Understanding portable WiFi routers in Kenya and how to use them

We have become accustomed to having internet in the palm of our hands 24 hours a day, whenever we need it so when we travel and the excessive costs of data roaming come into play, we become frustrated. This is where a portable WiFi router saves the day, hoorah! It might sound and look very high tech but these palm-sized gadgets can get you online, anywhere in the world, at affordable prices and they are very easy to use.

What is a portable WiFi router?

A portable WiFi router is just like your internet box at home, but instead of being attached to a phone cable, they use a SIM card inside instead. If you get an ‘unlocked’ portable WiFi device, this means you can use any SIM card, from anywhere in the world, inside it.  The benefit of this is that you can therefore always get the lowest rates as you can use a worldwide data SIM or a local SIM in it. A portable WiFi device will enable you to set up your own private internet connection, practically anywhere in the world, on at least 10 devices simultaneously connected, including phones, laptops, tablets and iPads, games consoles and cameras, etc.

How easy are they to use?

The answer is incredible. Once charged it is simply a case of popping in a SIM card and switching it on, then within seconds, you can be surfing the internet on several devices simultaneously. Some companies like Jamii Telecommunications Limited(Faiba) only sell locked portable WiFi hotspots, this means you can only use that Faiba SIM card inside – this can, therefore, make it expensive to use when you travel.  It’s best to get an unlocked WiFi router so you can use any SIM inside, that way you can always get a different SIM if necessary to keep your costs low in the country you are visiting.

How reliable are they?

Portable devices vary in particular capabilities but as long as there is network coverage in the destination you are in you will be able to access the internet. Remember that not all countries support 4G so when selecting a device keep this in mind. Most portable WiFi hotspots can connect at least 10 devices and give you decent internet speeds, the Huawei E5573c 4G Mobile WiFi is a great example of this and affordable too.

For those that are after something top of the range, the Huawei E5855 4G+Mobile Hotspot boasts super-fast 4G+ download speeds of up to 300mbps and gives you up to 1600 hours on standby.  If you are less fussed about internet speed you can pick up a portable hotspot like the Huawei E5330 Pocket WiFi. This small pocket internet device also has an iPhone app that can manage all the aspects of the router remotely. The router supports connection with 10 devices simultaneously, offering impressive internet speed, and is an absolute steal for the money spent. For travelers with limited resources, this MiFi device certainly won’t break the bank!

Read more on Huawei Pocket Wi-Fi devices

What can I use a portable WiFi router for?

You can use a portable WiFi router when you travel; whether for business or pleasure, when walking around, at home, in a small office, or in the car (there are even special car WiFi devices).  You can connect you /your family’s /business colleagues’ devices up to a secure network so you can all get online affordably.  If you are traveling on business, you can ensure you keep productivity levels high while you are out and about.  Most portable WiFi hotspots are fairly small and lightweight so you are not restricted where you can take them.  Just make sure that the SIM you use inside gives good data rates in the country you are using it in.

What options are out there for Portable WiFi routers?

There is a huge variation of portable WiFi hotspots on the market; these vary quite a lot by:

Size: some are pocket-size some are larger.

Functionality: Some have basic functionality (i.e., giving you internet access) whereas some have additional features like the Huawei E5855 which is also a power bank to charge your devices and it has the ability to send and receive SMS.

Compatibility

Although all WiFi hotspots are compatible with all WiFi-enabled devices, there are options to plug directly into your laptop or tablet using a Wi-Fi USB, whereas others are stand-alone gadgets that can work without a laptop.

Cost

The range in cost is actually quite vast; if you just want to get online when you travel a cheaper one like this ZTE will do, but if you plan on supporting a small office or want fast download speeds you should get one like this one with 4G+ speeds.

Speed

There are both 3G, 4G, 4G+, and 5G WiFi hotspots on the market, with 5G being the fastest.

Locked/Unlocked

We covered this above – make sure you have the freedom to use any SIM inside so you can always get the best rates in the country you are in.

The best thing about portable hotspots is that they allow you to keep in touch whilst on the move. Whether it is updating your Facebook status with your travel photos, answering emails, or finding local attractions. These handy gadgets are ideal for those times when there is no free WiFi and to safeguard yourself against hackers that prey on open WiFi connections.

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