Can My Mobile Hotspot Be Better Than My Home Internet? I Tried It So You Don't Have To
While it seems like a simple enough solution to bypass internet throttling from your provider or save money, as someone who writes about broadband daily, I wasn't easily convinced. Instead of relying solely on other sources, I decided to test it for myself. Here's what I discovered after using my mobile hotspot at home for three days.
First off, what is a hotspot?
Let's clear this up: A hotspot is a physical location where people can connect wirelessly to the internet. There are three different types: public, private and mobile hotspots -- with mobile hotspots generally being the most secure. Let's take a closer look.
Public hotspot
Public hotspots are specific locations established by businesses or public spaces that provide free Wi-Fi. You can find these in libraries, cafes and even shopping malls. Public hotspots allow anyone within range to connect to the internet, but usually lack the security you'd find with a private hotspot. Most public hotspots are not encrypted with passwords, which makes it easier for hackers or outside threats like malware and viruses to intercept connected devices. If you're handling sensitive information while connected to a public hotspot, you should take extra security measures and use a VPN.
Private hotspot
On the other hand, a private hotspot is not free, but it is more secure than a public hotspot. For example, your home network can be characterized as a private hotspot. A private hotspot can wirelessly connect devices to the internet using a router supported by your internet service provider. Your network will likely be encrypted with a strong Wi-Fi password and only certain people will be able to access it.
Locating local internet providers
Mobile hotspot
The cellular network that your mobile phone is connected to can also be used as a hotspot. If your phone is nearby, you can connect devices such as your computer, tablet, smart gadgets and more to the internet. Many mobile providers such as AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon offer users the built-in personal hotspot feature.
Using a mobile hotspot at home: Yay or nay?
I tested my mobile hotspot for three days by using it as my primary internet connection method. Before setting up my hotspot, I made sure my phone was near my computer. Then, I disconnected from my Wi-Fi on my phone, went into my iOS settings and turned on my personal hotspot.
Next, I opened the Wi-Fi panel on my computer and waded through the different networks until I found and connected to my phone's hotspot. For context, my mobile provider is AT&T, and I have the 60GB Unlimited data plan.
Right away, the first thing that leaped out at me while using my hotspot was the drastic drop in speed. On average, I was getting less than 10 megabits per second in download speeds and about 10Mbps in upload speeds. Yeah -- that's a no from me.
When using my mobile hotspot, I received an average download speed of less than 10Mbps and only 10Mbps in uploads.
Ookla/Screenshot by CNET
Speed is usually not a deal-breaker for me, since I don't game excessively or stream that frequently. But working from home means joining video conferences, which require at least 10 to 20Mbps, according to CNET's speed guide. I used Ookla to perform an internet speed test over my mobile hotspot. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
I averaged less than 10Mbps in downloads and 10Mbps in uploads over the three days of using my hotspot. For context, the Federal Communications Commission defines broadband as speeds of at least 100Mbps in download and 20Mbps in upload. Comparatively, I saw much faster speeds when I used my traditional Wi-Fi router, which was receiving an average of over 530Mbps in downloads and 240Mbps in uploads. Besides the intermittent lagging during video conferences, sending large files and emails also took a hit.
CNET's How-To expert Nelson Aguilar encourages people to avoid connecting their computers to a mobile hotspot.
"The only time I ever use a mobile hotspot is when I'm sharing it with someone else's phone or tablet," says Aguilar. "A mobile device typically uses less data than a computer, and so the performance is much higher than with a computer, which often runs several high-bandwidth tasks in the background that can quickly consume data and slow down performance."
Mobile hotspot use and battery life
Since your mobile hotspot acts as a router, sending and receiving signals, using your mobile hotspot throughout the day can lower your battery. Unless your phone is continuously charged, using a mobile hotspot may not be an ideal way to connect to the internet long term.
