Best Internet for Truckers

Truck driving is one of the most in-demand careers in the USA. According to the American Trucking Association, nearly 72.2 percent of all heavy-weight goods are transported by trucks around the country and the industry contributes $875.5 billion in revenue. 

But the life of a truck driver is not easy. On average, truckers spend around 300 days on the road per year. They need an internet service that is affordable, reliable, and has coverage throughout their route to stay in touch with their friends, family, and workmates. 

In this blog, we have covered some of the best options for the internet for truckers to help them turn their trucks into makeshift offices and homes. 

Best Wireless 5G Internet for Truckers 

In 2019, telecommunications companies around the world rolled out 5G connectivity for their cellular mobile phone users. In the USA, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, often referred to as the big three in the mobile phone service industry, were the first ones to get on the 5G bandwagon. Together, all the 5G network providers cover 75 percent of the country including rural areas. 

The 5G is an ultra-wideband technology that can provide wireless internet with speeds up to 1000 Mbps or 1 Gig. It is the most advanced version of its predecessors 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G cellular networks. Initially, on the 1G mobile network, the radio signals used to transmit mobile data were analog. The newer generations of wireless networks, 2G and beyond, all use digital radio signals. That’s why they have the improved ability to carry higher bandwidths and deliver faster internet. 

Today, over 400 million Americans are actively subscribed to a 5G network on their mobile phones and other smart devices (tablets and smartwatches). It has become the most popular means of staying connected in the absence of wired internet or WiFi networks. 

Wireless 5G connections on mobile phones or devices are the most affordable and reliable means of internet for truckers. 

Here are some of the best wireless 5G internet providers for truckers. 

AT&T Wireless 5G Internet for Truckers 

AT&T is one of the biggest 5G data providers in the country. In 2000, AT&T formed a subsidiary by the name of AT&T Mobility to cater to its mobile phone customers. AT&T Mobility is also commonly referred to as the AT&T Wireless service for those who are subscribed to one of the many AT&T Mobile data plans.

Currently, AT&T has nearly 285 million customers who are on its 5G network and the service is available in 22,000 cities and towns in the U.S. 

AT&T Wireless offers several unlimited plans for mobile phone users. The starting price of the AT&T Wireless Unlimited plan is $65 per month but if you add up to 5 lines to the plan, the cost reduces to $30 per month, per line. It means that you and your family of five can enjoy unlimited calling, texting, and 5G data for just $30 per month.

	AT&T Unlimited Premium Plan	AT&T Unlimited Extra Plan	AT&T Unlimited Starter Plan
Price when you get 5 lines	$45 /month per line	$35 /month per line	$30 /month per line
5G	✔	✔	✔
50 GB Hotspot	✔	✘	✘
AT&T ActiveArmorSM	✔	✔	✔
Hotspot Data per line	50 GB	15GB	3GB
4K Streaming	✔	✘	✘
Contact AT&T	CALL 877-209-3574 Now!

The three Unlimited plans from AT&T Wireless are the nation’s most cost-effective and value-driven plans for 5G internet for truckers.  

Spectrum Mobile™ 5G Internet for Truckers  

Spectrum Mobile™ service is exclusive to its existing internet customers. Only those who are subscribed to one of the Spectrum Internet®plans can sign up for Spectrum Mobile™ 5G data plans. 

Spectrum by Charter Communications is the fifth largest internet provider in the USA. The company offers several services under its brand name, including cable TV, home phone, and device and network security. Recent survey results indicate that over 4.3 million Americans are receiving 5G mobile phone service from Spectrum. 

Spectrum is an MVNO. It relies on Verizon’s cellular network to offer wireless service to its mobile phone users. Instead of erecting its LTE towers across the country, Spectrum simply purchases data from Verizon and provides the service to its customers. So wherever Verizon’s 5G network coverage goes, Spectrum follows.   

Spectrum Mobile™plans for 5G data start at just $14 per month. Check out these 2 no-contract Spectrum Mobile™plans for reliable 5G internet for truckers. 

T-Mobile 5G Internet for Truckers

T-Mobile is the fastest 5G network provider in the country. Recently, Ookla and Speedtest.net surveyed the speed of 5G internet by the most prominent mobile phone carriers in the country. It was found that the median download speed of T-Mobile’s 5G data was 116.14 Mbps. Whereas Verizon was delivering only 58.64 Mbps and AT&T’s 5G download speed was 57.94 Mbps. Unlike its competitors, T-Mobile uses a mid-band 5G spectrum to boost the speeds and deliver up to 200 Mbps of download speeds.

