Stop Paying Extra: Top Internet Providers Offering Free Modems for Easy Connectivity
We’ve all been there. You sign up for an internet plan that looks like a great deal—maybe $50 a month—but when the first bill arrives, it’s suddenly $65 or $70.
What happened? Often, the culprit is the dreaded equipment rental fee.
For years, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have quietly added $10, $15, or even $20 a month just for the privilege of using their modem and router. Over a year, that’s up to $240 spent on a plastic box you don’t even own.
Fortunately, the industry is shifting. To simplify connectivity and compete for your business, several top providers have started including the equipment in the monthly price.
If you are looking to cut costs and simplify your setup, here are the top internet providers offering free modems (or gateways) for easy connectivity in 2025.
1. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
Best For: Renters and simplicity seekers.
T-Mobile disrupted the market by getting rid of the complex cable setup entirely. Their 5G Home Internet service works differently: they ship you a “Gateway” (a combined modem and WiFi router) that picks up 5G signals from nearby towers and turns them into WiFi for your home.
The Deal:
Equipment Cost: $0.
Rental Fee: $0/mo.
Setup: Plug it into a wall outlet, and you’re done.
There are no wires to run and no technicians to wait for. Because the Gateway is included in the monthly price, the price you see is actually the price you pay.
2. AT&T Fiber
Best For: High-speed reliability.
If you have access to fiber optics, AT&T is a fantastic choice. A few years ago, AT&T eliminated equipment fees for their fiber plans. When you sign up, they provide an AT&T Wi-Fi Gateway, which handles both the incoming fiber connection and your home WiFi.
The Deal:
Equipment Cost: Included in the plan.
Hidden Fees: None for the standard gateway.
Note: If you have a very large home and need their “Wi-Fi Extenders” to reach dead zones, those usually come with an extra monthly charge. However, the main gateway is free.
3. Google Fiber
Best For: Transparency and speed.
Google Fiber has always been the “good guy” regarding billing transparency. Since their inception, they have hated hidden fees as much as you do. Their plans (1 Gig, 2 Gig, etc.) almost always include a high-quality Mesh WiFi router system.
The Deal:
Equipment Cost: Included.
The Perk: Google often provides superior hardware (like Mesh pucks) compared to the standard black boxes other ISPs give out, ensuring better coverage for larger homes.
4. Verizon (Fios & 5G Home)
Best For: Flexible options.
Verizon has followed suit with its competitors. Whether you are getting Fios (their fiber service) or 5G Home Internet, the rental fees are largely a thing of the past for new plans.
5G Home: Includes a receiver/gateway for free.
Fios: Most current plans include the router rental in the monthly price.
Verizon’s 5G gateway is particularly sleek, designed to sit on a window sill and blend into your home decor without looking like a piece of industrial tech.
5. Spectrum (The “Read the Fine Print” Option)
Best For: Widespread availability.
We included Spectrum here because they are available in so many neighborhoods, but there is a catch you need to know.
Spectrum offers a free modem to all customers. However, they usually charge $5–$7 a month for the WiFi router.
Wait, what’s the difference?
The Modem: Brings the internet into your house (Free with Spectrum).
The Router: Sends the WiFi signal to your phone and laptop (Cost extra).
Pro Tip: Since the modem is free, you can buy your own WiFi router (for a one-time cost of $50–$80) and plug it into Spectrum’s free modem. This creates a “free equipment” setup, but it requires a tiny bit of DIY effort.
Summary: Gateway vs. Modem vs. Router
If you are confused by the terminology, here is the cheat sheet for easy connectivity:
Modem: Connects your home to the ISP network.
Router: Creates the WiFi signal.
Gateway: A 2-in-1 device (Modem + Router combined).
Providers like T-Mobile and AT&T give you a Gateway (everything in one box) for free. This is the easiest connectivity option because you just plug in one device and go.
Final Thoughts
When shopping for internet on myneighborhoodwifi.com, look past the advertised speed. A “cheap” plan with a $15 equipment rental fee is often more expensive than a premium plan that includes the equipment for free.
By choosing a provider that offers free modems or gateways, you save money and avoid the hassle of returning expensive equipment if you ever move.
Ready to get connected? check your zip code today to see which of these provider-friendly ISPs are available in your neighborhood!
Written by admin
Content writer and tech enthusiast sharing insights on internet connectivity.
