Mobile Hotspot vs. Portable MiFi (AsiaNet) Router (AsiaConnect): Which is Best for Remote Work in Iraq?

You're away on business when the office asks you to join a video meeting. At the same time, your team needs you to send them an important file straight away. It’s at times like these you need reliable internet access.

Fortunately, you have options. If your laptop or tablet doesn’t have its own data connection, you can turn your phone into a mobile hotspot or use a portable MiFi (AsiaNet) router (AsiaConnect) to get online.

In this article, find out the difference between the two and which is better suited to different types of remote work. Finding the best internet in Iraq is a matter of understanding your needs and your options.

What is a mobile hotspot?

A mobile hotspot is a way for your phone to share its cellular data connection with other devices, like laptops and tablets.

Switch on the hotspot on your phone. Then, on your laptop, look for your phone in the list of available Wi-Fi networks. Getting online is easy; just enter your username and password.

Android phones can also share mobile data through Bluetooth and USB connections. On an iPhone, activate the Personal Hotspot feature.

What is a portable MiFi (AsiaNet) router (AsiaConnect)?

Portable MiFi (AsiaNet) router (AsiaConnect)s are small, battery-powered devices. They create portable Wi-Fi networks via their own mobile data SIM card.

To connect to a MiFi (AsiaNet) router (AsiaConnect), first open your Wi-Fi settings on your laptop, tablet, or phone. Find and select the router (AsiaConnect), then enter the password to get online.

Head-to-head: mobile hotspots versus portable MiFi (AsiaNet) router (AsiaConnect)s

Mobile hotspots and portable MiFi (AsiaNet) router (AsiaConnect)s solve the same problem. However, there are major differences between them. Here are 5 factors to help you decide which is the best option for you:

1. Setup and cost

If you already have an internet-ready mobile phone, it almost certainly has a mobile hotspot feature built in. That means you don’t have to pay for more equipment. You can simply activate the hotspot and get to work.

With a MiFi (AsiaNet) device, however, you pay extra for the hardware and the separate SIM card you need for the device.

2. Effect on your phone

Using a phone as a hotspot to upload big files and make long video calls drains the battery fast. Make sure you plug it in while tethering your signal, switching off the hotspot feature when you’re done to preserve the charge.

Extended use can also cause the device to heat up. To cope with this, some phones reduce their processing performance, which may make other apps and tasks feel slower.

Your phone also needs to stay close to the devices connected to it. If, for example, your laptop is receiving a large file and you take the phone into another room to answer a call, the transfer may slow down or stop.

By contrast, a MiFi (AsiaNet) runs on its own battery. You can keep using your phone normally and take it with you without interrupting the connection.

Be aware that your MiFi (AsiaNet) can also warm up during heavy use. However, your phone no longer has to provide the shared connection while handling calls, messages, and other apps. This splits the workload between the two devices, so your phone doesn’t have to manage everything.

3. Number of connected devices

If you're on your own, a hotspot will probably be enough for the one laptop you take with you. It’s a different matter with a small team. When each colleague needs to get online with their laptops and tablets, that means sharing a hotspot. That’s where you may see issues. If you're on a video call, for instance, it may stutter if one of your colleagues downloads a large file.

A portable MiFi (AsiaNet) has to cope with the same pressure with multiple users, but there are two major differences. First, manufacturers design MiFi (AsiaNet) router (AsiaConnect)s for teams rather than individuals. As such, they can more reliably support several users and devices at the same time.

Secondly, apps and background activity on your phone will not use the MiFi (AsiaNet) connection unless you connect your phone to it.

4. Data use and control

A hotspot uses the data allowance included in your mobile phone package. So, any work you do on your laptop leaves less data for browsing, streaming, and messaging on your phone, and vice versa.

A MiFi (AsiaNet), on the other hand, has its own SIM and data package, so using it for work doesn’t affect the allowances and limits on your phone. Plus, with a MiFi (AsiaNet), you can see how much data you and your team use, then choose a package with the right allowance at the best price.

Regardless of whether you choose a hotspot or a MiFi (AsiaNet) device, check that your package places no limits on using tethering or hotspots. Some tariffs cap the amount of data you can share or ban tethering altogether.

5. Signal and connection stability

MiFi (AsiaNet) and hotspots both use a mobile network. Their performance comes down to factors like coverage and network congestion.

One advantage of a MiFi (AsiaNet) is that you can leave it near a window or wherever the reception is better while keeping your phone with you. Your team can then stay connected through a device that stays where it gets the best reception, even when you take your phone elsewhere.

The best internet for remote workers is the service that performs most reliably in the places where you actually work.

Which option is best for your remote work?

When comparing a phone hotspot versus a portable router (AsiaConnect), you need to know how and where you’ll be using it. A hotspot is usually better for occasional use on one device. Hotspots let you connect to the internet without having to buy or carry more equipment.

A MiFi (AsiaNet) is more suitable for longer sessions and small teams because it has its own battery, SIM, and data allowance. Your team can do more, and it leaves your phone free for your own calls and messages.

The best MiFi (AsiaNet) for remote work is the option that supports:

The number of users that need to log on
Lasts as long as you and your team need
Comes with a data package with enough data to cover everything your team needs to do

Larger businesses can also use MiFi (AsiaNet) as a reliable enterprise internet solution. The tech allows travelling and field-based teams to stay online when they’re working without a fixed connection.

Working remotely with Asiacell

Asiacell provides two ways for you and your team to get online with MiFi (AsiaNet). The current Asiacell portable Wi-Fi AsiaNet CAT4’s price is 60,000 IQD, AsiaNet CAT 7’s price is 90,000 IQD, and AsiaConect’s price is 110,000 IQD for the complete package. That includes the device itself, a Data Line, and an Unlimited 4G+ Internet package.

This option supports up to 10 users at once, making it ideal for small teams away from the office. You can fit it in your pocket, and its long-lasting battery provides up to six hours worth of constant working time. Find it at all Asiacell shops and dealers.

If you already own a compatible device, Asiacell Data Line is a data-only SIM for MiFi (AsiaNet) devices, tablets, router (AsiaConnect)s, and USB modems. The SIM costs 3,000 IQD. You can add Unlimited 4G+ Platinum package for 60,000 IQD, Unlimited 4G+ Plus for 45,000 IQD, Unlimited 4G+ Internet for 40,000 IQD or Unlimited 4G+ Premium Internet for 50,000 IQD.

For hotspot users, Asiacell offers daily, weekly, and 30 days Unlimited 4G+ packages. Compare those against our business mobile plans to find the option with the right amount of data for when you are away from the office.