Review: Verizon MiFi 8800L Jetpack by Inseego (Mobile Hotspot)

The MiFi 8800L Jetpack by Inseego was released in October 2018, replacing the MiFi 7730L as Verizon's flagship LTE mobile hotspot device.

Even though it looks nearly identical to its older sibling the 7730L, the 8800L is a major step forward in terms of raw cellular capability - and it was the first device to bring gigabit-class LTE technologies to Verizon's Jetpack lineup.

With 5G technology infiltrating the 4G/LTE world, this hotspot represents Verizon's LTE performance pinnacle in what was once a pre-5G world. It is still a flagship LTE-only hotspot device worthy of consideration for those without 5G on their radar.

In September 2020, Verizon released the MiFi M2100 5G UW, which includes not only mmWave and low-band 5G support, but also a Cat-22 LTE modem - at double the price and lacking antenna ports.

Specifications

Model Number: Inseego 8800L
# of Connected Devices: 15 Wi-Fi / Supports USB Tethering
Control Panel and Default Password:
- Control Panel: http://192.168.1.1 or http://my.jetpack/
- Default Admin Password: Random - Check Device Screen
USB Tethering Support:
- WiFiRanger Tethering: Works Great
- Pepwave Tethering: Works Great (except for Surf On-The-Go)
Networks supported:
- 4G/LTE Bands: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 13, 14, 20, 28, 46, 48. 66
- 3G: UMTS 1, 2, 5, 8; HSPA+ 850/1900/2100MHz (No support for Legacy Verizon CDMA network)
- 2G: GSM EDGE
LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes, 5-band, including LAA
MIMO Support: 4X4 internal, and 2X2 external
LTE Performance Category: Category 18 (Max Theoretical Speed: 1200Mbps Down / 150Mbps Up)
Cellular Antenna Ports:
- 2x TS9 'Test Ports' (not official antenna ports), overwrites internal 4x4 MIMO antennas
- Right port is the primary port, for uploads.
Other Ports: USB-C
Wi-Fi Technology / Frequencies: 802.11 b/g/n/a/ac - Simultaneous 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Simultaneous 2.4GHz/5GHz Range (reported): 50-70ft
- 5GHz Range (reported): 40-50ft
Battery: 4400mAh, 16.7 WhrLi Ion battery
- Claimed Battery Life: 24 hours hotspot usage, multiple days standby
- Can Be Powered Without a Battery: No
- Battery Part #: 40123117
- Battery Purchase
Dimensions: 4.5" x 2.8" x 0.75" / 5.71 oz
SIM Card Type: Nano
Retail Price: $199.99 / $99.99 w/ 2-year contract

Verizon's 8800L Software Update Log Page

There is One (Minor) Downgrade from the 7730L...

One difference of note compared to the MiFi 7730L is that the MiFi 8800L dropped support for CDMA cellular technology, which means that it is NOT compatible with Verizon's legacy 3G network. However, where this would have been a major red flag years ago, in today's world it is growing extremely rare to find areas where Verizon has 3G and no LTE coverage. And, 3G isn't long for this world as Verizon refarms for 5G.

For more information on Cellular Evolution, see our guide:

Cellular Evolution: 2G Thru 5G, And Beyond!

News, Video & Status

We have thoroughly tested the 8800L. Our full review & tutorial is posted below for our members.

Our members are also encouraged to actively share their own experiences in the comments.

Video Overview:

News Stories:

Potential Alternatives to Consider:

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

Selecting Mobile Hotspots

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Summary

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Further Education on Mobile Hotspots Cellular Mobile Hotspots (Jetpacks & MiFis)

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.