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For example, if, for any reason, you switch on a Wi-Fi-enabled device in a populated area, there is the tendency to see scores of Wi-Fi access points both secured and free to access.
Karma Hotspot is a Wi-Fi hotspot connected through a radio station and uses the LTE cellular data network. Karma came into the industry and joined the likes of the FreedomPop network to offer affordable data. They introduced what they refer to as โSocial Bandwidth.โ
In addition to its prepaid data buckets, the subscriber will be required to make a forward payment because the hotspot will be open at all times. The more this hotspot is open and shared, the more data to be earned.
The amount of data to be earned is unlimited. For example, the network is structured so that when someone wants an internet connection, the person can make use of your hotspot without your bandwidth balance being affected in any way. For anyone to sign through your hotspot, both of you will receive a 100 MB to use. However, youโll receive 500MB if a friend makes use of your referral link to sign up.
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Karma Network
Karma Hotspot makes use of the 4G WiMAX network for their services. This is more like a Vestigial network before the increase of the LTE network.
The coverage is extended almost to a third of the entire population of the United States, and the speed it offers is more than 3G, just that it is not the spec of the LTE network. The hotspot speed measures an average of 1.88Mbps up and 7.05Mbps down, which is a lot faster than their closest competitor FreedomPop that offers 0.9Mbps up and 4.3Mbps down. Since the upgrade, Karma Hotspot now runs on Sprintโs LTE network.
Performance And Hardware Of The Hotspot Device
When it comes to the Wi-Fi hardware being used by Karma, it is nothing new, rather a rebranded Clear Spot Voyager that has been in existence a couple of years back. It is the same hardware being used by its competitor FreedomPop.
The features
- It is a portable sleek device.
- Broadcasts Wi-Fi of 802.11b/g on 2.4GHz band.
- Simultaneously, it can support a maximum of 8 connections.
- It has a battery of 1,830mAh โ can last for up to 5 hours of continuous streaming on a 4G network.
Connection Speed
The strength and speed of the network are around 1.7 Mbps on upload and 3 Mbps on download.
However, some locations can get as much as 3.5Mbps upload and 7 Mbps on download. In other words, an area with good coverage is likely to hit a peak speed. Like every other cellular connection, the signalโs strength will be increased in some buildings while areas that are crowded will experience a poor network.
This means that once your cell phone lacks a strong signal, youโll find it difficult to have access to the internet.
Karma Hotspot Pricing, Plans, And Social Bandwidth
Once you come on board, there are three data buckets youโll need to choose from. They are as follows;
- $28 for 2GB data.
- $50 for 5GB data.
- $180 for 20GB data.
Features of this pricing.
- The allotted data do not expire.
- Overage charges are absent because the service stops once you exhaust your data.
- It does not involve any monthly charges.
- No contracts for the service rendered.
When you exhaust your data, youโve got the opportunity to add the following extra data at your leisure:
- $14 for 1GB data.
- $59 for 5G data.
- $99 for 10GB data.
Comparison with other MVNO that operates on WiMAX Networks
- For FreedomPop, they offer 500MB of free data monthly. Also, you can buy an extra 1MB data for $0.02. This is summed as $20 per 1GB.
- Virgin Mobile, which also functions on the WiMAX network. The Overdrive Pro hotspot goes for $59.99. The different plans are as follows; 250MB for $5 per day, 1.5GB for $25 per month, and 6GB for $55 per month.
Note: In both networks mentioned above, there is no rollover for any unused data after the expiration date. This is where the hotspot offered by Karma is different because you can make a data purchase of what you need, and it will be available as long as you need it. Furthermore, when you compare the three competitorsโ rates, Karmaโs rate is a lot cheaper.
Another unique thing about Karmaโs service is the approach used in data sharing, referred to as social bandwidth. This is a concept by which the Karma hotspot is set up to broadcast totally through an open Wi-Fi network.
This means that anybody nearby can hop on the hotspot, create an account, and enjoy a welcome bonus of 100MB. It even gets better because if anybody joins through your link as a subscriber, Karma will reward you with 100MB, which is automatically added to your original data bucket, and it wonโt expire.
You can continue to earn as people keep joining because there is no limit. Unlike FreedomPop, that does give 10MB when someone joins via your link but ends up capping it at 500MB per month, and the data cannot be rolled over. This is really where Karma is better off, though it still has some drawbacks.
Other Advantages Of Karma Hotspot
- Inexpensive prepaid mobile data.
- Possibility for unlimited free data.
- Good speeds, especially areas with good coverage of the WiMax network.
Disadvantages
- There is no clear path to whether the LTE hardware will be upgraded.
- Possibility of security risks.
- The up-front cost to be paid is a bit unreasonable.
Other Drawbacks Of Karma Hotspot To Have In Mind.
