The Unite Express 2 is AT&T's entry-level mobile hotspot, which replaced the Velocity 2 in November 2018. This hotspot has a similar category 13 modem as the Velocity 2, but comes with some significant changes from the previous device:
- No Antenna ports (The Velocity 2 came with 2 TS-9 ports)
- Support for FirstNet (band 14)
- Simultaneous Dual band WiFi
The Unite Express 2 is a significant step down from the flagship Netgear Nighthawk hotspot as it lacks support for important features for nomads like antenna ports.
In April 2019, Cricket (AT&T's prepaid subsidiary) also launched a data only plan, with the Unite Express 2 rebranded as the Cricket Turbo. AT&T and Cricket has also launched the Moxee Mobile Hotspot in summer 2020 and the Turbo Hotspot 2 in early 2021.
Specifications
- Model Number: AT&T Unite Express 2 (AC797S) or Cricket Turbo by Netgear
- # of Connected Devices: 15 via Wi-Fi
- Control Panel and Default Password:
Control Panel: http://192.168.1.1 or http://attwifimanager/
Default Password: "attadmin" - USB Tethering Support: Likely, but unknown at this time
WiFiRanger Tethering: tbd
Pepwave Tethering: tbd - Supported Networks and Bands:
LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12(17) 14, 29, 30, 66
4G/3G: HSPA+ 850/1900/2100MHz - Global roaming supported.
2G: GSM EDGE: None - LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes
- MIMO Support: 2X2 Internal
- LTE Performance Category: Category 13
(Max Theoretical Speed: 400Mbps Down / 150Mbps Up) - Cellular Antenna Ports: None
- Other Ports: MicroUSB
- Wi-Fi Technology / Frequencies: 802.11 b/g/n/a/ac - Simultaneous dual-band 2.4GHz & 5GHz.
- Claimed Battery Life: 11hrs use time, 1.7 days standby
- Can Be Powered Without a Battery: Unknown
- Dimensions: 4.33'' x 2.68'' x 0.61''
- SIM Card Type: Micro
- Retail Price: $144.99
Review & Testing Status
We do not intend to obtain this hotspot for testing.
Potential Alternatives to Consider:
For other popular mobile hotspots on the market - here are our featured options:
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Purchasing Options
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.
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