In recent years, the major cellular carriers have introduced cellular-based broadband plans designed to compete with traditional internet service providers by offering internet services to residences and businesses.
The major stipulation with all these options is that they are intended for fixed locations only and are only available in limited service areas. This means that these options are not viable for the majority of people who are looking for a mobile internet solution, though they might work for RVers and cruisers who are stationary or in a single location for a lengthy period (months).
Currently, T-Mobile and Verizon both offer Home Internet Plans, which are fixed-location LTE home internet service. AT&T doesn't currently have a dedicated cellular-based fixed location internet service.
Both the T-Mobile and Verizon service utilizes a cellular gateway router along with a dedicated home internet plan. The devices are only available to subscribers of the home internet plans and the plans reportedly can only be used in the included gateway device.
Service for both options is tied to the sign-up location and is not intended to be used as a mobile internet option. Mobile use is against the plans' terms of service. We are only covering this in our Gear Center as it's an option RVers and Cruisers who are stationary or are part-time nomads.
T-Mobile Home Internet
The current router for T-Mobile Home internet service is made by Nokia and is based on the FastMile cellular router. It became available in mid-January 2021 and is available as a replacement for the LTE-only router built by Taiwan-based Askey Computer Corp, which is being phased out.
The plan is $50/month with autopay. The device is provided at no charge when you sign up for service.
Verizon Home Internet
Verizon offers two devices - one with 5G capability and one for 4G/LTE. Both devices are $240.
Verizon's 5G plans 5G Home plan costs $50/month and their 5G Home Plus plan costs $70/month.
if paired with a phone line $30 or more, or $70/month as a standalone plan.
Their 4G/LTE plans are $40/month if paired with a phone line $30 or more, or $60/month as a standalone plan.
(Prices include $10/month discount with autopay and paperless billing.)
News, Videos & Status
A team member acquired a T-Mobile Home Internet device and plan and tested it for both fixed location service and the potential of mobility. Our review is below.
Update April 2021: T-Mobile Home Internet is out of beta, and it's still not mobile friendly.
Alternatives to Consider
For other popular mobile routers on the market we are tracking - here are our featured options:
This Review Contains Additional Member Exclusive Content!
We are Honored to be Member Funded! No ads, no sponsors, no selling (but may contain affiliate links)
Our members fund our in-depth independent reviews.
This entry may contain additional member exclusive content such as testing notes, field testing data, user interface tours, comparisons to alternatives, analysis, tips, videos and discounts.
Members also get interactive guidance, alerts, classroom and more.
Are you a member? Please log in above to access your member exclusive content!
Purchasing Options
Links Provided for Convenience
We do not sell any gear or equipment. These links are provided to make your shopping easier. Unless otherwise disclosed, only Amazon links are affiliate links (see our disclaimer). We request vendors give our members bigger discounts instead of giving us affiliate kickbacks.
Member Discounts - Learn & Save!
Our MIAs get special discounts from these vendors. Members please check for discount codes before ordering. Some vendors offer up to 10% off - you could save more than the cost of your membership on major purchases.
Routers can serve as a central conductor of your local area network in your RV and boat. Mobile routers are different from residential routers in that they typically support multiple internet sources like cellular and Wi-Fi, can be powered off of 12v or AC and support external antenna for better receiving signal.
But you might not need a router in your setup. Here's a quick video overview the variety that routers come in:
To learn more, head on over to our guides that cover these topics further:
The Mobile Internet Resource Center is brought to you by Two Steps Beyond LLC, and hosted by the technomads of