Staying connected while you're on the go can be a challenge. Reliable Internet access isn't always readily available, and even when it is, the speed and security of public WiFi sources can leave much to be desired. Whether your routine involves frequent work-related travel or you like the flexibility of logging in remotely from a coffee shop, you've probably heard of hotspots, and if you're wondering if hotspots are the right choice for you, you've come to the right place.

In this blog, we'll explore hotspots: what they are, how they compare to traditional WiFi, hotspot limitations, and how our team at Shentel can help connect you with the right solution for you.

What is a mobile hotspot?

Before we dive in, let's talk about what hotspots are. A hotspot is a wireless access point that uses cellular data to broadcast a WiFi signal, allowing computers, tablets, and other devices to access the Internet on the go. To understand this, picture your smartphone and how it accesses the Internet when it isn't connected to WiFi. When you're out and about, swiping through social media, reading emails, or browsing the Internet, you rely on your cellular data to access the Internet. In essence, hotspots act as a router of sorts for cellular data, transforming it into a WiFi signal that other devices can use.

What's the difference between a hotspot and WiFi?

While "hotspots" and "WiFi" are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. A hotspot is a physical device that transmits Internet signals, while WiFi is the signal being transmitted. Computers and other Internet-capable devices can connect to the Internet through a wired ethernet connection or a WiFi signal, but this signal isn't always available, especially when you're away from home. You need a device that can broadcast the signal, which is what hotspots are able to do. Hotspots can use cellular data to create a WiFi signal, even when you're on the road, so while hotspots and Wi-Fi are somewhat connected, they are also different.

What's the difference between a hotspot and a router? 

If you're wondering about the difference between a router and a hotspot, then you aren't alone. While the two devices may seem similar, there are some key differences between them that are important to understand. The two biggest differences between a router and a hotspot are who you are paying for internet service and the portability of that service. 

A router is a device provided by your telecom company that needs to be physically connected to your modem. Once connected, the router broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal that can be accessed by other devices within your home or office environment. However, routers are not portable and are limited in their placement.

On the other hand, a hotspot is a service provided by your cell phone company that allows you to create a wireless network using your mobile device or a dedicated mobile hotspot device. This means you can access the Internet on the go, and you're not limited to a specific location.

It's worth noting that traditional Internet plans that utilize routers to transmit Wi-Fi are generally considered more reliable and possess higher speeds than hotspots, but if portability is a more valuable consideration, then a hotspot may be for you.

What's a mobile and personal hotspot?

Hotspots come in two core types: mobile and personal. A personal hotspot is something you may have used before without even realizing it. Many modern smartphones are designed to act as personal hotspots when needed. In the settings, you can turn this feature on or off, which allows your phone to become a hotspot, allowing other smart devices to connect to it just like they would to a router or any other device. Meanwhile, mobile hotspots are dedicated devices that your cell phone company provides as an additional service. The two work in the same way, but they are simply two different methods of accessing the benefits of a hotspot.

Does a mobile hotspot use data?

Yes, hotspots use data. The exact amount depends on the device, location, and what you are doing, but, as a rule of thumb, many Internet-related activities use more data than basic cell phone tasks like texting. If you can connect to a dedicated public Wi-Fi network and feel comfortable doing so, it's typically considered the better option, as traditional Wi-Fi services won't consume your data allowance or cost you extra in data overages.

How much data does a hotspot use?

The amount of data a hotspot uses depends on the activity. For example, downloading a song using a mobile hotspot may only use up to 3–4 megabytes (MB) of data, whereas browsing the Internet, social media, or email can eat up as much as 60 MB per hour. Attending a Zoom meeting, a web conference, or watching standard definition video can use anywhere between 500 MB to 1.5 gigabytes (GB) per hour, and streaming content in high-definition for an hour or so can use up to 3–7 GB on average. 

This may not sound like much, but when you consider entry-level mobile hotspot data plans through providers like Verizon only provide 15 GB of mobile hotspot data per month, it's easy to see just how quickly that data can be depleted.

Will using a hotspot affect my mobile plan?

Carriers will usually consider hotspot data separately from your standard mobile plan. Users with unlimited plans often don't have to worry as much about data limits, but many carriers will limit what's available for your hotspot. This means that you may have to keep your usage rates in mind depending on how often you use your hotspot data. If you exceed your limit, you may not lose access to your hotspot, but your carrier may choose to draw the data it needs from your standard mobile plan. The data you use for your hotspot may be slower as a result, and you'll likely have to pay extra money for any additional data you use.

For reliable, unlimited Internet connections, you need Shentel

Hotspots can be a convenient way for tech-savvy travelers to connect to the Internet using cellular data while also providing a secure WiFi access point for their devices. However, they do have their limitations. Hotspots can be costly and may not offer the same speed and reliability, so it's generally recommended to invest in a hotspot only if you work remotely and find it difficult to connect to public WiFi networks.

If you are looking for unlimited data and a reliable home Internet connection, then Shentel has got you covered. With a variety of plans perfect for people working from home, large families, or heavy Internet users, and a medley of other services, Shentel can meet your needs. Whether you're considering switching providers or just have a question, contact one of our representatives today, and let Shentel get you connected to some of the fastest Internet around.