How to Get Internet (With or Without a Landline or Cable TV)

Families use their Internet access to stay connected to other family members and friends, complete schoolwork, play video games online, and even run entire businesses from home. What makes it difficult is that all of these uses have different bandwidth needs that Internet providers need to meet.

Whether you’re getting ready to move or you’re just unhappy with your current Internet service and looking to upgrade, there are a few factors to keep in mind before you choose a new Internet service provider (ISP) and begin the installation process.

Let’s explore some of the ways that Internet plans differ and why they matter for your home Internet needs.

Figuring Out Your Home Internet Needs

Not every Internet plan is created equal. If they were, some individuals would be paying much more than they need to for Internet capabilities they simply won’t use.

If you’re unsure of your home WiFi needs but want to make sure you’re only paying for what your family will use, you’re not alone.

Here are some factors that help determine the price points of different Internet options.

What Speed Do I Need?

The most significant difference you’ll find among Internet plans, especially within the same provider network, is speed.

Speed For Work And School

How fast or slow your Internet connection is can make a significant difference in workflow if you work from home and often have to upload and download large files, communicate with coworkers via video chat, or use Internet-intensive creative programs like Photoshop or Logic for extended periods of time.

Students who use their Internet connection to complete assignments or even attend class over video chat programs like Zoom will need a high-speed Internet connection to keep up with the demands of their schoolwork.

Speed For Gaming And Streaming

Speedy download and upload speeds are also crucial for avid online gamers who are running data-heavy programs for hours at a time on their devices. For those who use their home WiFi for music and video streaming services can also greatly benefit from (and appreciate) a faster connection.

How Speed Affects Cost

Within most Internet service providers’ offered plans, the fastest Internet speed will often be the most expensive option.

If you only use your Internet connection for casual browsing purposes and aren’t downloading files or streaming high-resolution content all the time, a more basic Internet package will likely be sufficient, and you’ll likely spend less money as well.

Find out more about what Internet speed your household needs.

Can You Get Internet Without Cable, Phone, or Coax?

Yes, and it's more common than most people realize. If your home doesn't have existing cable or phone line infrastructure, or you simply don't want to rely on it, there are several solid alternatives.

Satellite Internet, fixed wireless, and 5G home Internet all deliver a broadband connection without requiring any wired infrastructure in your home. Fiber, while technically a wired connection, uses its own dedicated lines rather than coaxial or phone cables.

The right cable-free option for your household will depend primarily on your location and how much speed you need. Use the address lookup tool above to see which no-cable Internet options are available where you live.

Best Internet Options by Connection Type

Here's a quick breakdown of the most common connection types available today:

What Internet Service Provider Is Best for Me?

Generally, the most important factor when choosing an Internet service provider is your location.

Xfinity is currently available to users in 39 of the 50 states. AT&T Internet offers a high-speed fiber option, but it’s only available to users in certain areas. Verizon Fios fiber-optic Internet serves more than 15 million users in private homes and businesses across the U.S.

If you live in a metropolitan area, you’re less likely to experience connectivity issues with most major Internet providers. However, certain rural areas may be out of service range for some companies.

Enter your address here to find out what Internet offerings are available where you’re moving or where you currently live.

Should I Bundle My Internet with Other Services?

If you’re looking to save on your monthly home expenses, bundling your WiFi with other common services like TV and phone into a package is one of the best ways to do so. Not only do packages save users money, but they also streamline the payment process, so you only have to worry about one monthly bill instead of several across all of your services.

Though the service packages of the past may have forced users to compromise on one service or another in order to qualify for a low monthly rate, today’s options are much more varied and personalized to fit the needs of each user.

Some of the industry’s leading providers, such as Xfinity, Comcast, Spectrum, and Cox, offer individualized packages to provide families of all lifestyles with the phone, Internet, and TV services they need at prices that suit their budget.

Best Low-Budget Internet Options

Are you working within a limited budget for your Internet access? Don’t worry, there are plenty of options for low-income families that provide excellent Internet services for a fraction of the cost.
Major companies like Xfinity, Comcast, Spectrum, Cox, and Optimum offer low-cost Internet options as well as affordable bundles for cable TV and phone service. All you have to do is call your provider (or potential provider) to find out whether they offer any low-income programs or special discounts that you could qualify for.

Costs to Watch For

While Internet plans may look straightforward on the outside, the monthly rate you see advertised isn't always what you end up paying. Before you commit to a plan, here are the additional costs worth factoring into your budget:

• Equipment fees: Most providers charge a monthly rental fee for the modem and router they supply, typically $10-$15 per month. Purchasing your own compatible equipment upfront can eliminate this recurring cost.
• Installation fees: Professional installation can run anywhere from $50 to $100 or more, depending on the provider and the complexity of the setup. Many providers waive this fee for new customers or offer self-installation kits as a free alternative.
• Introductory pricing: Promotional rates are common, but they're usually only good for the first 12 to 24 months. Make sure you know what the standard rate will be once the promotional period ends.
• Data caps and overage charges: Some plans limit how much data you can use each month. Exceeding that limit can result in overage fees or a slowdown in your connection speed. If your household streams frequently or works from home, look for plans with unlimited data.
• Early termination fees: If you sign a contract and need to cancel before the term is up, many providers charge an early termination fee. Month-to-month plans typically avoid this, though they may cost slightly more per month.

