Database Users

[Q] support/driver for Sprint/Sierra Wireless 250U 3g/4g USB stick

ok, at the risk of being branded a noob and ridiculed, I've searched until I can't search any more.
I have a stock Iconia A500-32GB running 3.0.1.
I have a Sprint/Sierra wireless 250UUSB 3G/4G stick that I currently plugged into a Novatel 3g/4g wireless router.
Sometimes I'd like to not have to drag the router around will me. What's needed to use the stick in the USB port of my tablet if possible. I'd like to stay stock if I could.
This is something I'd be willing to pay for if available commercially. Any thoughts?
Thanks!

Just a quick question, why are you plugging in a 250U into a Novatel 3g/4g router... doesn't it have it's own 3g/4g modem?

xendrome said:
Just a quick question, why are you plugging in a 250U into a Novatel 3g/4g router... doesn't it have it's own 3g/4g modem?
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Click to collapse
sorry, meant to say cradlepoint travel router. You can see it at cradlepointdotcom
( I can't post links yet). It's the phs300.
I like the freedom. I can use the dongle on my laptop directly, or plug it into the router where it serves as a hotspot for multiple devices and is modem independent. I can have my laptop, phone via wifi and a500 table all at the same time using the same stick. It's battery powered, pretty well a full router has all the bells and whistles of most routers. I used to have the clear modem and just switched it out with the sprint one.
Plus I don't have to pay extra $30/month to use my phone as a hotspot.

Not trying to be the one to rain on the proverbial parade, but..you don't want to pay the 30/mo but his much are you paying for the air card?
Chlballi

chlballi said:
Not trying to be the one to rain on the proverbial parade, but..you don't want to pay the 30/mo but his much are you paying for the air card?
Chlballi
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Click to collapse
well, I pay $45 month for a usb stick that gives me both 3 and 4G service with a much higher cap that I can used on any number of devices hopefully including the A500. I have a two year contract on the stick, or I can pay $30 in addition to use my phone as a hotspot, run the battery down and while it's being used as a hotspot, I can't do voice calls. So, unless I'm violating the rules here by asking for help, I'd just hope that someone could help out other than asking questions which are really not helping me with my problem.

very understandable I am in I the same boat with you except I have a Novatel MC760 with Verizon I have been trying to get working.

Can't decide: 3G or not?

I can't decide if I want a 3g or just wifi. The difference in price is quite substantial £579 vs £479 I believe. I wonder if it will be possible to use a dongle or mobile phone as a hot spot. Any comments?

I tried out the Mobile WiFi Hotspot app on my HTC this evening and the WiFi Tab connected to it easily, I was on a reasonably quick 3G connection at the time and everything worked really well. I was sat in my car (waiting) and I suppose the downside to this is that I was draining battery on 2 devices at the same time.
If you're indoors then you could have one or both devices on charge and battery would'nt be an issue.

Lot of 3G users feel there is no love for them on the forums since most dev's create Wifi only ROMs. Wifi only Tabs are more common here in the US and have been out a lot longer, so development happens more frequently.
I went for wifi only because everywhere I go, generally has free wifi available. I tether with my Captivate if I can not find a wifi signal.

3G IMO.
Tethering just ends up draining the battery on two devices at the same time and a lot of networks charge extra for it (thankfully I have it included in my tariff).
Also, the 3G Tab has a memory card slot whereas the wi-fi only model does not.
If you do go for the 3G Tab, Three have a SIM-only data tariff aimed at iPads which gives you 10GB for £15 on a 30-day rolling contract.
One of the best value data tariffs in the UK and better yet no fixed term.

You have an SD card slot on your Tab?
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using xda premium

No but I have the wi-fi only version.

they removed the SD card slot even in the 3G version.

