This Product Discontinued or Obsolete
While current owners of this device or plan may continue to find performance to be adequate for the foreseeable tech-future, we do not recommend upgrading to or purchasing it.
May 10, 2018 Battery Warning: Mobile Beacon, supplier of the non-profit Sprint based plans available through organizations like Calyx and PCs for People is tracking an unusually high number of reports of swollen batteries and even fires caused by this device. No recall has been published yet. Given that this device does NOT have a user replaceable battery - we advise high caution with this device. Keep an extra close eye on your unit for signs of battery swelling and discontinue use immediately if you notice any.
To reduce chances of battery swelling, we advise not keeping this unit plugged or charging 24/7 (unplug it for a few hours a day) - and be extra cautious of running consistent high loads on it, especially in weak signal areas which requires more power usage. For maximum safety, discontinue use entirely.
The ZTE Warp Connect is a 802.11b/g/n mobile hotspot device available for Sprint's network and offered by Boost Mobile, a prepaid subsidiary of Sprint.
The ZTE Warp can connect up to 10 Wi-Fi enabled devices at a time.
Its onscreen display allows users to to see usage and connection on device.
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: ZTE MF920VS
- # of Connected Devices: 10 via WiFi
- Control Panel and Default Password:
Control Panel: http://192.168.128.1 or http://myhotspot
Default Password: "password" - USB Tethering Support: Yes
- Supported Networks and Bands:
LTE Bands: B25/26/41/2/4/5/12
3G: Yes - LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Band 25, 26, 41 - Spark
- MIMO Support: 2x2 Internal and external
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-4
(Max Theoretical Speed: 150Mbps Down / 50 Mbps Up) - Cellular Antenna Ports: 2x MIMO (T-S9)
- Other Ports: microUSB (charging/tethering)
- Wi-Fi Technology / Frequencies: 802.11 b/g/n - 2.4GHz
- Battery Life: 8-10 hrs usage
- Can Be Powered Without a Battery: No - battery not removable
- Dimensions: 4.6'' x 2.6'' x 0.57''
- SIM Card Type: Nano
- Retail Price: Boost Mobile: $49.99
Review & Testing Status
We purchased a Calyx membership with a year of unlimited Sprint service, which included the Warp device. It works as advertised, but the reports of battery issues with this device are concerning.
Our field testing results can be found here for our members who want to follow along:
Cellular Signal & Embedded Router Field Testing – IBR900 | MAX-BR1 | Drive Sleek | MIMO Antennas (1st Quarter 2018)
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.
Are you a member? Please log in above to access your member exclusive content!
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.
Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of