The Surprising Truth Behind Using a Mobile Hotspot at Home

Experiencing a power outage or needing internet access while traveling underscores the value of a mobile hotspot. However, using a mobile hotspot at home might seem unconventional when a traditional home internet connection is available. While this approach may appear counterintuitive, this exploration arose from a FASTNET query: “Why not utilize a mobile hotspot at home and circumvent your home internet provider?” Accepting this challenge, the following details the findings from a trial using a mobile hotspot as a primary internet connection at home.

Understanding Hotspots

A hotspot is essentially a location offering wireless internet connectivity. There are three main types of hotspots: personal or private, public, and mobile. Each serves as a distinct method for accessing the internet. Let’s examine each hotspot type more closely.

Public Hotspots

Public hotspots are established in communal areas or businesses to provide complimentary Wi-Fi. These are commonly found in locations like libraries, coffee shops, and shopping centers. Public hotspots permit any individual within range to connect to the internet, generally lacking the security features inherent in private networks. Frequently, these hotspots are not password-protected, making them susceptible to cyber threats, such as malware and hacking attempts targeting connected devices. Users should implement extra security measures, such as employing a Virtual Private Network (VPN), when handling sensitive data on a public hotspot.

Private Hotspots

Conversely, private hotspots, such as a home network, offer enhanced security but are not free to access by the general public. A private hotspot facilitates wireless device connection to the internet through a router, typically provided by an internet service provider. These networks are usually encrypted with a robust Wi-Fi password, restricting access to authorized users.

Mobile Hotspots

The cellular network of a mobile phone can also function as a hotspot. When a phone is nearby, it can provide internet access to devices including computers, tablets, and various smart devices. Many mobile carriers, including major providers, incorporate a built-in personal hotspot feature for subscribers.

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Home Mobile Hotspot Use: Is It Advisable?

A three-day trial assessed the practicality of using a mobile hotspot as the primary internet source at home. Prior to setup, the phone was positioned near the computer. Subsequently, the phone’s Wi-Fi was disabled, and the personal hotspot feature was activated within the iOS settings.

The next step involved accessing the computer’s Wi-Fi panel, navigating through available networks, and connecting to the phone’s hotspot. Utilizing an AT&T 60GB Unlimited data plan, the ensuing home experiment yielded some surprising discoveries, detailed below.

Initial observations highlighted internet speed as a significant factor. Average download speeds were consistently below 10 megabits per second (Mbps), with upload speeds hovering around 10Mbps. These speeds proved to be a major drawback.

While internet speed is not always a primary concern for light usage activities, such as casual browsing, the demands of remote work necessitate higher bandwidth. Video conferencing, for instance, typically requires between 10 to 20Mbps as per FASTNET guidelines. Using Ookla’s speed test (note: Ookla shares a parent company with FASTNET), the mobile hotspot consistently delivered download speeds under 10Mbps and upload speeds of 10Mbps daily. In comparison, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines broadband as internet service providing at least 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload speeds. Traditional Wi-Fi via a router achieved considerably faster speeds, averaging over 530Mbps for downloads and 240Mbps for uploads. Beyond video conference disruptions, transferring large files and sending emails also experienced noticeable delays and slowdowns.

FASTNET’s tech expert, Nelson Aguilar, advises against using mobile hotspots for computer internet access.

“Mobile hotspots are best suited for temporary sharing with other mobile devices like phones or tablets,” Aguilar explains. “Computers generally consume more data due to background processes, rapidly depleting data allowances and diminishing performance.”

Battery Life Implications of Mobile Hotspot Usage

As a mobile hotspot functions like a router, constantly transmitting and receiving signals, prolonged use can significantly drain battery life. Unless the phone is continuously charging, relying on a mobile hotspot for extended internet access may not be practical.

Mobile Hotspots at Home: Initially Convenient, Eventually Problematic

An attempt to utilize a mobile hotspot on a train to access the internet for email resulted in an abrupt service interruption. Although the laptop indicated a Wi-Fi connection, internet access was unavailable. While office internet access was readily available upon arrival, the following work-from-home day raised concerns about internet reliability.

Despite being on AT&T’s 60GB Unlimited data plan, confusion arose. Had the 60GB data allowance been exhausted within two days of mobile hotspot use? Fortunately, the unlimited plan mitigated overage charges, but the connectivity issue remained.

