If you are looking for a reliable internet connection, you can count on Comcast’s Xfinity to provide you with a smooth browsing experience, since it is the most widely available internet connection in the US. Their Xfinity internet deals have a variety of deals in degrees for your browsing requirement. If you are a light internet user who needs to check emails and stream movies and music in normal quality, you can go for the basic one. And if you prefer a faster connection, you can switch to an upgraded version that can carry a higher bandwidth.
This may not seem possible but there are ways for you to connect to the internet without having to sign up to any ISP. Maybe you cannot afford an internet connection, since the increase in demand for internet connection make the prices skyrocket. Maybe you do not agree with the way internet service providers are currently operating the supply and demand in your region. Or maybe you are living in a remote area and there is no ISP available on your side of the town. Whatever your reasons, this guide here will provide you with some ideas on how to get an internet connection without having to go to an ISP.
Public Wi-Fi
There are wireless connections all around you, wherever you go. If you go to a mall, shopping center, or library, you are most likely to find a Wi-Fi connection. Since this public Wi-Fi is for the masses, it is mostly free to use. If you are struggling with deadlines and you don’t have internet access at home, you can simply go to the library and use their Wi-Fi hotspot. Or if you are at a café and their Wi-Fi is password protected, you can ask for their internet passwords and connect your device to the internet. Government agencies also have Wi-Fi hotspots installed in major cities so that internet users can browse easily. You might even find coverage of some public Wi-Fi from inside your home.
Since public Wi-Fi is open to everyone, it poses a security risk for your devices and anyone can access them. It is better to install a VPN before connecting to public Wi-Fi.
Mobile data
If you have a good internet plan on your mobile phone, you can turn it into a Wi-Fi hotspot. Other devices can connect to the Wi-Fi shared by your mobile and also use the mobile data plan that you have subscribed to.
If you have an unlimited data plan on your mobile internet, then the number of devices connected to your mobile Wi-Fi can use up all the data it wants. However, if your data plan is limited or there is a data cap, you will have to set the data limit on your mobile device that is acting as a hotspot. That way, your mobile phone will alert you if the data usage is about to reach the limit. You can also set up a metered connection in your Windows 10 to help you keep an eye on how much data is left to be used. More importantly, you need to activate the password for your mobile hotspot to prevent just anyone from using it.
Cable tethering
If you are only using one device to connect to your mobile hotspot, you can simply connect the mobile to your computer with a USB cable. That way your internet connection is secured with a cable network connection because physical cables are more secure than a wireless connection. Similarly, a cable network connection provides faster speed than a wireless connection. Also turning on a hotspot in your mobile device can drain its battery, but when it is connected to the computer with a USB cable, it can be charged as well.
Portable routers
Your mobile phone has a different function; it is used to browse the internet, check messages, take video and voice calls, etc. However, if you simply use the mobile phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot, and perform other activities along with it, the battery will be completely and quickly drained. Hence, there is a separate device called a portable router, in which you can put the data-only SIM and allow other devices to use its Wi-Fi hotspot connection. And this is a much better option than using a mobile hotspot since that is its only job. These portable routers can act as routers in your homes, and you can carry them wherever you go.
USB Cellular Modem
An option that would generally be cheaper than portable Wi-Fi is the USB cellular modem. Lacking router hardware and battery technology make it a cheaper option. You only need to plug it into the USB port of your laptop or computer to have working internet. Having a USB modem attached to your laptop and computer also makes a viable Wi-Fi hotspot for other devices.
To summarize, if you are unable to sign up for an ISP or cannot afford to, you can go for multiple other options to have access to the internet connection. However, these options can only be used temporarily because in the long run, having a broadband internet connection will prove to be the best solution for you.