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
Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) offer cellular service, but do not own their own cellular networks. MVNOs lease capacity from the major carriers and resell it under their own branding.
Released: January 2019
3rd party rental vendors (ie. MobileMustHave, Bix, Gypsy, boom!, etc) offer AT&T based high-cap data plans on a month-to-month basis.
Released: February 2015
3rd party rental vendors offer Verizon based high-cap and unlimited data plans on a month-to-month basis.
Released: May 2015
3rd party rental vendors (ie. Travel Data, OTR Mobile, Millenicom, etc) offer T-Mobile based high-cap data plans ranging in price from $55-$150/month - on a month-to-month, no contract basis.
Released: February 2016
3rd party rental vendors offer Sprint based high cap and unlimited data plans ranging in price
Released: May 2017
Sprint's former prepaid brand which is now owned by Dish Network, offering phone and hotspot plans.
Released: February 2016
A subsidiary of AT&T offering prepaid smartphone & hotspot device plans including our top pick 100GB for $55/month Simply Data plan.
Released: April 2016
AT&T's direct prepaid cellular phone & data plans. Including our top pick data plan for hotspots and routers offering 100GB for $55/month.
Released: January 2014
Google's unique MVNO option that combines the coverage maps of Sprint, T-Mobile and US Cellular - and provides a decent global travel option.
Released: April 2015
Globally and US capable mobile hotspot with a virtual-SIM that allows you to purchase day, monthly and by the GB data plans.
Released: July 2019
T-Mobile's direct prepaid cellular phone & data plans, currently offering a promotional 100GB for $50 data-only plan.
Released: January 2014
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
The Mobile Internet Resource Center is brought to you by Two Steps Beyond LLC, and hosted by the technomads of