How to Set Up Your Mobile Hotspot in Canada

It’s so important to know how to set up your mobile hotspot in Canada so you don’t run the risk of using public networks. Mobile hotspot is fast becoming one of the best alternatives for internet users in Canada. It’s a great way to take the web with you, everywhere you go, with a stand-by and strong online connection.

What is Mobile Hotspot and How Does it Work?

If you ever access Wi-Fi in public, like an airport or a Coffee, chances are you connected to a hotspot, a hotspot. This is a little different from a mobile hotspot. While a regular hotspot is tied to a physical location, a mobile hotspot is portable. A Mobile hotspot is a portable gadget that provides people with access to the internet through their device Wi-Fi.

Mobile hotspots are small enough to fit the palm of your hand or pocket, and they have great battery life. They also come with strong encryption which isn’t always found in a public hotspot.

Mobile Hotspot works like a smartphone would work except without the ability to call. The function of the mobile hotspot is to deliver data to your devices. Mobile hotspots access cellular data and convert the network signals to Wi-Fi. It then creates a WI-Fi network that other devices can use for internet services within a particular radius.

What is the Difference Between a Mobile Hotspot and Wi-Fi?

The difference between a hotspot and Wi-Fi is confusing to a lot of people. But in simple words, A Wi-Fi is used at home with a router. It uses wireless technology through radio frequency that provides network connectivity for devices without the need for cables.

On the other hand, a hotspot is like a physical location where multiple users can access the WI-Fi. 

In other words, the hotspot is a physical piece of hardware that uses WI-FI to provide internet access in a small area. While Wi-Fi is a technology that uses radiofrequency to provide network connection. Hotspot requires Wi-Fi to create a connection.

A regular hotspot can be in a public location like a restaurant or airport, but mobile hotspots are primarily used in a private place like at home or office. 

Mobile hotspots work greatly for offices, business owners, and individuals, especially those who use the internet often on different devices.

Also, since a public hotspot is not easily accessible, a mobile hotspot is an easier and more accessible option that ensures your online connection wherever you are. 

Do I Need An Internet Plan To Go With My Mobile Hotspot?

Just like you can’t use your phone’s internet without a data plan or Wi-Fi, you can’t use your mobile hotspot without an internet plan. So, yes, you do need a data plan for your mobile hotspot to function. Without a plan, your mobile hotspot is just a piece of hardware. Many internet providers who offer mobile hotspots also have hotspot plans.

How Much Does a Mobile Hotspot Cost Per Month?

The cost of a mobile hotspot largely depends on the network carrier and data plan you are on. Hotspot plans are usually similar to most business and consumers plan. However, you can find out if your internet provider has special plans for mobile hotspot devices. For example, Bell offers mobile hotspot plans for modems and mobile hotspot devices.

Other popular Internet providers who offer mobile hotspot plans include;

1. Rogers Mobile Hotspot: You can purchase any of the different mobile hotspot devices or choose the 2-year contract to get a Rogers Mobile hotspot device.

Rogers devices allow up to 20 connections, and you can select a data-only plan that suits your needs. If you are already on a Roger Infinite plan, you can share your mobile plan with your hotspot device for $10 per month. Roger Infinite starts from $80 for 15GB per month and reaches up to $175 for 100GB.

2. Telus Mobile Hotspot: Telus offers one of the best deals for mobile hotspots. Check this Telus Review to browse through Telus internet plans.

If you are already on a shareable Telus plan, you can let your mobile hotspot device access it for $20.

Where To Buy a Mobile Hotspot?

You can rent a hotspot device from a number of companies for a period of time. However, buying your own may be a cheaper option in the long run. Renting may just be suitable for one-time use; continuous use requires your own mobile hotspot device.

You can get a built mobile hotspot from most of the Internet providers in Canada. Popular providers like Bell, Telus, Rogers and many other cell phone companies sell mobile hotspots. You can go for post-paid plans for a long-term cellular subscription.