A mobile hotspot at home can be convenient (until it's not)
Trisha Jandoc/CNET
My mobile hotspot use abruptly stopped while I was on the train on my way to the office. I was attempting to connect my computer to my mobile hotspot in hopes of accessing the internet to send some emails. My laptop would say connected on the Wi-Fi panel, but there was no internet. Thankfully, I was on the way to the office and could access the internet there. But the next day, I was working from home, and the looming question came: What do I do now?
I was on AT&T's 60GB Unlimited data plan, and as you can imagine, I was confused. Did I really burn through 60GB of data in the two days I used my mobile hotspot? At least the "unlimited" part of the plan meant I would not be charged data overage fees if I reached maximum data.
Besides the slow speeds, you should always consider that your mobile hotspot is less reliable than traditional Wi-Fi. There could be different factors, such as network outages, poor signal, proximity to your provider's nearest cellular tower, or, in my case, technical issues (which I'll get into in a bit). These things are outside your control and ultimately disrupt how you stay connected. The following day, I had to call AT&T and troubleshoot my mobile hotspot in order to continue working from home.
How to troubleshoot your mobile hotspot at home when it's not working
There are different ways to diagnose issues with your mobile hotspot from home. Whether you're an iPhone or Android user, sometimes the easiest action to start with is to simply turn your phone on and off. If that doesn't solve it, try the following steps.
Turning off battery-saving mode: If restarting your phone doesn't work, you can try turning off battery-saver mode in your phone settings. According to Asurion, low-power mode can interfere with your mobile hotspot.
If restarting your phone doesn't work, you can try turning off battery-saver mode in your phone settings. According to Asurion, low-power mode can interfere with your mobile hotspot. Disconnect from your VPN: While using a VPN can protect your network from outside threats, it can also disrupt your mobile hotspot signal. A VPN may not be necessary if you are using a private hotspot (connecting to your mobile provider's network).
While using a VPN can protect your network from outside threats, it can also disrupt your mobile hotspot signal. A VPN may not be necessary if you are using a private hotspot (connecting to your mobile provider's network). Updating your phone's software: Before you know it, it's been over six months since you updated your phone. It happens to the best of us. Conducting a software update on your phone could prevent issues that arise from your mobile hotspot. To do this, simply go into your iPhone or Android settings and check if any updates are needed. This software update could take some time to complete, so keep this in mind if you have any time-sensitive things you need to do quickly.
Reset your phone's network settings
Trisha Jandoc/CNET
If you're like me and these tips did not improve your mobile hotspot, the next thing to do is contact your mobile provider.
I called AT&T's tech support number and explained my issue. The AT&T representative confirmed over the phone that I still had plenty of usage left in my data, so my concern about burning through my data was unfounded -- that was not why I was having problems.
The AT&T rep gave me the following instructions on how to restart your network settings. While I followed these steps on my iPhone, I also included instructions for Android users.
iPhone
To change or update the name of your mobile hotspot, go to Settings > General > About > Name > change the name to [user's iPhone]. To change your mobile hotspot password, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot > Update your password. To reset your phone's network settings, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset. (Important note: If you get to this step, your phone will automatically disconnect, restart and forget all the Wi-Fi passwords your device is connected to.)
Android
To change or update the name of your mobile hotspot, go to Settings > Wi-Fi network > Hotspot & Tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot > click hotspot name > Change name. To change your mobile hotspot password, go to Settings > Wi-Fi network > Hotspot & Tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot > click Password > change password. To reset your phone's network settings,go to Settings > Click System > (Advanced) > Reset Options > Reset Network Settings > click Reset.
If you're still stuck, I would consider contacting your mobile provider for further assistance.
Using a mobile hotspot at home: Pros and cons
While using a mobile hotspot has some unique benefits, you should also be aware of a few drawbacks if you're aiming to use it at home.
Pros
Convenient: As long as you can access your mobile device, a hotspot is easy to use.
As long as you can access your mobile device, a hotspot is easy to use. A solid internet backup: It's always safe to have an internet backup option, especially in cases of emergency. Whether your power went out, severe weather affected your internet connection or your wired internet provider is experiencing a massive network outage, a mobile hotspot can be an easy way to stay connected to the internet.