T-Mobile’s wireless 5G internet for truckers promises a fast lane life on the road and online.   

Best Satellite Internet for Truckers

In the US, many trucking companies have built a partnership with satellite internet providers to deliver direct broadband connections to truckers as they make their long-haul road trips around the country. The trucks are equipped with a satellite dish, a modem, and a router to convert radio waves into internet signals. 

Currently, there are three satellite internet providers for truckers that offer nationwide broadband coverage at affordable rates.  

Viasat Internet for Truckers

“Where other business internet stops, Viasat keeps going.” Viasat takes pride in quick equipment installation for interrupted internet service on the road. The satellite dish and internet modem/ routers can be installed in the truck within 3 to 5 business days.

Viasat offers four plans for satellite internet for truckers. The cheapest Viasat internet plan starts at $49.99 per month and delivers download speeds of up to 12 Mbps. 

Viasat Internet Plans for Truckers
Unlimited Bronze 12	Unlimited Silver 25	Unlimited Gold 30	Unlimited Platinum 100
Download Speeds up to 12 Mbps	Download Speeds up to 25 Mbps	Download Speeds up to 30 Mbps	Download Speeds up to 100 Mbps
Up to 360p Video Streaming	Up to 480p Video Streaming	Up to 720p Video Streaming	Up to 1080p Video Streaming
Unlimited Data	Unlimited Data	Unlimited Data	Unlimited Data
$49.99/mo.	$69.99/mo.	$99.99/mo.	$149.99/mo.
Call 877-412-0759 Now!

Moreover, truck drivers can now combine their satellite internet with the Viasat satellite phone service and receive unwavering reception in even the remotest parts of the country. 

HughesNet Internet for Truckers

This year, HughesNet was named the ‘Best Satellite Internet Service Provider’ by the U.S. News and World Report. More than 1.3 million Americans are using HughesNet satellite internet service and the carrier extends its coverage to the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. 

When compared to Viasat, HughesNet plans are $10 cheaper after the promo period but on the downside, it can only deliver a flat download speed of 25 Mbps. Moreover, the data caps on the monthly satellite internet plans may not make it the best choice of internet for truckers, especially for those who love to stream their favorite movies and shows on the road.

HughesNet Satellite Internet Plans
Plans	Price	Speed	Data Cap	Shop Now
HughesNet 15	$49.99/mo.	15 Mbps	15 GB	Order Now
HughesNet 50	$49.99/mo.	25 Mbps	50 GB	Order Now
Fusion 100	$74.99/mo.	25 Mbps	100 GB	Order Now
Fusion 200	$149.99/mo.	50 Mbps	200 GB	Order Now

Starlink Internet for Truckers

Another satellite internet provider is swiftly capturing the market share by offering the fastest satellite internet, both nationally and internationally. Earlier this year, Elon Musk’s Starlink received approval for a commercial launch in 33 states of the USA. The subsidiary of SpaceX is offering satellite internet for residential, business, and aviation use. It is quickly catching up with the other national satellite internet providers to become the most sought-after internet provider for RVs, trailers, and trucks. 

Starlink gives its customers the option for DIY equipment installation on their vehicles. You can order a self-installation kit for $599 (including the shipping fee). 

For motor vehicles like trucks, SUVs, RVs, and lorries, Starlink satellite internet costs $135 per month. With speeds between 50 Mbps and 200 Mbps, Starlink is truly the fastest internet for truckers. 

Best Out-of-Home Wi-Fi for Truckers

Even though the USA lags in the list of the most connected countries in the world and currently stands in the 15th position, the country has put in the necessary work and capital to improve its digital landscape. The Government and private companies have created several free public Wi-Fi zones to bridge the digital divide and make free, high-speed internet a reality for millions of Americans. 

According to some estimates, there are over 2 million free public Wi-Fi zones throughout the country but unfortunately, the exact figures are yet to be recorded. New York City and Los Angeles are the two cities with the highest number of free Wi-Fi zones, with 12,038 and 10,496 locations respectively. 

Public Wi-Fi zones and privately installed Wi-Fi hotspots by internet service providers are the easiest way to get free internet for truckers. 

Free Public Wi-Fi Zones 

These are some of the venues where you are most likely to find free internet for truckers. 

