Mobile Hotspot vs. Tethering: The Pros and Cons
Over the years of providing computer network to home consumers, business and internet service providers, I can see two sides to every technology issues. A common one for home based small business is to Tether to a SmartPhone or upgrade to a WIFI celluar router.
You can absolutely connect via your Smartphone, both legally and/or jailbreak via web app to achieve WIFI hotspot service.
Here are some issues to consider:
- Some carriers do not offer the ability to tether and charge extra fees/reduce data allocation for SmartPhone utilization.
- Tethering can dramatically impact battery power of your SmartPhone.
- The danger of internet /WIFI security is heightened without the benefit of a router with firewall protection.
- Cellular data plan usage can be exploded if not carefully monitored.
- Your SmartPhone does not have an Ethernet port. The advantage of connecting to a free Wi-Fi service is limited. You have connection to 3G and possible 4G.
Benefits on the flip-side of the coin:
- Mobile Hotspot router provides a 4000mAh battery to recharge your SmartPhone anywhere.
- Create your own personal Wi-Fi hotspot within a Free Wi-Fi hotspot. Internet security from the router and not impacting your cellular data plan.
- Within a hotel room or wired location, you can use a standard Ethernet cable and create a secure personal Wi-Fi hotspot utilizing your router-firewall.
- Ability to utilize an USB port on router to stream media from USB Flash drive to your array of mobile devices.
- You will have the latest Wi-Fi dual band technology- Wi-Fi 11AC. This is super fast Wi-Fi. SmartPhone Wi-Fi tethering is not nearly as efficient.
The other side of the tethering issue is clearly to the buyers advantage to have next generation-Dual Band 11AC simultaneous device connectivity with multiple file users and additional mobile power station anywhere..anytime. Let’s move forward.
Mike Meyer serves as the Vice President of Marketing at Unlimited LTE, where he leads the charge in delivering innovative communication solutions to those who need them most—rural communities and people whose lives keep them constantly on the move. With nearly a decade at Unlimited LTE and over 40 years of combined industry experience across his team, Mike is deeply passionate about bridging the digital divide. For him, it’s not just about connectivity—it’s about unlocking opportunity and improving lives through better, smarter access to the world.
