Setting Up a Backup Internet Plan: What I Learned Testing Options

Because it's frustrating when the internet goes out, and I wanted a real backup

AI Generated: “someone holds their phone high in the air desperately searching for that one bar of cellular signal”

Why I Wanted a Backup

I work from home occasionally, and there’s nothing worse than your internet dying during an important work call, or right near the end of streaming a movie. After dealing with a few outages, I had it on my ‘backlog’ to find a reliable backup option that wouldn’t cost me another monthly subscription.

Normally I would use my cellular data plan as a hotspot, but unfortunately Verizon is extremely slow in my home.

Testing What Actually Works

Step 1: Check Coverage Maps

I started with OpenSignal, that shows crowdsourced network coverage data. In my area, it showed:

• T-Mobile: 147.70 Mbps average

• Verizon: 88.52 Mbps average

• AT&T: 73.96 Mbps average

These numbers looked promising, but they’re area averages. You need to verify coverage for your specific location before buying anything.

Step 2: The Free T-Mobile Test Drive

T-Mobile offers a free 30-day trial through their T-Life app. No credit card required. Here’s how it works:

1. Download the T-Life app

2. Sign up for the trial (uses eSIM on compatible phones)

3. Test T-Mobile’s actual coverage in your specific location

I did this to test the actual speeds in my apartment without spending money upfront.

Step 3: The Results

Unfortunately for me, the results were disappointing:

• Verizon hotspot: 2 Mbps (sometimes dropping to 600 Kbps)

• T-Mobile trial: Also about 2 Mbps, even by the window

Turns out, my building has terrible cellular reception regardless of carrier. I might still look into AT&T, but it’s most likely a reception issue with my building.

However, if your results actually look good, here’s what I almost decided to do.

The Best Options

1. T-Mobile Hotspot Device (If you have good coverage)

• Device: Franklin T9 Mobile Hotspot (~$20 used on eBay)

• How it works: Insert a T-Mobile SIM, creates WiFi network

• Data options: Prepaid plans starting at $10 for 2GB, up to $50 for 30GB

• Bonus: You can bring it with you when traveling

2. Dual SIM Phone Setup

• Keep your primary carrier

• Add a prepaid eSIM from another carrier

• Switch between them as needed

• No extra device to carry

Real-World Recommendations

1. Test before buying: OpenSignal showed great speeds in my area, but my actual apartment results were terrible. The free T-Mobile trial saved me from wasting money on equipment.

2. Building construction matters: Modern apartments with concrete and metal can block cellular signals, regardless of carrier.

3. Try near windows: If you’re getting poor signal, test near different windows - sometimes it makes a difference.

4. Consider alternative carriers: If T-Mobile doesn’t work, you could test AT&T or other carriers with cheap prepaid SIMs.

Summary

I hope you have better luck then I did. I may still end up buying the Franklin mobile hotspot, if not for home use then for when I’m traveling or working remotely for an extended period of time.

A used Franklin T9 hotspot is only around 20 bucks, with some prepaid data could save you a lot of frustration during an outage.

But before you spend any money, use a free trial or buy a prepaid sim if you have to. In my case, I discovered my building is just bad for cellular reception.

For those with better building reception than me, having that little hotspot device ready to go could be a lifesaver when your main internet inevitably goes down.