Step666 said:
Also, the 3G Tab has a memory card slot whereas the wi-fi only model does not.
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Click to collapse
Are you sure about that? Last i heard the 3G model doesnt have a microSD slot.
If you do go for the 3G Tab, Three have a SIM-only data tariff aimed at iPads which gives you 10GB for £15 on a 30-day rolling contract.
One of the best value data tariffs in the UK and better yet no fixed term.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A regular Three PAYG SIM has unlimited data for £15 - no need for an iPad "plan"!
Regards,
Dave

simple_punk said:
they removed the SD card slot even in the 3G version.
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Click to collapse
In which case my apologies, everything I'd read so far (even on here) said otherwise.
That's really pretty criminal of Samsung, it's not like the issue of, say, a full-sized HDMI port which wouldn't fit onto a device like the Tab, there's no good reason for them not to have included a microSD slot.
foxmeister said:
A regular Three PAYG SIM has unlimited data for £15 - no need for an iPad "plan"!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except, doing that is expressly forbidden:
Three said:
When using data, tethering a phone to a laptop for internet use, using the SIM in a Mobile Broadband Device or using hotspot functionality is not included.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Do you know of it's possible to use a USB dongle with it?
Sent from my HTC Hero using xda premium

You couldn't run a dongle directly from the Tab, you wouldn't have the necessary drivers.
You could use one of the mi-fi devices but then you're back to tethering and having to charge two devices etc.

I've got the 3G version and there's definitely no SD card slot...
3G is the way to go if you plan on using it outside, I'm nearly 3 hours a day in the bus and it's really handy

I was thinking about getting WiFi-only version and tether with my HTC Desire, but it's a huge battery drainage for the phone and i'm on public transport 2hrs/day, so i ended up with 3G version (anyway it's pretty hard to get 7510 here in Russia, they are not yet officially distributing it, we have 16Gb 7500 only). As for ROM situation, don't worry Stock ROM is pretty smooth with V6 supercharger script + OC 1.4Ghz Kernel.
TLR version: ask yourself "Do I have free WiFi everywhere i go?", because tethering everyday with your phone is not cool.

I pretty much echo the other 3G users, when I bought my iPad last year, I got all the way to the check out with the wifi version, then changed my mind at the last minute and got the 3G version, it was the best thing I did, so when it came to getting the Tab, I wasn't going for any other version than the 3G version.
In my opinion, it's an accompanying mobile device, if I have to go and find somewhere that had wifi each time I needed access to the net, it wouldn't be very mobile? I just get my SIM cards of Ebay, 3GB of data to use in 3 months, cheap as chips.
So in short "3G version, every time!"

RavenY2K3 said:
I pretty much echo the other 3G users, when I bought my iPad last year, I got all the way to the check out with the wifi version, then changed my mind at the last minute and got the 3G version, it was the best thing I did, so when it came to getting the Tab, I wasn't going for any other version than the 3G version.
In my opinion, it's an accompanying mobile device, if I have to go and find somewhere that had wifi each time I needed access to the net, it wouldn't be very mobile? I just get my SIM cards of Ebay, 3GB of data to use in 3 months, cheap as chips.
So in short "3G version, every time!"
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Click to collapse
I think the same ! The tablet like ipad, galaxy tab are nothing without 3G , it will become just a Toy . 3G all the way!

RavenY2K3 said:
I pretty much echo the other 3G users, when I bought my iPad last year, I got all the way to the check out with the wifi version, then changed my mind at the last minute and got the 3G version, it was the best thing I did, so when it came to getting the Tab, I wasn't going for any other version than the 3G version.
In my opinion, it's an accompanying mobile device, if I have to go and find somewhere that had wifi each time I needed access to the net, it wouldn't be very mobile? I just get my SIM cards of Ebay, 3GB of data to use in 3 months, cheap as chips.
So in short "3G version, every time!"
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Click to collapse
Great post!