Cons
Costly: At first, it may seem like using a mobile hotspot is a cheaper alternative than paying for your traditional home internet service, but this could prove to be more costly down the line. On average, customers pay a monthly bill ranging from $20 to $50 for their phones. On top of this, you may also incur additional data overage fees for every certain block of data used. If you're on an unlimited data plan, you won't have to worry about paying overage fees, but you may face annoyingly slow speeds once you've reached your data cap.
At first, it may seem like using a mobile hotspot is a cheaper alternative than paying for your traditional home internet service, but this could prove to be more costly down the line. On average, customers pay a monthly bill ranging from $20 to $50 for their phones. On top of this, you may also incur additional data overage fees for every certain block of data used. If you're on an unlimited data plan, you won't have to worry about paying overage fees, but you may face annoyingly slow speeds once you've reached your data cap. Slow, unreliable speeds: Generally, you'll find faster speeds with traditional fixed home internet. Even if you can only access a fixed wireless or satellite internet connection, most home internet providers can deliver speeds that meet the Federal Communications Commission's broadband benchmark with 100Mbps in download and 20Mbps in upload .
Generally, you'll find faster speeds with traditional fixed home internet. Even if you can only access a fixed wireless or satellite internet connection, most home internet providers can deliver speeds that meet the Federal Communications Commission's broadband benchmark with 100Mbps in download and 20Mbps in upload Not accessible everywhere: Your actual speeds will probably not match the advertised speeds of your plan. Your mobile hotspot relies heavily on your mobile provider's cellular tower. Depending on your proximity to the tower, your speeds can vary. More importantly, for those who live in less populated or rural areas, access to a 5G connection may not always be guaranteed.
Your actual speeds will probably not match the advertised speeds of your plan. Your mobile hotspot relies heavily on your mobile provider's cellular tower. Depending on your proximity to the tower, your speeds can vary. More importantly, for those who live in less populated or rural areas, access to a 5G connection may not always be guaranteed. Can reduce phone battery: Overall, using your mobile phone as a hotspot throughout the day may not be ideal. Unless you can keep your phone charged at all times, a mobile hotspot may not be ideal when you're on the go.
Bottom line: It's a no for me on using a mobile hotspot at home, but it can still be a lifesaver in other cases
After completing this experiment, I confirmed that it doesn't really make sense to use your mobile hotspot as a primary source of home internet connection. The purpose of having a mobile hotspot at home is to act as a backup option in times of emergency. When your power goes out or your internet provider is experiencing a network outage, a mobile hotspot is a great way to stay connected.
However, using a mobile hotspot as your primary mode of connecting your home to the internet isn't ideal. You'll find a faster, more reliable internet service with a fixed broadband connection. If you love traveling, then a mobile hotspot might be something you use pretty frequently. For typical household usage, you'll want to turn to your mobile hotspot only as a secondary option.
Mobile hotspot at home FAQs
What is the difference between a hotspot and Wi-Fi?
The two are related. A hotspot is a specific location where you can connect wirelessly to the internet. It can be public (typically libraries, airports, malls or cafes) or private (your home network, for example, or using your phone to connect other devices wirelessly). Wi-Fi is a broad term used to describe connecting to the internet wirelessly.
Is using a mobile hotspot better than using your Wi-Fi router at home?
