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Is unlimited WIFI from Netbuddy worth making the switch in 2024, we answer all your questions and more with our review of NetBuddy.
In an era where the Internet is becoming a necessity, everybody wants the best Internet services and a stable connection at an affordable price.
Technology has also evolved over time to bring some of the best and most reliable connection options.
In North America, for example, there are a handful of wireless network options.
The MVNO is not limited, and for that reason, you can get hundreds of options, especially if you live in rural areas and want affordable internet services.
But before we make any decisions regarding an Internet connection, we necessarily have to understand the provider, pros and cons, and, most importantly, the service type.
In our case today, NetBuddy is the subject of this discussion.
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Table of Contents
What is NetBuddy?
NetBuddy is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) offering internet services to people and businesses in rural areas of the United States.
The service mainly focuses on delivering internet services in areas where high-speed access is non-existence or is spotty.
NetBuddy is among the cheapest options that provide Internet access through AT&T 4G LTE network.
When it comes to monthly subscriptions, NetBuddy is a good option.
However, it has limited room for new customers.
The company offers a couple of plans that are impeccable in terms of utility and Pricing.
The best thing with NetBuddy is that youโll pay the same Pricing for good.
Just choose the best network that is suitable for your needs and your area in terms of signal reception, and you are good to go.
Hereโs is all you need to know about NetBuddy, the service, and what to expect.
NetBuddy Pros and cons
Pros
- No data caps
- coverage
- Itโs affordable
- No credit checks required
Cons
- The customer support is almost non-existing
- Limited new customer acceptance
- No routers or antennas are sold.
No data caps
NetBuddy, unlike many companies, is currently offering unlimited data access in areas where Fiber, Cable, and DSL internet access is limited.
In such areas, Satellite internet is an option but always charge huge monthly bills, high fees, and impose data caps.
NetBuddy is using strong coverage from AT&T to provide unlimited Internet to people in rural areas.
Coverage
One main challenge of living in Rural and sub-urban areas is that thereโs limited coverage for Fiber, DSL, and cable internet.
Satellite internet is always an option but remembers the huge monthly costs, fees, and limited data access?
NetBuddy eliminates the need to pay more on data surcharges.
Customer Support
Many people have argued that NetBuddy has almost non-existence support and many NetBuddy customers have commented that the support is out of hand, and customers are virtually on their own.
Limited Acceptance by the customers
This is the most excruciating thing about NetBuddy.
The company doesnโt impose any limits on accessing the Internet, but they definitely limit their new customers.
New customers might have to wait to subscribe, and in many instances, they will be rejected.
NetBuddy plans, Packages, and Pricing
I had earlier stated that NetBuddy offers affordable wireless internet options to people in rural areas.
The company only has a single plan to customers that need 4G and LTE speeds at the cost of $65 monthly.
With this wireless internet plan, you automatically secure unlimited data access with no caps.
This is according to the information available on the companyโs site.
New customers should buy a router and a hotspot to get the service.
This is mainly because NetBuddy doesnโt offer any of this equipment directly.
New customers can check on Amazon or any other retailer for compatible routers and hotspots.
After buying the equipment, youโll now be required to buy a remote activation service from NetBuddy site.
This takes about 30 minutes to 24 hours.
NetBuddy doesnโt provide enough information about how their billing and service actually works.
The only information available is that SIM activation services are limited to Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Subsequently, trying to access activation any other time, you will get a notice that itโs out of stock.
Sign-Up
The signup process is very simple and easy for all types of people.
Unlike common Internet Service providers, there are no contracts involved, and you donโt require any credit checks.
The only thing you should do is to pay for the services and enrol with the company.
But remember NetBuddy being an MVNO, their service is not that strong, and for that reason, you will have to wait for some time for the subscription.
Furthermore, there are few slots on the network that can easily cause you some untimeliness, especially for new users.
Donโt keep the company as the last option.
Thus, keep searching for other options, and if you get better services from another provider, always go with the best.
Have your own SIM
To subscribe, you can bring any SIM card as long as itโs 4G and LTE enabled.
After that, you can sign this SIM card up, and you will not be required to pay extras for a SIM card.
However, new customers will have to clear previous dues with the previous carrier.
Bringing your own SIM is the best option because you will not have to get a new number or change your Phone number.
How much does NetBuddy cost?
We are all concerned about the price and the amount of money that we will pay for such services.
The price is one of the main things that can attract you to NetBuddy.
The advantage is that there are no packages with data caps and limits that you keep skipping and paying more for.
The service provider provides unlimited Bandwidth at a monthly fixed price.
You just have to pay your bills once and keep enjoying all the services regardless of where you are in the country.
For that reason, NetBuddy is regarded as the most inexpensive and efficient internet option that you can get in the country.
Although this was not previously the case with NetBuddy, they are currently offering cheap and affordable routers and hotspots on their website.
Itโs perfect for people living in rural areas or areas where Internet service is spotty.
Network Management and Performance
NetBuddy clearly states that no user will be capped or provided with limited Internet usage.