Thanks a lot guys! Very helpful. I think that
32GB 3G is what I want. Have to wait until it's available in the UK.
Sent from my HTC Hero using xda premium

i always carry my phone with me..and given thats android i can tether to my tablet whilst commuting to and from work.
so really no need for a 3G tablet...dont like paying twice for my data

nandihno said:
...dont like paying twice for my data
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Click to collapse
That presumes your network doesn't charge extra for tethering.
In the UK, only one network offers tethering by default on all tariffs but you still get better value paying for one of their mobile broadband tariffs.

nandihno said:
i always carry my phone with me..and given thats android i can tether to my tablet whilst commuting to and from work.
so really no need for a 3G tablet...dont like paying twice for my data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know which country are you living but why you have to pay twice for your data ? In my country we pay for what we use. Your tablet don't have 3G you still have to pay 3G fee for your phone, your tablet have 3G you don't have to pay 3G for your phone and pay for tablet only.
By the way, 3G tablet was the best choice if you can buy it.

question for 3G user

i would like to know do you guys actually use it as a phone or do you guys have 2 sim card? (one for your phone and one for 7.7)
i am not going to have 2 sims as it is too expensive for me and if i wana switch the sim from my desire hd to 7.7 i will need to switch off my phone which is very inconvenient. Which makes me think that even if i have the phone feature will i actually use it? or should i just get the wifi version and connect to the internet through my phone.
also if i wana insert/remove sim for the 7.7 do i have to switch off the tab?
thank you guys

K999rrl said:
i would like to know do you guys actually use it as a phone or do you guys have 2 sim card? (one for your phone and one for 7.7)
i am not going to have 2 sims as it is too expensive for me and if i wana switch the sim from my desire hd to 7.7 i will need to switch off my phone which is very inconvenient. Which makes me think that even if i have the phone feature will i actually use it? or should i just get the wifi version and connect to the internet through my phone.
also if i wana insert/remove sim for the 7.7 do i have to switch off the tab?
thank you guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Tab will restart by itself when you insert a SIM. You can turn off packet data for your Desire while the SIM is in another device and use it on wifi.
For myself, I've not bothered to use the 7.7 as a daily phone since I like to walk around unencumbered. But, for short weekend trips and the like it is useful to just have one all-purpose device.

burhanistan said:
The Tab will restart by itself when you insert a SIM. You can turn off packet data for your Desire while the SIM is in another device and use it on wifi.
For myself, I've not bothered to use the 7.7 as a daily phone since I like to walk around unencumbered. But, for short weekend trips and the like it is useful to just have one all-purpose device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i agreed especially if the phones battery died lol
thanks for your reply

K999rrl said:
i would like to know do you guys actually use it as a phone or do you guys have 2 sim card? (one for your phone and one for 7.7)
i am not going to have 2 sims as it is too expensive for me and if i wana switch the sim from my desire hd to 7.7 i will need to switch off my phone which is very inconvenient. Which makes me think that even if i have the phone feature will i actually use it? or should i just get the wifi version and connect to the internet through my phone.
also if i wana insert/remove sim for the 7.7 do i have to switch off the tab?
thank you guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need for 2 Sims as long as your sim has both data and voice you are good to go.
Sent from my GT-P6800 using xda premium

adinis78 said:
No need for 2 Sims as long as your sim has both data and voice you are good to go.
Sent from my GT-P6800 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the question was more was it worth it to have a data-enabled 7.7 when they already have an Android phone with a data plan and if the phone functionality of the 7.7 was a compelling reason to get it over the 6810 model.
It's really a choice that you'll have to make yourself based on your usage and finances. If you can use your phone as a hotspot for the 7.7 and don't ever plan on using it to make voice calls (you can still use various apps to make calls with your Google Voice account over wifi). But, charges for a separate data plan can add up and may not be worth it. I have a SIM from my work-provided Elevate hotspot so I use that with the 7.7, but if I didn't have that comped I'd probably go without a second plan.
Bottom line, in this case I would probably spend the extra money to get the 6800 over the 6810. The 6800 works fine over wifi without a SIM (although it will have an annoying message on the stock lockscreen about it). Then, you'd have that full functionality when you needed to use it with your phone's SIM.

I still have a phone and this tablet mainly because i don't wanna part with my good sprint sero plan. However for now i do have a tablet data plan for the 7.7 and i have made a call or 2 using a voip client and it worked no problem.

