The Franklin T9 mobile hotspot was released in November 2019 for T-Mobile, replacing the CoolPad Surf. It is the hostpot that is used as part of their Test Drive program.

Specifications

• Model Number: R717
• # of Connected Devices: 15 via Wi-Fi
• Control Panel and Default Password:
  Control Panel:  http://mobile.hotspot or http://192.168.0.1
  Default Password: "FranklinT9 + the last 4 digits of IMEI"
• USB Tethering Support: Yes
• Supported Networks and Bands:
  • 5G: None
  • 4G/LTE: 1, 2, 4, 5, 12, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71
• LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: No
• MIMO Support: 2x2 Internal
• LTE Performance Category: 4
  (Max Theoretical Speed: 150Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up)
• Cellular Antenna Ports: None
• Other Ports: Micro USB
• Wi-Fi Technology / Frequencies: 802.11 b/g/n/ac - 2.4 GHz & 5 Ghz 
• Battery
  • Claimed Battery Life: 8hrs, 48hrs on standby
  • Can Be Powered Without a Battery: Yes
• Dimensions: 4.13” x 2.63” x “.51” (2.99oz)
• SIM Card Type: Nano
• Retail Price:  $90

News, Videos, & Status

We are not currently testing this hotspot device.

News Stories:

Potential Alternatives to Consider:

For other popular mobile hotspots on the market - here are our featured options:

Wireless Internet Router & Data Plans - AT&T

$199

Netgear Nighthawk 5G Hotspot Pro - AT&T

$509.99

Inseego 8800L - Verizon

$199

Inseego MiFi M2100 5G Ultra Wideband- Verizon

$399.99

Ellipsis MHS900L - Verizon

$149

Netgear Nighthawk MR1100 - AT&T / T-Mobile

$249 - 349

Moxee Mobile Hotspot - Cricket/AT&T

$79.99

ZTE ZMax Connect - T-Mobile

$89.99

Inseego MiFi 8000 - Sprint

$240

Alcatel Linkzone 2 - T-Mobile / Sprint

$90

Selecting Mobile Hotspots

This Review Contains Additional Member Exclusive Content!

We are Honored to be Member Funded! No ads, no sponsors, no selling (but may contain affiliate links)

Our members fund our in-depth independent reviews.

This entry may contain additional member exclusive content such as testing notes, field testing data, user interface tours, comparisons to alternatives, analysis, tips, videos and discounts.

Members also get interactive guidance, alerts, classroom and more. 

Learn More About Becoming a Member

Are you a member? Please log in above to access your member exclusive content!

Purchasing Options

• T-Mobile Direct

Further Reading & Research Cellular Mobile Hotspots (Jetpacks & MiFis)

The guides below have been hand-picked to help further your education about selecting mobile hotspots and best utilizing them in your mobile internet setup. 

All About SIM Cards – Swapping, Resizing, Dual SIM & eSIM

Swollen Battery? – How to Check Your Hotspot, Prolong Battery Life & Battery Replacement Guide

Ways to Use Cellular Data To Get Online: Mobile Hotspot Device, Smartphone or Router?

Understanding Cellular Modem Specifications (Mobile Hotspots, Routers, Phones)

Understanding & Optimizing Your Cellular Data Performance

Top Cellular Data Plans for RVers & Cruisers – Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint

Using a Carrier Specific Cellular Device on Another Carrier

Understanding & Selecting Mobile Hotspot Devices (MiFi, Jetpacks, AirCards)