Mobile Hotspots: What They Are and How They Work

People use the Internet every day for multiple functions that make it easy to stay in touch, find entertainment and work. However, traditional Internet services can have trouble reaching less populated areas or keeping up with the demands of a mobile lifestyle.

Mobile hotspots are a means for Internet users to access services from anywhere they have a cell signal. This approach allows Internet providers to deliver digital content to users remotely without the need for wired infrastructure.

What Is a Mobile Hotspot and How Does It Work?

Modern mobile hotspots allow Internet users to share their mobile Internet signals as a physical LAN or WiFi connection. A WiFi hotspot offers the flexibility to connect more devices without adding extra cost or overhead.

Many modern devices operate using a 5G hotspot or 4G LTE. Connected devices can be used while traveling, in coffee shops, or in homes with poor existing Internet infrastructure. With the right hotspot device, users have access to the Internet no matter where they are.

Investing in a personal hotspot means mobile, high-speed Internet is just a click away.

What Can a Mobile Hotspot Be Used For?

Mobile hotspots are useful for delivering Internet to remote, hard-to-reach areas or locations with poor existing Internet infrastructure.

This flexibility makes mobile hotspots useful for home monitoring with IoT and wireless home security systems. Users should be aware of monitoring fees that might go along with added data consumption.

Home Security

Home security systems that rely on Internet connectivity suffer from potential outages. Homeowners who want a reliable wireless home security system should backup their existing Internet connection with a mobile-ready solution.

Companies such as Frontpoint provide quality monitoring and equipment to users who want the most out of their smart home security systems. Users can prevent break-ins by deploying one of Frontpoint’s DIY home security kits.

IoT Integrations

Smart home devices have become a popular way for users to automate their daily lives, but intermittent Internet connections can make managing them difficult. With a mobile hotspot, IoT devices can be better integrated.

Companies such as If This Then That (IFTTT) give users access to digital packages that allow them to program their own services. This approach gives users a way to choose which events are triggered and for what reasons.

How Do I Create a Mobile Hotspot?

Mobile hotspots require devices connected to a mobile network that can be used as a router to deliver Internet to multiple end-points.

• Portable WiFi devices that offer a mobile hotspot to users include:
• Verizon Mifi Jetpack
• T-Mobile Inseego
• Netgear Nighthawk 5G Router
• Alcatel Linkzone
   

Most Android and Apple iOs devices can also use this function. Mobile phones, iPhones, iPads, and Android devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy, have built-in options to deliver mobile Internet by tethering with existing data plans.

Mobile hotspots require devices connected to a mobile network that can be used as a router to deliver Internet to multiple end-points.

Portable WiFi devices that offer a mobile hotspot to users include:

• Verizon Mifi Jetpack
• T-Mobile Inseego
• Netgear Nighthawk 5G Router
• Alcatel Linkzone

Most Android and Apple iOs devices can also use this function. Mobile phones, iPhones, iPads, and Android devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy, have built-in options to deliver mobile Internet by tethering with existing data plans.

Users can even purchase an extra SIM card for a constant data connection while on the go.

How Much is a Hotspot Per Month?

There are many options for consumers who want to use WiFi hotspots. Prepaid and monthly plans are available to consumers, often with no additional monthly fees.

Major providers have specialized fees for monthly hotspots. Costs vary depending on the amount of data, speed, and other factors, so it’s best to check pricing with providers in your area.

Xfinity Mobile

Xfinity Mobile Hotspots offers a By the Gig data plan and an unlimited mobile hotspot data plan. Both mobile hotspot plans include 5G and 4G LTE access (where available) and 600 kbps personal hotspots. The By the Gig plan supports data sharing between multiple lines (up to 10GB).

Optimum Mobile

If you’re an Optimum internet customer, you have nationwide access to millions of WiFi networks. Optimum mobile hotspots allow users to experience the same fast internet speeds they enjoy at home. Using Optimum mobile hotspots only requires customers to enter their Optimum login credentials when connecting to an available mobile hotspot.

Spectrum Mobile

Individuals who are already Spectrum mobile or internet customers automatically get free unlimited mobile hotspot access where available. If you’re not yet a Spectrum customer, you can sign up for the “Spectrum Free Trial” to test out their mobile hotspot for up to 30 minutes.

Is it Worth Getting a Mobile Hotspot?

Despite having higher costs and data caps, mobile hotspots are a convenient option for users who need better Internet. A mobile hotspot offers many benefits, including a wider service area, simplified pricing structures, and a range of available deployment methods.

Flexible Coverage

A mobile hotspot makes budgeting easy with simplified monthly pricing structures and no-contract options available. More locations can be covered with mobile hotspots, making them a good choice for users who need to stay connected on the go or in hard-to-reach locations.

Simplified Account Management

With mobile hotspots, users have only a single account across mobile and Internet services. This unification streamlines the billing process. It also makes it easier for customers to track and manage networks across multiple users and devices.

More Choices

Mobile hotspots have more device options, giving users a greater range of choices when setting up their networks. Whether they want to have specialized equipment or simply use their existing smartphones, users can easily access the Internet from anywhere. With more providers, everyone is able to find the plan that meets their needs.

Improve Your Mobile Data Service with SmartMove

Internet service providers have a variety of options available for users who want continuous access to the Internet no matter where they are.

At SmartMove, we bridge the gap between Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and their customers by partnering with ISPs to deliver the best service possible. Whether you're moving to a new address or simply looking for a better mobile data provider, SmartMove’s Internet, cable TV, and mobile services will ensure you stay connected no matter what.

Make sure you have the right Internet for your needs. Find out for yourself how SmartMove can improve your mobile data connection!