I use my 7.7 as a daily driver because I'm usually just sitting at work most of the time anyway. If I know I'm going to be on the move, I can just as easily swap my SIM into my GS2 or Note instead, and leave the 7.7 at home. It's nice having options!

I am using my 7.7 with a data only sim which I got from my cable/ISP company for free. On my phone I only have a 100 MB/Month data plan (using it only for e-mail and this plan is more than enough) and I am using the tablet for internet browsing and entertainment.
IMHO if you already have a data enabled phone and a good data plan it is not worth to spend extra cash for a 3G enabled 7.7, as u can use the phone as a hotspot
sent from my dz

regius said:
I am using my 7.7 with a data only sim which I got from my cable/ISP company for free. On my phone I only have a 100 MB/Month data plan (using it only for e-mail and this plan is more than enough) and I am using the tablet for internet browsing and entertainment.
IMHO if you already have a data enabled phone and a good data plan it is not worth to spend extra cash for a 3G enabled 7.7, as u can use the phone as a hotspot
sent from my dz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man, I wish my ISP would give me a data SIM for free. I need to remind myself that I calibrate my cost/value estimates based on the BS that US carriers require, and not every country is like that.

Tab 7.7 with 3G sim + HTC HD2 Android with 3G sim. My ISP has a neat deal where for an extra $10SGD/mth, I get to use an additional sim that shares the data of my main plan.
Sent from my GT-P6800 using xda premium

Geez, thanks for all the reminders that US telecoms are complete rip-offs [REDACTED RANT ABOUT CAPITALISM]

I have the Gnote using my ATT sim card (from my previous Atrix).
Im paying for the 2G data plan along with my 700 minutes phone plan.
On weekends, I pull the Note's sim and put it in my 7-7.....
I have no problems as the 7.7 does fit in my pocket about 90%.
All is well!!! I like it this way!
good luck.....

same here
Theory said:
Tab 7.7 with 3G sim + HTC HD2 Android with 3G sim. My ISP has a neat deal where for an extra $10SGD/mth, I get to use an additional sim that shares the data of my main plan.
Sent from my GT-P6800 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here exept my provider delever 2 extra 3g simcard for free. If this was not the case i dont think i would buy another plan for the tab

I got a multi sim plan from my provider in Singapore. Basically it's 2 sim card tied to the same mobile number. I put one into my mobile and another one in the tab and from there I share both outgoing voice and data on a single mobile plan. I do need to select one of my device as the primary incoming phone and this can be easily switched by sending a short code through the phone which I want to designate as the primary phone. With this I use my tab as my phone on weekends.

How well does this Tab work for any of you that use it as a daily driver? I'm SERIOUSLY thinking about trading my GSM GNex off for one, and just use it for a daily driver. I thought about the 7.0 Plus, but this is so much better specced, and the size difference is fairly negligible between this Tab and the 7.0 Plus, so why not go with the better version? I figure a set of headphones, like the Klipsch S4a, and I'm in business.

I have one simcard at the moment in the tab, and haven't used my HTC Desire in a week.
But I consider putting the card back in the Desire and get a prepaid dataplan for 14.99 a month with 5GB at 3g speed and unlimmited GPRS.

I would recommend getting the 3g version of the 7.7 because the signal reception is better than a phone because of the increased size. I was on holiday recently and I could not get a reliable high speed Internet connection on my Note where I was staying so tethering was not possible, but I got a good high speed connection on the 7.7. Also, with a 3g version of the 7.7 it can act as a backup phone and allow the 7.7 and phone to use the Internet independently.

