Great video, thanks! I've been looking for a Fi-compatible LTE modem to use as my failover internet for a while, and moving to a new home has me wanting a contingency for internet access in case Comcast is slow and awful for my install.
Thanks for this detailed blog post and video, Matt. With this setup will the Google Fi sim also work with US Cellular bands or is it stuck on T-Mobile? I'm looking for a mobile solution that will make use of whatever cell signal is available for constant connectivity in our van. Do you know of any cellular modems that are "designed for" Google Fi?
Hey Darren, Thanks for the comment! Unfortunately, I don't believe there are any cell modems that can use the multi-carrier aspect of Google Fi - only phones. The Google Fi help page makes it sound like the data-only SIMs are locked to T-Mobile specifically. There are modems out there that can do multi-SIM & use the best available, but you would then be looking at buying multiple SIMs & their associated data plans - which is less than ideal.
You mentioned that you were temporarily connecting the modem to your computer. I am not a teck savvy person. What I am needing is just a modem to plug into my computer for internet service. The towers are the only service available being in a rural setting... no cable. In the past I have used an air card that plugs into a USB port. Is the Netgear modem compatable with windows 10? Thanks for the help.
Yep! In my case I only used my PC temporarily, as I was connecting the modem to another device afterwards. The Netgear modem I used works well with Windows 10 👍. So you could just connect it directly to your PC for internet access
Depends on how you want to use it. For me, I wanted to have a dual-internet connection, with the LTE modem as a secondary / failover internet connection. In that case, yes you would need a router to handle managing both internet connections. However, if you just wanted to use internet via the LTE modem alone - you wouldn't need any additional equipment. You can hook up a PC directly to the modem itself & that would work just fine.
What an amazing video! I have just ordered my first sim, the unlimited plan for $65. I'm going to use it in in some schools in remote region to demonstrate kids the power of internet. I was wondering as the video is 2 years old, would you recommend a newer hotspot device?
Hi there - Thanks for the comment! I ended up switching over to a Meraki MG21, which I'm still using now. I got one for a good price, but unfortunately they tend to be much more expensive than the NetGear I used in this video. I don't have any recommendations right now, but if I were going to look for something new, I would likely try for a 5G-capable hotspot. In theory, any device that supports T-Mobile & the cellular bands that Fi supports should work.
You mentioned that you only pay for data used, so out of curiosity, is this only available on the flexible plan or is it also available on the unlimited plus plan?
Hey there! My understanding is that the data-only SIM is also available on the unlimited plan - but I'm not 100% sure how it works (whether it has it's own pay-per-GB setup or just shares the data from the overall plan, I'm not sure). I've been on the flexible plan for years because I use so little data, so it ends up being a much cheaper option
Hi! Thanks for the info. Was wondering if the Google Fi $70 unlimited plan would work with this modem? I couldn’t get a definitive answer from them because it’s not listed as a supported device (although as you said it could still work). Also wondering if the unlimited plan slows after a certain data amount? I’m in a rural area, and have been using a Straight Talk sim until the last few days- they switched to VoLTE and my service stopped working.
Hi There - Yes, the data-only SIM is available for the Unlimited Plus plan, but not for the Simply Unlimited plan. My understanding is that the data-only SIM still has a cap with the Unlimited plan, which I think is the same 22GB that the phones have. I don't use the unlimited plans - so I'm not sure if this is 22GB just for the modem, or if it's shared with a phone.
Hi there - Sorry, I haven't tested the LM1200 myself. However, based on a quick review of the specs, it should work just fine with Google Fi. Just remember to set the correct APN config.
Hi so im trying to figure out what phone plan or data plan to get for this modem because i live in a rural area where i cant get internet service and i wanna use this instead of internet providers like cox and centurylink will a data only plan be expensive?
Hey Zac - Yeah unfortunately using Google Fi for a primary internet connection would likely get expensive. They charge $10/Gb, up to a max of $60-100 depending on how many people are on your plan: support.google.com/fi/answer/6201699?hl=en Might be better to look at something like T-Mobile's LTE home internet service, which is a little cheaper at $50/month for unlimited data (if available in your area): www.t-mobile.com/isp
@@0x2142 kinda figured i live on a native american reservation and due to the pandemic my community isnt installing internet so im looking for a work around
Hi there - It depends on what you're looking to do. If you just need a single computer to use the modem, you could plug the modem directly into that computer. However, if you are looking for the modem to provide internet access to multiple PCs/laptops/etc connected to your existing router, then yes - you can plug the modem into that router.
do you think this would work on a Verizon Jetpack ac791i? I had Fi but cancelled it...but now I'm seeing your video and didn't realize they had a data only sim. Think it would work??
