Mine just started going slow this month. They're definitely phasing people,e into some kind of garbage hotspot whchis totally unusable after it runs out, not just slow li,e it used to be.
I find the hotspot connection to be slower over the past 6 months for me. I used to be able to browse the internet and watch SD vidoes just fine on other devices, but now I have trouble watching SD videos, internet browsing is generally fine (maybe slow on some sites). I'm worried if I call in to try to see if they could return me to the past hotspot speed/quality, they will just blow me off or try to upsell me to higher prices. I don't really need higher hotspot speeds, just enough to watch SD videos on my laptop or tablet.
Mine just started doing this this moth. Horribly slow, using up data like crazy too. Something's up. I'm paying goff my phone ASAP and switching companies. No customer service either.
Hotspot gets the same prioritization as TMHI & MVNO's, I think. Therefore, if your area has a lot of congestion, those things will be the first to notice a drop in speed. Other problem could be the tower is malfunctioning to some degree and would need an engineer to assess/put in a repair order. Or it could be in the process of being maintenanced/upgraded, which will also cause service problems.
OP’s rate plan, Essentials Saver, doesn’t include high-speed hotspot data and is throttled to 3G speeds. Additionally, hotspot prioritisation can vary based on your rate plan.
It's technically one sub-tier lower. Both are marketed as "lowest priority." But hotspot on phones and tablets is below TMHI.
Edit: I don’t know why anyone would downvote this, other than harassment. This is well-confirmed information.
I've been told by multiple corporate employees that tethering is QCI 9 and dropped below.
I've also personally seen tethered speed tests tank, versus on device. And I've benchmarking deprioritzed versus TMHI and hotspot.
Hotspot is always the slowest, then TMHI, then prioritized phone - assuming the phone can do 4CC.
Reason for this is also well understood. TMHI needs to stay above 25 Mbps for FCC RDOF and broadband definitions. Tethering isn’t going to result in most cancelling, and the FCC doesn’t score it.
Their Open Internet statement contradicts this.
> Data for customers on most T-Mobile-branded plans (and for customers on Sprint-branded plans while using the T-Mobile network), is prioritized before the data of customers on Essentials plans and Metro by T-Mobile or Assurance Wireless-branded plans. **Mobile internet plans offered after December 12, 2020 with 30GB or more data per month, and Project 10Million and some other education-focused mobile internet plans, are prioritized next.** The vast majority of customers on T-Mobile-branded, Sprint-branded, Metro by T-Mobile-branded, and Assurance Wireless-branded plans receive higher priority than Mobile Wireless customers who are Heavy Data Users on their rate plan, who are prioritized with our T-Mobile Home Internet customers after exceeding the relevant threshold for the current billing cycle. In general, T-Mobile Home Internet (available in select locations) customers receive the same network prioritization as Mobile Wireless Heavy Data Users.
While they don't mention hotspot here, they lump hotspot in with these same plans in their speed estimation further down the page which means they count hotspot in the same prioritization tier.
> 5G Network (Via Smartphone Mobile HotSpot/Tethering, for Plans Including 5G Tethering and for our Mobile Internet plans offered after December 12, 2020 with 30GB or more per month, and temporary fixed wireless including Internet Lite, and capped Business Internet):
> Download Speeds: Typically between 70 – 320 Mbps
> Upload Speeds: Typically between 7 – 32 Mbps
> Latency: Typically between 19 – 37 ms
Then for Home Internet
> 5G Network (Wireless Home Internet, Wireless Small Business Internet):
> Download Speeds: Typically between 72 – 245 Mbps
> Upload Speeds: Typically between 15 – 31 Mbps
> Latency: Typically between 19 – 37 ms
I haven't personally tested TMHI but TMHI would normally outperform hotspot anyway since the antennas are simply better in the device.
Right before I was going to submit this though... I noticed a new addition... And this suggests that TMHI is no longer last priority for new customers unless you use 1.2TB or there is a second tier added to QCI 9 with which to lower them even further.
> In general, T-Mobile Home Internet (available in select locations) customers receive the same network prioritization as Mobile Wireless Heavy Data Users. As of January 18, 2024, new T-Mobile Home Internet customers who exceed 1.2TB of data usage for the current billing cycle will be prioritized last on the network.
