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 Restrictions In the United States:
ZTE is a Chinese company that produces a variety of electronics, including consumer cellular devices as well as network equipment that 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. Then, in November 2022, the US government stopped certifying any ZTE products (along with products from Huawei and other China-based companies) for use in the US. This effectively means that ZTE cannot legally sell new products in the US anymore.
Existing ZTE products, like the ones listed here on MIRC, are still FCC certified and legal to utilize. The FCC does have the authority to revoke existing licenses for this gear, but we think that is unlikely to happen. Those using existing ZTE devices can continue to utilize them as normal.
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: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) - 2.4 GHz
- 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: $108
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