is connected to can also be used as a hotspot. If your phone is nearby, you can connect devices such as your computer, tablet, smart gadgets and more to the internet. Many mobile providers such as AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon offer users the built-in personal hotspot feature. Using a mobile hotspot at home: Yay or nay? I tested my mobile hotspot for three days by using it as my primary internet connection method. Before setting up my hotspot, I made sure my phone was near my computer. Then, I disconnected from my Wi-Fi on my phone, went into my iOS settings and turned on my personal hotspot. Next, I opened the Wi-Fi panel on my computer and waded through the different networks until I found and connected to my phone's hotspot. For context, my mobile provider is AT&T, and I have the 60GB Unlimited data plan. Right away, the first thing that leaped out at me while using my hotspot was the drastic drop in speed. On average, I was getting less than 10 megabits per second in download speeds and about 10Mbps in upload speeds. Yeah -- that's a no from me. When using my mobile hotspot, I received an average download speed of less than 10Mbps and only 10Mbps in uploads. Ookla/Screenshot by CNET Speed is usually not a deal-breaker for me, since I don't game excessively or stream that frequently. But working from home means joining video conferences, which require at least 10 to 20Mbps, according to CNET's speed guide. I used Ookla to perform an internet speed test over my mobile hotspot. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) I averaged less than 10Mbps in downloads and 10Mbps in uploads over the three days of using my hotspot. For context, the Federal Communications Commission defines broadband as speeds of at least 100Mbps in download and 20Mbps in upload. Comparatively, I saw much faster speeds when I used my traditional Wi-Fi router, which was receiving an average of over 530Mbps in downloads and 240Mbps in uploads. Besides the intermittent lagging during video conferences, sending large files and emails also took a hit. CNET's How-To expert Nelson Aguilar encourages people to avoid connecting their computers to a mobile hotspot. "The only time I ever use a mobile hotspot is when I'm sharing it with someone else's phone or tablet," says Aguilar. "A mobile device typically uses less data than a computer, and so the performance is much higher than with a computer, which often runs several high-bandwidth tasks in the background that can quickly consume data and slow down performance." Mobile hotspot use and battery life Since your mobile hotspot acts as a router, sending and receiving signals, using your mobile hotspot throughout the day can lower your battery. Unless your phone is continuously charged, using a mobile hotspot may not be an ideal way to connect to the internet long term. A mobile hotspot at home can be convenient (until it's not) Trisha Jandoc/CNET My mobile hotspot use abruptly stopped while I was on the train on my way to the office. I was attempting to connect my computer to my mobile hotspot in hopes of accessing the internet to send some emails. My laptop would say connected on the Wi-Fi panel, but there was no internet. Thankfully, I was on the way to the office and could access the internet there. But the next day, I was working from home, and the looming question came: What do I do now? I was on AT&T's 60GB Unlimited data plan, and as you can imagine, I was confused. Did I really burn through 60GB of data in the two days I used my mobile hotspot? At least the "unlimited" part of the plan meant I would not be charged data overage fees if I reached maximum data. Besides the slow speeds, you should always consider that your mobile hotspot is less reliable than traditional Wi-Fi. There could be different factors, such as network outages, poor signal, proximity to your provider's nearest cellular tower, or, in my case, technical issues (which I'll get into in a bit). These things are outside your control and ultimately disrupt how you stay connected. The following day, I had to call AT&T and troubleshoot my mobile hotspot in order to continue working from home. How to troubleshoot your mobile hotspot at home when it's not working There are different ways to diagnose issues with your mobile hotspot from home. Whether you're an iPhone or Android user, sometimes the easiest action to start with is to simply turn your phone on and off. If that doesn't solve it, try the following steps. Turning off battery-saving mode: If restarting your phone doesn't work, you can try turning off battery-saver mode in your phone settings. According to Asurion, low-power mode can interfere with your mobile hotspot. If restarting your phone doesn't work, you can try turning off battery-saver mode in your phone settings. According to Asurion, low-power mode can interfere with your mobile hotspot. Disconnect from your VPN: While using a VPN can protect your network from outside threats, it can also disrupt your mobile hotspot signal. A VPN may not be necessary if you are using a private hotspot (connecting to your mobile provider's network). While using a VPN can protect your network from outside threats, it can also disrupt your mobile hotspot signal. A VPN may not be necessary if you are using a private hotspot (connecting to your mobile provider's network). Updating your phone's software: Before you know it, it's been over six months since you updated your phone. It happens to the best of us. Conducting a software update on your phone could prevent issues that arise from your mobile hotspot. To do this, simply go into your iPhone or Android settings and check if any updates are needed. This software update could take some time to complete, so keep this in mind if you have any time-sensitive things you need to do quickly. Reset your phone's network settings Trisha Jandoc/CNET If you're like me and these tips did not improve your mobile hotspot, the next thing to do is contact your mobile provider. I called AT&T's tech support number and explained my issue. The AT&T representative confirmed over the phone that I still had plenty of usage left in my data, so my concern about burning through my data was unfounded -- that was not why I was having problems. The AT&T rep gave me the