Depends on the requirements of the game.. if it's latency-sensetive, probably not. A cellular connection is going to have much higher latency than a traditional wired internet connection - and the latency will be highly variable. If the game can handle that, then it could work.
Hi there! Doing a little bit of digging on reviews, it seems people have had somewhat mixed results with that router. Unfortunately I don't have one to test with - so I can't give a firm answer.. sorry.
Do you know of any re seller plans that don’t throttle all the ones I look up always say there out of stock or not around anymore I just ordered a 1120 but It’s been a pain trying to find a no throttled plan anywhere lol
I haven't found much yet unfortunately. For me, the Google Fi plan works since I'm only using as a failover connection. They do allow you to re-instate high speeds after you hit that cap, but you'll be paying additional for it. Might also be worth checking out T-Mobile's LTE home internet plan, if it's available in your area. Right now I think it's $50/mo for unlimited LTE.
Yeah true I was looking at unlimitedville as well but it’s expensive but might be worth it I tried nomad internet they were a joke horrible service thanks for the quick responses
So in order to get a data-only SIM card, you need to have a Google Fi plan already. Then, there are two styles of plans to choose from.. Option 1 is pay per GB, at $10 per GB. This does have a max data usage, where data is free after you reach a cap - to avoid over charging you. So for a 1 person plan, that's 6GB, for two people it's 10GB, etc... There is also a base fee per user on this plan. For example, if you had 1 person + your free data SIM - the max cost should be $80/month ($20 base fee + 6GB data @ $10/GB). Option 2 is unlimited data. That's a flat $70/month. The pricing gets a little better if you add more people to the plan - see more here: fi.google.com/about/plans/ I personally use the pay-per-GB plan. My modem is only used for backup/failover internet, in case my primary ISP has issues. After about 6-8 months, this usually ends up using less than 1GB a month. If you're looking at signing up, I would be thrilled if you considered using my referral code. We both get a $20 credit: g.co/fi/r/KRT0VY
Yep! You can absolutely use a nano SIM. You'll just need an adapter to snap the SIM Card into. I am using a nano SIM with this device today, and works just fine
Hi there - The modem works via LTE. You would insert a SIM Card from whichever carrier you use - and the modem would connect to their LTE network. This modem doesn't offer wifi hotspot capabilities, but instead offers a single Ethernet port for you to plug a computer into. Hope that helps!
@@0x2142 so I just need a sim card with unlimited data right? Not unlimited hotspot. I tried to insert my AT&T simcard out of my Iphone but it never produced a wifi signal. Its read that the card was in there but once I got to the IP address it would say that there was no internet connection
That may work - but you will need to update the modem APN configuration for AT&T. And they may also require you to update the IMEI number in their database for what device the SIM card is attached to. The device should be supported by AT&T though. I don't personally use AT&T - so I won't be able to test it for you... You might have to call them for additional support.
For Google Fi, if you already have a phone plan with them - there is an option for a data-only SIM Card. But you must already have at least 1 phone line with them before you can order this
That's unfortunate. Do you know if the Netgear modem supports the correct LTE bands you need? I'm also not sure what APN configuration EE might require
I have been using this setup as well and it works perfect for outages
Awesome! Glad to hear it!!
Great video, thanks! I've been looking for a Fi-compatible LTE modem to use as my failover internet for a while, and moving to a new home has me wanting a contingency for internet access in case Comcast is slow and awful for my install.
Glad it helps! The NetGear model works great for Google Fi - and is relatively inexpensive. Hope it works out for you!
Thanks for this detailed blog post and video, Matt. With this setup will the Google Fi sim also work with US Cellular bands or is it stuck on T-Mobile? I'm looking for a mobile solution that will make use of whatever cell signal is available for constant connectivity in our van. Do you know of any cellular modems that are "designed for" Google Fi?
Hey Darren, Thanks for the comment! Unfortunately, I don't believe there are any cell modems that can use the multi-carrier aspect of Google Fi - only phones. The Google Fi help page makes it sound like the data-only SIMs are locked to T-Mobile specifically.
There are modems out there that can do multi-SIM & use the best available, but you would then be looking at buying multiple SIMs & their associated data plans - which is less than ideal.
do you have the link to next video how you set it up with router/firewall?
You mentioned that you were temporarily connecting the modem to your computer. I am not a teck savvy person. What I am needing is just a modem to plug into my computer for internet service. The towers are the only service available being in a rural setting... no cable. In the past I have used an air card that plugs into a USB port. Is the Netgear modem compatable with windows 10? Thanks for the help.
