T-Mobile has finally brought Band 71 support to a data-only mobile hotspot device!
The Coolpad Surf is T-Mobile's newest hotspot and although it is fairly basic in terms of features, it does support T-Mobile's newest LTE spectrum - 600MHz Band 71.
Why is this important?
T-Mobile is aggressively rolling out Band 71 across the country and it is now an important component of T-Mobile's network and coverage map.
If you rely on T-Mobile, we recommend you make sure that your devices are Band 71 compatible or you will be missing out on some vastly improved coverage - especially indoors and in rural areas.
T-Mobile didn't offer a mobile hotspot that supported this critical spectrum until now.
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To better understand why low-frequency spectrum like this is so important to long-range cellular coverage, read our featured members-only article:
T-Mobile's hotspots have, unfortunately, historically lacked the robust features sets available from flagship devices from AT&T and Verizon.
Regardless, it's great to finally have Band 71 coverage on a mobile hotspot and this is an important milestone for T-Mobile as they expand their coverage map and prepare for 5G.
T-Mobile also came out with an upgraded SyncUP connected car device called the SyncUp Drive 2. It's basically the same SyncUp but with Band 71 support added. Here's our SyncUp Drive product overview.
T-Mobile's Data-Only Plans
Unfortunately, T-Mobile does not offer an unlimited plan for data-only devices like the Coolpad Surf and it cannot be added as a line to T-Mobile's ONE family of smartphone plans.
That means the only option is a tiered data plan, which is available in high-speed buckets from 2GB - 22GB (followed by unlimited 2G data). Pretty underwhelming, but it can work as a backup.
Additionally, the SyncUp Drive cannot be used outside a vehicle's OBD-II port.
Hopefully, T-Mobile will pull an "uncarrier" move this year and bring out some better data-only options. Still, it's great to see T-Mobile finally offer a mobile hotspot that supports all their LTE spectrum.
Getting A Coolpad Surf
Like all new devices, the Coolpad Surf will only initially be available from T-Mobile directly. Over time, however, the hotspot will likely be available from third-party resellers.
Those with existing devices, including those on grandfathered Simple Choice plans, should be able to upgrade from the Alcatel Linkzone or the ZTE-917 hotspots. At only $72, it's a nice upgrade to take advantage of T-Mobiles expanding coverage map.
Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of