Use your mobile network
If your ISP is down, one of the simplest options is to use your mobile network instead. For many of us, our mobile network is owned by a different provider, so if your ISP has an issue, your mobile network should still work. Even if you use the same provider for both, you may find that the mobile network is still unaffected.
The easiest test is to turn off Wi-Fi on your phone and see if you can open any page in your mobile's browser. If you can then you should be able use your phone as a mobile hotspot. This allows you to connect your computer to the Internet through your phone's mobile network, so you can continue to use your desktop or laptop even if your Wi-Fi isn't working.
One thing you should keep in mind is that you will likely have data caps on your mobile network, which can quickly become depleted if you use it as your primary internet connection. There may also be speed restrictions when tethered, so it may not be ideal for 4K movie streaming.
Connect to a backup cellular connection
You may find that you can't connect to your mobile network, either because the signal is weak or because you're using the same provider as your ISP and all of its services aren't working. If yes, then you need to try another option.
Some routers offer a “failover” mode, meaning that they automatically connect to a cellular backup if your broadband goes down. This is only possible if you have a failover router that supports the feature, however. If you have one of these routers, you may not even notice that your ISP is down because the switch to cellular should happen automatically.
Use a mobile hotspot
Mobile hotspots allow you to create a local Wi-Fi network anywhere you can get a cellular signal. Chances are, you probably won't want to use this on a regular basis if you spend most of your time at home or at work, where you already have access to the Internet. However, if you have a prepaid plan, a mobile hotspot can be a great backup option if the internet goes out without having to worry about paying a flat monthly fee.
Mobile hotspots are also a good option when you're on vacation or traveling, so you don't have to worry about finding a place that always has free Wi-Fi. They may also offer some other advantages compared to phone tetheringfor example, to save battery power on your phone.
Connect to satellite internet
Cellular networks aren't the only way to access the internet from almost anywhere. Satellite internet is the new kid on the block, with your internet access literally beamed to you from space. Satellite internet services such as Starlink Elon Musk have a number of advantages over cellular service, not the least of which is that they can work almost anywhere you have a good view of the sky, so you don't have to worry about whether you have a cell signal in the backwater you're currently visiting.
Satellite internet is not the cheapest option as you will have to buy a kit to connect to the satellites and there is usually a significant monthly fee. If you already have a satellite internet subscription, however, then it's a great fallback when your ISP goes down.
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