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CNET
a day ago
- 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
2 days ago
- 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.
CNET
2 days ago
- CNET
I Get 5G on My Phone at Home, So Why Can't I Get 5G Home Internet? Here's What I Learned
If you can get 5G on your phone while at home, you should be able to get 5G internet at your house, right? Not exactly. 5G is no longer the shiny new thing, thanks to efforts from major carriers AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon, but 5G home internet service isn't strictly available at the same addresses as 5G cellular service. I ran into this when I switched my mobile carrier from AT&T cellular service to T-Mobile phone service. I was immediately impressed with the phone's 5G performance. However, even though I got T-Mobile 5G cell service at home, my address wasn't eligible for T-Mobile 5G Home Internet. It's not just T-Mobile. The same applies to Verizon's cellular service as well as AT&T's. Their 5G home internet products are also not categorically available at all addresses covered by the company's 5G coverage map. For example, even if you have Verizon's Ultra Wideband service in your neighborhood, it's not a given you'll be able to sign up for Verizon 5G Home Internet. Let's get into the details about why. First things first: What is 5G? Before we get into the details on the main 5G home internet providers, let's clear up any confusion about what 5G actually is. 5G stands for "fifth generation." It represents the fifth generation of wireless data networks, not to be confused with 5GHz, a specific frequency band often used by Wi-Fi routers. If you have 5G home internet, you're using a fixed wireless internet connection provided by a cellular provider. You may have a 5G home internet connection that uses a Wi-Fi router with a 5GHz frequency. Locating local internet providers Also of note, 5G comes in three types: millimeter-wave, midband and low-band. Cellular home internet providers often use all three to create strong, varied networks. AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon all offer 5G home internet T-Mobile and Verizon were the first to use cellular airwaves to offer dedicated 5G home internet plans. Each provider's plans feature straightforward, all-inclusive pricing that ditches equipment fees, data caps, term agreements and other added hassles often associated with internet service providers. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet features plans for $50 to $70 per month for speeds of 87 to 415 megabits per second. Verizon offers two plans -- Verizon 5G Home ($50 a month) and Verizon 5G Home Plus ($70 a month). Qualifying Verizon and T-Mobile phone plans can also knock $15 off the price of your monthly bill. Simplicity and a straightforward approach seem to be key for both companies. What about AT&T, you ask? Although an AT&T spokesperson told CNET that "fiber remains our focus," the company also offers 5G home internet: AT&T Internet Air. It provides potentially higher download speeds than its hybrid DSL service (up to 225 megabits per second) and is now available in more than 100 locations across the US. If AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon are serious about home internet, why isn't it as available as their overall 5G coverage? Verizon also includes its 5G equipment in your monthly fee. Sarah Tew/CNET When my former CNET colleague Eli Blumenthal tested Verizon 5G Home, he noted that the 5G connection on his iPhone was better than the one for his 5G Home hub. He was on to something. A Verizon spokesperson told me that it designed its network with its mobile customers in mind. "We continue to allocate spectrum to ensure our mobile customers have the reliability they've come to expect from Verizon," they said via email. "As we deploy more spectrum -- in excess of what our models show we need for the highest reliability for our mobile customers -- we are able to offer 5G Home service as well." 5G allows for a greater connection density -- approximately 1 million devices per square kilometer -- than previous generations of cellular connectivity. Is that a lot? Yes, it's about 100 times better than 4G, but it's not limitless. Telecom insider Jeff Moore, principal of Wave7 Research, said he believes T-Mobile has also been judicious about selling home internet because of how a home internet product puts a heavy capacity usage on a mobile network. He pointed me to a YouTube interview with Kendra Lord, T-Mobile's director of geospatial engineering and analytics, where she likened 5G home internet availability to the number of seats on a plane. "It's not only the number of households that we believe could get [T-Mobile 5G Home Internet]," she said, "but how many