You can agree with me that the internet has become a necessity in our lifestyle and helps us perform various tasks without much hassle. For instance, if you are a student, then you use the internet to browse multiple articles regarding your course or the topic you are studying so that you may be on the know. As a writer, I need the internet to do extensive research on the issue at hand so that you don’t have misleading information and that you can stay updated with the various trends happening. Although it is quite helpful, it’s costly, and it can “abuse” your wallet if not careful. However, I have the solution as I shall guide on how to get Wi-Fi without internet providers.
You are probably thinking that I have gone insane by saying that you can get Wi-Fi without having pay to access it from an internet provider. Yes, you can get a Wi-Fi connection without internet providers so that you can access the internet for free. To get smooth, fast internet speeds, you will part ways a considerable sum of money so that you can enjoy fast internet, and if you can’t manage, then there are other various options that I’ll later in the article. You can also check out our article on how to get free internet at home so that you can have various alternatives.
As you go for the alternatives, you need to be very careful as there are prone to hackers, and in turn, if you share sensitive details, you might end up in trouble as some can your details for a crime. Worry no more as I shall give you various tips on how you can keep your data safe from fraudsters and hackers. In this article, I shall guide you on how to get Wi-Fi without internet providers and guidelines on how you can apply them as quickly as possible. Also, I shall shed light on terms on terms that I’ll use most in the article so that you don’t’ get confused if you aren’t conversant with the tech world.
Standard terms you need to know on how to get a free internet provider
You need to go through the various terms if you aren’t conversant with the tech field so that as you go through the multiple options, it will be smooth following the instruction. If you know the terms, no need to waste your time, jump in the next session.
i) Internet
Internet through a common term, one can find it hard to explain it. It is electronic communications that connect computer networks around the world; thus, the word a “global village.”
ii) Wireless providers
There is cellphone service providers and the evolving technology, their transmitting towers, and satellites support 4G and 5G for data signals.
iii) Internet provider
Internet provider commonly referred to as Internet Service Providers (ISP) is a company that has a network of fibre optic cables set in place thus enabling you to connect to their network, and you can access the internet.
iv) World Wide Web (WWW)
Simply the web is an information system where all documents and other web resources are accessible over the internet as they are interlinked with hypertext and identified by Uniform Resource Locators (URL).
v) Wi-Fi
Though most believe that Wi-Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity, actually, its a trademark name for IEE.802.11. Wi-Fi uses radio waves to provide wireless high-speed internet and internet connection based on IEEE 802.11 guidelines.
vi) Hotspot
Hotspot is a device that transmits the wireless provider’s signal to other devices without a Wi-Fi signal without cable, and it is quite efficient. It can be created by standalone hotspot devices or using your smartphone.
vii) Tethering
Tethering in this case, you get to connect your cell phone to your PC or laptop via USB, and your phone acts as a modem as you get to use your cellular data to access the internet.
Top 5 ways of getting Wi-Fi without internet providers
Once you subscribe you get to enjoy fast internet speeds and the monthly charges for it is around $40 – $60 and with such an amount, you can end up having a high monthly cost that can be frustrating times/ at such rate, not everyone can pay the money monthly. In such circumstances, I’ll teach how to get W-Fi without internet providers and still stay updated and online. Let’s dive in.
1) Mobile hotspot
Most of you have a smartphone at the moment as the technology is dynamic, and you need to be at par with society. You can use your smartphone as a mobile hotspot provided you have a SIM card so that you can create a Wi-Fi signal so that other devices such as laptops, tablets can access the internet.
A better alternative over your smartphone is getting a standalone hotspot device so that you can save your phone’s battery life and use it anywhere anytime without having to worry about its mobile hotspot.
You need to consider the cost of such services from the wireless provider you have subscribed to. The ideal package that you need to get is the unlimited data as you can stream, browse, and send emails at an affordable price with no additional cost.
If you are using a fixed package, then you need to be careful about how you use the internet on your other devices, for instance, a laptop it consumes data three times more if you compare your handset if you are browsing.
Other wireless providers offer a mobile hotspot bundle to your subscribed package, so you need to get the most out of it. To access the service on your mobile phone, for Android users, head to the Settings then Network and internet and finally hotspot and tethering. For iOS users, go to settings, on personal hotspot slide the toggle.
2) Public Wi-Fi
As you all know, several cities offer free Wi-Fi, and it depends in some cities, the internet is running fast without buffering. In contrast, the Wi-Fi can be terrible and limited with a certain radius. Other alternatives for public Wi-Fi are restaurants, bars, offices, stores, among others.