They also state that they donโt manage the network.
As an MVNO, NetBuddy couldnโt have more control over AT&T because they only use their towers.
Remember that AT&T customers will always come first and have priority over NetBuddy customers in terms of connectivity, Bandwidth, and access.
NetBuddy customers will have lower priority and mainly connectivity issues from time to time.
Installation fees and other fees
With NetBuddy, there are no fees to worry about.
As a new Customer, as long as you bring your own Router, SIM Card, and Hotspots, you will only have to pay $65 monthly fees.
Thatโs the only thing you need to start using the service.
NetBuddy Modem and Routers
New users have a couple of hotspots and router options to choose from.
Unfortunately, you cannot purchase routers and hotspots directly from NetBuddy.
This indicates that you will only have to buy the equipment from a retailer.
When buying, make sure you are buying from a trustworthy retailer.
Secondly, the equipment should be compatible with 4G services and, at the same time, be certified to work with AT&T internet.
So, what options do you have?
NetGear MR1100 Nighthawk M1 Mobile router
This is the first option for new customers.
The router is available at the cost of $249.99, and lucky enough, itโs portable, meaning you can carry it and enjoy fast net anywhere you go as long as thereโs AT&T coverage.
With such a device, you can keep up to 20 devices connected to the Internet.
Its battery lasts for more than 24 hours.
Other features include dual-band Wi-Fi, which many hotspots lack, and a 1.4โโLCD display that gives you information on the usage.
ZTE MF279 Wi-Fi router
The second option is this ZTE MF279 WI-FI Router at the cost of $133.99 to $160 in many retailers.
The good thing with this router is that it works with NetBuddy and seamlessly supports 4G signal coverage from AT&T.
Unluckily, you will have to change the APN settings before you start using it.
Netgear 4G LTE Modem
Here is a cheaper alternative that you can get at the cost of $149.99.
It offers Ethernet-only connections, and thereโs no Wi-Fi connectivity, which is a major blow.
But the modem supports 4G connections and can get a speed of up to 150Mbps download and 50Mbps upload speeds.
Boosters and Antennas
Besides the routers and hotspots, many users will have to purchase Internet boosters and antennas to boost the signals and give you a better connection.
Itโs only necessary if you live in areas where the connection is spotty or where there are lower signal strength.
If you have to get the antennas and Network boosters, here are some options to try.
- Netgear 6000450 MIMO Antenna with 2Ts-9 connectors-This connector costs $32 and can be used indoors and outdoors.
- Proxicast 4G/LTE Cross-Polarized Antenna-This antenna costs $99.95 and offers about 7-10 dBi High Gain. However, itโs a directional antenna, and hence it can be difficult to set.
- External Wide Band Log Periodic Yagi Antenna-Lastly, this antenna costs $85 and boosts signals up to 11dBI and comes with mount hardware.
NetBuddy Customer support review
Customer service is a pain for many Internet service providers, and NetBuddy is not incomparable.
The company is known for the worst customer support and poor customer experience.
Customer service seems so limited, meaning you can only contact them through email.
Thereโs also no information about the working hours and the time when you can contact the customer service.
This is NetBuddyโs main red flag.
The site also lacks FAQs section, policies, contact forms, or anything helpful.
The site gives you limited access to orders, subscriptions, and downloads.
Many people worry whether NetBuddy is legit or just a scam.
This is mainly because there are many red flags and noticeable issues with the company and more so, the customer service.
Immediately after signing up, you can access the site even before you confirm the email.
That indicates that the company doesnโt take security seriously and doesnโt care about user information privacy.
NetBuddy has a couple of Customer testimonies that are generally mixed.
In some states, customers are happy while in other areas, many customers are complaining about the service and customer support.
Can I Save money on NetBuddy?
You probably thought that paying $65 every month is lavish or out of your budget and wondering how you can now access these services at a lower price.
Note, NetBuddy doesnโt force any of the customers to purchase hardware and equipment directly from them.
Consequently, new customers can shop around for possible deals in hotspots, modems, and routers.
Another pro is that there are no hidden costs with NetBuddy and only feature plan, which makes it easy for us to determine whether we can or cannot afford the service.
FAQs
Is NetBuddy legit?
NetBuddy is legit, but their site is poorly designed and lacks a good customer support system.
There is no legal information on the site, and the customer service seems fairly non-existence.
But this is not to mean that NetBuddy is not legit.
The only challenge is that thereโs little effort in making it better and improving the customer experience.
How do I contact NetBuddy?
There are a few ways you can reach out to NetBuddy.
Emailing the company through [email protected] is the best of all.
But I can assure you that customer service is one of the poorest in the market today.
The support team is not very helpful, and you are very likely to cope with unsolved issues.
Final verdict
NetBuddy is not the best option for people in rural areas and other parts of the country where Internet access is blotchy.
But itโs actually a good alternative to expensive and ever limiting satellite Internet.
But NetBuddy has to address the issue of customer support and existing caps on new customers.
