The Best Internet Brands for Digital Nomads and Frequent Travelers in the US

If pennies dropped every time someone asked about consistent Wi-Fi on the road, I’d be richer than a lottery winner.

Four years ago, when I left my corporate job and started my life as a digital Nomad, I was constantly asked about internet availability on the go. Four years down the lane, I am still getting the same question, “How do you find consistent Wi-Fi on the go?”

To prevent further inquiries about reliable internet for digital nomads, let’s delve into the details. This guide will answer all the basic questions about the importance of the Internet for a digital nomad, features to consider while choosing an Internet service provider (ISP), and some of the best options available in the market.

But first, what exactly is a digital nomad?

Who Is A Digital Nomad?

Digital nomads are full-time remote workers working from different locations. Most businesses, with low operational budgets, encourage workers to opt for remote work. These workers follow a routine but they have the freedom to work from anywhere i.e., coffee shops or co-working spaces public libraries.

Comparing My Favorite Internet Brands as a Digital Nomad in the US

My top picks are subject to my work, location, and other requirements, so make sure you pick the ISP that best suits your needs, the nature of the job, your current location, and your travel destination.

As a user, you might feel why Hughesnet made it to the list. Well, Hughenet’s availability overpowers all its limitations. From rural to the most remote areas, you can expect Hughestnet to be your travel connection partner.

Now let’s address the elephant in the room, aka how do you find consistent Wi-Fi on the go?

How I Find Consistent Wi-Fi On The Go?

To answer the question, I mainly work in coffee shops, public libraries, hotel rooms, resorts, co-working spaces, and camping sites. All these locations generally have decent Wi-Fi. However, in case I am camping or while I am on the road, stuck at a remote gas station, I use public hotspots or my cellular internet.

The internet service provider (ISP) I currently use at home has a nationwide free hotspot so I can use the internet anytime on the go regardless of the place I am visiting. In case you are struggling to find a good ISP that ticks all the boxes, here is what you need to know before choosing one.

Top ISP Features for Digital Nomads and Frequent Travelers

Selecting an ISP for your home is slightly different from choosing one for your Digital Nomadic lifestyle. For instance, most users pick an ISP based on speed, budget, and data cap for their daily use. However, for traveling, you need internet that has nationwide availability.

Here are the top must-have features for your ISP:

Availability

You pay a hefty internet bill but it stops working the moment you step out of your state. Well, it has happened to me and I was not happy, to say the least.

For digital nomads and frequent travelers, internet availability is a deal breaker. It is even more important than budget or data cap. For ISPs, limited availability means restricted mobility. Eventually, you will have to pick the destination based on your internet backup options, which sucks the joy out of the digital nomadic lifestyle. While covering all 50 states is quite a challenge, you can still get an ISP that covers at least 40+ states.

Hotspot Option

Do you like working from cafes, public parks, and libraries?

If your answer is “hell yes,” then you will really need a free hotspot and Wi-Fi option. I know most people think cafes and libraries have free Wi-Fi but the speed is horrible and security is even worse. Some of the ISPs offer free Wi-Fi and hotspot features for the users. These hotspots are safe, easy to use, and free. What a win!

Reliability

In the world of remote work, inconsistency can cost you your job. One minute your internet is fast and the next minute, you might yell, “Can you hear me?” in the middle of a public park. Trust me, I have been there, and it is not fun.

For travelers, inconsistent internet creates uncertainty so make sure your ISP is reliable. To ensure reliability, check the outage history and online reviews. You can also check reviews based on the destination you are visiting. For instance, if you are traveling to Ohio, check reviews of locals in that area.

Customer Service

Stuck in the middle of nowhere and want to know about the internet availability or have a question about the nearby hotspot? Customer service is the answer to all your queries. Although most ISPs claim to have 24/7 customer service and minimum response time, it is not always true.

Moreover, most ISPs have dedicated customer service lines for technical guidance or online payment only. So, before signing up, make sure your ISP also offers general inquiry and complaint responses as well.

Speeds

Nothing is more frustrating than a lousy internet speed, especially when you are traveling. So, it is no surprise that every remote worker prioritizes high-speed internet.

As a single internet user on the go, 50Mbps is a decent speed. However, the ideal speed varies based on your online activity and your online job.

Feel free to check your current Internet Speed with a speed test tool.

For reference, here is a quick overview of speeds (upload and download) based on the online tasks:

Apart from this, simple daily work-related tasks, like Heavy Web Browsing and sharing large files require a download speed of 5 Mbps and 10 Mbps, respectively.

Affordability

Yes, speed and availability are great features but not at the expense of half your monthly wage. Budget-savvy travelers spending on camping sprees, hotel rooms, and filling up gas tankers do not have too much to spare on other utilities. Affordability is one of the most important factors, especially for travelers on a shoestring budget. So, make sure to invest in affordable internet.

Contract Length

As a remote worker and traveler, you cannot commit to an onsite job, but ISP wants you to commit for 2 years? Why?

The best way to enjoy your freedom without any financial repercussions is to stick to ISP offering no contract at all. In fact, some ISPs like Spectrum also offer contract buy-out options.

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritize Availability: As a traveler and digital nomad look for an ISP, with maximum coverage
• Free Hotspot Above All: Make sure you’re your ISP offers free hotspots
• Golden Ratio of Speed and Affordability: pick an ISP that offers good speed within your budget
• Additional Contributing Factors: apart from speed, availability, and cost, consider factors like data caps, contract terms, customer service, etc.

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Ron Hoekstra

Ron Hoekstra, a Dutch designer based in Taiwan, combines his passion for creativity with a love of travel. Inspired by his adventures, he launched a travel blog to share his experiences and insights. Professionally, he excels as a web designer and SEO expert, blending technical expertise with artistic vision to create impactful digital projects.