Gaugerer said:
I would recommend getting the 3g version of the 7.7 because the signal reception is better than a phone because of the increased size. I was on holiday recently and I could not get a reliable high speed Internet connection on my Note where I was staying so tethering was not possible, but I got a good high speed connection on the 7.7. Also, with a 3g version of the 7.7 it can act as a backup phone and allow the 7.7 and phone to use the Internet independently.
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Click to collapse
I bought a One X, but still considering this. I take it you love the 7.7 for all around use? How awkward was it as a DD?
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

Hemlocke said:
I bought a One X, but still considering this. I take it you love the 7.7 for all around use? How awkward was it as a DD?
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
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Click to collapse
The 7.7 is very good for all round use and the screen resolution is a vast improvement over the original P1000 which makes it much better for Web browsing, watching videos etc. It is also very portable because of the 7" format and slim design and can easily be carried in ladies handbags or large pockets.
However, there are certain situations with any Tablet or smart phone where it is not possible to zoom Internet pages making it very difficult to select items using fingers for example when selecting items on financial charts when trading. You can overcome this problem by using a Bluetooth mouse or wired mouse and USB adapter. I would like Samsung to add their S-Pen to the 7.7 like the Note which would solve the problem without the need to carry extra hardware.

Gaugerer said:
The 7.7 is very good for all round use and the screen resolution is a vast improvement over the original P1000 which makes it much better for Web browsing, watching videos etc. It is also very portable because of the 7" format and slim design and can easily be carried in ladies handbags or large pockets.
However, there are certain situations with any Tablet or smart phone where it is not possible to zoom Internet pages making it very difficult to select items using fingers for example when selecting items on financial charts when trading. You can overcome this problem by using a Bluetooth mouse or wired mouse and USB adapter. I would like Samsung to add their S-Pen to the 7.7 like the Note which would solve the problem without the need to carry extra hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Yeah, if Sammy wants to differentiate, S-Pen at 5.3,7.7,and 10.1 makes sense. I would just buy the Note, but kind of curious about this year's model.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

WIFI tethering with USA carriers

Hey! I live in Israel and I am traveling to the US in July. I need an internet acces most of the time so I thought about purchase a sim card from T-Mobile with unlimited data, text and talk for 3 USD per day. I carry other devices like laptop and my Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 WIFI model so I need them to get WIFI... I thought about tethering WIFI by using my LG P500 phone, but I heard that all the carrieres in the US charge more money for tethring... I heard that its only that way in the carriers stock roms, is that true?

bar_rodoy said:
Hey! I live in Israel and I am traveling to the US in July. I need an internet acces most of the time so I thought about purchase a sim card from T-Mobile with unlimited data, text and talk for 3 USD per day. I carry other devices like laptop and my Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 WIFI model so I need them to get WIFI... I thought about tethering WIFI by using my LG P500 phone, but I heard that all the carrieres in the US charge more money for tethring... I heard that its only that way in the carriers stock roms, is that true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While it's true that U.S. carriers restrict tethering (unless you pay for tethering) on their own ROMs, they also take efforts to detect tethering on unbranded devices, such as yours.
There are a few things I'd worry about for you:
- T-Mobile USA currently checks UA strings in web browsers to detect tethering. It even does this when you use Chrome Beta for Android in desktop mode. Be sure to get an extension that changes your browser to a mobile browser if you're using your laptop. Your tablet will probably be okay.
- Your phone needs to support the AWS band to run on T-Mobile's 3G (1700/2100Mhz). Some areas have support for the PCS (1900Mhz) band on T-Mobile 3G, but those areas are limited and you shouldn't rely on them. I don't think that your model of the LG P500 supports this- in fact, I don't know if your phone even supports AT&T's 3G bands. UMTS band I, which your phone supports, is not used in America, I have no idea why T_T
- Depending on where you're going, you may want to use AT&T (3G on: PCS band or band V(850Mhz)), which has a larger 3G network. I have T-Mobile and love it, but the coverage outside of cities sometimes drops to EDGE.
Hope this helps. Glad to see an actual "networking" question in the Networking forum. Instead of "omg which phone should I buy"

I use tethering on my G2 all the time, yes I am running CM7 , not stock but never had an issue with tether. Pretty much though, using a different tethering app works fine with no issues.

