AT&T is selling a new 5G hotspot - the Franklin A70, which is part of Franklin's new RG3100 series of mobile hotspots.
The new hotspot uses a Qualcomm X72 modem, supports Wi-Fi 7 (including 6 GHz), and has an Ethernet out port. However, it does lack external cellular antenna ports.
This is an AT&T device, and like most mobile hotspots, it is optimized for a single carrier. Here are the supported cellular bands:
- 5G: n2, n5, n14, n30, n48, n66, n77
- 4G/LTE: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66
This includes all the Sub-6GHz 5G and LTE bands AT&T uses. It doesn't support AT&T's millimeter-wave (mmWave) bands, but this isn't a significant downside, as mmWave isn't essential for the vast majority of users. Due to the lack of support for critical Verizon and T-Mobile LTE and 5G bands, this hotspot would not be a good choice for those networks. It's also not a great option for international use.
The X72 is the low-cost version of the X75, which offers almost all the same features but with lower peak performance. The X72 supports "5G Phase 2" (3GPP Release 17) standards but incorporates features from "5G Advanced" (3GPP Release 18).
AT&T and Franklin have not published performance statistics for this model, but typically X72 devices have peak theoretical download speeds of around 4 Gbps. Real-world performance will be much lower, and many parts of AT&T's network need to grow to take advantage of the X72's full capabilities. All three carriers, including AT&T, are moving toward 5G Advanced technologies, so this hotspot will be future-proof for years to come.
The hotspot is available from both AT&T Consumer and AT&T Business for $209.99, a competitive price for an X72 device.
Key Mobile Internet Related Considerations:
- The new Franklin A70 uses an advanced Qualcomm X72 modem.
- The A70 is an AT&T model and is optimized for the AT&T network.
- It also comes with Wi-Fi 7 and an Ethernet port.
For more information:
- AT&T: Franklin A70
Related Content at the Mobile Internet Resource Center:
- Gear: Franklin RG3100 Series Mobile Hotspots
- Guide: Understanding & Selecting Mobile Hotspot Devices (MiFi, Jetpacks, AirCards) - Our featured guide evaluating the various ways to get online while mobile, including using mobile hotspots
- Guide: 5G Cellular Fundamentals - Learn all the basics about 5G technology
Related Updates:
Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of 