Earthlink is also one of the earliest ISPs in the United States, it was founded in 1994. It has grown over the more than 25 years of its existence to provide different forms of internet services for consumers and enterprises. One common question that arises is: Does Earthlink provide wireless internet? The short answer is yes, Earthlink does provide wireless internet services but to some extent.
Wireless internet service provider is the provision of Internet connection to individual users without the use of cables.
However, to better understand what options are currently available and to focus more pointedly on Earthlink’s offerings, it is necessary to first determine what is meant by the term ‘wireless Internet’. In its most basic sense, wireless internet service means accessing the internet through radio waves instead of wires.
The most common wireless internet technologies are
- Wireless Fidelity or WiFi – transmission of information through the air and to and from stations within distances of up to a few hundred feet. Best suited for home and office connections with other local networks. WiFi is what makes it possible for laptops, phones, and other portable devices to connect with routers in a building.
- Cellular Data – this works through the utilization of 3G, 4G as well and 5G networks which operate through cell towers spanning cities as well as regions. This powers the Internet connection for most of the contemporary smartphones in existence today.
- Satellite Internet – employing the use of satellites that are located in outer space to relay signals over a large distance. Especially for those rural homes that cannot get cable or DSL services.
Now back to the question at hand – what wireless offerings can you get from Earthlink?
Earthlink's Wireless Offerings
Earthlink does provide several wireless internet options to its customers.
1. WiFi Service
It is an ISP that offers routers to its clients that can be used to create in-home WiFi networking; they will install professional WiFi in your house when you join their internet. Unlike cellular towers which don’t provide you a mobile wireless connection, they do permit you to connect to the internet wirelessly within your house using a router.
2. Cellular Internet
Earthlink also has specific hotspot devices that connect to cell phone towers just like your phone so you get your wireless internet in the move. These hotspot plans are available with 10GB, 20GB, or 30GB of data per month. The primary carrier they use is Sprint but they also use other carriers in addition to it.
So in summary - yes, Earthlink does have “wireless internet” in two key forms: Wireless connectivity in the home through the WLAN, and cellular connectivity while on the move. Both can be important solutions depending on your connectivity requirements.
Advantages /Disadvantages of using Earthlink Wireless Internet
Having looked at the wireless options that Earthlink offers, what are some of the benefits and drawbacks of choosing its service?
Pros:
- Available Nationwide: Since Earthlink cellular data plans are through Sprint network and their in-home WiFi brings the devices into your home through a wireless connection, their wireless service is available in most areas of the United States.
- Works with Your Existing Home Service: When you subscribe to basic high-speed internet or cable service from Earthlink, their in-home WiFi enables your laptop and phones to connect wirelessly all over your house.
- LTE Speed Hotspots for On-the-Go: Their hotspot data plans can go up to 64 Mbps, and the overall service of Earthlink’s cellular-based wireless is quite snappy for tablets and laptops as long as there is cell service.
Cons:
- Sprint Network Isn't the Broadest: Although respectable, it is not as widespread as Verizon Wireless or AT&T in rural areas – there are coverage holes.
- 10 GB Low on Data: The wireless hotspot plans also have the highest 30 GB data amount and it can easily be depleted if you stream HD video or music.
Thus, even though Earthlink is not perfect, the company offers both in-home and mobile wireless services that can adequately address several essential connectivity requirements for many home or business customers.
Is Earthlink Wireless Right for You?
Some final things to consider if choosing wireless internet from Earthlink for your household or small business.
They can effectively support basic web browsing, email access, and even standard-definition streaming as long as your primary activities are limited in that regard. However, for high usage needs or areas with less coverage, their Sprint-based mobile service has its disadvantages.
Using across-the-house WiFi together with a moderate cellular data plan can make for a quite potent wireless setup when it comes to handling fixed and portable devices alike. As long as you are mostly using WiFi, while sparingly using cellular where necessary or as a fallback, it should be fine.
If possible, try using their wireless internet first to ensure that the connectivity and speed meet your preferences in the areas you usually use. A short trial proves that everything will be ok.
In a nutshell, while Earthlink does provide wireless Internet types such as WiFi router access, cellular data are available through Sprint LTE. Although the wireless is not recommended for high usage demands of up to a few dozen GB per month, their wireless can surely do the job! However, if the user is engaging him/herself in heavy media streaming or large file downloading, one may need to have many more data options that Earthlink does not currently provide.
Call (866) 240-0701 to get a new Earthlink connection now!
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