Short-term internet plans, you say? The kind that don’t hold you down or cost you your freedom?
Am I hearing commitment issues? Just kidding!
We could all use some flexibility in our lives, and a month-to-month Wi-Fi arrangement sounds like a plan. Whether you’re a renter, digital nomad, student, or Dora the Explorer, I’ve got you covered.
I bring you a list of affordable and flexible internet plans to keep you connected at your convenience.
Top 5 Internet Providers Offering Contract-Free Plans
When in need of a temporary broadband setup for home, sign up with an internet service provider (ISP) that offers no-contract internet plans. This way, you can unsubscribe anytime without worrying about the consequences.
Pay by the month, so you never have to stress over refunds when it’s time to move to a new place or address.
These internet providers make switching locations and services hassle-free, and so they’re ideal for rentals and apartment living.
| ISP | Connection Type | Starting Price | Download Speed Range | Subscribe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber | $55/mo. plus taxes1 | Up to 300 Mbps – 5 Gbps2 | SHOP PLANS | |
| Cable | $30/mo. For 1 year3 | Up to 100 Mbps – 2 Gbps | SHOP PLANS | |
| Cable & Fiber | $40/mo.4 | Up to 300 Mbps – 8 Gbps5 | SHOP PLANS | |
| Cable | $55/mo. For 24 mos. | Up to 300 Mbps – 2 Gbps | SHOP PLANS | |
| 5G Home Internet (Fixed Wireless) | $35/mo. guaranteed for 3 years6 | Up to 300 Mbps7 | SHOP PLANS |
Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. Ltd. avail/areas. See Details
See Broadband Facts: att.com/dapbbfacts
2- avail/areas. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5 GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7 Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.
3- See Offer Details for terms and conditions.
4- w/ $10 ACH Autopay discount for Internet and/or Video services. In select markets only.
5- Availability of plans, speeds, and pricing is subject to location and may vary by region.
6- w/ Auto Pay & any Verizon mobile phone plan. See Details
7- Download speeds may vary depending upon network and coverage conditions, and content optimization for 5G Ultra Wideband.
With so many contract-free internet options, you never have to worry about moving into a new home without internet. Now that you know of the best temporary internet options for residential use, let’s get to the next topic.
Short-Term Internet Plans for Travelers and Students
Frequent travelers and students are unlikely to benefit from residential internet plans, which is why I suggest mobile or 5G data plans.
Cellular internet can keep you connected on the go nationwide, and you can use it as Wi-Fi on multiple devices by turning your smartphone into a portable hotspot. International travelers may consider data roaming options.
Student Wi-Fi options may include free hotspots all over campus; hence, a mobile data plan can be useful while they’re out and about. Prepaid internet deals work best for month-to-month or temporary usage.
Best 5G Data Plans
What to Look for in a Short-Term Internet Plan?
Aside from contract-free and prepaid options, you must consider these things when looking for a temporary internet service:
1. Easy Access
If you’ve moved to an apartment building, you must ensure that your internet connection is compatible with the setup and approved by the landlord. Wiring for a new connection can be expensive or might take up too much space, so it’s better to settle for what’s easily accessible.
2. Quick Setup
Since you don’t plan to keep the internet service for long, there’s no point in spending too much on installation and setup. For example, if the home has a built-in cable connection, go for it rather than upgrading to fiber. Likewise, a wireless connection with a plug-and-play mechanism can save time and effort.
3. Reliability
Just because you want a short-term internet plan doesn’t mean you have to compromise on performance. Whether you’re keeping the service for a few months or over a year, it must meet your speed and data requirements.
4. Affordability
Contract-free internet plans tend to be slightly pricier, but are still feasible for a short-term commitment. Seek an internet plan with straightforward pricing (no hidden fees) so you don’t go over budget; even better if equipment rentals are included in the price of the plan.
Did you find what you were looking for?
This is where I wrap up my piece on short-term internet solutions. Now all that’s left to do is:
Browse the Best Internet Providers in Your AreaFAQs
Are prepaid internet deals any good?
Prepaid data plans are flexible and affordable for temporary usage. However, they are not the best option for high-bandwidth applications and heavy internet usage.
What is the cheapest way to get month-to-month Wi-Fi?
Mobile tethering is the cheapest way to get temporary Wi-Fi for your devices. You can share your mobile data with other devices via hotspot, Bluetooth, or USB.
How to get Wi-Fi on a vacation rental?
If Wi-Fi is not included in your vacation rental, you can use your mobile data on multiple devices via hotspot. Another option is to use public Wi-Fi at recreation spots nearby.