5 Ways to Get WiFi In Your Apartment Now
HighSpeedOptions prides itself on providing honest, quality content. While we may be compensated when you make a purchase through links on our site, all opinions are our own. Here's how we make money.
Table of Contents
Are you looking to get high-speed internet and WiFi in your apartment? You’re not alone, and you’re in luck! Since apartment buildings are likely in urban and other densely populated areas, you probably have access to several types of internet connections and internet providers.
Whether you need fiber internet or cable internet, there are plenty of options available to you. But there are also mobile hotspots and local hotspots. Here’s a look at these various connections to help you decide how best to get internet and WiFi in your apartment.
Need internet for your apartment? Our agents can help you find the best service and price in your area.
1. Wired Internet Providers
Most apartments and condominiums are pre-wired with the necessary ports and wiring to connect you to the internet. After you buy internet, you only need the modem, wifi router, and your choice of internet-capable devices.
There are two main types of wired internet services: fiber internet and cable internet. Both offer great download speeds, but a key difference is in how they are delivered.
Fiber
Fiber internet uses thin cables that connect to ethernet ports to deliver a fast, reliable connection. These fiber optic cables transmit data via light instead of electric signals.
This makes it superior to other internet connection types because it’s fast, provides excellent coverage, and supports many devices. For those of you needing the best connection money can buy, fiber internet is the way to go.
- Fiber & DSL provider
- WiFi router included
- Unlimited data included
Cable
Cable internet is widely available with different providers offering mixed prices and bundle services. Three out of five homes have cable internet in the US alone. It also offers high speeds and sometimes unlimited data, depending on your provider.
Cable internet uses a coaxial cable for a solid connection to your provider’s network instead of copper phone lines. This is the same cabling that connects to your cable TV service.
- Same-day installations
- 8+ million free WiFi hotspots
- Unlimited data available
2. 5G Home Internet Providers
5G stands for “fifth generation.” It’s most commonly seen with mobile plans, but it’s growing in popularity with home internet. It uses different radio frequencies than previous generations like 4G.
5G internet offers fast speeds, low latency, and quick installation time. It’s entirely wireless and sometimes has no data caps depending on your provider. For a connection to qualify as 5G, the minimum bandwidth must be 100 Mbps.
5G has not replaced home internet quite yet, but it’s on its way. Providers like AT&T and Verizon are in the process of establishing reliable 5G across the nation.
- Variety of plans
- Wide availability
- Fiber internet speeds
3. Satellite Internet
Satellite internet relies on a low-orbit satellite signal to send and receive data. The great thing about satellite internet is that it’s available anywhere, which makes it a decent option if your apartment is on the outskirts of town.
The downside to satellite internet is that the connection can be unreliable from weather conditions or issues with equipment. Recent improvements in the technology, though, seem promising, and the introduction of Starlink and other satellite competitors could bring about more options in the near future.
- Fast satellite internet
- Ideal for rural areas
- Up to 3x faster than DSL*
- Fast satellite internet
- Ideal for rural areas
- Up to 3x faster than DSL*
4. Mobile Hotspot
Mobile hotspots are mobile internet connections that convert 5G signals into WiFi. If you have a data plan on your phone, you can use it as a mobile hotspot in your apartment. You can also purchase an additional hotspot device to keep in your apartment that can be added to your mobile plan. Check with your provider for available hardware and pricing.
5. Local Hotspot
Like mobile hotspots, local hotspots are physical locations where you can connect to the internet, like coffee shops, libraries, and airports. You can connect any WiFi-enabled device to a local hotspot. However, public WiFi hotspots can be a significant security threat, so be cautious before connecting.
When seeking internet and WiFi for your apartment, it’s important to consider various options and get feedback from neighbors on what works well. Additionally, conducting a wifi speed test can help determine which providers and plans offer the best speeds and connectivity in your area. Enter your zip code below to explore your options and find the right fit for your needs.
Find providers in your area
Share this post:
Table of Contents
