Cellular Data Plans
Cellular data plans are offered for smartphones, mobile hotspot devices and cellular embedded routers. They come direct from the carriers, prepaid & postpaid and through 3rd parties. Unlimited doesn't always mean unlimited either.
Understanding limitations like caps on hotspot use, video throttling and network management are important in selecting the right plans for your setup & gear. We offer a lot of resources below.
Selecting Data Plans Current Best Plans Unlimited Plans Pricing Grid
A TracFone brand available online and at Walmart offering prepaid smartphone plans on all four carriers with mobile hotspot use as well as data-only plans with up to 20GB.
Released: October 2014
GlocalMe offers global mobile hotspot devices that can utilize virtual-SIM U.S. or global data plans provided by GlocalMe or that can be used with personal SIMs. GlocalMe's U.S. based data plans provide flexible data options up to 100GB.
Released: July 2018
Non-Profits like Calyx & PCs for People offer low-cost truly unlimited T-Mobile data plans for hotspots to their members, ranging from $12-$50/month.
Released: April 2016
FMCA offers a T-Mobile based unlimited data plan for hotspots to their members on a month to month basis for $49.99/mo.
Released: November 2017
These resellers offer plans with coverage on more than one carrier, with the ability to automatically switch between carriers based on signal strength using their virtual SIM device. Vendors include TravlFi, Solis, Boom, OTR Mobile and more.
Released: April 2021
Dish Network is poised to become the fourth big cellular provider. They are currently building out their own network and are acquired some prepaid and MVNO brands previously on the Sprint network.
Released: March 2021
Verizon's prepaid brand for select smartphones, offering unlimited on device data and unlimited 5 Mbps mobile hotspot use - $25-40/month depending on group size.
Released: May 2018
Sprint's former prepaid brand which is now owned by Dish Network, offering phone and hotspot plans on the T-Mobile network.
Released: February 2016
3rd party resellers that offer T-Mobile based data plans on a month-to-month basis.
Released: February 2016
3rd party resellers that offer Verizon based data plans on a month-to-month basis.
Released: May 2015
3rd party resellers that offer AT&T-based data plans on a month-to-month basis.
Released: February 2015
3rd party resellers that offer Sprint based data plans on a month-to-month basis.
Released: May 2017
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