• Public parks, state parks, and national parks
• Local cafes, restaurants, and bars
• Public libraries
• Laundromats 
• Churches
• Trailer parks 
• Hotel/ motel lobbies
• Department stores
• Bus and train stations
• Airports 
• Truck stops 
• Rest areas 

Spectrum Out-of-Home WiFi Service

Internet service providers like Spectrum Internet® have installed thousands of out-of-home WiFi hotspots across the country. Customers of Spectrum Internet® can utilize this cost-free service when on the road by connecting their devices to the nearest Spectrum WiFi hotspot. 

To this date, Spectrum has set up 530,000 WiFi hotspots throughout its 41-state footprint. Those who have an active Spectrum Internet® account can connect their devices to the Spectrum WiFi network in range by entering their username and password.

Truck drivers who are Spectrum Internet® customers can use the free trial version for Spectrum out-of-home WiFi.

• Just switch on the WiFi feature for your device
• Select “Spectrum Free Trial” in the WiFi settings
• Open your browser
• Follow the instructions on the web page to start your free trial

Locating Spectrum Out-of-Home WiFi Hotspots

Spectrum ensures that its customers never drive past a free WiFi hotspot. If you are a Spectrum Internet® customer, the first thing that you must do is to install the My Spectrum app on your phone. 

• Open the My Spectrum app and go to Settings
• Select Connections and under it select WiFi
• Choose WiFi Settings Menu and then select Advanced
• Now enable the Spectrum WiFi auto-connect mode

By enabling this mode, you will receive a notification on your device every time you are in the range of a free Spectrum WiFi hotspot. Thereby, making Spectrum one of the most convenient and valued internet for truckers. 

Best WiFi Hotspot Devices for Truckers 

It may seem like a grim idea to use multiple devices while on the road, driving delivery trucks over long distances. But many times truck drivers obtain a free passenger permit and drive alongside their partners or family members to spend more quality time together. In such instances, the need for a WiFi hotspot device is felt the greatest as passengers may want to connect their tablets, laptops, and TVs to the internet for work and entertainment. WiFi extenders and hotspot devices allow multiple devices to be connected to a single network such as AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon’s 5G network across the country. 

These are some of the best WiFi hotspot devices for the internet for truckers. 

1. Alcatel Linkzone WiFi Hotspot

Price	$28.78
Service Provider	T-Mobile
Battery Life	6 Hours (1800 mAh)
No. of Devices Supported	15
Connectivity	4G LTE
Data Transfer Speed	150 Mbps
Warranty	1 Year

Alcatel Linkzone WiFi Hotspot is compatible with T-Mobile’s 4G network around the country. It is one of the most affordable options on the market for using your T-Mobile 4G data as a hotspot and connecting up to 15 other devices to the network. You can receive high-speed data with speeds up to 150 Mbps to enjoy streaming on the go. 

2. TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router

Price	$39.99
Service Provider	All
Battery Life	24 Hours (7000mAh)
No. of Devices Supported	20
Connectivity	5G LTE
Data Transfer Speed	733 Mbps
Warranty	2 Years

TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router is one of the best mesh WiFi routers for truckers. Its compact design and multi-functional technology make it ideal for a ‘Share Hotspot.’ It supports almost all the 5G networks around the country and can deliver data at speeds up to 750 Mbps. Its incredible 7000mAh battery lasts up to 24 hours and at one time, you can connect around 20 devices to the network, without suffering speed throttling. 

3. Inseego MiFi M2100 5G UW

Price	$599.99
Service Provider	Verizon
Battery Life	12 Hours (3500mAh)
No. of Devices Supported	30
Connectivity	4G LTE/ 5G UW
Data Transfer Speed	2 Gbps
Warranty	1 Year

If you are thinking about upgrading your internet connection to gigabit speeds then Inseego MiFi M2100 5G ultra-wideband is one of the best options in the market. The hotspot device is compatible with Verizon’s 4G LTE and 5G ultra wideband networks, delivering data at superfast speeds of up to 2 Gbps (2000 Mbps). You can connect around 30 devices to the network and the battery lasts for nearly 12 hours without charging. However, it is one of the most pricey options for a WiFi hotspot device in the market and may come across as an expensive choice of internet for truckers.   

Conclusion 

Gone are the days of radio channels 17 and 19. We have entered the new millennium where EV trucks are taking over our highways and internet connections are becoming the primary mode of communication between truck drivers and their employers. Broadband coverage helps truck drivers map their routes, check weather and traffic updates, communicate with friends and family, and stay entertained while driving for hours on lonely roads. 

Be it AT&T’s wireless 5G data or one of many Spectrum’s out-of-home WiFi hotspots around the country, internet for truckers is an absolute necessity in today’s age.