Nighthawk MR1100 Replacement for AT&T ZTE Z700A Homebase?

[dosbirn]

Looking to finally upgrade my old AT&T ZTE Z700A Homebase wifi (hotspot) box.  AT&T is telling me there is nothing I can use but I believe some people have used the Nighthawk MR1100. 

My ZTE has a SIM card. Does the MR1100 as well?  If it works as a replacement, can I simply transfer the SIM from the Z700A to the MR1100? Or will AT&T need to do something? I have a 250gb plan and don't want to change it.

[rcpax]

If you plan on using the same SIM on a new hotspot, why not go for a 5G one. The MR1100 is a 4G LTE hotspot and is quite outdated, unless you already have one, but if you have to purchase one, a used MR600 5G hotspot is really not that expensive. probably a little bit more than a used MR1100, but it will perform way better. ATT does provisions their SIM for 5G access, so ask them first if they are able to do that for your SIM.

[dosbirn]

Thank you! That’s exactly what I was wondering, if there was a 5g upgrade. Last time I researched, only the MR1100 was available (as far as I could find).

I’m calling them tomorrow with these suggestions. Thanks again!

[dosbirn]

I just got off the phone with AT&T. They actually have an Netgear M7 available, which is 5g. Problem is they would have to change my 250g data plan & they don’t have anything comparable (as cheap). I certainly don’t want to lose my 250g.

So, I’m going to buy an MR1100 & see if it will work.

[dosbirn]

UPDATE: so I bought the Nighthawk MR1100 from Amazon after talking to an in-store AT&T rep.  She confirmed that I couldn't use a 5g device on my current 4g plan.  She specifically said I could use the MR1100 and that they don't sell them anymore.

The Amazon description specifically says it works best with AT&T.  I swapped the SIM card.  Spent hours on the phone with AT&T & Netgear trying to set up the APN on the Netgear app.  Finally, AT&T told me that my plan will not allow me to use this device, even though they still show support information for it on their webpage.  And even though the in-store AT&T rep said I could. I think they want me to change my plan yet they have nothing close to match my 250gb plan & price.

Looks like I'll be making a return to Amazon.  😕

[rcpax]

I am on T-Mobile, and I will say, ditch ATT and switch to T-Mobile. Unless T-Mobile has horrible reception on your location, really no point in sticking with ATT. T-Mobile will not do that "can't use our 5G" thing like ATT does. No special provisioning like Verizon. Just set T-Mobile APN and you get 5G as long as you have a 5G capable modem in that mobile router, and the bands for T-Mobile 5G are there. So these would be the unlocked ones like MR6510, and MR6550. Pricier than MR6500 of ATT, but the benefits will pay dividends and more in a span of even just a few months. That's just my $0.02

[dosbirn]

The thing is, I’m on a 4G 250gb plan. ATT can give me 5G but I lose my 250gb & pay more money for less data. I’m sure TMobile would do the same thing.

What makes me mad is that I checked with ATT first before I bought the device. So the person I talked to didn’t know what they were talking about. Just typical customer service anywhere these days.