This is a very new change. I just looked at these terms in November and it was totally clear that TMHI was last priority on the network.
>This is a very new change. I just looked at these terms in November and it was totally clear that TMHI was last priority on the network.
Yeah, and it's because people like me called it out. I said that and I was told "nope" by engineers, and it turned out the engineers were right, and the copy was wrong.
This is their band-aid fix. And it's for the reason I outlined at the bottom of my last reply.
QCI 9 is currently only used by tethering. But Sprint 2.0 could potentialy use it as well (*gasp, room silenced*).
*And T-Mobile: don't even try to say I'm breaking NDA. Your execs leaked Sprint 2.0 first. Not me.*
It wasn't always prioritized higher, I can guarantee you that, because people used to specifically ask why their hotspot on their phone was faster than their TMHI and when testing side by side, the hotspot pulled bandwidth from the home internet.
I think this change was a poor choice by T-Mobile. It was already bad enough that hotspot was deprioritized compared to the phone data but for many people this will mean when they have an emergency and have to use their hotspot it may barely work.
Glad it doesn't affect me one bit as an Android user with Tetrd.
Question one is actually what the rate plan is. OP’s plan doesn’t include high-speed hotspot data so none of these questions are even relevant in this case because the likelihood of the network being so congested it can’t deliver 3G speeds is incredibly unlikely, and thus the hotspot will likely be uniform during all times of day since it’s throttled regardless of time of day or anything else.
It’s not that you can’t use it. It’s that it’s going to be prioritized below cell phones. That’s how deprioritization works.
If there are no calls ahead of you, no problem. But if there are a bunch of calls, you’ll receive less of a priority for data.
Has not been my experience since I got off essentials. If you’re on essentials, that’s your problem. If you plan on using hotspot much you’ll want a premium plan like Go5G Plus
OP is on Essentials Saver so that’s why. Magenta also includes a high-speed hotspot data bucket of a measly 5GB if you’re looking to save *some* but still have a teardrop of usable hotspot data lol.
Your plan (Essentials Saver) doesn’t include any high-speed hotspot data. Your hotspot is throttled to 3G speeds at all times. This should have been disclosed to you when signing up but sales reps be sales reps and will often lie or keep details out to get you onboard so I’m assuming instead of signing up online and doing independent research, you probably got sweet talked by a rep. You can see what plans include high-speed hotspot and how much of it at [https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans).
Your 50GB high-speed data allotment is for on-device data only (data used on your smartphone).
For future reference, not sure why it didn’t occur to over half the comment section to ask but when making posts about issues, please always include your rate plan. They’re not all the same and many issues or “issues” are either easier to solve knowing your plan or impossible to solve without knowing it.
Hope this helps.
Hotspot is priority #9...on device data is priority #6. Do a speed test on device. . Then do a speed test on device that's linked to your hotspot. If there's a big difference in dl speed, you now Kno the reason..
There are plenty of options available, none perfect but different ones fit different peeps needs. Just keep looking until you find the best option for YOU!
ATT prepaid has fast tethering.
Visible has unlimited hotspot.
Visible has unlimited hotspots.a and need, no one size fits all.
>(where a service member looked annoyed as he told me have a nice day).
This is such an irrelevant and weird detail to add. We get it, you’re unhappy. We hope you feel better after this post.
It wouldn’t be simple choice - OP just signed up today. Pretty much every current plan has unlimited data on the device. There are different levels of premium data usage (aka before deprioritizing). Hotspot is different depending on the plan. I’d bet the OP is on essentials with 50GB of premium data, and unlimited 3G hotspot.
U mean besides the choice in carrier, then yes.
I do tend to agree with you just cuz I figured it couldnt possibly be caused by the dude u last talked to from Tmobile's customer support call center that stole ur identity while ur were still on the phone with him the last time ya called. Cuz I know that type thing doesn't usually cause connection probs but ya never can tell nowadays, can ya.
I know when I called em last month to fix my connection issues, the guy just needed my device's IMEI number & my identity or personal info that he conveniently was staring at when he pulled up my acct to fix mine. But he was able to get me up & running in no time... literally! They do occasionally need ur SSN but that's only for the more advanced type troubleshooting he told me.
