What is a portable WiFi hotspot? Can’t I Just tether my phone?


Why Do I Need Wireless Broadband? What is a portable WiFi hotspot? Can’t I Just Tether My Phone?

Today’s business is conducted on the go. Teams are increasingly exploring remote working options. Engineers need to be on site to direct contractors and suppliers. Sales, services and support teams often travel to customer sites. Marketing teams generate leads at trade shows and conferences. Small businesses need an affordable, flexible connectivity solution. Pop-up stores open up new markets on the fly. Impromptu meetings pop up in the local coffee shop. All need fast, reliable and secure Internet connectivity wherever business takes them.

A common belief that all internet connections are safe and reliable is not the case. Should employees just log on to a guest network, connect to public WiFi or tether off someone’s personal phone? Not a good idea, and we will tell you the best, most reliable options for your company.

It may seem like there’s always a way to connect, but each of these options have their downsides and risks. For ultimate flexibility and reliability, your business can bring high-speed wireless network to employees, with the AT&T high speed wireless data network.

In this guide, you will learn:

  1. What is AT&T Wireless Broadband?
  2. What is phone tethering?
  3. What are portable WiFi hotspot devices?
  4. How is wireless broadband delivered through a portable WiFi hotspot device better than phone tethering?
  5. How does wireless broadband complement my other Internet services?
Food truck small business workforce connected to wireless network using Netgear device enabling to receive paymentsFood truck small business workforce connected to wireless network using Netgear device enabling to receive payments

What is AT&T Wireless Broadband?

AT&T Wireless Broadband provides the fastest wireless Internet for today’s mobile workforce—up to 50 Mbps in selected coverage areas. Wireless broadband services are delivered through the AT&T wireless broadband network directly to a business mobile device or through a portable WiFi hotspot device (small, fully-mobile hubs that generate a WiFi signal to connect up to 20 devices at once to our high-speed data network). The service will be forward-compatible with 5G when it is available in your area, making wireless broadband ideal for organizations that want to be ready today for tomorrow’s digital revolution.

What is phone tethering?

Phone tethering allows a business to share an Internet connection from an employee’s phone to their laptop, tablet, or other device through WiFi, Bluetooth or or a USB cable. This provides convenient access to the internet for the secondary device, with an optional plan add-on. Tethering via cables can be cumbersome and difficult to implement, while tethering via a wireless option can quickly consume a phone’s battery.
Woman in light blue dress working on her mobile while connected to her laptopWoman in light blue dress working on her mobile while connected to her laptop

What are portable WiFi hotspot devices?

A portable hotspot device allows a company to connect multiple laptops and mobile devices to the Internet wherever business-needs arise. The device is connected directly to the AT&T wireless broadband network and acts as a portable access point that connects a business team to the web-based tools and information.

What are some advantages of mobile hotspots over tethering for businesses that need mobile internet connectivity?

NETGEAR device front end displays the devices connected representing the resources productivity at workplaceNETGEAR device front end displays the devices connected representing the resources productivity at workplace
Portable WiFi hotspot devices are single purpose devices that are designed specifically to connect a group of people to the Internet when and where it’s needed. The devices have are small and portable, pack a big antenna for optimal reception and a large battery for long life. Phones, on the other hand, are multi-purpose devices that have features and functionality which may distract from the core mission of connectivity - delivering wireless broadband services. Phone tethering could work in a pinch, but portable WiFi hotspot devices are designed to best connect businesses to the Internet. Most importantly, wireless broadband delivered through a portable WiFi hotspot device provides faster, more reliable connections with higher data limits due to prioritized network access on the AT&T wireless broadband network.

How does wireless broadband interact with other business Internet services?

AT&T Wireless Broadband is often used as a complement to AT&T Business Internet or AT&T Fixed Wireless—allowing businesses to take their high-speed Internet services on the go. Wireless broadband can also be used as a backup or failover Internet connection in case wired connections are lost or overloaded, or added as a second network for visitors, customers or separate business units.

The bottom line

  • Phone tethering and wireless broadband are both good options for sharing Internet connections with your workforce. Each one has its ideal business cases.
  • Tethering may be ideal when business demands a simple connection through a single device.
  • AT&T wireless broadband delivered through a portable WiFi hotspot device ensures fast, reliable and secure Internet connections for your company — allowing teams to work productively wherever business take them.
Want to learn more about other AT&T Business products and services?
Ultra1

Speeds up to 100 Mbps. Includes 50GB AT&T Business Fast Track

$100/mo.
per line
 
Pro1

Speeds up to 50 Mbps. Includes 30GB AT&T Business Fast Track

$80/mo.
per line
 
Core

Speeds up to 25 Mbps. Includes 15GB AT&T Business Fast Track

$70/mo.
per line
 
After the applicable plan usage threshold (100GB for the AT&T Wireless Broadband Core plan, 125GB for the AT&T Wireless Broadband Pro plan and 175GB for the AT&T Wireless Broadband Ultra plan), AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy.
Taxes and fees extra.

Advertised monthly pricing is only for new plans currently offered to customers as of February 15, 2023, and does not reflect retired plans available prior to that date. What you will see on your bill: Advertised monthly pricing includes (a) a monthly plan charge for data service ($70, $80 or $100, depending on the plan) and (b) a $5 monthly discount when enrolled in both AutoPay & paperless billing, which starts within 2 bills after enrollment.

Data throughput speeds are capped at a maximum available data speed, which may not provide you with the highest speed available in a location at a specific point in time. Each plan’s “up to” data speed is not guaranteed to be your actual speed. Actual speeds vary and may be affected by a number of factors, including your proximity to a cell site, the capacity of the cell site, the number of other users connected to the same cell site, the surrounding terrain, AT&T network management practices, the applications you use, and your in-building coverage.

1Data throughput speeds of up to 50 Mbps and up to 100 Mbps require a wireless router or mobile hotspot device with a Category 18 or higher modem and use where enhanced AT&T 4G LTE-Advanced service or 5G and/or 5G+ service is available.