Hey there! Are you looking to cut the cord on cable TV but want to make sure you still have a solid internet connection? You‘ve come to the right place.
Getting quality internet access without paying for cable is completely doable these days. You have a growing number of cable-free internet options to choose from, whether you live in a bustling metropolis or off-the-grid in a rural area.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through 7 different ways you can get home internet service without cable. I‘ll dig into the pros and cons of each internet alternative, break down speeds and pricing, and give you tips for choosing the best cable-free internet plan for your needs.
I‘ve worked in technology and cybersecurity for over 15 years, so I know a thing or two about internet connectivity. My goal is to give you all the information you need to ditch cable TV, save money, and still enjoy fast, reliable internet access. Let‘s get started!
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Do You Really Need Cable for Home Internet Access?
Before we look at your cable-free options, you might be wondering:
Can I actually get high-speed internet without a cable subscription?
The short answer is yes! While cable companies were historically the main providers of residential broadband internet, those days are gone.
As of 2021, approximately 67% of U.S. households had a cable TV subscription, down from over 86% in 2010. But the number of broadband internet subscribers actually increased to roughly 85% of households in 2021.
This goes to show that more and more people are cutting cable and relying solely on internet for video, entertainment, and information.
And advances in internet technology mean you have lots of ways to get fast broadband that don‘t involve cable.
Let‘s examine each of your top options for getting uncapped, high-speed internet without paying for cable TV.
Fiber Optic Internet
Fiber optic internet is hands-down the fastest cable-free option available today.
With fiber, your internet connection comes through flexible glass fiber cables, rather than traditional metal wires or coaxial cables. This allows for incredibly fast speeds and the ability to support multiple devices using bandwidth-heavy applications.
The Pros and Cons of Fiber Optic Internet
The Pros
- Blazing fast speeds – Fiber easily delivers speeds of 1Gbps or higher
- Ultra low latency – Fiber has less network lag for gaming, video calls, etc.
- No throttling – Doesn‘t slow speeds during peak times
- Reliability – Fiber has way less downtime than cable
- Multi-user friendly – Supports many devices streaming and gaming
The Cons
- Limited availability – Not accessible yet for many rural residents
- Installation costs – Typically $100-$200 to get set up
- Expensive plans – Packages cost more than DSL and fixed wireless
According to OpenVault, the average download speed provided by fiber internet in Q2 2022 was 238.11 Mbps. That‘s nearly 4X faster than cable internet plans!
When it comes to pricing, fiber internet plans typically range from $50 per month up to $100 per month, depending on your location and provider.
The major companies providing fiber optic internet include:
- AT&T Fiber
- Verizon Fios
- Google Fiber
- Ziply Fiber
- Spectrum Fiber
Fiber is an excellent choice if it‘s available in your area. You‘ll enjoy remarkably fast speeds that easily support gaming, video streaming, and remote work.
Cable Internet
When it comes to cable internet, ignore the name. You can actually get high-speed broadband internet through cable TV cables without needing to pay for a cable TV package.
With cable internet, your provider sends internet data through the same coaxial cables that carry cable TV signals. A cable modem then brings the signal into your home.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Cable Internet
The Benefits
- Wide availability – Offered in most suburban and urban regions
- Fast speeds – Delivers 100-500 Mbps on average
- Reliability – Provides consistent connectivity and uptime
- No phone line required – Doesn‘t rely on DSL lines
The Drawbacks
- Speed inconsistency – Depends on neighborhood usage
- No fiber speeds – Not as fast as fiber, maxing out ~500Mbps
- Costly installation – Professional setup fees of $50-$100+
According to June 2022 data from Ookla Speedtest, the average cable internet download speed in the U.S. is 180 Mbps.
Cable internet plans range from $50 – $100 per month, similar to fiber. However, you‘ll also pay equipment rental fees and potential installation charges upfront.
Some top cable internet providers include:
- Xfinity
- Spectrum
- Cox
- Optimum
- WOW!
- Mediacom
Overall, cable gives you the ability to ditch cable TV while still getting solid internet speeds. It‘s a great option if fiber isn‘t available in your area yet.