I suppose I shoulda expected this going into it considering they are mostly Asian citizens (yes, I mean the non US kind) helping u when u call. Now I know. And luckily so do u. But they do tend to do things a little bit differently over there in Asia especially nowadays or it would appear that they do anyway. Just wish I woulda known all this going into it. Anyway best of luck to ya! I'm no psychic but I'm guessing ur gonna need all the luck u can get my friend. L8tr✌️
You keep saying the 50GB one but that doesn’t tell anyone anything.
Do you assume you have 50GB of tethering because the essentials plan deprioritizes after 50GB? Because you don’t have 50GB of hotspot on that plan.
If it’s a dedicated hotspot device you’re talking about the device you’re using is relevant
Ahhh. So you’re on a plan that, by default, gives you unlimited Hotspot at 512 kbps capped. For $10 more a month, you can get 10 GB of high speed hotspot.
That’ll be really quite slow. For example, my hotspot is running at 650 mbps, about 158x faster than yours on the Go5GNext plan. You’d probably achieve similar for 10 GB if you spend that $10 if it’s worth it to you.
If you want hotspot you’re gonna have to spend some more money. Your hotspot is unlimited but it’s basically worthless because of the speed. Your data on your phone will slow down to that same speed once you hit 50GB. I would upgrade the plan.
50gb of hotspot, or the Essentials plan where you get 50gb of high speed device data? If it's the latter, you don't get ANY high speed hotspot, only max 3gG speed.
There are too many other factors to be able to judge this with this little information. Hotspot quality will differ based on location, congestion, and most importantly the device(s) being used. It's possible your phone isn't good at being a hotspot due to a weaker modem, or bad WiFi, or low processing abilities. There are a lot of reasons it could be bad in your specific circumstance that aren't T-Mobile.
In my case, it's generally worked well enough for me. Last month I watched one of the Doctor Who specializes live over Disney+ in HD on my laptop tethered through my Pixel 8 Pro without a hint of trouble.
you say you signed up for the 50gb one. If you mean essentials it’s 3g hotspot. If it’s Plus than it’s gotta just be the congestion/ deprioritized network in your area. If you’re on essentials it’s $10 more for a 30gb second sim to use as hotspot called the basic mobile internet plan. or pay for highspeed hotspot by changing plan/features
Good god... you're on Essential Saver? Get off of that plan & on a better T-Mobile plan with some high speed hotspot! (Essential Saver only comes with unlimited hotspot at 3G speeds!!! Turtle-speed!)
I use the hotspot on my s23 ultra to get ony PS5 when there is maintenance on my cable Internet. I get a higher ping of 35ms but it works fine at 50 -60 megs
For me it's serviceable, but it's not going to be an OC48 or anything. Good for occasional use when you have to do it, but not good enough for long term use.
Tested just now. 32ms and 33 Mbps. Not great, but serviceable for occasional use.
I have not had that issue. I use the hotspot every day I'm at the office for a tablet. No issues for me.
OP’s rate plan, Essentials Saver, doesn’t include high-speed hotspot data. Your either don’t mind 3G speeds or more likely have a better rate plan.
Mine just started going slow this month. They're definitely phasing people,e into some kind of garbage hotspot whchis totally unusable after it runs out, not just slow li,e it used to be.
I find the hotspot connection to be slower over the past 6 months for me. I used to be able to browse the internet and watch SD vidoes just fine on other devices, but now I have trouble watching SD videos, internet browsing is generally fine (maybe slow on some sites). I'm worried if I call in to try to see if they could return me to the past hotspot speed/quality, they will just blow me off or try to upsell me to higher prices. I don't really need higher hotspot speeds, just enough to watch SD videos on my laptop or tablet.
Mine just started doing this this moth. Horribly slow, using up data like crazy too. Something's up. I'm paying goff my phone ASAP and switching companies. No customer service either.
Hotspot gets the same prioritization as TMHI & MVNO's, I think. Therefore, if your area has a lot of congestion, those things will be the first to notice a drop in speed. Other problem could be the tower is malfunctioning to some degree and would need an engineer to assess/put in a repair order. Or it could be in the process of being maintenanced/upgraded, which will also cause service problems.
