UScellular's standard wireless plans do not include a consumer VPN. Checked on, the answer covers 5 situations: a VPN included with a phone plan, a third-party VPN over mobile data, an employer's VPN, VPN passthrough on hotspots, and UScellular's business networking services.
UScellular VPN Support at a Glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does a UScellular phone plan include a VPN? | No standard consumer VPN is listed |
| Can a VPN work over UScellular mobile data? | Yes |
| Can you configure a work VPN? | Yes, if your phone and employer's VPN support it |
| Do UScellular hotspots support VPN connections? | Some models support VPN passthrough and OpenVPN |
| Does UScellular offer business VPN solutions? | Yes, including custom VPN and private cellular network solutions |
Can You Use a VPN with UScellular?
Yes. A VPN app or employer-provided VPN can run while your phone is connected to UScellular's cellular network.
UScellular device documentation includes settings for adding a VPN profile. Those settings can require the VPN type, server address, username and password.
To connect:
- Choose a VPN provider or use the VPN supplied by your employer.
- Install the provider's app, or open your phone's VPN settings.
- Enter the required credentials if you are configuring a work VPN.
- Connect while using UScellular mobile data.
- Check the VPN app for an active connection.
A third-party VPN subscription is separate from your UScellular wireless bill.
What Does VPN Passthrough Mean on a UScellular Hotspot?
VPN passthrough is not a VPN service. It allows a phone, computer or tablet connected to the hotspot to establish its own VPN connection through the hotspot's firewall.
Some UScellular hotspot and mobile broadband devices support VPN passthrough. Certain models also list OpenVPN among their security features.
In practice:
- The hotspot does not automatically route all connected traffic through a VPN.
- Each connected device usually needs its own VPN app or configuration.
- Passthrough can help with remote work and access to a company network.
- Support depends on the specific UScellular hotspot model.
Does UScellular Offer VPN Services for Businesses?
Yes. UScellular for Business offers private cellular network solutions that can include custom VPN approaches. These services are intended for organizations connecting business devices, applications and private networks.
That offering is different from a consumer privacy VPN. A consumer VPN app is generally used to encrypt personal browsing or change the apparent source of an internet connection.
Bottom Line
If you want a privacy VPN on UScellular, install a compatible third-party service and pay for it separately. For work access, use your employer's VPN configuration. Businesses can also ask UScellular about private cellular network and custom VPN options.