Yep! In my case I only used my PC temporarily, as I was connecting the modem to another device afterwards.
The Netgear modem I used works well with Windows 10 👍. So you could just connect it directly to your PC for internet access
@@0x2142 Thank you for answering my question. Have a great New Year!
Wait....so you need to buy the modum also in additoon to the router?
Depends on how you want to use it.
For me, I wanted to have a dual-internet connection, with the LTE modem as a secondary / failover internet connection. In that case, yes you would need a router to handle managing both internet connections.
However, if you just wanted to use internet via the LTE modem alone - you wouldn't need any additional equipment. You can hook up a PC directly to the modem itself & that would work just fine.
What an amazing video! I have just ordered my first sim, the unlimited plan for $65. I'm going to use it in in some schools in remote region to demonstrate kids the power of internet.
I was wondering as the video is 2 years old, would you recommend a newer hotspot device?
Hi there - Thanks for the comment! I ended up switching over to a Meraki MG21, which I'm still using now. I got one for a good price, but unfortunately they tend to be much more expensive than the NetGear I used in this video.
I don't have any recommendations right now, but if I were going to look for something new, I would likely try for a 5G-capable hotspot. In theory, any device that supports T-Mobile & the cellular bands that Fi supports should work.
@@0x2142 thank you so very much for the detailed response good sir!
Thank you, this was very helpful!
GOAT
You mentioned that you only pay for data used, so out of curiosity, is this only available on the flexible plan or is it also available on the unlimited plus plan?
Hey there! My understanding is that the data-only SIM is also available on the unlimited plan - but I'm not 100% sure how it works (whether it has it's own pay-per-GB setup or just shares the data from the overall plan, I'm not sure). I've been on the flexible plan for years because I use so little data, so it ends up being a much cheaper option
Great video. I've got this cellular modem but using att and it's super expensive $60 for 3GB data...so I want a better solution and this may be it.
Hi. I am planning to use Google Fi data SIM to set up WiFi in my car. Any suggestions on devices? Thanks.
Hi! Thanks for the info.
Was wondering if the Google Fi $70 unlimited plan would work with this modem? I couldn’t get a definitive answer from them because it’s not listed as a supported device (although as you said it could still work). Also wondering if the unlimited plan slows after a certain data amount?
I’m in a rural area, and have been using a Straight Talk sim until the last few days- they switched to VoLTE and my service stopped working.
Hi There - Yes, the data-only SIM is available for the Unlimited Plus plan, but not for the Simply Unlimited plan. My understanding is that the data-only SIM still has a cap with the Unlimited plan, which I think is the same 22GB that the phones have. I don't use the unlimited plans - so I'm not sure if this is 22GB just for the modem, or if it's shared with a phone.
I can't find this model for sale. Do you think LM1200 will work with Fi as well?
Hi there - Sorry, I haven't tested the LM1200 myself. However, based on a quick review of the specs, it should work just fine with Google Fi. Just remember to set the correct APN config.
@@0x2142 I've ordered one on Amazon, and let you know if it works. Thank you for a quick response
will google Fi work in a Mofi4500 4g lte
great video good instructions
Hi so im trying to figure out what phone plan or data plan to get for this modem because i live in a rural area where i cant get internet service and i wanna use this instead of internet providers like cox and centurylink will a data only plan be expensive?
Hey Zac -
Yeah unfortunately using Google Fi for a primary internet connection would likely get expensive. They charge $10/Gb, up to a max of $60-100 depending on how many people are on your plan: support.google.com/fi/answer/6201699?hl=en
Might be better to look at something like T-Mobile's LTE home internet service, which is a little cheaper at $50/month for unlimited data (if available in your area): www.t-mobile.com/isp
@@0x2142 kinda figured i live on a native american reservation and due to the pandemic my community isnt installing internet so im looking for a work around
I finished setting mine up but now I need to connect to router. Do I just plug it right into the router?
I got it! I purchased a net gear night hawk router and connected them it works
Hi there - It depends on what you're looking to do. If you just need a single computer to use the modem, you could plug the modem directly into that computer. However, if you are looking for the modem to provide internet access to multiple PCs/laptops/etc connected to your existing router, then yes - you can plug the modem into that router.
@@0x2142 yeah! I figured it out. I was able to set it up to my router and wow it works amazing ! I have no wifi where I live so I'm excited!
Awesome!! Glad to hear it's working well!!
