Forgot to mention it is a Quanta - D53 5G.

and it has a TMO sim card in it?

Yes, it's a T-Mobile SIM on a prepaid data plan.  I just powered it up in our RV and it did connect to the internet and I was able to connect my laptop to it.  On a internet speed test it came in at 148mbs so should be usable.  It just doesn't connect well every time.  Sometimes it takes 10 minutes or so to achieve an internet connection.  Sometimes it connects faster if I power cycle it.  I also will see a wide RSSI swing before it will connect.  Just wanting to verify if this is normal or not.

you might want to cross check the network coverage wherever youre going prior to going..almost willing to bet its a network/location deal and no so much device issue. you might have been in areas where you were on the edge of coverage or barely out of range.

is this all happening in the same areas or random areas?

One other thing to note is that, as I scroll through the screens, the phone number doesn't show up until after it connects to the internet.  Could it be an issue with the device not reading the SIM card properly?

So far I've tested it within a limited area around my house, but I do get a very strong signal and it does identify the system as T-mobile and 5G.  Power cycling the unit usually gets it to connect.  Without the power cycle, it can take a long time to connect.  According to the coverage chart, I'm well into an Ultra 5G area.

So how long is normal for one of these new 5G hotspots to capture the internet?

Is it normal for the device to not display the phone number until after it connects to the internet?  Not sure if it's internet connection before phone number or the other way around.

@syaoran  any ideas on this one?

fireguy_6364 wrote:

@syaoran  any ideas on this one?

I have yet to try one of the new Hotspot because it is easy enough to turn my phone into one when I need one.

yeah im not to sure who of our usuals would have any knowledge on this one lol.

uhm… @iTinkeralot …. maybe?

I picked it up specifically because I still wanted to have phone access while streaming video or browsing the Internet.  It also allowed me to use a prepaid data plan and not have to be in contract.  I will use the device intermittently so prepaid was the way to go.  I did find a second device refurbished for cheap so I picked that up as well to compare.  If the one I have turns out to be good, then I'll either have a spare or I can always resell it for what I paid for it.

It does concern me that there are so many "refurbished" units on the market based on how new the device is.  New, they go for $198.  Refurbished, they can go for under $40.