If you’re buying on Vodafone, then the only real mobile broadband alternative is the Vodafone K5161, but this is a dongle, meaning it needs to be plugged into the device it’s getting online – and can only get one device online at a time. You can currently get the Vodafone R219 on the following mobile broadband plans from Vodafone: Data Allowance As an alternative to the R219 mobile wi-fi hotspot, Vodafone also offers the K5161 USB data dongle. This is a simpler device compared to the R219, allowing you to use mobile broadband on only one device at a given time (your laptop).

When I tried to register the SIM and number I'm unable to do so as it sends a text apparently and I'm not able to access that via the mobile hotspot device. Customers using their own mobile broadband device with Vodafone’s data-only SIM card may be able to access even faster speeds than what is available on the Vodafone R219 and K5161. For instance, 5G speeds are available on a data-only SIM if you have a 5G device and are living in a 5G coverage area. Coverage 2G, 3G & 4G Coverage The Vodafone R219 is a solid, competitive 4G mobile broadband device. It’s small, light, very simple to set up and use, reasonably fast, and has decent battery life, all for an affordable price.One great thing about the Vodafone R219 is that it comes ready to use – just take it out of the box, turn it on, and you can instantly use it. So there’s no need to install any software or anything. Unlike Vodafone’s regular fixed-line home broadband (including Superfast Broadband and Gigafast Broadband), Vodafone’s 4G mobile broadband service doesn’t rely on a phone line. This gives you the flexibility to use it in more places – whether that’s at home or outside at a different location. You can even use it abroad in 51 destinations at no extra cost through Vodafone Global Roaming (or in 81 destinations if you have an Unlimited Max price plan). In the following sections, we’ll review each of the two mobile broadband devices in more detail. Vodafone R219 Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot

The main advantage of choosing a K5161 USB data dongle is the fact it’s lighter and more portable than a R219 hotspot. Weighing just 35g, it’s around one-third of the weight of a R219 hotspot. There’s also no need to charge the device or to carry around a charging cable for it – simply plug it in to the USB port on your laptop to use it. The dongle also has a built-in micro-SD card reader. This allows you to transfer files between different devices. For most people, we’d recommend the Vodafone R219 mobile wi-fi hotspot as the best device for getting online through Vodafone’s mobile broadband service. On the Unlimited Max price plan, you can roam at no extra cost in 81 international destinations with Global Roaming Plus. This includes most European countries along with the USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey and more.

For more information, see our in-depth guide to coverage on Vodafone or our overview of how mobile coverage works in the UK. International Roaming So it’s a mobile broadband device, and while it’s limited to 4G speeds (as Vodafone’s only 5G broadband device at the time of writing is for the home) it still has a lot going for it and is a strong alternative to tethering. The Vodafone R219 gives you Wi-Fi freedom, letting you bring a portable hotspot connection with you wherever you go, so you can get laptops, tablets and more online when you’re out and about. Compatible with any device that supports wi-fi connectivity. Includes your phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, games console and more.

The Vodafone R219 can also get up to 10 devices online at once, so even if you’re with a group you should be able to get everyone’s tablets and laptops connected to the internet. Battery On Vodafone’s mobile broadband service, you’ll have access to 99% population coverage in the UK on Vodafone’s 2G, 3G and 4G networks.So read on below for everything you need to know about the Vodafone R219 Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot, to see if it’s the mobile Wi-Fi device for you. Design The main disadvantage of the K5161 data dongle is that it can only be used on one device at a time. This needs to be a laptop with a spare USB port, running on Windows 7 and later or Mac OS X 10.9 and later. It isn’t possible to use the dongle with other types of device like your tablet, smartphone or games console.

Fairly light and portable: the hotspot weighs 95g and measures 10.0 x 5.8 x 1.37 cm. A micro-USB cable is used for charging, giving up to 6 hours battery life on one charge. In theory it should also come with some charge in the battery, so you won’t even need to plug it in. But then it’s not a device you’ll be interacting with or even looking at much once it’s set up, so it doesn’t need a flashy design or loads of buttons.On all mobile broadband plans, it’s possible to roam at no extra cost when travelling to one of 51 European destinations (capped at a maximum of 25GB per month on unlimited data plans). When joining Vodafone’s mobile broadband service, there’s a choice of two devices. Most people now choose the Vodafone R219 mobile wi-fi hotspot as it allows you to connect up to 10 devices to the internet at the same time. The Vodafone K5161 USB data dongle is also available if you want a simpler device that gives you mobile broadband on your laptop. Alternatively, it’s also possible to get a mobile broadband SIM card that gives you access to mobile broadband on Vodafone without a new device. Compatible with a laptop running Windows 7 or later, or Mac OS X 10.9 and newer. A driver will be installed on your laptop for the dongle. If you’re travelling abroad, you can use your mobile broadband service through Vodafone Global Roaming. Best for connecting multiple devices to the internet at the same time (up to 10 devices at one time).