following instructions on how to restart your network settings. While I followed these steps on my iPhone, I also included instructions for Android users. iPhone To change or update the name of your mobile hotspot, go to Settings > General > About > Name > change the name to [user's iPhone]. To change your mobile hotspot password, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot > Update your password. To reset your phone's network settings, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset. (Important note: If you get to this step, your phone will automatically disconnect, restart and forget all the Wi-Fi passwords your device is connected to.) Android To change or update the name of your mobile hotspot, go to Settings > Wi-Fi network > Hotspot & Tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot > click hotspot name > Change name. To change your mobile hotspot password, go to Settings > Wi-Fi network > Hotspot & Tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot > click Password > change password. To reset your phone's network settings,go to Settings > Click System > (Advanced) > Reset Options > Reset Network Settings > click Reset. If you're still stuck, I would consider contacting your mobile provider for further assistance. Using a mobile hotspot at home: Pros and cons While using a mobile hotspot has some unique benefits, you should also be aware of a few drawbacks if you're aiming to use it at home. Pros Convenient: As long as you can access your mobile device, a hotspot is easy to use. As long as you can access your mobile device, a hotspot is easy to use. A solid internet backup: It's always safe to have an internet backup option, especially in cases of emergency. Whether your power went out, severe weather affected your internet connection or your wired internet provider is experiencing a massive network outage, a mobile hotspot can be an easy way to stay connected to the internet. Cons Costly: At first, it may seem like using a mobile hotspot is a cheaper alternative than paying for your traditional home internet service, but this could prove to be more costly down the line. On average, customers pay a monthly bill ranging from $20 to $50 for their phones. On top of this, you may also incur additional data overage fees for every certain block of data used. If you're on an unlimited data plan, you won't have to worry about paying overage fees, but you may face annoyingly slow speeds once you've reached your data cap. At first, it may seem like using a mobile hotspot is a cheaper alternative than paying for your traditional home internet service, but this could prove to be more costly down the line. On average, customers pay a monthly bill ranging from $20 to $50 for their phones. On top of this, you may also incur additional data overage fees for every certain block of data used. If you're on an unlimited data plan, you won't have to worry about paying overage fees, but you may face annoyingly slow speeds once you've reached your data cap. Slow, unreliable speeds: Generally, you'll find faster speeds with traditional fixed home internet. Even if you can only access a fixed wireless or satellite internet connection, most home internet providers can deliver speeds that meet the Federal Communications Commission's broadband benchmark with 100Mbps in download and 20Mbps in upload . Generally, you'll find faster speeds with traditional fixed home internet. Even if you can only access a fixed wireless or satellite internet connection, most home internet providers can deliver speeds that meet the Federal Communications Commission's broadband benchmark with 100Mbps in download and 20Mbps in upload Not accessible everywhere: Your actual speeds will probably not match the advertised speeds of your plan. Your mobile hotspot relies heavily on your mobile provider's cellular tower. Depending on your proximity to the tower, your speeds can vary. More importantly, for those who live in less populated or rural areas, access to a 5G connection may not always be guaranteed. Your actual speeds will probably not match the advertised speeds of your plan. Your mobile hotspot relies heavily on your mobile provider's cellular tower. Depending on your proximity to the tower, your speeds can vary. More importantly, for those who live in less populated or rural areas, access to a 5G connection may not always be guaranteed. Can reduce phone battery: Overall, using your mobile phone as a hotspot throughout the day may not be ideal. Unless you can keep your phone charged at all times, a mobile hotspot may not be ideal when you're on the go. Bottom line: It's a no for me on using a mobile hotspot at home, but it can still be a lifesaver in other cases After completing this experiment, I confirmed that it doesn't really make sense to use your mobile hotspot as a primary source of home internet connection. The purpose of having a mobile hotspot at home is to act as a backup option in times of emergency. When your power goes out or your internet provider is experiencing a network outage, a mobile hotspot is a great way to stay connected. However, using a mobile hotspot as your primary mode of connecting your home to the internet isn't ideal. You'll find a faster, more reliable internet service with a fixed broadband connection. If you love traveling, then a mobile hotspot might be something you use pretty frequently. For typical household usage, you'll want to turn to your mobile hotspot only as a secondary option. Mobile hotspot at home FAQs What is the difference between a hotspot and Wi-Fi? The two are related. A hotspot is a specific location where you can connect wirelessly to the internet. It can be public (typically libraries, airports, malls or cafes) or private (your home network, for example, or using your phone to connect other devices wirelessly). Wi-Fi is a broad term used to describe connecting to the internet wirelessly. Is using a mobile hotspot better than using your Wi-Fi router at home? Not really. While a mobile hotspot is convenient and portable, making it easier to stay connected on the go, it shouldn't be your primary way of connecting to the internet at home unless it's your only option. Usually, a fixed internet connection will provide you and your household with better performance at home.