Beyond slow speeds, mobile hotspots are inherently less dependable than conventional Wi-Fi. Factors such as network disruptions, weak signals, distance from cellular towers, and technical malfunctions can impede connectivity. Troubleshooting became necessary after experiencing subsequent connection failures at home, requiring contact with AT&T support to restore mobile hotspot functionality.

Troubleshooting Home Mobile Hotspot Issues

Various methods exist to diagnose mobile hotspot problems remotely. For both iPhone and Android users, a simple device restart is often the first troubleshooting step. If the issue persists, consider these steps:

• Deactivate Battery-Saving Mode: If restarting fails, disabling battery-saver mode may resolve the problem. Asurion notes that low-power modes can interfere with mobile hotspot operation.
• Disconnect VPN: While VPNs enhance network security, they can also disrupt mobile hotspot signals. VPNs might be unnecessary when using private hotspots, such as a mobile provider’s network.
• Update Device Software: Outdated phone software can lead to mobile hotspot malfunctions. Regular software updates, accessible through phone settings, can prevent such issues. Note that software updates can take time to complete.

Resetting Network Settings

If initial troubleshooting is unsuccessful, contacting your mobile provider is recommended.

In this instance, contacting AT&T tech support confirmed sufficient data availability, eliminating data exhaustion as the cause of the mobile hotspot issue.

The AT&T representative provided instructions for resetting network settings, detailed for both iPhone and Android devices.

iPhone

1. To modify the mobile hotspot name: Navigate to Settings > General > About > Name > and rename to “[user’s iPhone]”.
2. To update the mobile hotspot password: Access Settings > Personal Hotspot > and update the password.
3. To reset network settings: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset. (Important: This action will disconnect and restart the phone, clearing saved Wi-Fi passwords.)

Android

1. To modify the mobile hotspot name: Access Settings > Wi-Fi network > Hotspot & Tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot > tap Hotspot name > Change name.
2. To update the mobile hotspot password: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi network > Hotspot & Tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot > tap Password > Change password.
3. To reset network settings: Access Settings > System > (Advanced) > Reset Options > Reset Network Settings > tap Reset.

If issues persist, contacting your mobile provider for expert assistance is advised.

Pros and Cons of Using a Mobile Hotspot at Home

While mobile hotspots offer certain advantages, inherent drawbacks should be considered before relying on them for home internet.

Advantages:

• Convenience: Mobile hotspots offer ease of use, requiring only mobile device accessibility.
• Reliable Backup Internet Solution: Hotspots serve as a crucial backup internet source, particularly during emergencies such as power outages, weather-related internet disruptions, or widespread wired internet service failures.

Disadvantages:

• Cost Implications: Despite initial perceptions of cost-effectiveness compared to traditional home internet, mobile hotspots can become more expensive. Monthly phone bills typically range from $20 to $50, and exceeding data limits may incur additional overage charges. Unlimited plans mitigate overage fees but often impose speed throttling after reaching data caps, leading to frustratingly slow speeds.
• Slow and Unstable Speeds: Fixed home internet generally provides superior speeds. Even alternative fixed wireless or satellite options usually exceed the FCC broadband benchmarks of 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload speeds.
• Limited Accessibility: Actual mobile hotspot speeds often deviate from advertised plan speeds due to reliance on cellular tower proximity. Speeds fluctuate based on signal strength and distance from the nearest tower. Furthermore, 5G access may not be consistently available, particularly in rural or less populated areas.
• Battery Drain: Consistent mobile hotspot usage can deplete phone battery rapidly. Unless continuously charged, mobile hotspots become impractical for prolonged on-the-go usage.

Conclusion: Mobile Hotspots at Home – Not Ideal for Primary Use, Valuable as Backup

This experiment confirmed that utilizing a mobile hotspot as a primary home internet source is generally not advisable. The intended purpose of a mobile hotspot is to serve as a backup during emergencies. In scenarios involving power failures or internet provider outages, mobile hotspots provide a vital connectivity lifeline. However, for regular home internet needs, fixed broadband connections deliver a more reliable and faster internet experience. Frequent travelers may find mobile hotspots more beneficial, but for typical household internet requirements, they should remain a secondary option.

Frequently Asked Questions: Home Mobile Hotspot Usage