Not really. While a mobile hotspot is convenient and portable, making it easier to stay connected on the go, it shouldn't be your primary way of connecting to the internet at home unless it's your only option. Usually, a fixed internet connection will provide you and your household with better performance at home.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
5 minutes ago
- Yahoo
How to Track Driver Hours Without Drowning in ELD Reports
Running a small fleet means you're stretched thin—dispatching loads, chasing payments, and keeping trucks rolling. Then ELD reports hit you like a brick wall, piling on data you barely have time to read, let alone understand. Hours of service rules aren't optional, but you don't need to drown in reports to stay compliant. If you're running one to five trucks, every minute spent decoding logs is a minute you're not booking better loads or building broker relationships. This is about tracking driver hours efficiently, staying FMCSA-compliant, and focusing on what keeps your business alive—hauling freight. Here's how small fleet owners and owner-operators can cut through the noise and keep their trucks where they belong: on the road. Why ELD Reports Are a Small Fleet's Nightmare ELDs were sold as a time-saver, but for small carriers, they're often a headache that eats your day. You're staring at dense logs, sifting through alerts for minor violations, and chasing drivers who log wrong—or don't log at all. FMCSA rules feel like they change every time you blink, and one slip can mean a fine that wipes out a week's profit. Here's what you're up against: Logs so complicated they take an hour to review Alerts flooding your inbox for every 5-minute overage Drivers forgetting to switch to 'off-duty' or logging yard moves wrong Rules that seem designed for big fleets with compliance teams If you're a five-truck operation, you're not staffed to play data analyst. Every hour spent untangling ELD reports is an hour you're not negotiating rates or planning lanes. A one-truck operator in Indiana lost $3,000 last year on a single HOS violation because he didn't catch a logging error. The goal isn't just staying legal—it's doing it without sacrificing your bottom line. Build Systems That Work for You You don't need a degree in tech to track hours right. It's about setting up lean, practical systems that save time and keep you compliant. You're a small fleet owner, not a corporate desk jockey—focus on what moves the needle. Here's how to make it happen. 1. Choose an ELD That Fits Your Fleet Not every ELD is built for small operations. Some are bloated with features for mega-carriers, not for you. Pick one that's simple, mobile-friendly, and doesn't bury you in menus. Look for: Real-time hours tracking, you can check from your phone Clean dashboards that show available hours at a glance Syncing with your TMS or load board for seamless planning Motive and Samsara are good bets—starting at $25-$40 per truck monthly, they give you what you need without the fluff. Avoid systems that cost $100 per truck or push features you'll never touch. A three-truck fleet in Oklahoma switched to a simpler ELD and cut their log review time from 2 hours to 20 minutes a day. Test the app yourself before signing up—make sure it's built for someone who's always on the move. 2. Train Drivers to Log Like Pros Your ELD is only as good as the driver behind it. Most violations come from simple mistakes—drivers logging drive time as on-duty, forgetting breaks, or messing up personal conveyance. Don't let bad habits tank your compliance. Set your drivers up to win: Spend 15 minutes (not an hour) walking them through the ELD app's key features Make a one-page cheat sheet for logging breaks, yard moves, and pre-trips Review logs daily for the first two weeks to catch errors early Real-world example: A two-truck operator in Ohio cut HOS violations by 80% after one afternoon training his drivers to log pre-trip inspections right. He printed a laminated checklist and stuck it in the cab—problem solved. That's less time fixing reports and more time hauling $3/mile loads. 3. Zero In on Metrics That Keep You Legal ELD reports spit out enough data to fill a book, but you don't need it all. Focus on the numbers that keep you out of trouble: Available drive time per driver 14-hour duty window status 70-hour weekly limit HOS violations (and what caused them) Set your ELD dashboard to highlight these upfront. Ignore the rest unless you're digging into a specific issue. Most ELDs let you tweak alerts—turn off the spam for minor 5-minute overages and focus on big risks, like 11-hour drive limit violations. A four-truck fleet in Virginia saved 6 hours a week by customizing their dashboard to show only critical metrics. That's time you can spend chasing direct shipper contracts. 