How much does a T-Mobile hotspot cost depends on whether you buy a dedicated device or use your phone's built-in tethering. A dedicated T-Mobile mobile hotspot device costs between $90 and $200 upfront, and monthly data plans range from $5 to $50, plus a one-time $35 connection charge and regulatory fees.
How much does a T-Mobile hotspot cost?
For a quick overview, here are the current device prices and monthly plan costs for T-Mobile's dedicated hotspot options.
| Device | Upfront Price | Monthly Plan Options |
|---|---|---|
| Franklin T10 Mobile Hotspot | $90.00 | 25GB ($25/mo) or 100GB ($50/mo) |
| TCL Linkport IK511 | $96.00 | 5GB LINKPORT ($5/mo), 25GB ($25/mo), or 100GB ($50/mo) |
| Franklin JEXtream RG2100 5G | $198.00 | 25GB ($25/mo) or 100GB ($50/mo) |
| Inseego MiFi Pro M4 or Franklin JEXtream RG3100 5G | $200.00 | 25GB ($25/mo) or 100GB ($50/mo) |
T-Mobile dedicated hotspot device prices
T-Mobile currently sells four dedicated hotspot devices. The Franklin T10 Mobile Hotspot costs $90.00. The Franklin T9 Mobile Hotspot costs $48 or $2 per month for 24 months. The TCL Linkport IK511 costs $96.00. The Alcatel LINKZONE costs $72 or $3 per month for 24 months. For 5G speeds, the Franklin JEXtream RG2100 5G costs $198.00, and the Inseego MiFi Pro M4 or Franklin JEXtream RG3100 5G costs $200.00. The Inseego 5G MiFi M2000 Mobile Hotspot supports up to 30 devices simultaneously. All new lines require a $35 device connection charge due at the time of sale. You can purchase any device outright with no monthly installment fees.
Monthly mobile internet plans for hotspots
Three dedicated mobile internet plans are available for hotspot devices. The 5GB LINKPORT Data Plan costs $5 per month but is exclusive to the TCL LINKPORT IK511 device. The 25GB Data Plan 2.0 costs $25 per month, and the 100GB Data Plan 2.0 costs $50 per month. With AutoPay, you get the listed price on lines 1-8, but you must use a bank account or debit card; otherwise, the cost is $5 more per line per month. After you use your high-speed data allotment, speeds are reduced to a maximum of 128Kbps until the next billing cycle. Regulatory Programs & Telco Recovery Fees of up to $2.10 per line, plus federal and local surcharges, also apply. Note that T-Mobile's older 50GB and 30GB data plans for hotspots have been retired.
Using your phone as a hotspot at no extra cost
Many T-Mobile phone plans include tethering at no additional cost, making a dedicated device unnecessary for many shoppers. Postpaid plans like Go5G, Experience More, and Experience Beyond include Smartphone Mobile Hotspot data with specific high-speed allotments. Once that high-speed allotment is used, you still get unlimited data at 3G speeds. T-Mobile prepaid phone plans also include hotspot data: the Unlimited Monthly plan offers unlimited mobile hotspot at 3G speeds, and the Unlimited Plus Monthly plan includes 5GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data. This option lets you share your phone's internet connection without buying a separate device or plan. The SyncUP DRIVE is a connected car solution that turns your car into a Wi-Fi hotspot and provides vehicle diagnostic features, costing $10 per month with autopay and a two-year service agreement. Mobile Hotspot functionality requires a Wi-Fi-enabled or Bluetooth-enabled device, a plan that includes Mobile Hotspot, and coverage within T-Mobile's 5G and 4G LTE network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any additional fees beyond the device and plan price?
Yes. A $35 device connection charge applies to new lines. If you don't use AutoPay with a bank account or debit card, your monthly plan costs $5 more per line.
What happens when I run out of high-speed hotspot data?
For dedicated mobile internet plans, speeds drop to a maximum of 128Kbps for the rest of the billing cycle. For phone plans with tethering, speeds also reduce to 128Kbps or 3G speeds depending on your plan, until the billing cycle ends. You can add 10GB of high-speed data by purchasing a Mobile Hotspot Data Pass on Go5G or Experience voice lines, and you can buy these passes multiple times per month.
Can I use the 100GB plan with any hotspot device?
Yes. The 100GB Mobile Internet plan for $50 per month is no longer restricted to 5G devices. It now works with any data-only device, including LTE hotspots and compatible cellular routers.
How do I see who is connected to my hotspot?
From there, you can view a list of connected devices, their MAC addresses, and the amount of data each device has used. This helps you manage your hotspot data allowances and disconnect unknown users.
How do I add more hotspot data AT&T if I switch carriers?
This question applies to AT&T, not T-Mobile. If you are comparing carriers, note that AT&T offers its own hotspot plans with different pricing and data caps. For T-Mobile, you add more hotspot data by purchasing a Mobile Hotspot Data Pass on eligible voice lines or by changing to a higher-tier data plan on your dedicated hotspot device.
What is the Verizon hotspot data allowance for comparison?
Verizon's hotspot data allowances vary by plan. Their prepaid and postpaid phone plans typically include a set amount of high-speed hotspot data (e.g., 5GB, 15GB, or more) before throttling to lower speeds. Dedicated Verizon hotspot plans also offer tiered data options, though pricing and allowances differ from T-Mobile's current lineup. T-Mobile offers referral programs where you can earn rewards for referring friends or family members.