within a given sector we could say yes to." A spokesperson corroborated that mindset when I contacted T-Mobile for further insight. "There are still many households that do not qualify for Home Internet yet, even though they may get 5G on their mobile device -- and that's intentional," I was told via email. "Our fixed wireless Home Internet runs on the extra capacity on our wireless network. In some areas, we have extra capacity on the network, but in others, we don't. So, we allocate access to Home Internet on a sector-by-sector, home-by-home basis." In other words, it's entirely possible that I could get 5G cellular service in my home, and my next-door neighbor might even have T-Mobile 5G Home Internet. However, my address might not be serviceable for that home internet product because of the capacity limits for my area's cellular coverage. Is home internet just a side hustle for mobile carriers? T-Mobile, whose gateway device is shown here, includes equipment in the monthly fee as well. Amanda Kooser I was tempted to think that getting into the ISP game was a lark for these companies. Moore considers another layer at play. "Mobility is the core business for T-Mobile, and for the most part, it's the core business for Verizon," said Moore. "But T-Mobile, in particular, is telling Wall Street that in addition to selling [home internet] services to businesses, it's also saying it's increasingly pushing into rural America. I don't think it's just a PR stunt. All of the numbers support Moore's assessment. In its Q1 2025 report, T-Mobile proudly announced it had reached nearly 7 million customers. That's an impressive number coming less than four years after the product's nationwide launch. Overall, T-Mobile has been aggressive in its pitch. In 2022, it began its Internet Freedom push, which leaned into Americans' dissatisfaction with ISPs and encouraged people to "break up with Big Internet" by trying T-Mobile 5G Home Internet. It continues to seek consumers' attention, recently launching an aggressive summer campaign. Verizon also has been ambitious with its offers while ringing less of an "ISPs are evil" note. That's probably because Verizon Fios -- the company's fiber-optic internet service -- is an ISP and one of the few that's regularly highly rated. In its case, 5G home internet seems less of a blow against "Big Internet" and more of a play to extend the Verizon home internet game beyond the Northeast (Verizon Fios' playground) and out to the rest of the country. At the very least, 5G home internet has succeeded in being a convenient and reliable way to get online, especially for rural customers. So the next time you ask, "Why can't I get 5G home internet even though I have 5G on my phone at home?" I advise you to hang tight. Both carriers are actively optimizing their networks for mobile first and home internet second, in a dynamic process that changes month to month. 2025 could be your year to try 5G for your home's broadband connection.
Phone Arena
4 days ago
- Phone Arena
A new T-Mobile upgrade is coming, but it may not be better for everyone
T-Mobile has been making good use of its 5G network by offering home internet service, too – and it's been a hit in many regions. Now, the Un-carrier is looking to sweeten the deal even more with a new promo and what looks like an upgraded piece of hardware on the way. T-Mobile 's current go-to device for its home internet setup is the Arcadyan G4AR gateway. It quickly became a fan favorite for one simple reason: it includes external antenna ports. That gave DIY types and rural users a bit more flexibility to boost their signal. But the next version is on the way – and while it brings better performance, it also takes that one feature away. A leaked image shows the G5AR is capable of up to 2x the speed of the G4AR. I am assuming that's in ideal conditions, but still – not bad. It also promises lower latency (better ping) and improved reliability, both of which matter whether you're gaming, streaming, or stuck in a Zoom call. Images of the upcoming G5AR. And under the hood, it moves from the 3GPP Release 15 standard (used by the G4AR) to Release 16, which opens the door to a bunch of potential improvements, such as: Lower latency: The new tech allows for quicker back-and-forth between your gateway and the tower. Don't expect fiber-tier ping, but it should shave off a few milliseconds. The new tech allows for quicker back-and-forth between your gateway and the tower. Don't expect fiber-tier ping, but it should shave off a few milliseconds. Better beamforming (Massive MIMO): Think of this as smarter signal targeting between the tower and your gateway. More reliable signal, especially in crowded areas. Think of this as smarter signal targeting between the tower and your gateway. More reliable signal, especially