4. Automate Compliance to Save Your Sanity You're not a machine, so stop doing machine work. Your ELD can handle the heavy lifting if you set it up right. Use automation to catch issues before they cost you: Set alerts for when drivers hit 90% of their drive time or duty window Schedule weekly summary reports instead of daily email floods Use geofencing to auto-log yard moves at docks you hit often This cuts your review time to 10-15 minutes a day. A five-truck fleet in Texas went from 8 hours a week on compliance to under 2 by automating HOS alerts and only checking flagged logs. That's a full day back for dispatching or negotiating better rates with brokers. 5. Plan Loads Around Hours, Not Hopes Tracking hours isn't just about staying legal—it's about making money. Smart hours management lets you maximize freight without pushing drivers past their limits. Use load boards like DAT or Truckstop to match loads to your drivers' clocks: Filter for loads that fit the remaining drive time Save short-haul runs for drivers low on hours Reserve high-mileage loads for drivers with fresh clocks Check lane history to find shippers with quick turnarounds. Avoid docks known for detention unless the rate covers the wait—$100/hour minimum. A two-truck fleet in Illinois boosted revenue by 15% by picking loads that matched their hours instead of chasing tight deadlines. Keep your trucks moving and your drivers legal. 6. Build a Routine That Sticks Consistency is your edge. Set up a daily and weekly routine to stay on top of hours without losing your mind: Daily: Spend 10 minutes checking ELD alerts and driver logs Weekly: Run a 70-hour report to plan loads for the next week Monthly: Audit one driver's logs to spot patterns (wrong status, missed breaks) A one-truck operator in Nevada caught a recurring logging error by spending 20 minutes a month reviewing logs. That saved him $1,500 in potential fines. Routines don't have to be complicated—just consistent. The Load Board Trap Load boards are a lifeline, but they can make hours tracking harder if you're not careful. Brokers post loads with sometimes tight deadlines, tempting you to stretch driver hours to grab them. Don't bite. A $2,000 load isn't worth a fine or a sidelined OOS driver. Always check available hours before bidding. Build a 1-2 hour buffer into every load for delays—detention, traffic, or breakdowns. Use load boards to: Find lanes that fit your drivers' clocks Spot shippers with consistent freight for direct outreach Avoid brokers with a history of unrealistic schedules (check Carrier Assure for reviews) A three-truck fleet in Florida stopped taking last-minute spot loads with tight windows and saw violations drop to zero. Focus on freight that fits your operation, not the other way around. Tech That Doesn't Break the Bank You don't need a high-dollar setup to track hours like a pro. Stick to tools that save time and money: ELD with a mobile app for real-time updates ($25-$40/truck/month) TMS integration to tie hours to load planning ($50-$75/month) Free spreadsheet or app (like Trucker Tools) to track weekly hours across drivers Spend $100-$150/month total for a two-truck fleet. That's less than one HOS fine or one missed load. A four-truck operator in Michigan switched to a $120/month ELD-TMS combo and saved $6,000 a year by avoiding compliance penalties and picking better lanes. Double-Check Your Drivers' Habits Drivers aren't perfect, and neither are you. Even with a great ELD, human error can creep in. Common mistakes: Logging 'on-duty' instead of 'off-duty' during breaks Forgetting to log pre-trip or post-trip inspections Misusing personal conveyance for non-personal trips Spot-check logs weekly to catch these early. A two-truck fleet in Georgia found one driver was logging 30 minutes of drive time daily as on-duty by mistake. Fixing it saved 10 hours of drive time a month—enough for an extra $1,500 load. Final Word Tracking driver hours doesn't have to bury you in ELD reports. Pick a simple ELD, train your drivers to log right, focus on the metrics that keep you legal, and automate the grunt work. Tie your hours tracking to load planning so you're not just dodging fines—you're making money. Small fleets don't win by working harder; they win by working smarter. Get your systems tight, train your drivers, and keep your trucks hauling freight where they belong. The post How to Track Driver Hours Without Drowning in ELD Reports appeared first on FreightWaves. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Gizmodo
7 minutes ago
- Gizmodo
11-Port Power Station Now Going for Peanuts, Anker Clears Out Its Entire Stock Before Summer Ends
