Verizon remains the carrier with the most extensive coverage in the lower 48.
But - finding a Verizon plan with enough data to act as a home internet replacement for the nomadic set can be challenging..
One option that a large number of nomads have found success in utilizing is renting an unlimited Verizon data plan - which offers shareable, unlimited (depending on the vendor's definition of 'unlimited') data.
Renting/Leasing Unlimited Data Plans
Third party vendors are companies or individuals that have acquired lines of service from the major carriers and are reselling services, typically as rental or leased options. You are paying a vendor for use of the line they have access to, and you do not have a direct relationship with the carrier.
This style of plan is specifically marketed as unlimited data for use in data only devices like mobile hotspots and cellular embedded routers, and promise unlimited high speed hotspot usage.
For more on how this style of plan differs from other "unlimited" options view or read our Unlimited Data Plan guide:
We have witnessed countless terminations of this style of plan over the years, leaving customers without service.
Always proceed with caution when dealing with a reseller or vendor. While there is little legal risk to you as you're dealing with a vendor advertising an unlimited hotspot plan, do anticipate your service could go away with little to no notice should the vendor lose their plan. You could be left with gear that isn't viable for other use later. Your device could get blacklisted by the carrier. You could lose prepaid service with no hope of a refund. You could experience poor or variable customer service.
ALWAYS HAVE A BACK-UP OPTION IN MIND.
What You Need to Know
- Upfront costs: Your start-up costs are set the vendor, and can include the purchase of a SIM card, an activation fee and possibly a mobile hotspot device or router. They may term some start up costs as a 'membership fee' to qualify for obtaining data access.
- Gear: Some vendors specify which devices their plan works on - this may be based on the carrier blocking access to certain devices, or their own criteria. It is possible that the carrier starts blocking a device you are using and you may need to purchase a new device to continue service. In extreme cases, the carriers can blacklist devices from future use on their network. Make sure the device you use is optimal for your use and the carrier the plan is based on.
- For more on shopping for gear:
- Monthly Costs: Monthly costs are set by the vendor based on current market demand. This is a month-to-month agreement, which gives you the flexibility to discontinue service as needed. But remember, no-contract goes both ways - pricing or terms can change at anytime. Some may offer a prepaid quarterly or annual option - but there's typically no refund should the vendor lose their plan before your prepaid term is up.
- Fair Use Policy / Soft Data Caps: Some vendors may have data caps put in place to prevent excessive data use. Some clearly state these, some put them into the fine print of their terms of service and some may not disclose them until you hit the cap. These caps may change without notice based on the vendor's experience with their carrier. If you hit the cap - you may get a warning, you may get terminated or you may experience extreme speed throttling. Reasonable usage could be anywhere between 50GB-1TB of usage a month - with 200-600GB more the norm. If you need more than that, consider multiple plans.
- Customer Support: You are not a direct customer of the carrier - any support issues must be handled by your vendor. Some may offer great service, and some may be quite lacking. Some issues may be way beyond their control.
- Terms of Service: Be sure to understand the terms of service of any plan you consider, as they can vary widely. Things like network management, throttling, video resolution and roaming limitations may apply.
- Price Differences: The plans used behind the scenes can vary a great deal. Some may be legit bulk purchase agreements with the carriers and some may be reselling high priority corporate or non-profit plans against terms of service. Some plans may be postpaid, some may be prepaid or even prepaid brands. The vendors don't tend to make this information known upfront. A vendor's stock may change over time based on what they can acquire.
- Have a Back-Up Option: We highly recommend having an alternate way online if you rely on one of these plans. Remember, these plans can get shut down or change terms of service with little notice.
Vendors We Track
This vendor listing is simply a courtesy for our audience to aid in their shopping process for those who have determined the risks of a third party vendor are acceptable. Our criteria to be listed here is simple - a vendor needs their own website with online checkout and the carrier the plan is on needs to be clear. We do not review vendors, their plans or report on terms of service that might apply - you need to continue that research. The vendor plans just simply change way too often.
This List is NOT AN ENDORSEMENT
We do NOT review unlimited data plan resellers or vendors - this listing is in no way an endorsement or vetting for any vendor you see below.
Please do your own continued research and evaluation.
In our experience of tracking this style of plans for over a decade - most plans will work.. until they don't.
We have absolutely no affiliation with any reseller, none pay for their listing and we get no kickbacks for sign-ups.
Resellers may show 'out of stock' depending on current inventory and availability, they may even have wait lists.
Vendors that are confirmed to be selling plans on Verizon's network:
- Wifi-Mate - $79.99/month
- ATTHotspot - $80/month
- WaveNet - $129/month
- Nomad Internet - $149/month
- MobileMustHave -$149/month
- Timbuktu Wireless - $189.99/month
- UnlimitedIRL - $189/month
- American Family Wireless - $199/month
- TechNowzi - $200/month
- Unlimitedville - $249/month (See our Gear Center Entry)
Vendors no longer offering plans on Verizon on our last check:
NetBuddy- $79.99/monthEZ-COM -$99/monthIHQ Internet for Rural USA- $120-$130/monthUnlimited LeasingEZ Mobile Data- $150/monthTrifecta Wireless- $179/monthUnlimitedtoGo- $179.99/monthKonnected Technology- $209.95/month
Last Vendor List Update: July 1, 2020
Data Vendors & Brokers: Want to be listed? Please be in touch and introduce yourself and what you offer. We take absolutely no listing fees, advertisement dollars or kickbacks for listings. And you must host your own web storefront (eBay not eligible) where customers can transparently learn about the details of your offering.
Potential Alternatives to Consider:
For other featured cellular data plans ideal for RVers and Crusiers - here's some other options to consider:
Learn More About Selecting Cellular Data Plans Explore Our Comparative Pricing Grid
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Selecting the right cellular data plan for your mobile internet needs is only one part of the equation. Here's some further guides on understanding the selection process as well as the additional gear you might need.
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