in crowded areas. Faster uploads via UL Tx Switching: This is part of "5G Advanced" and lets T-Mobile boost upload speeds using the same airwaves they're already using. This is part of "5G Advanced" and lets boost upload speeds using the same airwaves they're already using. Improved carrier aggregation: The new gateway should also be better at juggling multiple tower connections at once, which helps with both speed and consistency. The new gateway should also be better at juggling multiple tower connections at once, which helps with both speed and consistency. Power saving features: New features like the "wake-up signal" (WUS) are introduced to improve the battery life of IoT devices and other battery-operated equipment. Now, not every feature in Release 16 is guaranteed to be implemented in the final device, but it's safe to assume T-Mobile isn't just releasing a new gateway for fun – real upgrades are expected. On the WiFi side, the G5AR is ready for the future with support for WiFi 7. That means you can get multi-gigabit speeds wirelessly – assuming your devices support it – and won't be bottlenecked by slow in-home networking. This time there are no external antenna ports. | Image credit – The Mobile Report But here's the bad news: T-Mobile is ditching the external antenna ports. Yeah, the feature that made the G4AR so popular among power users is gone. That means anyone who wants to use external antennas will have to take the device apart to get to the internal antenna connectors – not ideal. One last twist – T-Mobile is reportedly planning to offer this new G5AR gateway exclusively through its Amplified plan, which sits in the middle of its 5G Home Internet lineup. The All-In plan might not be getting the new gateway just yet. Why not? That part's unclear, but it could be because the All-In plan includes a WiFi mesh, and T-Mobile may not have a mesh-compatible G5AR setup ready yet. Yep, there's no sign yet of a mesh WiFi extender for the G5AR. The G4AR had one bundled with the All-In plan, so we might still see a mesh accessory launch later. But for now, it's just the main unit.
CNET
5 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Switch to T-Mobile 5G Home Internet and Get up to $300 Back Plus Keep Your Rate for Five Years, Guaranteed
A reliable internet connection at home is an absolute necessity. Just about everything in our homes is connected to the internet. From basics like phones and laptops to things around the home like TVs and smart home devices. But having strong internet isn't always affordable. Right now at T-Mobile, you can save some some serious cash when you switch to a fast and reliable 5G Home internet plan. You'll score up to $300 on a virtual prepaid Mastercard when you make the switch. Plus, you can keep the price for five years, no rate hikes. Just keep in mind, this offer is valid online only. You won't qualify for the gift card if you sign up in-store. T-Mobile's 5G Home Internet won't give you the fastest speeds out there, but it is a great choice if you're looking for affordability. The prices start at $35 per month when you sign up online. Plus, the price is locked in for five years, so you won't have to worry about rate hikes for a while. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. With this deal, the gift card amount depends on which plan you choose. For example, if you choose the Rely plan, you'll receive a $200 Mastercard. The Rely plan is normally $50, but it's $40 when you sign up online. And if you add a voice line, you can get it for $35 a month. This price includes all fees and taxes, along with a 5G Gateway. Since you get a $200 Mastercard, it's almost like getting up to five months of service for free. The Amplified and All-In start at $60 and $70, respectively. But if you have a voice line, you can get them for $45 and $55. With these plans, you'll receive a $300 Mastercard. The plans include everything the Rely plan does, along with security and streaming perks, and Wi-Fi Mesh access points for the All-In plan. Getting $300 back can help shave quite a chunk of money off your grand total. We named T-Mobile our favorite rural internet provider because it has the greatest nationwide coverage among providers (servicing about 50 million homes), apart from satellite services. However, it isn't available in all areas, so before signing up, ensure there's coverage where you are. Why this deal matters T-Mobile is known for its affordable internet plans. Plans start as low as $35 and the rates lock in for five years. So, you won't have to worry about your bill increasing soon. These prices also include all fees and taxes, so there aren't surprise charges when the bill comes. Plus, right now you can score up to $300 back on a Mastercard when you sign up, reducing the cost even more.
