MOFI 5500 5G Router First Look & State of 5G Cellular Routers (Insty Connect / Pepwave)

We have just received in the new MOFI 5500 5G Router (MOFI5500-5GXeLTE-9191-COMBO) from MoFi Network Inc. We give it a first look, comparing the features to the previous 4500 router.

We'll be putting this into direct testing against the Insty Connect 5G20 and Pepwave MAX BR1 Pro 5G - both also new to the market, each taking a different approach to mobile cellular routing. And all at very different price points.

But is it time for 5G Routers at the end of 2021? Are Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile networks able to take advantage of this technology yet for an RVer or boater who is mobile? Are there upcoming advancements that will make these first generation products obsolete sooner rather than later?

For our news brief:

Learn more about the MofI:

Learn more about Insty Connect:

Learn more about Pepwave MAX BR1:

Follow all of our 5G tracking:

Learn more about routers in general:

#mofi #5Gcellular #instyconnect

0:00 Intro
1:10 MoFi Routers Overview
2:44 MoFi 5500 Features
3:56 Cellular Options Available
5:38 Other Router Comparison
5:46 Insta Connect 5G20 Comparison
6:50 Pepwave MAX Transit 5G Comparison
7:46 Pepwave MAX BR1 Pro 5G Comparison
10:41 MoFi Extra Set of Antennas Included
11:36 Is it Time for 5G Routers Yet?
11:58 All Carriers and 5G Coverage
15:06 Wrap-Up

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[profitgee]

I know you guys are "mobile" focused but just wanted to let you know that you and Cherie have really helped me out alot with my fixed rural Lte based internet set-up! Thank you & keep up the good work !

[garymeade]

I just ordered the Mofi5500 with the RM502 today. I hope I made the right choice!

[sethhill]

Are there any CAT20 "modems" (no wifi or router functions) w/external antenna ability?

[coreymatthews]

Have you had a chance to get more time to share an experience video with the mofi 5500 em9191? Looking into upgrading from the 4500 and haven’t seen a video about it since this one. Thanks!

[craighorner]

Thanks for another great video!
Until an affordable "Dual Modem" 5G Router (with good software) comes along, I'm sticking with my Max Transit Duo.
I am looking forward to getting Pepwave's next generation router though, as you mentioned, the old Max Transit Series' router is pretty slow and often running 75% to 100%.

[ericsmobile]

Thank you for a great review. I currently use the MOFI 4500 in an off grid cabin. Band 71 is interesting for coverage reasons but think I will pause until the next GEN of modems come out…. And maybe someone makes a smaller form factor version of wall art 😎

[lauramonje]

I appreciate all you guys do and all the great resources on your site. We are currently getting ready to transition to the RV life and working remotely. With all the research we have done, I still have a big question: Will the Mofi accept any cellular plan or do we need to purchase data only plans? Thank you again!

[jesseobrien]

Can I use this with Visible Sim to get wifi in remote locations. I am so confused

[codystickle]

Do I need a dedicated cellular plan for the modem or can I use my current phone plan utilizing my esim then put a physical sim in the modem?

[revodrvr]

Does this prevent the carrier from throttling?

[estusflask]

How much faster is the Mofi than a Nighthawk M6 Pro with external antennas attached?

[agrooters]

The Mofi 5500 appears to have two dc connection ports - the standard 12V barrel jack port is on the left, but what is the square one on the right labeled "DC in"? Thanks!

[nanfrazee]

Do you have a video to tell me how to use my MoFi 5500? I bought a SIM card from Best Buy; once inserted will I get internet?

[TomSpurlock]

Would a WeBoost RV cellular booster work good with the Mofi5500 ($399 model)?

[johnfrits]

Great report. It appears very clear the MoFi is in the lead for today. I would have to be very tight on space before I would spend $600 more for a smaller router. With outside antennas the MoFi takes up a lot less space.

[Mark-hydx]

Hello, love your videos which are so informative and professional. Is it possible to hard wire the Mofi 5500 to my existing 12V DC RV wiring or must I use the 120v plug? Thank you.

[lyndsaybeck]

Love what you are all about and enjoy your channel. Could you recommend a good Video Editor program suitable for You Tube?

[paraguaripoirata]

Great video guys. One question for you. I live in a rural area and the internet providers are not good with speeds and service. What would you guys recommend? Thank you for the help

[markmooney]

Just found you all and am grateful! I currently use mofi4500 on VZW. I am thinking about updating to the 5500 model, but divided on 5G version due to no 5G in my area. The expected rollout is late 2023 or early 2024. What would you all recommend? Is there a better product than the mofi for VZW?

[jimbrown]

If i wanted to use the MOFI 5500 with 4G LTE, what roof top antennas would be best?