Straight Talk Hotspot on Verizon towers...how do you know?

If it says Verizon on it, or if you bought it from Verizon. And/or if it is on your Verizon data plan.

I'm way more interested in why that's important.

Straight Talk's UMX240c hotspot is a 3G only device that uses the Verizon network. The Straight Talk ZTE 4G LTE hotspots are identified by the color of the coverage map shown on the box. A red map indicates a Verizon network device, while the blue maps are for AT&T or T-Mobile.

2oldman wrote:
I'm way more interested in why that's important.

Verizon may have better coverage in the areas the OP wants to use the hotspot.

Thanks to everyone who has responded. Your input is much appreciated. I had Millenicom during my travels through Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Wyoming and Montana. I spent four months at Glacier National Park. In all that I have mentioned Millenicom, which ran off of Verizon towers, never failed to provide outstanding service. At St. Mary, Montana (the East gate of Glacier) AT&T was dead. Another trip out West is planned for this summer. Unfortunately, I can't take Millenicom along. Yes, based on my experience Verizon towers are important!

Ok..after some research it's not clear to me you can choose your provider. Perhaps you can,or you just use whatever tower is available.

I did notice you will get throttled, substantially, after 3 gigs at 3g speed. That would not cover my needs.

You are looking for a Straight talk ZTE Z288L hotspot. The Z288L operates on the Verizon network. The Z289L operates on the ATT network. I've been looking for a Z288L for months and have not been able to find one. Walmart seems to only have the Z289L ATT model available.

Try a verizon store.

You can choose your provider the reason is this, Verizon and AT&T/T-Mobile use two different codecs, the Hot Spot is programmed for one or the other (AT&T and T-mobile both use the same programs and can share towers, may or may not depending on your plan but can).

So your hardware is compatible with one or the other but not both.. Thus, as someone up-thread put it the model of the device determines the provider.

The sales staff MIGHT (or not) know which witch is which.

Once you open the box and call the 1-800 number, they will know.

Johno02 wrote:
Try a verizon store.

I don't think you can get Straight Talk there.