Is it possible to use the internet without a cable or phone line? Well, duh! It’s the 21st century, and internet technology is way ahead of us, so the answer is a big “yes”. In fact, fiber and fast wireless internet are gradually replacing slow DSL and Cable internet connections in many areas.
Whether you seek a that doesn’t require the old-fashioned phone line/cable TV outlet or one that entirely lacks a wired infrastructure, we've got you covered. Your options may include one or more of the following:
The availability of each type of connection depends on where you reside. While the availability of fiber internet in rural and remote areas is limite d, wireless internet options are surprisingly popular.
Types of Internet Without Cable or Phone Line: Quick Comparison
| Connection Type | High Speeds (300 Mbps+) | Low Latency (below 50ms) | Easy Setup | Widespread Availability | Low Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber Internet | ✓ | ✓ | ❌ | ❌ | ✓ |
| 5G Home Internet | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ❌ | ✓ |
| Fixed Wireless | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ❌ | ✓ |
| Satellite Internet | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✓ | ❌ |
| Mobile Hotspots | ❌ | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ | ❌ |
Myths Debunked: Do You Need Cable for Wi-Fi?
You can get Wi-Fi without cable or any other type of wired broadband. To create a Wi-Fi network at home, you only need to connect your ISP’s modem or signal receiver to a compatible Wi-Fi router or gateway.
Best Providers Offering Internet Without Cable or Landline
Fiber internet is unbeatable in terms of overall performance and reliability if you’re looking for a standalone service that doesn’t rely on traditional cable or landline. However, the catch is that fiber-powered internet still requires a wired infrastructure, and most providers only cater to metropolitan areas.
Next in line is , which works like mobile internet; a receiver on your property catches signals from the nearest cellular tower through airwaves. While mobile internet keeps you connected on the go, fixed wireless is designed for a specific location.
Speeds of fixed wireless primarily depend upon the type of cellular network available in your area; 5G can offer speeds up to 1 Gbps, though speeds with 4G are much slower. Rural and remote dwellers who can’t have fiber or fixed wireless can sign up for satellite internet, which is accessible nationwide.
Check out our top picks for internet without cable or landline:
Disclaimers:
1Plus taxes. Eligible Autopay & Paperless Bill req’d.* See Details. See Broadband Facts: www.att.com/dapbbfacts
2(with AutoPay, taxes and fees included.)
3Delivered via 5G cellular network; speeds vary due to factors affecting cellular networks, including data prioritization.
4(w/ Auto Pay & select 5G mobile plans See Details
5Plus hardware, shipping & handling fees, and tax. Fully refundable. Depending on location, some orders may take 6 months or more to fulfill.
6Users on Residential Lite plan are prioritized behind Residential and will see slower speeds during peak hours. Residential Lite is not available in all areas. See availability here.
7for first 12 months. $49.99 per month represents a $25 per month savings for 12 months on the Select plan and reflects the applied $5 savings for ACH enrollment. After 12 months, plan reverts to the standard monthly fee. $5 savings apply as long as ACH enrollment is maintained. Monthly Lease Fee may be additional. Certain geographical areas are not eligible to receive offer. New residential subscribers only. Limited-time offer. Other terms may apply.
24-month commitment and early service termination fees apply. Monthly Fee reflects the applied $5 savings for ACH enrollment. Offer may vary by geographic area.
8States speeds are not guaranteed.
9Standard Data may be slower than other traffic during high-traffic periods.
Best Use Cases for Cable-Free Internet
| For Rural Areas |
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| For Travelers/Digital Nomads |
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| For Renters or Apartments |
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| For Budget-Conscious Users |
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| For Gamers & Streamers |
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How to Choose the Right Internet Option
When choosing an internet connection without cable, you need to consider various aspects such as your internet usage, ease of setup, signal strength, and long-term affordability.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Internet Without Cable
The procedure to set up an internet connection without conventional cable may vary by the type of connection you settle for. Here’s a general walkthrough to give you the gist of it:
- Confirm that the internet service provider (ISP) you go with offers excellent coverage in your area. Frequently fluctuating signals and unforeseen outages won’t do.
- Pick the type of connection that best suits your geographical location, internet usage, and budget.
- Order your router, antenna, or hotspot – whatever is required to get your home network up and running.
- DIY the setup using instructions from your provider or schedule an appointment with a technician if self-install isn’t practical; professional installation is usually necessary in case of satellite and fiber internet.
- Connect to the internet using Wi-Fi or an ethernet cable to start browsing, gaming, streaming, and everything else you like to do online.
Pros and Cons of Cable-Free Internet
👍 Pros:
- Reduced clutter/takes up less place
- Easy to set up (in most cases)
- More mobility
- Transfer of service is relatively convenient
- Ideal for rural/remote neighborhoods that lack conventional cable services
👎 Cons:
- Not as fast and reliable as wired broadband
- May involve high upfront costs for equipment, installation, etc.
- Security concerns (except for fiber internet)
- Performance is often affected by distance, physical obstructions, signal interference, etc.
FAQs
How to get a standalone internet connection?
You can have a standalone internet connection for your home without traditional cable or landline through fiber, satellite, and fixed wireless internet providers.
Can I get Wi-Fi without a cable or phone line?
Yes, you can get Wi-Fi with any kind of internet connection using a Wi-Fi router or gateway.
Which is the best standalone internet service?
AT&T and Verizon are the best standalone internet providers in the United States right now.
How to get high-speed internet without a landline?
You can get blazing-fast and symmetrical speeds by signing up for a fiber-optic internet plan.
Which is the cheapest internet without cable?
Fixed wireless/5G Home internet by T-Mobile and Verizon are among the most affordable cable-free internet options.
Can I get rural internet without phone line?
The most widely available and popular rural internet option is satellite internet which does not require a phone line.
Can I get unlimited data internet without cable?
Yes, most fiber and 5G Home internet providers offer unlimited data across all their residential plans.
DSL vs fixed wireless vs 5G: Which is better?
Both fixed wireless and 5G can offer higher speeds than DSL. However, DSL might be a better option for consistent performance.
