Forum Discussion
Netgear Nighthawk M1 (MR1100-100NAS) blocked by TMobile?
I have an unlocked Netgear Nighthawk M1 Router I got from Amazon, new. I subscribed to two unlimited data plans, for my two locations of work, one with static IP and the other without. My n...
I couldn't find anything that says we block the Netgear Nighthawk M1 or any other mobile hotspot from working on the T-Mobile network. Of course, the normal Bring your own device (BYOD) disclaimer applies; we can't guarantee we can get all devices working, but we definitely want to try our best.
The biggest question I have is what rate plans do you have? They need to be Mobile Hotspot plans to work in a Mobile Hotspot device. If they're plans designed for phones, they won't work.
Some Definitive Answers
Our experience with an unlocked Netgear NightHawk M5 for T-Mobile 5G in our mobile medical vans:
The reason was the current premium device that T-Mobile sells does not offer external antenna capabilities, and does not have an ethernet port so we use our own WiFi solution, and use the 5G device as a Modem only.
We activated the data line through T-Mobile and were told that we can use any 5G capable HotSpot device as long as it is unlocked. We bought the device directly from Netgear and it is confirmed to be unlocked.
When we turned it on and were presented with the error message:
"Mobile Broadband Disconnected. Your data connection is disconnected"
“APN Setup Required. To connect to the internet, please setup your APN.”
Support Call 1
Called T-Mobile and escalated to specialized support. The support agent checked the APN settings and noted they were correct. They had us log into the Admin panel of the device (192.168.1.1) and try to change the cellular settings found in Advanced Settings. When we tried to change the cellular provider from AT&T to T-Mobile, the selection would "not stick". It would default back to AT&T. They referred us to Netgear saying they can trouble shoot that as they are working off the Netgear support manual available online, and do not have support for this device.
Support Call 2
We called Netgear support… USER BEWARE! After collecting the info about the device and the user, they said that they will send an email with the video link for YouTube on how to set up the device, and if we would like Pro Support we need to pay. The rep was not willing to have the Pro Support help and stated that they have limited information and is unable to help set it up. When questioned as to why this is the case, they stated "these devices are not meant to be plug and play, or self install". The support costs $199.00 per year, but if you buy now they will discount it to $119.00.
After diligently educating them on the idiocy behind this move, and how it's extortion, they reluctantly put me on hold asking Pro Support to help us get this working. After trouble shooting for a hour, they concluded this is a T-Mobile issue.
Support Call 3
Called T-Mobile back. They escalated support to a specialized agent who after researching the issue from a higher level rep, stated that they are unable to provide an APN dedicated to this device because we have activated the data line on a Personal Plan.
To provide APNs for devices such as this, T-Mobile requires a Business Plan.
Support Call 4
Will be calling T-Mobile later (since I need to get work done and I’ve spent 4.5 hours working on an issue that should NOT exist) to change the plan to a Business Plan and see if this works.
I will post an update once I have a definitive, reliable answer to this issue, but I will add this… if John Legere was still at T-Mobile, and I emailed this to him, heads would roll. Shame on the weak, short-sighted leadership at T-Mobile for stifling the innovative culture that John worked so hard to invent in the cellular industry. The bean counters once again proved that they don't get it.
