Canada - Millenicom - Hotspot choices?

[Smitty77_7]

Millenicom is back, with a series of T-Mobile Voice/Data or Data only options.

 

http://spartacus15.wix.com/millenicom

 

In Canada, according to some testing by our fellow Escapees Technomadia, T-Mobile actually came out on top, as they will use the best tower, regardless of whom owns it. And via Millenicom, you get 100% of the GB your paying for, where as thru T-Mobile, it's only a percentage of it.

 

Hotspot becomes the question. ZTE 915 and ZTE 917 are both units that come up. I've read some good things about a Samsung Hotspot too... Including longer battery life.

 

So, my question to the gang here - anyone recommend a T-Mobile Hotspot?

 

TIA,

Smitty

[LindaH]

What does "non-LTE' data mean? 3G?

[Smitty77_7]

What does "non-LTE' data mean? 3G?

 

 

 

I believe this means that 4G and lower bandwidths, are Unlimited. As the bulk of my data usage is streaming Netflix, Amazon - as well as Pandora and Spotify - I expect the 22GB to cover my needs well. LTE provided data, usually but not always the fastest download wise, is included in the Unlimited Music and Movie streaming 'Yes' column. But with a good signal I can certainly stream with 4G, and sometimes 3G (3G Music streaming is a non problem).

 

 

 

The Hotspots I can find for T-Mobile LTE are limited, compared say Verizon and ATT. I'd prefer a Hotspot that I could replace the battery, if needed. As I understand it, both the ZTE units do not have replaceable batteries. The Samsung does, and some oddities not real important to me, like the ability to USB recharge the battery. And the ability to use the Samsung Hotspot to charge your phone. It does have a Micro card ability, which i assume is to assist in buffering(?). A longer lasting battery, almost double the ZTE. I've read conflicting info on if I can tether the Samsung, can't the ZTEs. And finally, though it says LTE, I'm not sure if this includes 12 that is rolling out in some areas, or not.

 

Smitty

 

On Edit: It appears the Z915 can be tethered, according to one viewers review of the product. And, this gent commented that it does have a removable battery, which seems to conflict with other sources. So as always, fact checking reviews is important. I'm still in that mode...

[Smitty77_7]

Well, did a bit more searching on the Samsung, and concluded it was the right choice. Due to a write up i read about one gent replacing his damaged ZTE Z915 with the Z917, and saw a bit better battery life. Assume this is from the no LCD display on the Z917.

 

So, ordred, expedited shipping, and it is on it's way. And at this price point, if T-Mobile provides a more robust unit in the future - not a major investment to have as a back up unit:)!

 

Best,

Smitty

[LindaH]

Another question: Under "Equipment" at the above link, in order to check your phone's compatibility, you have to go to MENU and enter the name of the carrier and phone. However, no place on their website do I see MENU. Where is it?

[Smitty77_7]

Another question: Under "Equipment" at the above link, in order to check your phone's compatibility, you have to go to MENU and enter the name of the carrier and phone. However, no place on their website do I see MENU. Where is it?

 

 

The link I included, has not formally been released. The plans available and expenses are accurate, but the rest is a work in progress. I called to ask my questions, left a VM, and within minutes the gent returned my calls. He should be able answer your questions. This is the same company/gent that pulled together the Verizon packages that were so good, and enjoyed by many RV'ers.

 

T-Mobile, is the key. You might go into T-Mobile itself, and see if you can find out if a specific device is compatible. It they say it is, I can not see why it would not be with Millenicom.

 

But, as Dennis Miller used to say 'I could be wrong:)!)'.

 

Best,

Smitty

[scouserl41]

We're currently in Canada and using our T Mobile LG smart phone as a hotspot. Sees to be working fine although the 6 gig we have keeps our internet usage down a little. We had the old Verizon based plan with the Jet Pack thru Millenicom before the take-down. Now we use a tablet (that was effectively free from ATT) as a hotspot on ATT for US use and the phone on T Mobile for Canada. There's no contract with T Mobile so when we get back to the US we'll unlock the T Mobile phone, cancel the service and move the phone over to our ATT account. While we're using the T Mobile service our unused ATT data will roll over to next month so we'll binge on movies!.

BnB

[Technomadia]

Millenicom is back, with a series of T-Mobile Voice/Data or Data only options.

 

http://spartacus15.wix.com/millenicom

 

In Canada, according to some testing by our fellow Escapees Technomadia, T-Mobile actually came out on top, as they will use the best tower, regardless of whom owns it. And via Millenicom, you get 100% of the GB your paying for, where as thru T-Mobile, it's only a percentage of it.

 

 

Hotspot becomes the question. ZTE 915 and ZTE 917 are both units that come up. I've read some good things about a Samsung Hotspot too... Including longer battery life.

 

So, my question to the gang here - anyone recommend a T-Mobile Hotspot?

 

TIA,

Smitty

 

 

Actually... through both Millenicom or T-Mobile postpaid you get all of the GBs on your plan up in Canada. It's just that T-Mobile has a stipulation that overall your usage should be 'primarily' in the US, which seems to be considered 60% use in the US (over the long term). So for someone traveling up in Canada for several months without a preexisting US usage history with T-Mobile, there is risk that they could terminate the account.

 

Millenicom told us they are going through the business department, and thus do not have the limitation. They also have phone plans with higher tethering limits and lower prices. (We covered them here: Millenicom is Back – With New T-Mobile Powered Plans)

 

 

We addressed your questions on the hotspot in the MIA forums, which hopefully helped. The Samsung you were researching, as we noted, is quite obsolete and will cover far less bands, and is only a Class-3 device. The ZTE 915 and 917 are electronically the same internals, and support the latest bands covered by T-Mobile - either is a fine choice. And I have a Z-917 on my desk with a removable battery.

 

For anyone curious about the research/testing that Smitty is referring to, we released a premium member guide to Keeping Connected in Canada a few weeks about, which is expanded from the 'Crossing International Borders' chapter in The Mobile Internet Handbook.

 

- Cherie

[Smitty77_7]

I blew my word choice:

 

"Well, did a bit more searching on the Samsung, and concluded it was the right choice." That should have been "WRONG" choice!

 

As stated I did go with he Z917.

 

For those of you that have never visited Technomadia.com - it is a good easy to understand read on many subjects. As with many things in life, it is good to consult many resources when trying to make a decision in a subject field you may have minimal experiences with. When it come to, well the techie stuff - this is one resource that is worth checking.

 

​Sure, you will find other resources of which some may even be contrary to our fellow Escapees opinions. But that is OK, as it gives you another area to research further to see if you can come to your own conclusion.

 

My thanks to the "2C's" of Technomadia...

 

Best to all,

Smitty