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Moving into a new home is exciting - but waiting weeks for your home Wi-Fi to be installed? Not so much. If you're stuck without internet, don’t worry. There are plenty of quick and easy ways to stay connected while you wait.
Here’s a breakdown of the best temporary Wi-Fi options, from dongles and tethering to mobile broadband plans and portable routers.
What are your options for temporary Wi-Fi?
1. Dongles
Dongles (or wireless adapters) are USB devices that plug into your laptop and connect to the internet using mobile data. No need for a fixed Wi-Fi connection - just plug in and go. They’re ideal for solo use and light browsing.
2. Tethering from your phone
If you’ve got a decent data allowance (at least 5GB), you can turn your phone into a Wi-Fi hotspot. This lets your laptop or tablet connect to the internet through your mobile network. It’s quick, easy and perfect for short-term use.
3. Data SIM cards
If your phone plan doesn’t offer enough data, consider a data-only SIM card. These are designed for use in tablets, portable hotspots or MiFi devices. Just insert the SIM, set up a hotspot and connect your devices.
4. Short term mobile broadband plan
Mobile broadband plans offer flexible contracts - some as short as a week or a month. You’ll need a compatible device like a dongle or portable router. Once set up, you can connect multiple devices just like you would with regular Wi-Fi.
5. Portable routers
Some providers offer short-term router rentals. These routers use mobile data instead of a landline, so setup is simple. Just switch it on, connect your devices and you’re online.
6. MiFi - mobile broadband devices
MiFi is a type of portable wireless router that creates a local Wi-Fi network using mobile data. Insert a SIM card, wait for it to connect and then link up your devices. It’s great for households with multiple users.
Choosing the right option
If you only need to connect one device, tethering from your smartphone might be enough. But if you’re working from home, streaming, or have multiple users, a MiFi device or mobile broadband plan will offer better speed and stability.
For example, EE PAYG 4G Mobile WiFi comes with 60GB or 120GB of data and lasts up to 1 year - ideal for bridging the gap until your home broadband is installed.
Temporary Wi-Fi FAQs
Can you get temporary Internet for a week?
Yes. Many providers offer flexible mobile broadband plans that last from a week to a few months. Check with EE, Vodafone, O2, or Three for current options.
Does portable Wi-Fi work anywhere?
It works anywhere with mobile network coverage. Just make sure your device is compatible with the network you’re using.
Is temporary Wi-Fi fast enough?
The speeds for temporary home Wi-Fi can vary based on things like your location, the device you’re using, and the Wi-Fi provider's network strength. Speak to your provider for more information.
How much data do I need?
Not sure if you’d have enough data for streaming hours of TV? As a rough guide, Netflix requires 1GB of data per hour that you watch. You can easily check how much data you’ll need to see if your current smartphone plan will work as a hotspot, or if you should get mobile broadband.
Will I still use mobile Wi-Fi when my router’s up and running?
When your home Wi-Fi router is up and running, you should set up your devices to automatically connect to it rather than using mobile Wi-Fi. This is because your stronger and more stable home Wi-Fi network when will be faster and more efficient.
However, you can still use the tips you’ve picked up in this article to do things like tethering and using dongles if you ever need emergency internet at home, or when you’re out and about.
Need any more help?
If you need more help getting everything connected, pop in-store and chat to one of our colleagues. They’re always happy to help.