Or you can also go for a prepaid hotspot, which lets you Prepay for a set amount per month. 

Is Hotspot Free With Unlimited Data?

Yes. On most Canadian network carriers including Bell, Rogers, Telus, and even small carriers like Freedom, Fido, and Koodoo, unlimited data plans are hotspot-capable. This means you can use your monthly data to provide internet access to other devices.

You can use the hotspot up to your plan’s data allowance and speed. For instance, if you are subscribed to a 150mbps speed and 10GB, your hotspot can’t go beyond that.

How Can I Turn My Phone Into Mobile Hotspot Without Paying?

There’s an alternative to buying a mobile hotspot which is turning your phone into a mobile hotspot. You can convert most smartphones, especially the newly manufactured ones, into a temporary hotspot. This is probably an excellent option for occasional users as it reduces phone battery life, has a small Wi-Fi range, and only a few devices can connect at once.

With a smartphone mobile hotspot, you can access the internet on your other devices without the need to buy a new hotspot, and it’s cheaper too. Many internet providers in Canada allow tethering on their internet plans and, as such, merge your hotspot bill with your normal monthly bill.

The only risk with using your smartphone as a Mobile Hotspot is that it’s very easy to go beyond your internet data limit. If you are on a plan with no data overage protection, you will incur extra charges.

Before you set up a mobile hotspot with your phone, ensure your internet provider supports the Mobile hotspot, and your plan has sufficient data.

How To Set Up Mobile Hotspot On Phone

There are three main methods to set up a hotspot on your phone, and they include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB. USB and WI-FI offer the highest speed, while Bluetooth has less impact on battery life. 

How To Set Up Mobile Hotspot on iPhone

  • From your iPhone, go to Settings App.
  • Select Personal Hotspot 
  • Tap Wi-Fi password to set a password other devices will use to access the connection.’
  • Activate the Personal hotspot switch and connect other devices


How To Set Up Mobile Hotspot on Android Devices

  • Open Settings on your Android Phone
  • Select Network and Internet
  • Tap Hotspot & Tethering
  • Select Wi-Fi Hotspot and activate the switch
  • Set Hotspot name and Password for other devices to connect

Can Anyone Connect to my Mobile Hotspot?

Mobile hotspots often come with security methods to protect your data from being used by random people. 

How Safe Are Hotspots?

The main security issue on portable hotspots has to be people trying to piggyback off your internet service. This can cost a lot of money, especially if you are not on an Unlimited Data plan.

To protect your data, try to get a mobile hotspot device with a sound security system, including data encryption. This way, you protect connected devices from hackers.

Also, make your mobile hotspot name and Password difficult for hackers or freeloaders to get into.

Which Networks Support Tethering?

Almost all internet providers support tethering in Canada. However, while it’s possible to use your regular data plan for tethering with some providers, some providers charge for tethering. Therefore, you should find out if your internet provider offers tethering. 

Pros and Cons of Using a Mobile Hotspot Device Vs. Using a Phone Hotspot?

Pros and Cons of Mobile Hotspot:

Pros:

– Allows multiple connections; many hotspots allows up to 15 connected devices

– Long battery life, can run at least for a day

– Portable and can fit easily into your pocket or bag

– Asides from delivering internet connection. A mobile hotspot can deliver up to 2TB of storage space for connecting users to share.

Cons:

– You will need to spend to get a mobile hotspot or agree to a 2-year contract with internet providers

– It’s easy to leave a mobile hotspot behind, and you need additional cables to charge them

– Great for office use, family use, and group use

Pros and Cons of Phone Hotspot:

Pros:

– Always close at hand so easy to carry around

– You don’t need to spend extra money to pay for your phone hotspot

– Easy to set up

– Best for personal use

Cons:

– Allows only a few connections at once. For example, iPhones allow not more than 5-6 connection, while mobile hotspots can allow up to 15

– Eats phone battery and can cut down your battery life and health

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