Internet Providers That Offer Wi-Fi Equipment
These internet providers include Wi-Fi equipment with your plan, so you can stay connected throughout your home without paying extra.
If you’re getting a new Internet plan or upgrading it, you might need to pay an equipment fee. The standard equipment required for Internet plans includes a modem and router. Some providers also offer a Wi-Fi gateway, which is a single device that handles the function of a modem and router. Buying instead of renting a modem or router does require upfront payment but can reduce costs in the long run. However, not all Internet service providers (ISPs) offer the option to buy your own equipment. Using third-party equipment can work, but you need to make sure it’s compatible with your Internet connection.
Below, we’ve highlighted ISPs offering Wi-Fi equipment, whether for free with an Internet plan or to rent.
Spectrum
Spectrum Internet plans don’t have a modem fee, but there’s a $5 monthly fee for the router – otherwise known as the “Wi-Fi Fee.” SpectrumⓇ customers can also use their own Wi-Fi equipment if they want to avoid this fee.
Spectrum’s customer support is available to troubleshoot any problems you have when setting up the equipment, as long as it’s theirs. If you need assistance at your residence to set up your Internet connection, you can choose professional installation for a one-time fee of $49.99. Should you upgrade your Spectrum Internet plan and your model is no longer compatible, Spectrum will notify you and provide an option to upgrade it.
AT&T
AT&T offers a variety of Internet plans with different connection types, including fiber. All fiber plans include a free Wi-Fi Gateway, which you need to return when your contract expires or you cancel the service. Not returning the Wi-Fi Gateway means AT&T will charge you a one-time fee of $150. AT&T’s optional Wi-Fi extender is $10 per month plus tax. A Wi-Fi extender helps broaden the range of the router signals. Similar to the non-return equipment fee for the Wi-Fi Gateway, failure to return a Wi-Fi extender will cost $65 per device.
Customers can have the AT&T Wi-Fi gateway shipped directly to their homes so they don’t have to pay technician fees. If you need installation assistance, you will need to pay a $99 AT&T Self-Install Assistance Fee.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
If you’ve been eyeing 5G home internet service, the T-Mobile 5G Home Internet plan is contract-free and includes a Wi-Fi gateway at no additional cost. This means customers don’t have to pay equipment rental fees on top of monthly service charges. Plus, the setup is simple – just plug and play. While there are no rental fees for the Wi-Fi gateway, failure to return it when the contract ends will cost $370 in fees.
Verizon
Verizon offers various Internet plans, including Verizon Fios, Verizon High Speed, and Verizon 5G Home Internet. Depending on which service type you choose, there are equipment fees for Verizon Internet plans. For example, Verizon High Speed Internet requires $15 per month for leasing the gateway. If you choose the Verizon Fios Gigabit plan, you won’t pay any equipment charges, but Verizon does charge a $99 setup fee.
Xfinity
With Xfinity Internet promotions, you might find deals with no Wi-Fi equipment fees. However, there’s typically an equipment rental fee for Xfinity Internet plans if you can’t snag a deal. Xfinity offers an xFi Gateway that costs $14 per month.
Customers with the xFi Complete package can enjoy a free XFi gateway upgrade every three years and advanced security features designed for safe browsing and data protection. The setup fee for Xfinity Internet is $100 for professional installation or $39.99 for a self-installation kit.
CenturyLink
CenturyLink is a major fiber and DSL Internet service provider. There are many CenturyLink Internet plans to choose from, and most come with a $15-per-month Wi-Fi equipment fee. If customers don’t want to rent the router and modem, they can purchase its newest Wi-Fi equipment for $150 to $200, which has a 12-month warranty.
Cox
Cox often offers deals to attract new customers, so keep an eye on the latest Cox promotions. The Wi-Fi equipment required for Cox Internet service includes a panoramic gateway device for $13 per month. Some Internet plans include a free rental device. Cox also offers free Wi-Fi equipment upgrades every three years for select plans. Self-installation costs $20, while professional setup costs $100. Both charges are a one-time fee.
Optimum by Altice
Although Optimum by Altice Internet plans typically have a $10-per-month rental fee for the modem, it often runs promotions with no equipment fee. The Optimum Gateway 6 comes free with new Internet plans. Getting professional installation for the Wi-Fi equipment will cost you $59. Customers can also get premium installation, which includes professional assistance in setting up a gaming system, three outlets, and smart TV, as well as hardwiring the devices.