If you live in a remote area or spend a lot of time on the road in your RV, it can be challenging to get reliable internet access. Nomad is a wireless internet service provider designed specifically for rural communities and travelers. Its goal is to give you the freedom to stay online wherever you go.
Unlike its biggest competitor, Starlink Roam, which relies on satellite technology, Nomad uses signals from cell towers to deliver fast, dependable internet. So, if you’re looking for an alternative to satellite, Nomad is certainly worth exploring.
⚡ Need faster internet? See our guide to the Best Internet Providers.
Nomad – Company Overview
Headquartered in Texas, Nomad Internet is a unique internet provider that focuses on delivering high-speed internet access to travelers and people living in rural locations, where there aren’t a lot of connectivity options. Nomad is partnered with three major carrier networks and uses the latest cellular technology to provide internet services.
Pros
- Internet access just about anywhere in the United States
- No contracts
- Unlimited data
Cons
- Speeds are not guaranteed
- Expensive upfront costs
- Third-party networks can potentially deprioritize data
Highlights
Available Speeds: 40-200 Mbps
Price Range: $79.95 – $149.95/mo
Data Cap: None
Contract Required: No
BBB Rating: N/A
Nomad Internet was founded in 2017 to help improve wi-fi in RV parks. Since then, the company has grown into a full-blown ISP. During the COVID pandemic, Nomad expanded to offer direct-to-consumer services. Today, Nomad provides flat-rate internet with no contracts or data caps – perfect for people on the move or those living in remote areas.
Where Is Nomad Internet Available?
Nomad Internet is available in all 50 U.S. states. Thanks to partnerships with major networks like Verizon, Nomad provides reliable internet pretty much anywhere in the United States. This means that whether you’re living off the grid or traveling the country in an RV, you can get internet access through Nomad.
Is Nomad Internet Worth It?
Nomad’s mission is to close the digital gap by providing internet access to those in rural areas and people constantly on the move, like farmers, business travelers, and RVers. You can even connect to Nomad Internet services while hiking off-trail. To do this, the company leverages 4G and 5G networks, along with a new type of signal called C Band, to deliver reliable connectivity.
👉 Related: Is Starlink Worth It?
The flat-rate internet plans are straightforward, with no data caps or contracts to lock you in. However, there are a few downsides to consider.
Since Nomad relies on networks from other providers, internet speeds are not guaranteed and can vary significantly depending on how close you are to a cell tower. Nomad also doesn’t have full control over how your data is handled.
This means that, despite the company’s promises of unlimited data, during periods of high traffic, your data might be slowed down or deprioritized in favor of the network’s direct customers. This is pretty standard for carriers like Verizon, which tend to prioritize their own users during peak usage periods.
Nomad also requires a special – and expensive – type of modem to work. In some cases, the upfront costs can outweigh the benefits if speeds in your area are too slow or inconsistent.
Still, Nomad Internet might be worth it if you live somewhere with scarce internet options. For the speeds you get, it’s expensive compared to fiber or cable internet, but pricing is pretty much on par with similar offerings from rivals like Starlink Roam. Depending on your location, it can be faster and more reliable than satellite. Plus, you can test it out risk-free with a 14-day free trial to see if it’s the best fit for you.
What Is C Band?
C-Band is a new type of wireless frequency that mobile carriers are using to improve 5G service. It operates between 3.7 and 4.2 GHz, a range that was originally used for satellite communications but is now being applied to boost mobile connectivity.
While it’s not yet as widely available as other networks, C-Band is a promising, cutting-edge technology that is expected to become more popular over the next few years. One of the biggest benefits of C-Band is its ability to deliver solid performance in densely populated areas without sacrificing range.
It offers a sweet spot between coverage and capacity, meaning you can get faster speeds and more reliable connections than traditional 4G or even some 5G networks while covering a larger area than other types of high-frequency bands. In practice, this means that whether you’re streaming, gaming, or just browsing, C-Band can help keep things running smoothly, even if you’re in a location where you can’t get steady, regular cell service yet.
