Should older hotspot still work on new 4G/5G towers?

Question

For the last 3 years of ramblin' 6 months a year, I've been using an eBay $5/mo 4510L hotspot for Verizon 3G Net connections. Has worked in almost every area that has Verizon coverage. However, this year the device has become inconsistent; works some places but not others.

I've read about towers being converted from 3G/4G to 4G/5G and figured this was the problem. So, I stopped in a Verizon reseller store in Idaho to solve my problem. I had bought a couple of years ago a backup 4510L (not a $5/mo one) with a Verizon 4G SIM in case of a situation like this. However, the store told me this old unit cannot accept the SIM needed for the new towers. So I bought a new hotspot and monthly plan (more than $5, obviously).

Afterwards I got to thinking why an old unit with 4G capability would not work on the new 4G/5G towers. Seems to me the 4G signal would be the same on 3G/4G towers as 4G/5G ones.

Anybody had a similar situation or knows definitely if the 4510L unit should still work?

Thanks,

jcpainter · Answer

This Youtube video answers all your questions about the difference between hotspots, and there is a HUGE difference: Hotspots

pianotuna · Answer

5G has different frequencies. However, rural 5G may not be useful for many moons.

wa8yxm · Answer

Many towers will Continue to support "Legacy" devices.. Some especially towers put up because 5G towers do not have the "Range" of 4 or 3 g may not.

And eventually the service provider (Cell phone carrier) may drop 3G but I do not expect that any time soon.

vermilye · Answer

Verizon is currently planning to drop CDMA / 3G service as of January 1, 2020. (Link to Verizon). It would be wise to look for a hotspot or phone that covers 4G. The 4510L will function after 3G & CDMA is dropped, is still available from Verizon, although it is now called a 4G Hotspot (they dropped the 3G/4G description). 4510L Page at Verizon

As to 5G, as mentioned, it won't be happening outside of cities for awhile. Typical 5G towers cover a city block or so - it will be a long time before any kind of 5G reaches the rural areas.

jcpainter · Answer

vermilye wrote:Verizon is currently planning to drop CDMA / 3G service as of January 1, 2020. (Link to Verizon).  It would be wise to look for a hotspot or phone that covers 4G.  The 4510L will function after 3G &amp; CDMA is dropped, is still available from Verizon, although it is now called a 4G Hotspot (they dropped the 3G/4G description). 4510L Page at VerizonAs to 5G, as mentioned, it won't be happening outside of cities for awhile.  Typical 5G towers cover a city block or so - it will be a long time before any kind of 5G reaches the rural areas.If you're going to buy a new Verizon hotspot, don't let a salesperson pawn an older model off on you.  Many stores are trying to get rid of the Elipse (MHS900L) on unsuspecting consumers.  Pay a few extra $$s and get the 8800L.  There's such a HUGE difference in performance and you "future proof" your investment for years to come.

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Should older hotspot still work on new 4G/5G towers?

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