USA 5G Hotspot Options?

[fabian9]

I’ll be in the USA for a considerable amount of time later this year (about 4 weeks), and I have a need to have access to a reliable internet connection.

What’s the best option for providers of prepaid SIM cards which can be used in MiFi style wifi routers?

Ideally 5G, but 4G will be fine also.

 

[ngme92]

Unless you're going to be in really remote places all the time, are you sure you need a hotspot? Here's an insanely expensive 5G one from Netgear: https://www.netgear.com/home/mobile-wifi/hotspots/mr5200/

 

[velocityg4]

Depends on where in the US you are going. Different providers are better in different areas. Verizon is probably the best all around but the most expensive. But AT&T or T-Mobile could be better depending on where you are staying.

T-Mobile is the best budget option. They aren't the cheapest but cheap enough. While retaining a big network. They also have unlimited data where if you go over your plan limit. You'll just get dropped to a low speed.

After that are the small providers. They are more hit or miss and may be locked to specific regions. If you aren't travelling around though. They can provide a better deal.

The big three T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon also have a large network of public WiFi. Which is often included in their data plans.

Where to buy these also depends on where you go. Walmart Supercenters will have a bunch of options from different vendors to choose from and they are all over. Don't go to Walmart Neighborhood Markets. They are more like grocery stores than department stores. There's also all sorts of cellular shops.

If you going some place rural. You'll want to do a tower search for where you will specifically be staying. To choose a provider with a nearby tower.

 

[KaliYoni]

need to have access to a reliable internet connection.

I think @velocityg4 provided good advice. I would just add that you should consider only buying a hotspot from a national chain store, such as Walmart, Target, and Best Buy, or a store owned and operated by a mobile phone carrier.

Why? The main reasons are:

• You don't have to worry about not buying a genuine item.
• There will be no possibility of having to haggle over the price or facing a wildly inflated initial price that is meant to be negotiated down.
• While big stores and carrier stores often don't have stellar customer service, returns and exchanges usually are easier than at individually owned stores.

 

[fabian9]

Thanks everyone!

I’ll be mostly around Minden, NV.