To be part of this service, your Karma hotspot needs to be left open(unsecured) at every given time. But the SSID can be changed to any of the outlined preset options by Karma. This means that one can have your name while the other two will be advertising the free Wi-Fi.
It is recommended that it should be changed from the default settings.
Though this might appear exciting, the challenge is that unsecured Wi-Fi is usually the primary target of reprehensible activities online. This puts you in danger because through this means; your network activities can be monitored; dummy networks can also be created using your SSID number.
All these are targeted to trick unsuspecting users into connecting to an unsecured network where their valuable information will be tampered with.
According to Karma, they stated that itโs not possible to add a password for now, but users can only protect themselves by using encrypted web services that sticky makes use of SSL. Alternatively, users can still make use of VPN service when they want to access the web.
As a rookie, you might not be aware of this because Karma fails to state this on their website clearly. Another challenge is that connecting about eight devices puts undue pressure on the limited bandwidth.
Also, there will be a drop in the 7Mbps speed as many users hop in, and there is no way to restrict how many people that join. It wonโt be a problem if itโs just for a single user. In other words, itโs more like a give and takes scenario because you wonโt be able to enjoy the speed you paid for.
Managing Your Karma Hotspot Account
To manage your Karma account, you need to access the website or download the available Karma app for either Android or iOS.
No matter the option you choose, you can still access how many people on your network and your data balance. However, you can only purchase more data through the web option, unlike the app, which is mainly used to check the data balance because it lacks the necessary network administrative tools to manage your account.
Also, youโre entitled to only register one account per device. But peradventure your office environment has endless wireless options at your disposal, you can gather more gigabytes by using fake emails to register on many devices.
In Conclusion
Karmaโs approach is a welcomed development, especially with no expiration on any purchased or accumulated data. Also, their inexpensive rate is ideal for any on-the-go use. Furthermore, the newly introduced social bandwidth is also commendable, together with the unlimited free data that makes everything attractive.
On the other hand, the up-front payment of $99 is on the high side; Karmaโs WiMAX network is almost obsolete without a clear data upgrade path. There is also a security risk of connecting to a Wi-Fi network that is always open, as most users might not know how to protect themselves. In the absence of all these shortcomings, Karmaโs affordable data and free bonuses make it a persuasive alternative for users, especially on a tight budget.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Is Karma Wi-Fi?
Karma Network is a Wi-Fi hotspot that uses cellular radio for its connection, just like Mi-Fi that was once in existence. They use the same concept.
Karma delivers its service using an LTE cellular data network through the Sprint network. With this, you can get connect with your device anywhere there is a strong cellular network.
What Makes Karmaโs Concept So compelling?
The main compelling factor that attracted people to the Karma network is their upload and download speed of 5Mbps and their unlimited bandwidth.
Aside from their pay-as-you-go plan, another Never stop plan goes for $50/monthly without any data caps. Though their speed might be slightly lower than what is offered by most home broadband, itโs still better off because it can help you actualize your day-to-day task online.
The unique social bandwidth sharing where anyone around your vicinity can hop in and get connected to the hotspot is also another factor attracting people to the network. In addition to this, youโre also entitled to 100MB bonus data whenever someone signup through your link.
This is laudable and welcomed development, especially to those that require enormous data for massive download, streaming, or online gaming.
Why Are Some People Still Complain About Karma?
Indeed, due to their speed and affordable pricing, which is less expensive than other networks, so many people hopped in. They were amassing considerable data to the tune of 1000GB within a month. This became so much for Karma because they didnโt envisage such activities from their subscribers.
In turn, their data connections began to throttle as low as 1.5Mbps. This became a central talking point to most customers who have already paid to enjoy a high-speed network.
What Approach Has Karma Introduced to Amend This?
Karma has been doing so much to ease this challenge. At the moment, theyโve actually returned the initial 5Mbps speed but with certain limitations.
For instance, they introduced another 15GB/monthly plan with a data capโonce the allotted data has been exceeded, the speed begins to throttle around 64 to 128Kps until the end of the month. The truth is that this will really be insufficient to accomplish many tasks, especially at the point of streaming any video, especially high definition.
What Else Has Karma Done to change the Unlimited Plan?
There is something to be benefited for people who wonโt be running close to the newly introduced 15GB monthly data plan. For instance, once there is any remaining gigabyte plan beneath the cap, youโll be credited with $1, which in turn, will reduce the bill to be paid the following month.
Furthermore, theyโve promised to offer a return to unhappy users.
How do I successfully connect to my karma go?
First, connect to Karma Wi-Fi, then on your device, depending on the one youโre using (tablet, laptop, or smartphone), navigate to network preference.
From there, click on Karma Wi-Fi from the available network listed there on your device. Then youโll be connected to your Karma Go.