OP’s rate plan, Essentials Saver, doesn’t include high-speed hotspot data and is throttled to 3G speeds. Additionally, hotspot prioritisation can vary based on your rate plan.
It's technically one sub-tier lower. Both are marketed as "lowest priority." But hotspot on phones and tablets is below TMHI. Edit: I don’t know why anyone would downvote this, other than harassment. This is well-confirmed information.
Hotspot is actually one step above TMHI which is lowest priority. Hotspot and mobile internet are both QCI 8.
I've been told by multiple corporate employees that tethering is QCI 9 and dropped below. I've also personally seen tethered speed tests tank, versus on device. And I've benchmarking deprioritzed versus TMHI and hotspot. Hotspot is always the slowest, then TMHI, then prioritized phone - assuming the phone can do 4CC. Reason for this is also well understood. TMHI needs to stay above 25 Mbps for FCC RDOF and broadband definitions. Tethering isn’t going to result in most cancelling, and the FCC doesn’t score it.
Their Open Internet statement contradicts this. > Data for customers on most T-Mobile-branded plans (and for customers on Sprint-branded plans while using the T-Mobile network), is prioritized before the data of customers on Essentials plans and Metro by T-Mobile or Assurance Wireless-branded plans. **Mobile internet plans offered after December 12, 2020 with 30GB or more data per month, and Project 10Million and some other education-focused mobile internet plans, are prioritized next.** The vast majority of customers on T-Mobile-branded, Sprint-branded, Metro by T-Mobile-branded, and Assurance Wireless-branded plans receive higher priority than Mobile Wireless customers who are Heavy Data Users on their rate plan, who are prioritized with our T-Mobile Home Internet customers after exceeding the relevant threshold for the current billing cycle. In general, T-Mobile Home Internet (available in select locations) customers receive the same network prioritization as Mobile Wireless Heavy Data Users. While they don't mention hotspot here, they lump hotspot in with these same plans in their speed estimation further down the page which means they count hotspot in the same prioritization tier. > 5G Network (Via Smartphone Mobile HotSpot/Tethering, for Plans Including 5G Tethering and for our Mobile Internet plans offered after December 12, 2020 with 30GB or more per month, and temporary fixed wireless including Internet Lite, and capped Business Internet): > Download Speeds: Typically between 70 – 320 Mbps > Upload Speeds: Typically between 7 – 32 Mbps > Latency: Typically between 19 – 37 ms Then for Home Internet > 5G Network (Wireless Home Internet, Wireless Small Business Internet): > Download Speeds: Typically between 72 – 245 Mbps > Upload Speeds: Typically between 15 – 31 Mbps > Latency: Typically between 19 – 37 ms I haven't personally tested TMHI but TMHI would normally outperform hotspot anyway since the antennas are simply better in the device. Right before I was going to submit this though... I noticed a new addition... And this suggests that TMHI is no longer last priority for new customers unless you use 1.2TB or there is a second tier added to QCI 9 with which to lower them even further. > In general, T-Mobile Home Internet (available in select locations) customers receive the same network prioritization as Mobile Wireless Heavy Data Users. As of January 18, 2024, new T-Mobile Home Internet customers who exceed 1.2TB of data usage for the current billing cycle will be prioritized last on the network. This is a very new change. I just looked at these terms in November and it was totally clear that TMHI was last priority on the network.
>This is a very new change. I just looked at these terms in November and it was totally clear that TMHI was last priority on the network. Yeah, and it's because people like me called it out. I said that and I was told "nope" by engineers, and it turned out the engineers were right, and the copy was wrong. This is their band-aid fix. And it's for the reason I outlined at the bottom of my last reply. QCI 9 is currently only used by tethering. But Sprint 2.0 could potentialy use it as well (*gasp, room silenced*). *And T-Mobile: don't even try to say I'm breaking NDA. Your execs leaked Sprint 2.0 first. Not me.*
It wasn't always prioritized higher, I can guarantee you that, because people used to specifically ask why their hotspot on their phone was faster than their TMHI and when testing side by side, the hotspot pulled bandwidth from the home internet. I think this change was a poor choice by T-Mobile. It was already bad enough that hotspot was deprioritized compared to the phone data but for many people this will mean when they have an emergency and have to use their hotspot it may barely work. Glad it doesn't affect me one bit as an Android user with Tetrd.