Summer is the best time to go on camping adventures, van life vacations, or weekend gatherings with friends, and a good power supply is needed to keep all your devices charged along the way. Devices such as the Anker Solix C1000 (1800W) have been very popular on Amazon over the last two years, and the current discount makes it almost unbeatable. Right now, you can get it for $469, down from $799, which is a 41 percent reduction just a few weeks after Prime Day. See at Amazon This model features a 1056Wh LiFePO4 battery that boasts great longevity with up to 3,000 charge cycles and an estimated 10-year lifespan. Its highest output capacity is 2400W (and the regular output is 1800W) which is powerful enough to supply power to nearly any house and outdoor device. With its 11 ports, you can charge multiple devices simultaneously and enjoy well over enough connections to power various gadgets and larger machines as well. Some of the things you can power with it include smartphones, laptops, mini fridges, electric grills or drones. It's also great as a home backup power during blackouts, so your requirements keep going uninterrupted. The Solix C1000 is the best in the group with its UltraFast recharge speed and it reaches 80 percent battery life in just 43 minutes of AC charging, and a complete charge in under an hour. That's quick enough to make it an absolute blessing for hectic lives and fast turnaround between uses. Moreover, the power station can also be recharged with solar power and fast recharging with solar up to 600W replenishes the battery fully in approximately 1.8 hours when an optional solar panel is employed. What's more, it is 15 percent smaller than comparable 1kWh units which makes it easier to carry with you and store when traveling. Its tough SurgePad technology allows it to deliver high surge power needed by more power-demanding appliances. The Anker app offers a tailored experience where you can track usage stats and adjust charging rates in the moment, with full control of your power station's features at your fingertips. If you're looking to invest in a (powerful) power station, this deal is worth serious consideration. See at Amazon
Fox News
8 minutes ago
- Fox News
Why AI is causing summer electricity bills to soar
If your electricity bill seems shockingly high, you're not imagining it. A big part of the spike is being driven by rising artificial intelligence electricity demand. PJM Interconnection, the largest power grid operator in the United States, says electricity usage is climbing sharply this summer. Some areas may see bills increase by as much as 20%. One of the main drivers behind this trend is the growing power consumption from data centers that support AI systems like ChatGPT and other generative tools. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my PJM supplies electricity to 67 million customers across 13 states: Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, as well as the District of Columbia. It manages a vast and complex network of power distribution. This summer, the grid is showing signs of strain. In just the past year, data centers running AI have started using much more electricity. These centers can consume up to 30 times more power than traditional data centers. Most of them are connected to the same grid that serves homes and businesses, which means the cost of that power growth is shared by everyone. AI took off in 2023 when tools like ChatGPT became widely adopted. Since then, companies have been racing to build more infrastructure to keep up. PJM's territory now has the largest number of data centers in the world. Between 2024 and 2025, electricity demand from AI and data centers in the PJM region contributed to a $9 billion increase in power costs. PJM expects peak usage this summer to reach over 154,000 megawatts, with the potential to exceed all-time records during heat waves or emergencies. While demand is rising quickly, the power supply is not keeping up with the pace. Many fossil fuel plants are shutting down due to state regulations, aging infrastructure or market conditions. More than 9,000 megawatts of coal capacity will retire or convert to gas in 2025 alone. Clean energy options like wind and solar are often the cheapest ways to add new power, but developers are struggling with permitting delays, rising costs and a loss of federal incentives. For example, the 30% federal solar tax credit for homeowners will end after 2025. That change is already slowing down new installations. Even if you never use AI tools yourself, you are still likely paying for their growth. The cost of expanding the data center's power supply is spread across all grid users, including regular households. PJM customers have been warned to expect electric bills to increase by $25 or more per month. Commercial users may see prices climb nearly 30%. To help prevent rolling blackouts, PJM is rolling out demand response programs that pay large businesses to temporarily reduce their electricity use during periods of extreme demand. Still, if electricity usage exceeds 166,000 megawatts, some regions may not have enough reserve power to maintain reliability. Looking for ways to lower your electricity bill as prices surge? Here are some effective tips you can start using today: For more tips and expert advice, check out the 7 best ways to save money on your electricity bill AI electricity demand is growing faster than the grid can handle. As more data centers come online to power tools like ChatGPT, the strain is showing up on your utility bill. Without major upgrades to infrastructure or smarter energy policy, prices could keep climbing. The tech may be smart, but the cost of keeping it running is getting harder for everyone else to ignore. Have your electricity bills gone up recently? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
