So word of caution if you decide to purchase the Netgear Nighthawk LTE Mobile Hotspots Model MR1100 that I have. Do not open the box; the IMEI and ICCID numbers are clearly visible on the outside of the box. Do not place either number into AT&T website except as follows below. You will need this information to request AT&T unlock the device.
1. Purchase the ATT Nighthawk LT Mobile Hotspot Router Model MR1100. Best Buy currently has it for $199.99 ($215.49 after tax)
2. Don’t open box yet, otherwise you will pay $45 restocking fee if you have to return it.
3. To submit device unlock request, go to
https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/ Should take up to 48 hours, but they may approve in minute. You will get an email from AT&T that has links so you can check the progress on the unlock request. You will be given an Unlock Request No:
4. Once the unlock request has been approved, go to
https://prepaid.t-mobile.com/prepaid-internet or whomever you wish to sign up for the data plan
5. Click the Chat feature and ask to sign up for $10/mo for 2GB data mobile internet plan. It should cost $10 for the plan, $10 for the SIM and some taxes, so approx. $21
6. They can sign you up via Chat be sending you secured docs thru the Chat system
7. Once signed up, you should receive a SIM card within 5 business days
8. Once you receive SIM, go ahead and unbox Nighthawk
9. Follow the emailed instructions to Unlock Nighthawk
10. You should also download the Netgear Mobile App from Appstore
11. If all goes well and you have successfully activated the Nighthawk and can use it for mobile hotspot internet connectivity, then you can also call 877-207-4529 or 800-937-8997 to sign up for the auto-pay plan so the $10/mo is automatically charged to your CC each month.
12. Then created my T-Mobile sign in:
http://www.t-mobile.com
13. Create new account, it will send a verification code to your email AND one to hotspot
14. Hotspot does have ability to receive text messages!!
Unfortunately I am not that great at following instructions and I did not get past #4 since my request was denied (most likely because I entered the IMEI to check if the device could be seen and that was all it took for AT&T to lock it down). So instead of $10/month for 2 GB (T-Mobile) I am stuck with $25/month 3 GB AT&T for 6 months (might actually be 60 days or less).
I'll have the HotSpot powered into the vehicle battery using Power Magic Pro which will monitor car battery to ensure it does not drain. The Blackvue dashcam will also be wired into Power Magic Pro. I'll report on how well it works after the install.
Correction - decided not to wire into Power Magic Pro mainly because I wanted the unit to remain portable. I have since simply velcro tied it to the wall of center console storage and plugged into a portable Anker battery pack 20,000 mAh. So far it has kept it powered for almost 4 days and counting.