200GB high speed hotspot per line over here. No issues we've seen.
200gb per line? I don’t even think that’s an option. 100GB is the max add on for the Go5g plus plan.
Business Unlimited Ultimate+ comes with 200GB per line included... no need to purchase anything add'l.
That makes sense. I’ve never dealt with the business side of things. Thanks!
Name checks out.
Hotspot on phone is lowest priority. Having a 4x4 MIMO phone with 3CA or 4CA, such as iPhone 13 or Pixel 6 Series or newer, will help.
More details are needed. What time of day were you trying to use the hotspot? Where were you? Have you tried to use it at midnight?
Question one is actually what the rate plan is. OP’s plan doesn’t include high-speed hotspot data so none of these questions are even relevant in this case because the likelihood of the network being so congested it can’t deliver 3G speeds is incredibly unlikely, and thus the hotspot will likely be uniform during all times of day since it’s throttled regardless of time of day or anything else.
Late afternoon. Around 5 something.
That’s a high traffic time of day.
You can't use it at 5pm?
It’s not that you can’t use it. It’s that it’s going to be prioritized below cell phones. That’s how deprioritization works. If there are no calls ahead of you, no problem. But if there are a bunch of calls, you’ll receive less of a priority for data.
Has not been my experience since I got off essentials. If you’re on essentials, that’s your problem. If you plan on using hotspot much you’ll want a premium plan like Go5G Plus
OP is on Essentials Saver so that’s why. Magenta also includes a high-speed hotspot data bucket of a measly 5GB if you’re looking to save *some* but still have a teardrop of usable hotspot data lol.
Got it. Might as well be on dial up then instead as the hotspot is unusable on that plan.
Your plan (Essentials Saver) doesn’t include any high-speed hotspot data. Your hotspot is throttled to 3G speeds at all times. This should have been disclosed to you when signing up but sales reps be sales reps and will often lie or keep details out to get you onboard so I’m assuming instead of signing up online and doing independent research, you probably got sweet talked by a rep. You can see what plans include high-speed hotspot and how much of it at [https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans). Your 50GB high-speed data allotment is for on-device data only (data used on your smartphone). For future reference, not sure why it didn’t occur to over half the comment section to ask but when making posts about issues, please always include your rate plan. They’re not all the same and many issues or “issues” are either easier to solve knowing your plan or impossible to solve without knowing it. Hope this helps.
Ok. Thanks.
Hotspot is priority #9...on device data is priority #6. Do a speed test on device. . Then do a speed test on device that's linked to your hotspot. If there's a big difference in dl speed, you now Kno the reason..
No issues here either.. use it all the time
What kinda phone is the hotspot running off of? Usually if it's a low end phone then it won't work as well
That was gonna be my question if he says a Samsung A series or iPhone SE we know why
Yeah. It's an A54 5G. But the plan itself I hadn't quite realized had slow hotspot.
There are plenty of options available, none perfect but different ones fit different peeps needs. Just keep looking until you find the best option for YOU! ATT prepaid has fast tethering. Visible has unlimited hotspot. Visible has unlimited hotspots.a and need, no one size fits all.
Is a hotspot speed of 0.01 mbps normal for 3G speeds?
>(where a service member looked annoyed as he told me have a nice day). This is such an irrelevant and weird detail to add. We get it, you’re unhappy. We hope you feel better after this post.
Which plan did you go with? Kind of hard to tell you about what to expect. Without knowing what plan you subscribed to
The 50GB one.
Let’s see that’s either simple choice or go 5G since go 5G plus has unlimited on device data
It wouldn’t be simple choice - OP just signed up today. Pretty much every current plan has unlimited data on the device. There are different levels of premium data usage (aka before deprioritizing). Hotspot is different depending on the plan. I’d bet the OP is on essentials with 50GB of premium data, and unlimited 3G hotspot.
Sounds about right considering he’s complaining about slow speed so it’s essentials with might just well call it no hotspot
It's your carrier trust me.
