T-Mobile AWAY is easy to use, but speeds depend heavily on your proximity to a cell tower.
My T-Mobile AWAY Review: Everything You Need to Know
T-Mobile AWAY can be used everywhere you can get a T-Mobile cell signal.
7 min readI recently tested out T-Mobile AWAY, a convenient 5G internet service that aims to serve the growing number of van-life and RV travellers.
The service seems promising, since T-Mobile’s 5G network is available nationwide. However, I wanted to see how the service fares in real life. After trying out the service in a canyon, an RV park by a lake, and my home in the suburbs, I’m impressed. I loved how easy it was to connect to the internet anywhere a 5G/4G LTE signal was available.
However, if you’re serious about going off the beaten path full-time, you should know that AWAY has a high monthly price and limited coverage in the most remote parts of the country. Some travellers might find that it doesn’t hold a candle to Starlink Roam—another popular internet plan for those on the go.
Keep reading to get my take on the service’s speed, value, and experience.
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What is T-Mobile AWAY?
T-Mobile AWAY is an internet service for RVers and digital nomads who want a solid internet connection throughout their adventures. Prior to the launch of T-Mobile AWAY and Starlink Roam, travellers created their own makeshift solutions to get online, like a combination of hotspot plans or simply being on the lookout for free Wi-Fi. However, mobile hotspots can get expensive, and temporarily inhabiting a cafe for free Wi-Fi can get tiresome quickly.
T-Mobile AWAY works in the same way as T-Mobile’s regular 5G Home Internet service, except it isn’t locked to a registered address. Since T-Mobile’s 5G network is available throughout the country, you can connect to the internet wherever you can get a T-Mobile cell signal.
I used the T-Mobile AWAY gateway at a lake and RV campsite.
T-Mobile AWAY includes the following:
- High-performance premium 5G gateway device rental
- AC power adapter
- Choice of 200GB or unlimited data
- 5-Year Price Guarantee (exclusions apply)
- Ability to pause service for up to 90 days for $10 monthly (up to two times per year)
- In-motion usage
- Nationwide coverage
- No contracts
Prior to the launch of T-Mobile AWAY, customers could use T-Mobile’s regular 5G Home Internet service at multiple locations—according to various Reddit threads, some customers were encouraged by T-Mobile sales people to do this. But the company’s terms and conditions state that this isn’t permitted, and the company may ask customers to verify their location.
T-Mobile AWAY plans and prices
*
with AutoPay, taxes and fees included.
There are two T-Mobile AWAY plans:
- AWAY 200GB costs $110 monthly and includes 200GB of data
- AWAY Unlimited Plan costs $160 monthly and includes unlimited data
T-Mobile AWAY fees for modem and installation
Device connection charge
$35.00 one-time fee
Gateway device rental
Included
Early termination fee
None
Data as of 05/27/2025.
Our breakdown of T-Mobile AWAY features
For all our internet reviews, we give a rating based on three main criteria—speed and reliability, dollar value, and customer experience—which we then average to make an overall score.
Want to know how T-Mobile AWAY stacks up? See our full take below.
Speed and reliability
4.0/5.0
I’m pleasantly surprised at how effective T-Mobile AWAY is, especially for everyday tasks. Since the service is based on 5G, a type of fixed wireless internet that’s more prone to interference, I expected a worse experience compared to my usual Google Fiber internet, but it was pretty much the same. Still, using the service when you're parked relatively close to civilization works best, since you need solid cell service.
Using Reviews.org’s internet speed test, I found that T-Mobile AWAY delivered fast speeds, but it was obvious that the closer I was to my suburban neighborhood, the better my connection. When I was at home, I found the service to be seamless for streaming shows, working, taking Zoom calls, and checking social media. There was some blurriness when I watched a live NBA game, but it cleared up as the game went on.
I also tried the service in a canyon and at a RV campsite by a lake. My speed tests were slower in these locations, but it was still perfectly fine for streaming and browsing the web. T-Mobile automatically reduced my streaming video quality to 360p, which it does to manage its network’s data capacity. Even though the quality wasn’t ideal, it helps to stretch your data further, since lower quality video streaming uses less data.
I tested my T-Mobile AWAY internet speeds at home, in a canyon, and at a lake using Reviews.org’s speed test.
Gaming isn't suitable
T-Mobile AWAY isn’t the best for gaming. My husband Noah tried playing Marvel Rivals using T-Mobile AWAY but said it was essentially unplayable. Even though he was using an Ethernet cable connected directly to the T-Mobile AWAY gateway, he noticed significantly higher ping (around 75ms) during the game compared to our usual Google Fiber internet (around 44ms).
Dollar value
2.8/5.0
T-Mobile AWAY loses points for its cost. It’s great that the gateway equipment is included, but the actual monthly price is $110 at the lowest, totaling over a thousand dollars per year on the road. It’s not as affordable as mobile hotspot plans from major carriers, which can cost as low as $10 per month. However, hotspot plans do require a hotspot device, which can cost upwards of $300.
Compared to Starlink Roam, you get more data for your dollar. It costs $0.55 per gig on the AWAY 200GB plan, whereas it costs $1 per gig on Starlink Roam’s 50GB plan, plus there's an upfront fee of $499 for the Starlink Mini equipment. For the unlimited plan, they’re both around the same price.
Despite the high cost, T-Mobile AWAY billing is fairly straightforward. Apart from the advertised monthly cost and a one-time $35 connection fee, there are no additional fees. Below, you can see the bill for the service:
A T-Mobile AWAY bill showing a $110 flat fee (including a $5 autopay discount) for the 200GB service.
