[NFBCS] question about wifi hotspots

Wed Aug 18 13:27:20 UTC 2021

Charles, thank you for this information, I really appreciate it. I also
have an unlimited data plan from AT&T, but it doesn't include the hotspot.

On Tue, Aug 17, 2021 at 10:21 PM Charles Vanek via NFBCS <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> All the advice is good, I’ll just add that I use AT&T with an unlimited
> data plan.  I didn’t know when I switched to unlimited data that the
> hotspot tethering then didn’t automatically come with the plan.  It is an
> additional $5/mo per phone but even on our 4 phone plan you can activate on
> just one phone.  This then provides unlimited data to the phone but 30GB/mo
> to whatever uses the hotspot.
>
> AT&T does allow me to add/drop the tethering with no extra charge.  So if
> I know I’m not going to use it I can drop it and pick up later.  Most often
> I use it when hotels have paid internet or they have free internet but at
> darn near dial up modem speeds.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Aug 17, 2021, at 4:31 PM, Joseph C. Lininger via NFBCS <
> nfbcs at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >
> > Greetings Liz,
> > I've done it both ways. Originally, I had a MyFi hotspot. The initial
> setup required a little assistance, but just enough to get someone to tell
> me how to access the web interface. The device can be configured via a web
> interface just like regular WiFi routers. The on-device interface is not
> accessible, but I never needed to use it other than to bring up the screen
> that told me the initial admin password which I promptly changed. This was
> back in 2014, so I couldn't say for sure what the deal would be now.
> >
> > I think pretty much all of these devices still come with a web
> interface, so honestly accessibility is probably not your primary concern.
> What you'll want to consider is two things. First, do you want a dedicated
> device for your mobile hotspot or are you ok with your phone playing double
> duty? Second, do you want to pay for a second line for the mobile hotspot?
> Your carrier will probably make you pay for a separate data line for the
> separate device if you go that route. They'll probably also want you to buy
> the device itself.
> >
> > Personally, I just use my phone for this when I need it. It does have
> the disadvantage of draining the phone battery more quickly sometimes, and
> depending on your setup and your carrier an incoming call might disrupt
> your data connection. For me, those disadvantages are outweighed by the
> convenience of just having to carry my phone, keep my phone updated, etc.
> rather than having to mess with a separate device that I don't use all that
> often anyway. It also saved money every month.
> >
> > I have a Samsung Galaxy device, and it offers three ways I can use it to
> connect my laptop to the Internet. First, I can turn the phone into a
> mobile WiFi hotspot which I can connect to with my laptop. Second, I can
> use USB to tether the phone to my laptop, and the laptop will see it as a
> network interface. Third, I can tether using Bluetooth. I know the iPhone
> offers the WiFi option; I've set it up for others. Not sure if it offers
> the other two. WiFi is the one I use most often anyway, though I will
> sometimes do USB tethering in some situations (like if I don't want my
> phone acting as a hotspot for some reason, or if I'm using the laptop to
> charge my phone's battery anyway so I'm already connected to it via USB.)
> >
> > Most individuals these days choose the phone option over the separate
> device option; the separate routers are usually used in situations where
> mobile WiFi needs to be provided for several people on an ongoing bases.
> With that in mind, I will offer a couple of suggestions assuming you're
> going to use your phone as the hotspot. If you choose the  other route,
> these suggestions will be applicable but will require some modification.
> >
> > * When activating hotspot, make sure you know how your carrier is going
> to  bill it. Some have a separate pool of data for hotspot as an example.
> > * Change the SSID of the hotspot. The default one advertises that it's a
> phone acting as a mobile hotspot; better for security reasons not to do
> that. (Yes I know a hacker can find that information anyway with a little
> digging, but don't advertise it.) Choose an SSID that will make it easy for
> you to recognize your device when looking to connect to it.
> > * Set the WiFi passphrase to something secure, just like you'd do with a
> normal WiFi router. The passphrase will probably default to your phone
> number; you'll want to change that.
> > * Turn off the mobile hotspot function when you're not actively using
> it. This way you aren't walking around advertising a mobile hotspot. It
> also saves battery.
> >
> > Hope this helps.
> > Joe
> >
> >> On 8/17/2021 9:21 AM, Elizabeth Campbell via NFBCS wrote:
> >> Good morning all,
> >>
> >> I always get great advice when I ask a question on this list. So, here
> goes.
> >> My current cell phone plan doesn't include an option for using my
> iPhone as
> >> a hotspot, but I'm looking at upgrading my data plan. Is it best to do
> >> that, or purchase one of those small hotspot devices? I've looked at a
> >> couple, and I don't think that they are accessible.
> >> I'm looking for recommendations and advice.
> >>
> >> Thanks in advance.
> >>
> >> Liz
> >>
> >
> >
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-- 
Elizabeth Campbell