Moving Your Internet Service to a New Home

Are you in the process of moving and wondering if your Internet access will be able to move with you? The first thing you’ll need to do is contact your Internet service provider to make sure the plan you currently have is available in your new location.

As we mentioned earlier, many high-speed Internet options are only available in certain locations, which might make your transition tricky, depending on your provider and needs.

Checking Availability At Your New Address

Before you finalize your move, use SmartMove's address lookup tool to confirm which providers and plans are available at your new location. In some cases, moving to a new location may make you eligible for a service upgrade or even a special bundle or deal that ends up saving you money each month.

Make sure to ask your provider if they offer any additional services in your new location.

Switching Providers

If you do have to switch providers based on a lack of service in your new home, you will likely qualify for a first-time customer discount with the next Internet service provider you choose.

The Internet installation process in your new home will vary depending on whether you’re bringing your router and modem with you and whether a representative from your Internet service provider needs to lay new wiring or repair existing wiring.

Different Internet providers may have varying recommendations when it comes to switching your service to a new location. Companies like Spectrum, Optimum, Xfinity, and Fidelity even offer their own personalized guides to installation that can help you establish a WiFi connection in your new home quickly and easily.

Can I Self-Install My Internet Devices?

Yes! If you feel equipped with the tools and know-how to set up your Internet connection in your new home yourself, you can absolutely do so, in almost every situation.

Self-installing your WiFi router and modem can save you money on technician fees and help to limit the number of people entering your home.

Most major Internet service companies provide self-installation kits with detailed instructions to help you complete the task successfully.

Best Options for Rural Homes

Satellite Internet has been the fallback for rural homes for quite some time, and it remains a viable option, particularly with the arrival of Starlink, which uses a low-earth orbit satellite network to deliver significantly faster speeds and lower latency than traditional satellite services.

Fixed wireless Internet is another strong contender, particularly in areas where a provider has invested in local tower infrastructure.

Some rural areas are also now within reach of 5G home Internet coverage as providers continue to expand their networks. The best way to find out what's available at your specific address is to use SmartMove's address lookup tool, which shows all providers and connection types serving your location.

What To Do If You Have a Weak Cell Signal

First, check if the issue is specific to your carrier or affects all networks in your area. Coverage maps from providers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile can help you identify gaps. If the problem is carrier-specific, switching to a provider with better local coverage may be the simplest fix.

If you want to stick with your current carrier, a cellular signal booster can help increase the signal inside your home. These devices work by pulling in the existing outdoor signal, amplifying it, and rebroadcasting it indoors. They can’t create a signal where there isn’t one, but they can improve a weak one.

For households in areas with persistently weak cell signal, a wired Internet connection — fiber, cable, DSL, or fixed wireless — is the more reliable long-term solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest type of home Internet connection?

Fiber-optic Internet is currently the fastest widely available home Internet connection type, capable of delivering symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 1 Gbps or more with some providers. Availability is still expanding, so fiber may not yet be an option in every area.

Can I get Internet without a phone line or cable subscription?

Yes. Satellite, fixed wireless, and 5G home Internet all provide broadband access without requiring a phone line or cable TV subscription. Many fiber providers also offer standalone Internet plans with no phone or TV bundle required.

What Internet speed do I need for working from home?

For a single person working from home with video calls and large file transfers, a minimum of 25 Mbps download is generally recommended, though 100 Mbps or higher will give you more headroom. Households that have multiple remote workers or students will benefit from faster plans.

Is satellite Internet good enough for everyday use?

It depends on the service. Traditional geostationary satellite Internet, like Viasat and Hughesnet, can have noticeable latency that affects video calls and gaming. Newer low-Earth orbit services like Starlink have significantly reduced latency and improved speeds, making them a much more practical option for everyday use, including video streaming, remote work, and online schooling.

What happens to my Internet bill after the promotional period ends?

Most promotional Internet rates are locked in for 12 to 24 months. After that, your monthly rate typically increases to the standard pricing for your plan. Ask your provider what the post-promotion rate will be before signing up, and set a reminder to renegotiate or shop for a new plan before the promotional period expires.

Find Your Best WiFi Connection Options with SmartMove

With so many great Internet providers out there, it can be hard to make a choice—especially if you’re looking for cheap Internet service without a phone line or cable connections.

Whether you choose to bundle your services for ease and convenience or focus on ways to get home Internet with no strings attached, SmartMove can help you find the perfect provider that offers plans within your budget and covers your region. Connect with us today to learn more.