Nomad Internet
| Plan | Price | Download Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nomad 300GB Rural Plan | $79.95/Mo | Up to 40 Mbps | Basic home use, limited device support |
| Nomad Unlimited Plan | $99.95/Mo | Up to 100 Mbps | HD streaming, moderate gaming |
| Nomad Unlimited Ultra Plan | $149.95/Mo | Up to 200 Mbps | Heavy internet usage, serious gaming |
Nomad Internet offers a handful of plans designed for different types of customers. All plans are contract-free and include unlimited data, as well as a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Nomad 300GB Rural Plan – $79.95/Mo
Nomad’s lowest-cost plan includes download speeds up to 40 Mbps. ***Note that this plan is only compatible with the Nomad Rural One router.
Nomad Unlimited Plan – $99.95/Mo
One step up gives you download speeds up to 100 Mbps. It can support 1080p HD video streaming and gives you good gaming latency.
Nomad Unlimited Ultra Plan- $149.95/Mo
The highest-tier plan gives you download speeds up to 200 Mbps. This plan is recommended for serious online gaming or other activities that are heavy on your internet usage.
Equipment
To use Nomad Internet, you’ll need to buy a special modem. There are four different options depending on your needs. Each setup includes the modem itself, a Wi-Fi 6 router, ethernet cable, power supply, and power cable – so, you’re all set to connect right out of the box.
| Modem | Price | Device Support | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nomad Rural One | $99.95 | Up to 15 devices | Basic home use, compatible with 300GB Rural Plan |
| Nomad Omen | $399.95 | Up to 30 devices | Residential homes, small businesses |
| Nomad Air | $499.95 | Up to 60 devices | Home and travel use, in-motion support |
| Nomad Raptor | $699.95 | Up to 120 devices | Gaming, esports, business owners |
Nomad Internet’s prices are pretty steep, but they’re no more expensive than equipment from competitors like Starlink. In fact, many of the modems are cheaper than Starlink’s basic equipment. And, Nomad often runs promotions to make the equipment more affordable.
Along with modem costs, there is also a one-time $29.95 charge for a SIM Card & Activation kit. Shipping is free and same-day.
Nomad Rural One – $99.95
Modem options start with the Nomad Rural One, which is great for home use and can connect up to 15 devices. **Note that this modem only works with the Nomad 300GB Rural Plan.
Nomad Omen – $399.95
For a bit more capacity, there’s the Nomad Omen. It’s perfect for residential homes or small businesses, allowing up to 30 devices.
Nomad Air- $499.95
If you need something for both home and travel, the Nomad Air is probably the best option for you. This modem supports “in-motion” use and up to 60 devices.
Nomad Raptor – $699.95
For power users, like gamers or business owners, there’s the Nomad Raptor. This top-end model can handle up to 120 devices and comes with multiple LAN ports, making it perfect for gaming, esports, or heavy-duty internet usage.
The Nomad Raptor boasts extremely low latency, around 15-30 ms for top games like Call of Duty and Battlefield. (For reference, it’s generally recommended to have latency under 50 ms for gaming.)
Additional Costs & Features
| Item | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| SIM Card & Activation Kit | $29.95 | One-time fee, free same-day shipping |
| Nomad Oasis | $0.10/Day | Internet management, $3 per month |
Nomad Oasis
Nomad Oasis is an internet management tool that gives you more control over your online experience. It’s available as an add-on to any Nomad internet plan and costs $0.10 per day (roughly $3 per month.)
Features include real-time data usage reports, modem location, save browsing tools, the ability to manage multiple locations when on the go, and auto-pause billing so you are only charged for the days you actually use the internet.
Installation
Nomad Internet is designed for easy self-installation. All equipment is ready to go straight out of the box. You just have to set your modem up near a window, plug it in, and activate it using the app. Typically, installation only takes a few minutes.
Complete instructions are included with your equipment, but if you need additional assistance, you can contact Nomad to speak with a customer service agent.