DSL Internet
DSL internet transmits data over telephone lines, using DSL modems. This technology has been around since the late 1980s.
The major perk of DSL is that you don‘t need an active telephone line to get internet access. The data runs over telephone wires but isn‘t impacted by telephone use.
The Pros and Cons of DSL Internet
The Pros
- Affordability – Cheaper monthly fees than fiber and cable
- No throttling – Doesn‘t share bandwidth with neighbors
- Expanded availability – Available in more regions than fiber
The Cons
- Slower speeds – Typically delivers 10-100Mbps
- Inconsistent reliability– Signal quality depends on line condition
- Distance limits – Speed reduces the farther you live from the hub
According to FCC data from 2020, the average DSL download speed is just 25.86 Mbps. That‘s 6X slower than the average cable connection.
When it comes to pricing, you can find DSL internet plans starting around $30 to $50 per month.
Some major DSL internet providers include:
- AT&T Internet
- CenturyLink
- Verizon High-Speed Internet
- Windstream
DSL internet works best for lighter internet users who mainly surf the web and stream video occasionally. The slower speeds make it a poor choice for large households that need to support multiple devices.
Rural Internet Options
When you live in a rural area, you know that accessing high-speed internet can be tricky when cable or fiber connections aren‘t available. Luckily, you have a few solid options that deliver internet access to the country.
Let‘s look at two of the top technologies providing internet access in rural communities across America.
Satellite Internet
With satellite internet, you connect to the internet via a satellite dish installed outside your rural home. From there, data transmits wirelessly from an orbiting satellite above Earth.
The Benefits of Satellite Internet
- Wide availability – Offered virtually everywhere in the continental U.S.
- Quick installation – Dish can be set up in just a day or two
The Downsides of Satellite Internet
- Slow speeds – Typical download speeds of 25Mbps or less
- Data caps – Plans have caps as low as 40GB per month
- Weather impacts – Heavy rain and snow can interrupt signal
According to June 2022 FCC data, the average satellite internet download speed is just 19.73 Mbps.
Most satellite internet packages fall in the range of $50 to $150 per month. Providers include Viasat and HughesNet.
While speeds are slower than wired broadband, satellite internet delivers essential connectivity to off-the-grid homes. It works for general web browsing and light video streaming.
Fixed Wireless Internet
Fixed wireless internet transmits data wirelessly over long distances using radio towers. An antenna on your home connects to the nearest tower.
The Advantages of Fixed Wireless Internet
- Doesn‘t require cables – Just an outdoor antenna to connect
- Offers faster speeds – 25-50Mbps on average
- Improved reliability over satellite – Less weather disruption
The Disadvantages of Fixed Wireless Internet
- Inconsistent speeds – Dependent on proximity to towers
- Data caps – Plans may have 100-200GB monthly caps
- Obstructed signal – Trees and other objects can interfere
Ookla Speedtest data shows fixed wireless internet averaging speeds of 39.15 Mbps as of Q2 2022. That‘s nearly double the speed of satellite internet.
Expect to pay $50 to $100 per month for fixed wireless internet. Leading providers include Rise Broadband, Starry, and AT&T Fixed Wireless.
Overall, fixed wireless delivers significantly better rural internet connectivity than satellite. But you may experience some inconsistencies in speed depending on weather, foliage, buildings, and other objects in the signal path.
5G Home Internet
Another exciting new option for internet access is 5G home internet. With 5G, you connect your home to the internet through the latest 5th generation cellular networks being rolled out nationwide.
A small router installed in your home picks up the 5G cell signal just like a mobile phone. No cables or technicians are needed.
The Pros and Cons of 5G Home Internet
The Pros of 5G Internet
- Fast speeds – Offers 100-500Mbps on average
- Easy self-setup – Just plug in a 5G router
- Available nationally – Uses rapidly-expanding 5G coverage
The Cons of 5G Internet
- Not fully reliable – Still has coverage gaps in rural areas
- Data caps – Plans have 100-300GB high-usage thresholds
- Line-of-sight issues – Signal blocked by hills and dense objects
According to Opensignal data, users experienced average 5G download speeds of 218 Mbps in Q1 2022. That rivals or beats typical cable internet speeds.
