The ZTE ZMax Connect mobile hotspot (MF928) is a basic category-4 mobile hotspot sold unlocked at various retailers - primarily Circuit City.
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.
Currently, however, ZTE is still able to directly sell and support consumer devices in the US, but US telecommunications companies cannot use federal telecom subsidies for ZTE gear or services because the US government considers ZTE to be a security threat.
While unlikely at this point, ZTE could be subject to further US government actions that 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
ZTE states this modem is compatible with AT&T, Cricket Wireless, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, and other "GSM" networks although the band compatibility is most compatible with the T-Mobile network and includes Band 71.
The hotspot features two antenna ports.
Specifications
- Model Number: MF928
- # of Connected Devices: Up to 10
- Control Panel and Default Password:
-
- Control Panel: 192.168.1.1
- Default Admin Password: On the device label
-
- USB Tethering Support: Unknown but likely
- Networks supported:
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: No
- MIMO Support: 2X2 internal and external
- LTE Performance Category: Category 4 (Max Theoretical Speed: 150 Mbps Down / 50 Mbps Up)
- Cellular Antenna Ports: 2x TS-9
- Other Ports: USB
- Wi-Fi Technology / Frequencies: 802.11 b/g/n/a/ac - 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Battery: 2000mAh Lithium-Ion
- Claimed Battery Life: 10 hours use (1-week standby)
- Can Be Powered Without a Battery: Unknown
- Battery Part #: Uknown
- Battery Purchase: N/A
- Dimensions: 4.17 x 2.52 x 0.59 inches, 3.63 oz
- SIM Card Type: Nano
- Retail Price: $54.99-$89.99
News, Videos, & Status
We do not intend to test this device at this time.
Video Overview:
News Stories:
Potential Alternatives to Consider:
For other popular mobile hotspots on the market - here are our featured options:
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.
Purchasing Options
Links Provided for Convenience
We do not sell any gear or equipment. These links are provided to make your shopping easier, and we do not endorse any specific vendor. Unless otherwise disclosed, only Amazon links are affiliate links (see our disclaimer).
To remain unbiased as possible, our primary source of funding comes from our premium members, and we have negotiated higher discounts from some vendors instead of accepting affiliate relationships.
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.