How To Sign Up
To sign up for Nomad Internet, visit the Plans page on the website. From here, you can select the modem and internet plan that is right for you. After you’ve made your selections, you can check out. You will be prompted to enter your payment and shipping information before completing the sign-up process.
Nomad will then ship out your equipment to you (for no additional charge), and you can easily install it yourself when it arrives.
How To Contact / Get Tech Support
Nomad Internet offers 24/7 customer support. You can contact Nomad customer service via the phone at: 210-598-5949, through a Contact form on the website, or via live chat through the app or website.
Additionally, you can use this page to submit an online ticket.
Nomad App
The Nomad Internet app is required to activate your service. It’s free to download on the Apple App or Google Play store. Other features of the app focus on managing your Nomad internet service. You can customize settings, reach customer support, get updates, and view real-time performance data in the app.
How To Cancel Nomad Internet
One of the best things about Nomad Internet is that it does not lock you into a contract. So, you are free to cancel at any time, for any reason. There are no penalty fees for ending your subscription.
To cancel Nomad Internet, fill out a Cancellation Request Form on the website. Be sure to have the name of your modem’s model and your modem’s IMEI on hand. After your cancellation request is viewed and processed, you will be sent instructions for sending back your Nomad equipment.
Be sure to send your equipment back within the given timeframe, or else you may be charged a device replacement fee ranging from $150-$900.
If you are canceling Nomad Internet within the 14-day trial period window, then you can receive a full refund. Refunds are issued after Nomad receives the equipment you returned and inspects the equipment. This can take 12-14 business days.
If you just want to pause your Nomad service, then you can opt for a temporary service freeze instead. Nomad lets you pause your service without any charges for up to three months, twice a year. To take advantage of this option, just submit a request through a support ticket.
Is Nomad Internet a Good Choice for Rural Customers?
If you’re living in a rural area and struggling to find reliable internet, Nomad Internet could be what you’re looking for. Designed specifically for frequent travelers and underserved communities, Nomad offers flexible plans without long-term contracts.
Compared to the best fiber internet companies, Nomad internet speeds are nothing to write home about. But, depending on where you live, connectivity can certainly be faster and more reliable than satellite.
However, keep in mind that the service relies on cellular networks, so your experience may vary depending on how close you are to a cell tower. Speeds and reliability can fluctuate, so it’s important to test it out before fully diving in.
Luckily, Nomad gives you a gracious 14-day trial period. So, if you try out the service and find performance is lacking, then you can easily get a full refund.
Overall, if you’re looking for a rural internet option without the hassle of satellite equipment or contracts, and you’re okay with potentially varying speeds, Nomad Internet is certainly worth considering.
If not, then you should take a look at our other top picks for the best internet providers to help you decide on the best ISP for your needs.
FAQs
Because of the technology Nomad Internet uses, you must purchase a Nomad modem alongside any internet plan. Each modem comes with a Wi-Fi 6 router included. For most people, the provided equipment should be more than enough. But if you already own a router and would rather use it, you can add it to the setup.
It can be. Depending on your plan, Nomad Internet can deliver download speeds ranging from 40 Mbps to 200 Mbps. For comparison, satellite providers like HughesNet top out at around 100 Mbps, while Viasat might reach 150 Mbps in certain areas. Starlink offers a similar range of 40-220 Mbps download speeds. Your best bet is to search online for specific speeds in your area and take advantage of Nomad’s trial period to test the speeds yourself.
👉 Related: How Fast Is Starlink?
Yes, but it depends on the plan you pick. For the smoothest gaming experience, the Unlimited or Ultra plan paired with the Nomad Raptor modem is recommended. This setup offers the highest speeds with the lowest latency, ensuring you get a seamless, lag-free online experience.
👉 Related: Is Starlink Good for Gaming?
Yes, Nomad Internet takes your security seriously. The company uses the latest encryption and advanced security measures to protect your personal data and ensure your privacy.
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