If you’ve ever been stuck without Wi-Fi when you’ve most needed it, you’ll understand how important connectivity is, especially in today’s digital-first world. But don’t worry, all you need is your smartphone to unlock the next best solution: mobile broadband hotspot. With the mobile hotspot market projected to grow to USD 148.92 billion by 2034, all you’ll need to stay connected is your smartphone.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through using your phone as a hotspot and provide the best tips to optimize wireless connectivity while you’re on the go.
Key Summary
With a mobile broadband hotspot, you may connect other devices to the internet using your phone as a hotspot. It's a wireless hotspot that you can take with you and use anywhere. It's ideal when Wi-Fi isn't available. This article shows iOS and Android users how to turn on their hotspot and choose the best data plans so they can connect without any hassles.
Key Takeaway: For the best wireless hotspot connection using a phone, select the right service provider based on your data usage and follow expert tips to optimize performance.
What Is a Mobile Broadband Hotspot and How Does It Work?
Expert Take: “A mobile broadband hotspot is a portable device or smartphone feature that creates a Wi-Fi network. It connects to your service area’s cellular tower and provides Wi-Fi-enabled devices with reliable access to broadband internet speeds,” says Mark Fairlie, a telecommunications expert.
In layman’s terms, using your phone as a hotspot means sharing your mobile phone’s cellular data connection with other devices, such as laptops, tablets, other smartphones, or even smart TVs, to access internet connectivity. It is a type of wireless sharing of data using your mobile phone that transforms into a portable Wi-Fi router by enabling cellular data sharing.
- Benefits of Mobile Hotspot
Expert Take: Joe Warnimont, Security and Technical Expert at Hosting Advice, noted that“some professionals can even run their entire operations on mobile hot spots.”
Using your mobile data as a hotspot comes with multiple benefits –
- No hassle of installation or setup.
- Stay connected wirelessly while you’re travelling.
- Connect multiple devices at the same time.
- Portable, easy to carry and built-in to your mobile phone.
- Ideal backup option when Wi-Fi fails.
How to Set Up Your Mobile Broadband Hotspot?
Worried about setting up your phone as a hotspot? Think again! With no hassle of installation or need to be a technological expert, activating your mobile hotspot is easier than you think.
- Guide for iPhone Users
- Open ‘Settings’
- Tap on ‘Personal Hotspot’.
- Select ‘Allow Others to Join’
- Connect to your hotspot using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Expert Tip: Choose a strong Wi-Fi password to ensure a secure internet connection.
- Step-Wise Process for Android Users
- Open the ‘Settings’ app.
- Go to ‘Network & Internet’ OR ‘Connections’.
- Select ‘Hotspot & Tethering’.
- Choose ‘Wi-Fi Hotspot’.
- Set a strong password to prevent unauthorized access.
- Connect to your mobile hotspot through your other device’s Wi-Fi.
Effective Ways to Optimize Mobile Wireless Hotspot
Now that you’ve learnt how to activate and use your phone as a hotspot, it’s time to explore the various ways in which you can optimize your mobile hotspot’s performance –
- Set Up a Strong Password
Protect your mobile hotspot from any unauthorized connection or security issue by setting up a strong and unique password and using WPA3 encryption if available.
- Choose the Best Location
If you’ve noticed that your mobile broadband hotspot functions better near the windowsill than in the kitchen, then it’s not just a random phenomenon. The strength of your mobile hotspot varies from location to location. Avoid keeping your phone in your pocket or bag and place it in open spaces for a stronger signal.
- Limit the Number of Devices Connected
Just like your broadband connection slows down when multiple devices are connected, the same can happen to your mobile hotspot. Set a cap on the number of devices that are connected to your wireless hotspot at a time for better performance.
- Choose a Strong Hotspot Band
Most smartphones let you choose between a 2.4 GHz hotspot band or a 5 GHz band. For faster speed within a short range, choose 5 GHz. However, if you want a longer range and don’t mind a slower connectivity, select 2.4 GHz for cellular sharing.
- Manage Your Data Plan Usage
Monitor your data usage regularly and switch to a lower resolution streaming for optimum performance. It is highly recommended to choose a data plan that aligns with your hotspot usage for best results.
How Data Plans Affect Your Mobile Hotspot Connectivity?
Managing your data plan usage, especially for mobile broadband hotspots is essential in maintaining optimum performance without exhausting your data allowance. Let’s see what type of activity, especially in hotspot sharing, impacts your data plan the most –
| Online Activity | Data Usage/Hour | Impact on Data Plans |
| Web browsing | 60-200 MB | Low |
| Music streaming | 70-150 MB | Low |
| Gaming | 50-150 MB* | Low |
| Video conferencing | 1.2-3 GB | Medium |
| HD movie streaming | 1-3 GB | Medium |
This data is valid only for gameplay. Downloading online video games can exceed data consumption of over 1 GB.
- Which Australian Hotspot Provider Should I Choose?
Choosing a service provider is the most crucial part of using your phone as a hotspot. Depending on your activity, usage, and number of devices, we recommend selecting an Australian hotspot provider that ticks all your boxes –
| Service Provider | Plan | Data Limit | Price | Most Suitable Activity |
| Telstra | Basic SIM | 50 GB | $62 | Moderate use; web browsing, video call, moderate HD streaming |
| Optus | Choice Plus | 50 GB | $55 | Moderate to high use; HD streaming, video conferencing, online gaming |
| Vodafone | Small Data SIM | 100 GB | $49 | Moderate use; web browsing, social media, light gaming, |
| Boost | Prepaid SIM | 300 GB | $24 | Heavy use; 4K streaming, large downloads, intensive gaming |
| Felix | Unlimited Mobile Plan | Unlimited (20 Mbps cap) | $40 | Heavy use; unlimited streaming, video conferencing, web browsing |
Still Confused? Read Our FAQs
- Does mobile hotspot work in rural Australia?
Most definitely! Service providers like Telstra and Optus provide strong mobile cellular connectivity in rural Australia. To improve the signal, it is recommended to limit the number of devices, keep your phone on higher ground, and choose the provider based on your area coverage.
- Is using a mobile hotspot secure?
Sharing your mobile hotspot may not always be the most secure solution, especially for sensitive information. However, by using WPA3 encryption and choosing a strong password, you can prevent unauthorized access and data interception.
- Does using a hotspot affect my phone’s battery life?
Yes. When you share your phone’s mobile broadband hotspot, your battery reduces. If you want to continue using a wireless hotspot without draining your battery too much, it’s recommended to limit the number of devices, turn off background apps, reduce brightness, or use USB tethering.
Mastering Mobile Broadband Hotspot for Easy Connection
What’s better than a wireless hotspot that follows you instead of the other way around? By using your smartphone as a hotspot, you can unlock a convenient way of connecting your devices while you’re on the go.
So, the next time you’re annoyed about slow Wi-Fi, switch to a hotspot connection and enjoy high-quality streaming, gaming, and browsing with just a mobile phone in your hand.
