Vodafone presents 5G Mobile Hotspot

Vodafone has launched its 5G Mobile Hotspot. This battery-powered, pocket-sized portable WiFi router can be used in all sorts of situations, from keeping the kids entertained to taking card payments.

Battery-powered portable WiFi routers, also known as ‘MiFi’ units, are the most useful gadgets you’ve probably never heard of. Designed for use while you’re out and about, they source their internet connection from a mobile signal rather than a fixed line your home broadband uses.

The latest model from Vodafone can connect to 5G as well as 4G. It can provide internet access to up to 32 devices, from computers to tablets, making it far more flexible than a USB dongle modem, which can only provide access for a single computer. While you can use the portable hotspot or tethering features on your smartphone, using the 5G Mobile Hotspot frees up your phone for other vital tasks. The 5G Mobile Hotspot’s battery lasts for up to eight hours. If you’re out and about for longer, you can top it up using a power bank with a USB-C port. So, whether you’re the owner of a small business or just an average joe, here are a few ways the 5G Mobile Hotspot could come in handy.

Long road trips

Keeping the kids entertained on long road-trips can frazzle the most patient parents – especially if you forget to download a tranche of apps and videos on their tablets before leaving home. The 5G Mobile Hotspot can keep their WiFi-only devices – from iPod touch media players to Amazon Fire tablets – topped up with fresh diversions. It can also provide your satnav with the latest traffic alerts.

Roaming while on holiday abroad

If you’re fortunate enough to be going abroad for your holidays this year, a 5G Mobile Hotspot or two can help keep your entire gaggle of devices connected, whether you need lingo assistance from Google Translate or public transport directions from CityMapper. You’ll need to purchase a roaming pass alongside your MiFi. Vodafone’s 5G network is live in 239 locations across Spain, Italy, Ireland and Germany as well as the UK.

An alternative to fixed-line home broadband

If you can’t get home broadband that’s reliable or fast enough for your needs, then the Vodafone mobile network and the 5G Mobile Hotspot could provide an alternative. Of course, it’s worth checking the mobile signal in your home on your smartphone or by using the Network Status checker on the Vodafone UK website. If you’re still worried, you can return the 5G Mobile Hotspot within 14 days of purchase in case it doesn’t work out for you.

Take card payments for your mobile/pop-up business

Post-lockdown, accepting payment by card is now even more essential for small businesses. This is especially true for traders such as market stalls, street food vendors, pop-up restaurants and residencies. While some pocket-sized card payment readers have their own built-in mobile data for authorising and processing transactions, some do not and depend on WiFi. The 5G Mobile Hotspot can step-in with that vital, missing link.

Consult Vodafone’s Network Status checker and learn more about the 5G Mobile Hotspot.