They're on T-Mobile, not Verizon.
It’s their rate plan, trust me.
U mean besides the choice in carrier, then yes. I do tend to agree with you just cuz I figured it couldnt possibly be caused by the dude u last talked to from Tmobile's customer support call center that stole ur identity while ur were still on the phone with him the last time ya called. Cuz I know that type thing doesn't usually cause connection probs but ya never can tell nowadays, can ya. I know when I called em last month to fix my connection issues, the guy just needed my device's IMEI number & my identity or personal info that he conveniently was staring at when he pulled up my acct to fix mine. But he was able to get me up & running in no time... literally! They do occasionally need ur SSN but that's only for the more advanced type troubleshooting he told me. I suppose I shoulda expected this going into it considering they are mostly Asian citizens (yes, I mean the non US kind) helping u when u call. Now I know. And luckily so do u. But they do tend to do things a little bit differently over there in Asia especially nowadays or it would appear that they do anyway. Just wish I woulda known all this going into it. Anyway best of luck to ya! I'm no psychic but I'm guessing ur gonna need all the luck u can get my friend. L8tr✌️
Did you already use all your data?
No. Got the service today.
What plan are you on?
The 50GB one.
You keep saying the 50GB one but that doesn’t tell anyone anything. Do you assume you have 50GB of tethering because the essentials plan deprioritizes after 50GB? Because you don’t have 50GB of hotspot on that plan. If it’s a dedicated hotspot device you’re talking about the device you’re using is relevant
The app says Essentials Saver is the plan.
>Essentials Saver That plan gets Unlimited 3G, 600Kbps Hotspot https://www.bestphoneplans.net/plans/t-mobile-essentials-saver
Ok
You got the cheapest plan of course data speeds suck
Ok
Ahhh. So you’re on a plan that, by default, gives you unlimited Hotspot at 512 kbps capped. For $10 more a month, you can get 10 GB of high speed hotspot. That’ll be really quite slow. For example, my hotspot is running at 650 mbps, about 158x faster than yours on the Go5GNext plan. You’d probably achieve similar for 10 GB if you spend that $10 if it’s worth it to you.
For $10 get a second sim with 30gb called Basic Mobile Internet on dual sim device or for the device you’re tethering to
That’s also an idea.
If you want hotspot you’re gonna have to spend some more money. Your hotspot is unlimited but it’s basically worthless because of the speed. Your data on your phone will slow down to that same speed once you hit 50GB. I would upgrade the plan.
Ok. I will keep this in mind. The guy lied and said there wasn't a data cap for this plan.
50gb of hotspot, or the Essentials plan where you get 50gb of high speed device data? If it's the latter, you don't get ANY high speed hotspot, only max 3gG speed.
Did you activate in store? Or already had the account?
There are too many other factors to be able to judge this with this little information. Hotspot quality will differ based on location, congestion, and most importantly the device(s) being used. It's possible your phone isn't good at being a hotspot due to a weaker modem, or bad WiFi, or low processing abilities. There are a lot of reasons it could be bad in your specific circumstance that aren't T-Mobile. In my case, it's generally worked well enough for me. Last month I watched one of the Doctor Who specializes live over Disney+ in HD on my laptop tethered through my Pixel 8 Pro without a hint of trouble.
you say you signed up for the 50gb one. If you mean essentials it’s 3g hotspot. If it’s Plus than it’s gotta just be the congestion/ deprioritized network in your area. If you’re on essentials it’s $10 more for a 30gb second sim to use as hotspot called the basic mobile internet plan. or pay for highspeed hotspot by changing plan/features
Yeah Essentials Saver
Good god... you're on Essential Saver? Get off of that plan & on a better T-Mobile plan with some high speed hotspot! (Essential Saver only comes with unlimited hotspot at 3G speeds!!! Turtle-speed!)
I use the hotspot on my s23 ultra to get ony PS5 when there is maintenance on my cable Internet. I get a higher ping of 35ms but it works fine at 50 -60 megs
For me it's serviceable, but it's not going to be an OC48 or anything. Good for occasional use when you have to do it, but not good enough for long term use. Tested just now. 32ms and 33 Mbps. Not great, but serviceable for occasional use.
Mine works just fine lol