How to Get High-Speed Internet without Cable or a Phone Line

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How do you get high-speed internet without cable or a phone line?

You can get standalone internet service without cable TV or home phone service. That’s true for all the main types of internet—fiber, DSL, satellite, fixed wireless, and even cable (keep reading; we’ll explain).

There are less traditional options available too, like smartphone tethering, wireless hotspots, and good ole free public Wi-Fi. Read on to learn more about how to get internet without TV and home phone.

Cable internet (minus the cable TV)

Gasp. Aren’t we trying to avoid the c-word? Yeah, but there’s cable TV and there’s cable internet service.

Cable internet is good stuff—faster and more reliable than DSL or satellite, and it’s available without bundling TV and phone service.

Top cable internet-only packages

Data as of 12/18/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Prices higher in some areas
** Prices and speeds differ in some areas
† 2 yr. contract required. No-contract option available for $59.99/mo.

DSL internet

A DSL connection is slower and less reliable than both cable and fiber internet, but it’s widely available. Below, we’ve listed DSL providers and recommended plans for each—with relevant stats.

Top DSL internet-only packages

Data as of 12/18/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Fiber-optic internet

Fiber internet is the fastest and most reliable connection—and it’s the only one that supports equal download and upload speeds. Its one drawback, though, is that it has spotty availability—your neighbor could qualify for fiber, but you might not.

We recommend the following plans from providers that serve up fiber internet without side dishes.

Top fiber internet-only packages

Data as of 12/18/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Satellite internet

Satellite internet is the slowest and least reliable internet service, but it may be the only choice for people living in rural areas.

There are two main satellite internet providers: and Viasat. The following table shows what they offer.

Top satellite internet-only packages

Data as of 12/18/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Fixed-wireless internet

Throughout most cities are fixed-wireless transmitters. Think of them like little cell towers beaming Wi-Fi signals in all directions.

They belong to internet service providers you may not have heard of, but the signals are even better than 4G—as long as you’re in direct line of sight, with no mountains or skyscrapers between you and the transmitter.

Cell phone hotspots

Did you know you can turn your smartphone into a wireless hotspot? It’s called tethering, and it’s a great way to have a private Wi-Fi signal.

You can do this only if tethering is built into your cell plan, so you might want to check with your provider about that first.

Here’s how to toggle tethering on or off:

• iOS: Settings>Personal Hotspot or Cellular>Personal Hotspot. Then click Allow Others to Join and follow the directions to connect.
• Android: Different phones run different versions of Android. Look for a search bar under Settings, then search for keywords like “hotspot” or “tethering” and you should be ready to rock in just a few clicks.

Fair warning: tethering will gobble up your data (and drain your battery) if you don’t already have unlimited data.

Wireless hotspots

Some internet providers like Cox and Spectrum have wireless hotspots around town. If your provider has hotspots, you can access them with your at-home internet credentials.

Free public internet

While the free Wi-Fi from establishments like coffee shops, hotels, and public libraries can be unreliable and unsecure, it’s better than nothing. Just park close to the buildings and don’t leave your car during the pandemic—isolation works.

Final take

Whatever reasons you have for buying internet service—and only internet service—you have options. And now, more than ever, it’s nice to have those.

If it’s available in your area, we recommend going with Xfinity. It has cable speeds from 25 to 1,000 Mbps and a 1 TB data cap. It also has a superfast fiber plan (Gigabit Pro gets up to 2,000 Mbps) that hardcore gamers and streamers will love—if they can afford $299.95 a month.

We also really like Xfinity’s XFi Gateway modem/router combo. And having only internet service through Xfinity qualifies you for Xfinity Flex, the provider’s free combination streaming device and service. With tons of live and on-demand content, Flex is a great replacement for cable TV.

How to get internet FAQ

Do you need a phone line for internet service?

You don’t need a phone line for all the main types of internet service (cable, fiber, fixed wireless, and satellite). DSL does need a phone jack to work, but you don’t have to pay for a phone line. And dial-up connections are now mostly bogeyman stories you can tell to scare your children.

Can I get Wi-Fi without an internet provider?

You can get Wi-Fi without an internet provider by using public Wi-Fi hotspots or through your mobile provider’s hotspots.

Do you need a landline for internet?

You can install most types of internet (cable, fiber, fixed wireless, and satellite) without a phone jack, Jack. DSL typically does require a phone jack—but not phone service. Some call this type of DSL service, where a phone jack is used but the customer doesn’t have to pay for phone service, “Naked DSL.”

Does a wireless router give you free internet?

A wireless router won’t work without an internet connection purchased from an internet provider (but it’d be pretty cool if it did).