Streaming using only your mobile provider?

[Dixie]

The thread, spectrum sucks, got me thinking. I currently only use Spectrum for Internet access. But if I cast Netflix from my phone to my TV, and use bluetooth to get Spotify to my stereo, I can get rid of Spectrum altogether.

Is this brilliant, or am I overlooking something?

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Capt. Carrera

The thread, spectrum sucks, got me thinking. I currently only use Spectrum for Internet access. But if I cast Netflix from my phone to my TV, and use bluetooth to get Spotify to my stereo, I can get rid of Spectrum altogether.

Is this brilliant, or am I overlooking something?

1 Sure it's entirely feasible and possible to do exactly what you're saying.
2 Most of the big cell providers have a cell based Home Internet service available these days. I believe Verizon, ATT, and I know T-mobile all have Home Internet.

I use Home Internet from T-mobile. Because I was an existing customer, it's $50 per month for unlimited. If I had been a new customer, it would have been $35 per month for some period. We live in the boonies, but we have 5G in the area. My wife can stream on the TV while I stream to my computer or telephone. Everything in the house is on Wifi via the home internet router that was provided.

[ckcarr]

I can and have done it with T-Mobile off my iPhone. Even with the low data speed it worked fine.

When my usual provider goes down, I switch to phone.

However, your internet then follows you when you leave. So if you have things like a Ring Doorbell they stop working..

[Dixie]

Just to clarify, my intention is to forego any home Internet service. I can currently access everything I want using 5G, so why pay for a redundant service?

[Dixie]

Originally Posted by ckcarr

I can and have done it with T-Mobile off my iPhone. Even with the low data speed it worked fine.

When my usual provider goes down, I switch to phone.

However, your internet then follows you when you leave. So if you have things like a Ring Doorbell they stop working..

That's a good point, thanks.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by ckcarr

I can and have done it with T-Mobile off my iPhone. Even with the low data speed it worked fine.

When my usual provider goes down, I switch to phone.

However, your internet then follows you when you leave. So if you have things like a Ring Doorbell they stop working..

Or you can get home Internet through a cell provider, then all of your stuff continues to work. Of course, that would be an additional charge on your cell bill.

One thing to remember is that using your phone as a hotspot 1 only works if you have service on your phone that includes hotspot (which is often limited to a certain volume of bandwidth per month) and 2 it will require your phone to be plugged into power because it's going to go through the phone battery very quickly.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Capt. Carrera

Just to clarify, my intention is to forego any home Internet service. I can currently access everything I want using 5G, so why pay for a redundant service?

If you have unlimited bandwidth, you're probably good. You're going to need to have your phone plugged in all of the time as it's going to use the battery quickly. You may find that it's a pain in the rear or maybe not.

[Arizona_928]

I've never paid for seperate internet. Sure in some places Netflix will bog down to 480p, but i didn't care.

[Wetwork]

I couldn't make it work..using my Verizon cellpone as a hotspot. I live in the sticks but have good cellphone towers on near by peaks. I had Hughsnet, got some Verizon pucks, then just used my phone as a hot spot. Constant buffering and even with unlimited data I'd get slowed or go over my "unlimited data" plan and get the slow hammer.

Dropped Hughs, dropped my Verizon pucks...and with the advice severval folks went with Starlink.

My GF is a controller for a big beer distributer working remote. She runs three open monitors and lots of video meetings. At the same time I'm in streaming Netflix. I hate to think of all the frustration and countless dollars I shelled out. Should have done Starlink as soon as Elon cranked it out.-WW