The SyncUp Drive is T-Mobile's Connected Car widget that plugs directly into a vehicle's OBD-II Port, creating a Wi-Fi hotspot within the vehicle powered by T-Mobile's network whenever the ignition is turned on. It also provide telematic features for tracking and vehicle diagnostics.
In January 2019 an updated version of the SyncUp Drive was released that supports band 71.
A rebranded version called "SMART-ride" is available from T-Mobile's prepaid subsidiary, Metro by T-Mobile (formerly known as MetroPCS).
A T-Mobile data plan must be attached to this device in order to use data.
ZTE in the News:
ZTE is a Chinese company that produces a variety of electronics, including consumer cellular devices as well as network equipment which can potentially be used by cellular carriers and other internet service providers.
Beginning in 2018, the US government restricted the sale and support of ZTE products in the US due to security concerns and at one point, it seemed like ZTE could be forced out of business.
In November 2021, the US government passed a law that prohibits the FCC from certifying ZTE equipment along with equipment from several other Chinese-based telecom companies. There is also discussion of potentially revoking licenses that were previously issued.
While most of this concerns network infrastructure equipment, it will also affect consumer devices and could affect the availability of and support for ZTE consumer devices.
Members, our further analysis and detailed updates are in the Special Announcements forum:
ALERT: Future of ZTE In Doubt - Mobley, Warp, Velocity 2, other devices impacted
Specifications
- Model Number: SyncUp Drive SD-7000T
- # of Connected Devices: 5 Wi-Fi
- Control Panel and Default Password:
Control Panel: http://192.168.0.1
Default Password: "admin" - USB Tethering Support: None
- Supported Networks and Bands:
4G/LTE: 2, 4, 5, 12, 66, 71
3G: UMTS: 850, 1700/2100, 1900 - LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: No
- MIMO Support: Unknown
- LTE Performance Category: Category 3
(Max Theoretical Speed: 100Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up) - Cellular Antenna Ports: None
- Other Ports: OBD-II
- Wi-Fi Technology / Frequencies: 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz)
- Claimed Battery Life: N/A - No battery
- Can Be Powered Without a Battery: Yes
- Dimensions: 2.9" x 2.1" x 1" / 2.8 oz
- SIM Card Type: 3FF / Micro SIM
- Retail Price: $96
News, Videos, & Status
We do not currently plan to test this product. It's of limited appeal to our core audience seeking home internet replacement solutions in RVs and boats.
News Stories:
Alternatives to Consider
For other popular mobile hotspots on the market - here are our featured options:
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Mobile hotspot devices are small, self-contained units that receive a cellular data signal and transform it into an internet connection. They are a cellular modem and router combined. Most can create their own personal Wi-Fi network.
They are typically designed with a specific cellular carrier in mind and require a suitable cellular data plan of their own to operate. You might see them called Jetpacks (Verizon's term for them) or MiFi (Inseego's name for them).
Here's a quick video going over the features of a hotspot, and what makes one better than another:
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.
Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of