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Kazakhstan, Astana
1 Level
509 Review
0 Karma

Review on πŸ“Ά Alcatel LINKZONE MW41TM - 4G LTE Mobile WiFi Hotspot with High-Speed Downloads & 15 Device Connection by Sonya Murphy

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Best Hotspot (MW41NF-2AOFUS1) with USSD support for Dominican Republic and Latin America

I've waited a few months to write this review because I wanted to test it thoroughly in the Dominican Republic, where it is used in the first round. First, not every mw41 access point works on all three major carriers. It must be the MW41NF-2AOFUS1 model unlocked. 4G Lte Bands: B1 (2100) B2 (1900) B3 (1800) B4 (AWS) B5 (850) B7 (2600) B8 (900) B12 (700) B13 (700) B20 (800) 3G UTMS: 850 /900 /1700/1900/2100 2G: 850/900/1800/1900MHz Also, this AP also supports USSD codes found via a web browser for the AP's IP address. You cannot find the USSD page with the Alcatel Link app. This is necessary in order to be able to add recharges (recarga) of packages (paqueticos) from which you can add unlimited internet for 1 day, 3 days and 5 days and everything you will find by going through the USSD menu system . (Actually it is not unlimited as you will find that the data limit depends on your usage). I do all this with a prepaid SIM card. I don't want to be stuck with monthly contracts. This particular model offers you compatibility with all 3 major mobile operators such as Altice, Claro and Viva. I have all 3 SIMs which I juggle depending on what part of the country I am in. Why do you ask? Because not all telecom operators have the same network coverage. So, from what I've tested, Altice has great coverage and great LTE speeds, which is why I use that most of the time. .com), they offer something other operators don't, which is double LTE bandwidth for just 50 pesos. Through the hotspot's USSD page, I usually add an unlimited internet package for 5 days for 139.00 pesos ($2.78) and the menu asks if you want to add dual LTE bandwidth for 50 pesos ($1.00). I always get 50 to 75 MB downstream and 20 to 30 MB upstream. Once you run out of packages (internet) you are limited to around 256kb until you add a top up. Let me mention here that I only pay for the 5 day plan at a time and it seems that only about 10 gigabytes of data is available. So if you use everything on the first day, you have to keep topping up your account. I know it sucks, but it all depends on what you're using it for. To launch the USSD menu system for ALTICE, enter #100# on the USSD page. Claro is the largest provider and probably has the most customers and the best coverage map, but I find their network a little unstable at times, especially on VoIP calls where their network has very high jitter and some latency issues depending on location. I consider Claro my backup plan when I'm not in a metropolitan area or big country city. They also reduce bandwidth when your bag is depleted and their bandwidth is 20-30MB downstream and around 10MB upstream on a good day. To activate the USSD menu system for CLARO, enter *112# on the USSD page. Viva is really an outsider now. Their coverage map isn't nearly as good as the Altice and Claro, but you'll find really good LTE coverage at high speeds in major cities. I was once working with my Altice SIM when in heavy rain I noticed my speed drop to 500k. I quickly switched the SIM card to Viva SIM and boom! I came back at high speed (about as fast as Claro) as long as it was raining and I could keep working. I highly recommend having a SIM card for all 3 providers just in case and depending on where you will be located. Getting them only costs 100 to 150 pesos. It's about 2-3 dollars. When charging, there is an entry in the USSD menu system to pay for up to 28 days at a time for 540 pesos ($10.80). I haven't seen it on altice and claro. To activate the USSD menu system for VIVA, enter #123# on the USSD page.--------------------------- ------------------------- ----------------------------------- --- - ------------ --NOTE: DO NOT buy SIM cards at airports! (unless you want to get raped for your money) find a mall, grocery store, or other place that sells them. You will need your passport to get it in your name. Supports USSD codes (not all hotspots have this feature) All 3 carriers will slow down after charging. If you are from USA or any other country where mobile phone supports WiFi, your phone works very well through this hotspot. No one will know you're out of town, no roaming charges, and anyone calling you won't hear that international ringtone when they dial your number. If you do business online in the US or any other country and want to look like you are in that country, get a VPN account, which has many other benefits as well. (Do your research) After you've added SIM top-ups and activated the Paquetico data plan, you'll need to reset your hotspot. FOR TRAVELERS: When I travel to the Dominican Republic, I buy a top-up just before I catch my flight to the Dominican Republic. online via charge.com. There are other websites but I think this one is better to use. As soon as my plane lands and is on the way to the gate, I turn on the hotspot, log in using a web browser and add paquetico unlimited internet for 5 days, before I get off the plane I am fully connected, the phone works, full internet and as usual. and my results show: Altice uses LTE bands: 2,4,5,8 Claro and Viva use LTE bands: 2,4,5,7 depending on where you are. This access point, MW41NF-2AOFUS1, supports everything.

Pros
  • Positive only
Cons
  • I'm worried