You might be asking yourself: Can Verizon hotspot replace Home Internet? We’re here to help you clarify this for you.
Mobile hotspots are a convenient way to access the internet. It’s important to understand each service’s capabilities so you can make an informed decision.
Let’s explore!
Yes, you can use a Verizon hotspot instead of your Home Internet plan. Their hotspot plans should be enough for your needs as long as you can stay within your data allowance.
If you just browse websites, check emails, and shop online, you can rely on your mobile hotspot.
However, it can become more expensive than a home internet plan when you use it for vlogging, streaming, and online gaming.
Things to Consider to Use Verizon Hotspot as Home Internet
You must consider many things when using Verizon hotspot as your home internet.
We have outlined some of the key factors below.
- Data limits for Verizon hotspot users
- Mobile data fluctuating speeds
- Reliability of wireless signals
- Simultaneous device connectivity
- More expensive in the long term
Using your mobile hotspot can replace your home internet if your cellular plan includes unlimited mobile data and generous amounts of hotspot data.
Here’s everything you need to know about using a Verizon hotspot for home internet and ditching your internet service provider.
Can Verizon Hotspot Replace Home Internet
A mobile hotspot is a connected device that lets you create a secure and reliable internet connection.
One of the mobile internet plans that can be a replacement for your home internet subscription is that of Verizon. Here’s how Verizon hotspot works.
Verizon offers different plans with unlimited hotspot options. Once you surpass your monthly limit, your data speeds will slow down for the remainder of the billing cycle.
We recommend you get a cellphone plan with a dedicated hotspot allowance that doesn’t suck up your primary data.
Here are some tips on choosing a data plan:
- Check out Verizon’s coverage throughout your area
- Confirm you’ll get full-speed data for multiple devices
- Figure out how much data you need
- Compare the total cost
Now that we’ve established you can replace your home internet plan, the question is, should you?
Using Verizon Hotspot vs Traditional Internet
If you’re always on the go, Verizon has generous standalone hotspot data offers that you can effectively treat as a home WiFi connection.
But can Verizon hotspot replace home internet? It depends on how much data you use per month.
While web browsing and checking emails use minimal mobile data, streaming videos can burn through your data allowance in just a few hours.
If you can avoid high-data activities, you can replace your home WiFi internet with a mobile hotspot.
Here’s how these two services are different from each other:
- Speed and reliability
- Data allowances and unlimited use
- Device connectivity
- Smart home integration
- Cost and affordability
Assessing Your Internet Usage and Needs
A Verizon hotspot takes the data allowance from your cellular plan and lets other devices piggyback onto that.
Smart TVs, laptops, tablets, and devices other than your phone will rely on your hotspot to access the internet. Thus, you must know how much data each app or online activity uses.
Before you decide whether to use a hotspot for your home internet needs, it’s crucial to know what your typical activities look like.
Will you be streaming every day or just simply be on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
Here’s how to determine how much data you need:
- Will you be streaming HD videos regularly?
- Will you use the internet to check emails, surf the web, or go on social media?
- Estimate your monthly data usage.
- Know your speed requirements.
- Get to know the Verizon signal quality in your area.
Note: Deciding to use a hotspot greatly relies on these factors to not negatively impact your connectivity experience.
Is Using a Hotspot the Perfect Choice for You
Before you commit to a phone plan, you must ensure that a mobile hotspot fits your needs and budget.
Verizon offers several hotspot options. Either use a standalone hotspot data plan paid on top of your standard phone bill or the hotspot data that comes with your Verizon unlimited phone plan.
Here is a list of Verizon hotspot plans and their bandwidth allocation:
- Essential: 15GB of premium data for $20 per month.
- Plus: 50GB of premium data for $40 per month.
- Pro: 100GB of premium data for $60 per month.
- Premium: 150GB of premium data for $80 per month.
Tip: You will enjoy Verizon's 5G speeds while still under your premium data allocation. After you exceed it, you can still enjoy unlimited data at a lower speed.
Advantages of Using Verizon Hotspot for Your Internet
Hotspots are certainly a convenient way to access the internet. For one, as long as you have your phone with you and there’s coverage, you can set up a hotspot and connect your other devices.
A hotspot is a welcome choice for certain types of users compared to traditional broadband connections.
There are advantages to using one, especially since you can carry it around with you wherever you go.
Here are some of the advantages of using a hotspot for your home:
- Mobility and flexibility, especially if you travel a lot.
- Compact and easy to set up compared to broadband options.
- Instant connectivity to the internet and not waiting for installers.
- Accessible in areas where wired options are not available.
- No contracts to think about.
Note: Even if you have wired internet at home, hotspots are an excellent backup option if you temporarily lose service.
Limitations of Using a Hotspot vs Other Options
Using a hotspot is a convenient solution if you’re looking to quickly get internet for your home.
Although it may not be the best solution, it’s decent enough to stick to so you can continue to enjoy internet access in your home.
If you plan to use a hotspot for your internet needs, it’s important to consider the limitations this platform offers.
Knowing these allows you to make an informed decision whether you want to stick with a hotspot or explore other options.
Here are some of the limitations of using a mobile hotspot:
- Hotspots usually have a limited data allowance compared to broadband.
- Speed and network congestion are something you have to work around with.
- Hotspots don’t have wired internet support.
- Not the best option for smart home systems.
- Additional charges to increase your data allowance.
Note: Hotspots are also prone to compatibility issues as they're not full-fledged routers.
Tips on How to Improve Hotspot Performance
Now that you know that your Verizon hotspot can be a decent replacement for your home internet, there are steps you can take to improve your experience.
Yes, there are limitations to using a hotspot, but you can mitigate those to lessen the negative impact.
Improving your hotspot’s performance lets you take full advantage of your current internet connectivity situation.
Even though it’s a temporary or permanent solution, doing these will make your life much easier.
Here’s how you can improve your Verizon hotspot performance:
- Position your hotspot in an area with excellent Verizon coverage.
- Consistently monitor your data usage for optimum performance.
- Schedule bandwidth-intensive tasks during off-peak hours.
- Lower streaming quality to conserve bandwidth and data usage.
- Perform regular updates on your hotspot device.
Note: You can also consider getting an external antenna so your hotspot gets the best signal from Verizon.
Knowing these points lets you be confident in using your hotspot as your primary internet source.
Of course, the best way is still to get a dedicated broadband line for better stability and reliability. You can contact Verizon customer support to know if broadband is available in your area.
Bottom Line
Can Verizon hotspot replace home internet? Now that you know all the details, you can make the decision if you want to use a hotspot or get a broadband or fiber line for your internet needs.
You will be the best judge of what you need.
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Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.