5G home internet plans fall in the range of $50 to $90 per month. Two major 5G home internet providers are Verizon 5G Home Internet and T-Mobile Home Internet.
5G offers an exciting new alternative to cable, providing you live in an area with strong 5G coverage. It‘s still early in the rollout, so speeds and availability aren‘t consistent nationwide quite yet.
Mobile & WiFi Hotspots
Looking for a flexible way to get internet access without a long-term contract? Mobile hotspots may be the solution.
Hotspot devices create a WiFi signal by sharing cellular data from the mobile network. You can connect your phone, laptop, and other devices to the WiFi network broadcast by the hotspot.
The Perks and Drawbacks of Mobile Hotspots
The Benefits of Mobile Hotspots
- Portability – Bring WiFi with you anywhere
- No contracts – Prepaid options don‘t require commitments
- Backup connectivity – Useful for outages at home
The Limitations of Mobile Hotspots
- Slower speeds – Typically max out below 25Mbps
- Limited data – Plans have 10-50GB high-usage thresholds
- Battery constraints – Devices need regular recharging
According to June 2022 testing by WhistleOut, the average download speed for mobile hotspots across providers is 13.33 Mbps. That‘s sufficient for web browsing and email, but not for heavy streaming.
You can buy hotspot devices for $60 up to $400 depending on data amounts. The monthly cost of prepaid unlimited data plans is $50 and up.
Every major wireless carrier sells mobile hotspot plans, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint.
When you don‘t need blazing speeds, mobile hotspots deliver convenient WiFi connectivity at home or on-the-go. They work as an affordable backup option but won‘t fully replace fast home internet.
Key Factors When Choosing Cable-Free Internet
Now that we‘ve gone through the various ways to get internet access without a cable subscription, let‘s discuss what to consider when picking the right high-speed internet plan for your household.
Speed – Are you satisfied with slower DSL speeds below 50Mbps? Or do you need faster fiber or cable speeds of 100Mbps and up? Consider how many people use the internet and what online activities you frequently do.
Data Usage – Do you stream 4K video and play online games daily? If your household goes through 1TB of data monthly, unlimited data is essential. But if you mainly web browse and email, a data cap may not be an issue.
Availability – Some options like fiber and 5G aren‘t accessible in all areas yet. Use availability maps from providers to see what high-speed internet types are offered at your address.
Reliability – Look at provider reviews and talk to neighbors to gauge the uptime and reliability of your internet options. Fiber and 5G have more interruptions currently than established cable.
Tech Support – Find a provider with robust technical support in case you need help. This is especially important when installing new technology like satellite or fixed wireless.
Price – Weigh monthly fees, equipment costs, installation charges, data overages, and other expenses. A cheap plan won‘t save you money if you face lots of extra fees.
Doing a little research before committing to a new internet provider will ensure you choose the right plan to meet your household‘s needs and keep your bank account happy.
Tips for Finding the Best Cable-Free Internet
Here are few parting tips to help secure the perfect internet plan without cable:
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Check for deals on new customer pricing – You can often save 20% or more going with a new provider over your current ISP.
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Compare multiple providers – Don‘t limit yourself to big-name companies. Research regional and local ISPs for better pricing.
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Read the fine print – Ask about fees, surcharges, data caps, and price hikes written into the contract to avoid surprises.
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Consider bundling services – You can sometimes get discounts bundling internet with mobile phone service.
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Buy your own equipment – Skip the monthly modem rental fee and buy your own compatible modem and router.
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Use antennas to improve signal – Boost satellite and fixed wireless speeds by installing exterior antennas in optimal positions.
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Set up automatic payments – Enrolling in autopay from your bank account can knock a few dollars off your monthly internet bill.
Now you have all the tools you need to find the perfect internet service without paying for cable TV!
I hope this guide gave you the full picture on getting high-speed internet access without cable. Let me know if you have any other questions as you search for the ideal cable-free internet plan.
Wishing you fast, reliable, and affordable internet in your home!