If you travel only a few times a year, you do have the option to pause the service for up to 90 days, twice a year, for $10 a month. This isn’t ideal, considering you’re paying to have no service at all.
The alternative is cancelling and signing up again later, which might be a hassle you might not want to go through. If you were to cancel and sign up again in 90 days, you would need to pay the $35 activation fee again. However, for longer periods of time, it might be worth cancelling and signing up later.
Customer experience
4.0/5.0
A T-Mobile AWAY Gateway plugged into an ANKER power bank, carried in my Osprey backpack.
The most obvious challenge with T-Mobile AWAY is the fact that you need a power source to use the gateway. If you have your own electrical system or stay at a campground with electric hookups, you can simply use the provided adapter as-is to power your device. Alternatively, you could connect a portable power bank to the USB-C port on the gateway device if you’re out and about. In the photo above, you can see I connected an Anker laptop power bank to the gateway, and both fit easily in my backpack.
Additionally, having a 200GB data cap is feasible for light use, but it might not be suitable if you work remotely or want to stream shows for hours. After taking a zoom call, streaming a couple of episodes of The Rookie, and browsing the web, I already used 8GB of data. I was curious if it were at all possible to add extra data, but a customer service agent assured me that the 200GB data cap applied only to high-speed data, and I actually had unlimited data at slower speeds. That said, if I did want more high-speed data, I’d have to level up to the unlimited data plan.
Note, the gateway device is meant to be used indoors and is not waterproof, but I experimented with using it outdoors on a dry day and it worked well.
How long it took to get a real human on the phone: 30 seconds
How the chat service is: Helpful for troubleshooting and polite
Need to contact T-Mobile?
- Get tech support at +1-855-940-2629
- Ask general questions at +1-855-335-7821
Overall quality: 3.6/5.0
T-Mobile AWAY is an easy-to-use internet service for digital nomads and van-lifers. But since it doesn’t work off the grid, it’s best for those who stick around areas that get a solid cell signal. Once you have a good signal, speeds are fast and reliable.
There are no upfront equipment costs, but the monthly service fee is expensive, so make sure it fits within your budget before biting the bullet.
Which T-Mobile AWAY plan is right for you?
The T-Mobile AWAY 200GB plan is the ideal plan for one or two people on the road with light internet usage habits. You might need the unlimited plan if you work remotely or take lots of video calls. If you stream hours of TV every night, you also need the unlimited plan.
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See all T-Mobile AWAY plans
To put together this review, I tested T-Mobile AWAY in multiple locations—at home, at the office, driving around, at an RV campsite by a lake, and in the depths of a canyon.
Here’s what I did to evaluate the service’s performance:
- Tested the speed over Wi-Fi and Ethernet on multiple devices
- Took Zoom calls
- Streamed YouTube videos, Hulu, live sports, and news channels
- Browsed the web
- Asked my husband what the connection was like when he played games
- Called and chatted online with T-Mobile customer service
I also examined Reviews.org’s proprietary availability data and the Federal Communications Commission’s broadband availability maps to understand T-Mobile’s coverage. For a deeper look at our review process, check out how we test internet providers.
Where is T-Mobile AWAY available?
T-Mobile AWAY only works where you can connect to its 5G or 4G LTE network. The map below provides a high-level view of where you can get connected and the coverage gaps in rural, unpopulated areas.
In areas where you connect to T-Mobile’s 5G Ultra Capacity or Extended Range, you may experience download speeds from 91Mbps to 361Mbps. Where T-Mobile’s 5G network is unavailable, you may connect to T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network instead, which gets slower speeds ranging from 24Mbps to 111Mbps.
Find T-Mobile internet in your area
T-Mobile AWAY vs. Starlink Roam
The alternative to getting T-Mobile AWAY is Starlink Roam, Starlink’s portable internet service that you can take with you on your travels. Starlink is a satellite internet provider, so its coverage is available virtually everywhere with very few dead spots.
T-Mobile AWAY and Starlink both have their perks and drawbacks. Depending on your needs, one may be better for you than the other:
- For unlimited data and long-term value, choose T-Mobile AWAY with unlimited data. It’s faster and cheaper, and you don’t have to pay for equipment.
- If you only need some data, choose Starlink Roam’s 50GB plan. It’s $720 cheaper per year than T-Mobile AWAY’s 200GB plan, so it’s better value if you can fork out the cost of the equipment at the start.
- For the best rural coverage, choose Starlink Roam. Starlink has a high upfront equipment cost, but you pay the price for extended coverage literally everywhere. If you literally take the road less travelled, Starlink is a better pick.
Here’s a look at each of the services:
*FCC National Broadband Map
T-Satellite with Starlink
You can get the best of both worlds with T-Satellite, a satellite texting service available from T-Mobile and Starlink. Since there are many areas where T-Mobile doesn’t offer cell service, you can use T-Satellite to text your contacts via cell towers launched in space.
A free beta version of the service is currently available to anyone on any carrier until July, and thereafter will be available on the Experience cell phone plans.
Ready to sign up for T-Mobile AWAY?
T-Mobile AWAY is a solid option, so it’s worth taking a look at the latest deals and promotions.
T-Mobile AWAY FAQ
The T-Mobile AWAY plan is a good option for RVers who want high-speed internet while they travel. The plan starts at $110 per month (with $5 autopay discount) for 200GB.
If you’re moving addresses, you can call T-Mobile at +1-855-567-1431 to confirm service availability of T-Mobile internet. If you have T-Mobile AWAY, you can move around without notifying T-Mobile.
T-Mobile Away uses T-Mobile's cellular network for mobile phones—so you can get an internet connection in the same places where you can get service on your cell phone.
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