Get WIFI Version Now or Wait For 3G Version

I plan to use the Nexus 10 mostly at home on WIFI but would like the option of using it away from home, especially on holiday and cannot ever see me using it as a phone, so I just need Internet access.
I'm considering getting a MIFI which I can use when not at home and it will allow me to connect up to 5 devices and I can position the MIFI in the best place for reception whilst I use the devices where it is most comfortable. Also the reception on a MIFI seems better and you can add an antenna to improve it further.
I've tried using my phone as a hot spot on holiday but the reception indoors was not good enough.
So I'm planning to get the WIFI version and buy a MIFI for mobile use and not bother waiting for the 3g version to come out.
The difference in cost between the WIFI version plus MIFI and a 3G version is probably not much.
Has anyone else tried a MIFI + Antenna with an Android tablet and if so which one and how well did it perform?

Any reason to not just set up a phone as a mobile hotspot?

Randomwalker said:
Any reason to not just set up a phone as a mobile hotspot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The indoor reception on holiday was not good enough.

I don't want a 3g tablet so no waiting for me.
I have a 4g mobile hotspot that I can use when I need internet away from regular wifi.It is Verizon so is fast and works with everything instead of haveing several devices on a plan.It is so small I can stick it in a pocket if I needed to and have wifi anywhere on anything instead of just one device.

Unlimited LTE (w/Verizon) + FoxFi = WiFi version for me.

will it be a 3G version!?
Where have u seen that? im waiting for the 3G version as well.. its a must have to my needs :good:

rjmpires said:
will it be a 3G version!?
Where have u seen that? im waiting for the 3G version as well.. its a must have to my needs :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3G? what is this? Apple? Why not 4G?

mg2380 said:
Unlimited LTE (w/Verizon) + FoxFi = WiFi version for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the FoxFi tip of which looks useful.

Gaugerer said:
Thanks for the FoxFi tip of which looks useful.
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Click to collapse
No problem! Used it for the first time the other night and it worked great! I believe Sprint & AT&T have it blocked on the Play Store (if you use them). Here's the direct link to get around that http://foxfi.com/bin/
Also, WiFi mode does not work with 4.1 (except on the Verizon Galaxy Nexus). Hopefully they're working on a fix for that...

Gaugerer said:
The indoor reception on holiday was not good enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what makes you think you'd get any better reception with the Nexus 10 if your phone isn't getting reception either? IMHO, data plans on these devices are a complete and total scam/waste of money. Get the wifi version and tether on your phone. If you are grandfathered into VZW or have the T-Mo/Sprint Unlimited plans you are golden. ATT throttles so screw them.

scottyd035ntknow said:
So what makes you think you'd get any better reception with the Nexus 10 if your phone isn't getting reception either? IMHO, data plans on these devices are a complete and total scam/waste of money. Get the wifi version and tether on your phone. If you are grandfathered into VZW or have the T-Mo/Sprint Unlimited plans you are golden. ATT throttles so screw them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I was on holiday in my flat in Spain I had to take my Note One outside on a balcony to get 3g. So I'm hoping that a MIFI with an aerial option placed on the balcony will enable me to stay inside and get 3g.
Also I have a 7.7 and a laptop which also had difficulty getting 3g inside the flat and a MIFI might solve that too with no extra cost.
An MIFI solution will not cost any more than a 3g Nexus 10 which I would need to wait for and I don't want to use the Nexus 10 for making phone calls.
The other reason I like the MIFI solution is that I can go out with my phone and the Nexus 10, 7.7 and laptop can still be used by others in the flat.

I had the same dilemma with the TF101. Luckily I didn't wait for the 3G version in the end as it was released months later.
I'm very happy with a MiFi device. Its on a 30 day contract (1GB for £7 per month) and best of all my tablet isn't consuming extra power running a 3G aerial. I use it every day for 3 hours on the train and charge it every few days.
The signal is also far better then my S3 and S2. But I guess it's designed to keep a high speed data connection open at all times.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

But is there any information about a Nexus 10 with 3G/LTE capabilities???

Again, tether your 4G/LTE phone and connect via wifi for 4G speeds. If you are on an unlimited plan you'll have unlimited LTE going straight to it. If you are an unrooted phone learn to root and use FoxFi or install a custom rom with the wifi tethering baked in. If you have an iCrap it should already have the tethering option IIRC.