@@ohmigoshness1 hey what did you do exactly
Awesome content...👍
do you think this would work on a Verizon Jetpack ac791i? I had Fi but cancelled it...but now I'm seeing your video and didn't realize they had a data only sim. Think it would work??
Hi Tony -
Based on a quick search I did on the Verizon device, it looks like it should support the LTE bands required for Google Fi.
Is this still working for you? I cannot get it to connect to Fi.
Very useful
Glad to hear it - Thanks for the comment!
Could you use it to play pc games
Depends on the requirements of the game.. if it's latency-sensetive, probably not. A cellular connection is going to have much higher latency than a traditional wired internet connection - and the latency will be highly variable. If the game can handle that, then it could work.
Would this work with a netgear nighthawk m1 LTE router?
Hi there! Doing a little bit of digging on reviews, it seems people have had somewhat mixed results with that router. Unfortunately I don't have one to test with - so I can't give a firm answer.. sorry.
Is this still working for you? I got the lm1200 and it doesn't work any more. I tried everything to debug but no luck
I did upgrade to a better device, but yeah it's still working for me
@@0x2142 can you share what device you upgraded to? Will give that a try.
I picked up a Meraki MG21, which I also did a short video on here: ruclips.net/video/Zb5KE8_OFxQ/видео.html
Do they throttle slow down speeds after certain amount of data ?
They do, yeah. If you're on a pay-per-GB plan, they throttle after 15G. Unlimited plans after 22G. support.google.com/fi/answer/9462101?hl=en
Do you know of any re seller plans that don’t throttle all the ones I look up always say there out of stock or not around anymore I just ordered a 1120 but It’s been a pain trying to find a no throttled plan anywhere lol
I haven't found much yet unfortunately. For me, the Google Fi plan works since I'm only using as a failover connection. They do allow you to re-instate high speeds after you hit that cap, but you'll be paying additional for it.
Might also be worth checking out T-Mobile's LTE home internet plan, if it's available in your area. Right now I think it's $50/mo for unlimited LTE.
Yeah true I was looking at unlimitedville as well but it’s expensive but might be worth it I tried nomad internet they were a joke horrible service thanks for the quick responses
So how much would 20gb end up costing you?
So in order to get a data-only SIM card, you need to have a Google Fi plan already. Then, there are two styles of plans to choose from..
Option 1 is pay per GB, at $10 per GB. This does have a max data usage, where data is free after you reach a cap - to avoid over charging you. So for a 1 person plan, that's 6GB, for two people it's 10GB, etc... There is also a base fee per user on this plan. For example, if you had 1 person + your free data SIM - the max cost should be $80/month ($20 base fee + 6GB data @ $10/GB).
Option 2 is unlimited data. That's a flat $70/month.
The pricing gets a little better if you add more people to the plan - see more here: fi.google.com/about/plans/
I personally use the pay-per-GB plan. My modem is only used for backup/failover internet, in case my primary ISP has issues. After about 6-8 months, this usually ends up using less than 1GB a month.
If you're looking at signing up, I would be thrilled if you considered using my referral code. We both get a $20 credit: g.co/fi/r/KRT0VY
Can I use a nano sim in the slot?
Also if you have a nano sim could you please try it on the modem and tell me if it works?
Yep! You can absolutely use a nano SIM. You'll just need an adapter to snap the SIM Card into. I am using a nano SIM with this device today, and works just fine
Does this whole thing work via LTE or hotspot?
Hi there - The modem works via LTE. You would insert a SIM Card from whichever carrier you use - and the modem would connect to their LTE network. This modem doesn't offer wifi hotspot capabilities, but instead offers a single Ethernet port for you to plug a computer into.
Hope that helps!
@@0x2142 so I just need a sim card with unlimited data right? Not unlimited hotspot. I tried to insert my AT&T simcard out of my Iphone but it never produced a wifi signal. Its read that the card was in there but once I got to the IP address it would say that there was no internet connection
That may work - but you will need to update the modem APN configuration for AT&T. And they may also require you to update the IMEI number in their database for what device the SIM card is attached to. The device should be supported by AT&T though.
I don't personally use AT&T - so I won't be able to test it for you... You might have to call them for additional support.
@@0x2142 if I was to go with google fi what device would I say I’m purchasing a sim card for?
For Google Fi, if you already have a phone plan with them - there is an option for a data-only SIM Card. But you must already have at least 1 phone line with them before you can order this
For some reason mine won't work in the UK with an EE SIM ..
That's unfortunate. Do you know if the Netgear modem supports the correct LTE bands you need? I'm also not sure what APN configuration EE might require