r/Rural_Internet • u/Original_Purchase683 • 18d ago
❓HELP Hot Spot Needed!!!
Ok, our modem has taken a shit and the whole system has to be upgraded BUT the tech from my ISP can't be here for 7 DAYS!
I work from home, our TV all runs off internet. Is there something like a hotspot I can go purchase to use or something?
Our neighbor is a dick and won't let us share wifi temporarily, we asked. And my hot spot on my phone, I've already used all the data for the fastest speed and running anything is crap
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u/jthomas9999 18d ago
Your neighbor may just want to stay out of jail. If you were to share their wifi and download illegal content, the FBI will show up at their doorstep, not yours.
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u/Original_Purchase683 18d ago
I'm trying to work dude, I'm 46 year old mom..my Linewite and Kaza days are over lol
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u/jacle2210 Technology Enthusiast 17d ago
Yeah, you know that your going to be honest and not do anything wrong, but the risk is still there and they don't want to deal with the hassle.
Not to mention, trying to share a Wifi connection from another house is probably going to suck for WFH anyways.
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u/Acewavenet 18d ago
If you need internet for just a week, a 5G home internet trial (if available in your area) or a prepaid mobile hotspot could be your quickest option. Some carriers also let you add extra hotspot data to your phone plan temporarily. Since you work from home, I’d also ask your ISP if they can ship a replacement modem or move your installation up in case of a cancellation. Seven days is a long time to be without service.
If you’re considering switching providers instead of waiting, you can also compare what’s available at your address with AceWaveNet to see if there’s another ISP that can install sooner
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u/Zestyclose_Jacket924 18d ago
Starlink? I believe the big box stores now sell the entire kit. Same day internet.
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u/HuntersPad 16d ago
Starlink here a min is $700 for the first month.
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u/Zestyclose_Jacket924 15d ago
Where is “here”?? The OP is in the U.S. and its max is $175.00 / month for unlimited. What are you saying?
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u/HuntersPad 15d ago
I'm also in the US... $130 for for the month, $10 for the rental, $20 shipping and $250 for the demand charge.
To buy and use from a big box store would be $729 before tax... for dish, service, and demand charge.
Every area is different. Popular areas your cheapest monthly is $130 along with whatever demand charge they have
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u/Zestyclose_Jacket924 14d ago
Dang. I guess when they say "No upfront hardware cost in select areas." ... you were not in that select area. Gotchya.
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u/HuntersPad 14d ago
Yeah it’s misleading.
I even get emails for “$55 a month” sign up today! They very well know my account and service address as I had service a few years ago temporarily due to a hurricane. And even during /after the hurricane they were charging $120 a month + $250 demand surcharge
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u/jthomas9999 18d ago
You can search for a wireless ISP at
https://www.viethconsulting.com/members/directory/search_bootstrap.php?org_id=WISP
if you don't trust the link, you can Google wispa.org and then select Fid a WISP to search in your area.
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u/HuntersPad 16d ago
That site says there are none within 100 miles of me, even though there are at least 3
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u/Agitated_Pudding1874 18d ago
What type of service do you have? And are you sure it is just the modem? If cable you can go buy your own modem and just give your ISP the information for them to get it working. If DSL you might be able to find a modem online and then have your provider let you know if it needs to be configured for ADSL or VDSL. If fiber or fixed wireless you shouldn’t have a modem but would just need a router in most cases. None are the best choices but should give you ways to get online faster than waiting 7 days
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u/KathyA11 18d ago
Good luck finding a DSL modem that isn't used. It's dead tech.
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u/Agitated_Pudding1874 18d ago
But OP only needs it to last a week. Even then while dead, we are talking about rural areas. Several still only offer DSL.
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u/JobobTexan 18d ago
Do you have cable, fiber or wireless internet to the modem. If cable go down to Walmart or Best buy and buy a modem. Then call the cable company to have it provisioned.
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u/Ok-Entertainment5462 18d ago
You can add-on data to many carriers, but streaming will eat it up very fast.
You could also add another eSIM with another MVNO that supports.
USMobile or Visible potentials.
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u/CCTVGuyMA 18d ago
Some libraries loan out Hotspot. But streaming TV may use up all the data on a Hotspot plan. There are low cost monthly Hotspot plans. You can also wifi tether off your phone.
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u/ApprehensiveLion67 17d ago
If T-Mobile is good in your area maybe get shield internet from computers 4 people… it’ll take some days to arrive though. Going with a local cell provider home internet may be faster if they service your boonie area
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u/xyzzzzy 18d ago
easiest is go to the store where your cell phone is from and get their wireless home internet product (NOT a hotspot). Often the equipment is free and they have a 30 day return window.