Hey everyone! I work as a case manager and my job involves a lot of driving with some idle time between clients. I want to make good use of that time by working on my personal laptop, but I can't connect to the internet when I'm away from home. I've tried to add a mobile hotspot to my Verizon plan for my iPhone, but unfortunately, they said it isn't an option because I'm on a shared plan. So, I'm looking for any suggestions on how to get my laptop online while on the road. Sometimes I find myself parked in safe neighborhoods and I'd love to tackle some tasks during that downtime. Any ideas? Thanks!
6 Answers
Don’t forget that places like Starbucks, McDonald's, and local libraries often offer free WiFi. Just a heads up, it’s usually smart to use a VPN with public WiFi for security, although it’s not strictly necessary.
You might want to consider getting a portable router that accepts a SIM card. They can be powered by your car's cigarette lighter or USB port, which makes them really convenient for your situation.
That's surprising about Verizon! If you're open to it, you could look for 'Mifi' or 'mobile hotspot' devices on Amazon or eBay. Google Fi also offers a hotspot device you might want to check out.
You could also talk to the primary account holder of your shared plan about getting a mobile hotspot added. It might be a low-cost option to add another line, often for just $10 or $20 a month, plus data costs!
How about checking out a mobile hotspot from Straight Talk? You can find them at Walmart and they’re generally pretty affordable.
Thanks for the suggestion! I'll look into it. Do you know if they have a good data plan?
If you have a newer vehicle, you might already have a built-in hotspot feature. It’s definitely worth checking out!

I’ll check those out! Thanks for the heads-up.