Pro tip: If you need fast internet, get coffee in one of the restaurants as it shall show interest in their services and spend the whole afternoon doing your various activities. Although the passwords are public, not all of them are accessible to everyone, so you need to get the passcode from the staff of the place.
If your phone can’t access the various Wi-Fi spots within the area, you can use apps such as Wi-Fi Master Key on Android and Wi-Fi Finder Connect for iOS as they shall display all the Wi-Fi networks within your area. You need to be careful of the information you share on such networks as hackers are on the rise.
3) Tethering
In tethering, it similarly follows the hotspot principle, but in this case, instead of using Wi-Fi to connect to your laptop to your hotspot, you use a USB cable to connect your mobile phone to the PC. Beware that in tethering, you shall be limited to various activities such as streaming, online gaming, among others.
It is advisable to use it on small tasks such as sending emails, browsing with tethering; it has a limit on the data transfer, unlike in the hotspot connection. It is the right choice as you get to save on data with such restrictions if you know you love clicking any site that pops up on your mind like me. Also, if your phone doesn’t have a long-lasting battery, then tethering is the best option for you.
4) Wi-Fi USB Dongle
Also known as ‘internet stick’ is a cheaper alternative as compared to the standalone hotspot devices. Unlike the mobile hotspot plan offered by various carriers with the internet stick, you get to insert a standard 2G or 4G SIM card so that you can subscribe to an affordable mobile plan.
The Wi-Fi USB doesn’t have any limits similar to tethering as with it, and you can video stream and other significant data actions. The Wi-Fi USB is ideal for travelers since there are small and light, unlike mobile hotspot devices, thus reduces the hassle of charging any device so that you can access the internet while you travel.
In terms of internet speeds, it is fair enough, enabling you to go about your activities. Also, it depends on the wireless providers that you have subscribed to so that you can enjoy faster internet speeds. If on a 3G network, it is best you use it for email works, although it can be disappointing while sending large files or images. Anything below the 4G or 3G, you won’t enjoy the services, and you will regret it.
5) Free trial services
You can opt for the free trial session offered by various internet service providers. To access them, you search for “free internet service provider trial” on your browser, and you will get multiple options. You shall find most of the service provider is the dial-up internet service providers and come in the form of free hours.
The conventional Internet service providers that offer internet services are NetZero and Juno that offer open hours. Others you get to access the internet a whole month for free at no extra costs. Though you need to beware as some of the providers might lure you into signing in for a deal so that you get the free trial and at times, the contract can lock up for several months where you have to pay.
You can opt for the FreedomPop as it offers free internet services provided it is accessible in your area. You get to enjoy 10GB of data open on the first month, and later on, you get up to 500MB of data every month. You can visit their website so that you can enter your zip code and email address to check if it is available in your area. I hope this answers your question on how to get free internet at home without paying.
Another ideal option is the All free ISP, as it is an organization that helps you find the available ISPs in your area and show you the prices of the services. Here you get to choose affordable services such as Comcast internet deals at $19.99 for six months, but also, you can get options on the free options.
How to stay safe while browsing on free Wi-Fi?
Now that you know various alternatives that you can opt for to enjoy free Wi-Fi, you need to care how you use it. At home, it is a different case as the internet is limited only for your household; you can perform various online transactions without any worries.
Although if you have a vast family, then you will experience slow internet speeds that if five people are streaming Netflix, then you have to bear with them. In public, you have various alternatives that you can hop on so that you enjoy it for free.
Although you enjoy the internet, you need to careful as some take such opportunities to hack into your phone to get sensitive information. After enjoying streaming Netflix at the park, you have provided enough time for the hacker to access your phone if you don’t secure it. Here are a few tips that you can follow to avoid such scenarios;
- Install a VPN on your device as it protects you as it gives a different IP address to your phone so that you can’t be traced easily.
- Limit file sharing on the network and, if possible, shun away from doing it as things can get to worse. Turn off the Sync of data to the cloud as one can access all the files in your cloud.
- As some of the networks prompt you to sign up, you need to be keen on what you are signing up for, as you might end up signing up that can add additional charges to your account without your consent.
- Browse on websites with HTTPS as with it, and no one can snoop onto your stuff without your prior knowledge.
- On such networks, avoid doing transactions and don’t give away all your personal details while signing in.
Bottom Line
Although there are other alternatives that you can apply for, the above that I’ve recommended as ideal and can save you a lot, if you are on a tight budget for a certain period, then this is the best alternative if you need the internet. I hope this article has helped you choose the best option and that I’ve answered most of your questions. Say something in the comment section, and have a great day.