Franklin T9 RT717 T-Mobile Black Very Good (Renewed)
Want the best price and purchase timing?
Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.
AI Verdict
This is a renewed 150Mbps LTE hotspot with 802.11b dual-band Wi-Fi, best for basic, intermittent internet access on a tight budget.
This renewed Franklin T9 is a situational fit because its 150Mbps LTE and 802.11b Wi-Fi are entry-level, making it suitable only for minimal internet needs. User reports of connectivity issues and data throttling further limit its utility to scenarios where consistent performance isn't critical.
If you need more consistent speeds or support for more devices, look for a hotspot with LTE Cat 6 or higher and at least 802.11ac Wi-Fi.
Regret Score™
High RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- Supports LTE connectivity across multiple bands (2/4/5/12/25/26/66) for T-Mobile network compatibility.
- Features dual-band Wi-Fi, allowing connection to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks.
- Powered by a Qualcomm MDM9207-0 processor, designed for mobile broadband devices.
- Renewed condition includes a charger and removable battery, offering immediate usability.
Cons
- Limited to 802.11b Wi-Fi standard, which is significantly slower and older than modern standards like 802.11ac or ax.
- Users report frequent data connection drops and instances where packets would not flow despite full LTE bars.
- Maximum speed of 150Mbps is a theoretical peak, often not achieved in real-world use, especially after data caps.
- The device may spontaneously turn off over time and does not automatically restart after power loss.
- Battery life is reported to be short, with some units having sensitive charging ports.
Dimension Scores
The 150Mbps LTE speed and 802.11b Wi-Fi standard are outdated and significantly slower than current mobile hotspot offerings, with users reporting inconsistent data flow.
User feedback frequently mentions dropped connections, the device turning off unexpectedly, and issues with roaming, indicating poor reliability.
The device is described as 'ready to use' once a SIM and plan are inserted, and it offers basic Wi-Fi connection management.
No specific advanced security features are highlighted in the specifications, implying only standard Wi-Fi encryption is present.
Best For
- Connecting a single device for light web browsing or email during short trips.
- Emergency backup internet for basic tasks when primary connection is unavailable.
- Providing internet access in areas with limited T-Mobile LTE coverage, assuming the device maintains connection.
Not Recommended For
- Streaming high-definition video or online gaming due to 150Mbps speed limit and potential for connection drops.
- Connecting multiple devices simultaneously for bandwidth-intensive activities.
- Users who require consistent, uninterrupted internet access for work or critical applications.
- Anyone expecting 5G speeds or modern Wi-Fi standards like 802.11ac/ax.
Watch Out For
- Data usage counters on the device may reset when the SIM card is moved, making it difficult to track actual data consumption.
- T-Mobile plans often throttle speeds to 3G (around 7.5Mbps) or even 512kbps after hitting a data cap, regardless of initial LTE speeds.
- Some renewed units have sensitive charging ports, requiring precise cable placement to charge.
- The device has been observed to connect to roaming and then not switch back to the primary network, even after restarts.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0C7X8VLD3 |
| Brand | T-Mobile |
| Color | Black |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| Model Name | Franklin T9 4G Hotspot |
| Item Weight | 6.4 ounces |
| Manufacturer | T-Mobile |
| Special Feature | WPS |
| Item model number | Franklin T9 4G Hotspot |
| Compatible Devices | WiFi enabled devices |
| Package Dimensions | 7.68 x 3.98 x 2.44 inches |
| Included Components | Micro USB cable, Removabe Li-Ion battery |
| Frequency Band Class | Dual-Band |
| Connectivity Technology | LTE |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Business |
| Wireless Communication Standard | 802.11b |
What Buyers Say
Many users report frustration with the Franklin T9's inconsistent data connection, citing instances where the device showed full LTE bars but failed to transmit data. The renewed condition often means dealing with issues like sensitive charging ports or quickly draining batteries. While some find it works for basic needs, the common experience involves unexpected shutdowns and significant speed reductions after hitting data caps.
“This thing is a headache, I just need basic internet for my kid's tablet on a road trip and it keeps dropping connection even with full bars, then the battery dies in like two hours.”
Common Praise
- Works with US Mobile data plans on the T-Mobile network without issues.
- Easy to get unlocked for use with other carriers like AT&T.
- Sufficient for very light, occasional internet use.
- The removable battery is a plus for potential replacement.
Common Complaints
- Frequent data connection drops, even with strong signal.
- Device randomly turns off and doesn't power back on automatically.
- Battery drains quickly and some charging ports are finicky.
- Speeds are severely throttled after reaching data plan limits.
- Issues with the device getting stuck on roaming networks.
Ownership Tips
- The device's internal data counter may not accurately reflect actual usage if the SIM is swapped.
- Firmware updates don't always resolve connectivity or stability issues.
- The 'renewed' condition can mean cosmetic wear and tear, and sometimes functional quirks like a loose charging port.
- Performance can be significantly worse in congested areas due to deprioritization after data caps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this hotspot support 5G?
No, the Franklin T9 is an LTE (4G) device and does not support 5G networks.
What kind of SIM card do I need for this device?
You will need your own T-Mobile compatible SIM card and an active data plan to use this device. It does not come with a pre-installed SIM or plan.
Can I use this hotspot with other carriers besides T-Mobile?
While it's designed for T-Mobile, some users have reported success unlocking it for use with other carriers like AT&T or US Mobile, but compatibility is not guaranteed.
What is the actual speed I can expect?
The device is rated for 150Mbps, but real-world speeds are often lower. T-Mobile plans frequently throttle speeds significantly after a certain data usage threshold.
Does this device have a display to show data usage?
Yes, it has a data counter on the device, but users report it may reset when the SIM is moved to another device.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a mobile hotspot, you need to think about how much data you'll use and where you'll use it. Hotspots like this one rely on cellular networks, so your experience will be heavily influenced by T-Mobile's coverage in your specific location. Also, be aware that 'renewed' means it's been used before, so expect some signs of wear and potential quirks. You'll always need a separate data plan and SIM card.
wifi_standard: 802.11b
This tells you how fast and efficient the Wi-Fi connection is. 802.11b is an older standard, like a slow, single-lane road. Newer standards like 802.11ac or ax are like multi-lane highways, offering much faster speeds and better performance for multiple devices.
speed: 150Mbps
This is the maximum theoretical download speed over the cellular connection, like the speed limit on that highway. In reality, network congestion, signal strength, and your data plan's terms (like throttling after a certain usage) will almost always mean you get slower speeds. Don't expect to consistently hit 150Mbps.
frequency: Dual-Band
This means the hotspot can broadcast Wi-Fi on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. Think of them as two different radio channels. 2.4GHz travels further and through walls better, but is slower and more prone to interference. 5GHz is faster but has a shorter range. Having both gives you flexibility to choose the best connection for your situation.
Alternatives
If this hotspot doesn't cut it, look for devices with LTE Cat 6 or higher for better cellular speeds, 802.11ac or 802.11ax Wi-Fi for faster local connections, and larger battery capacities for extended use.
You Might Also Like
Amazon eero Pro 7 with 1 month free eero Business (auto-renews annually) - Supports internet plans up to 5 Gbps, Coverage up to 6,000 sq. ft., Connect 600+ devices, 3-pack
$600+This 3-pack Wi-Fi 7 tri-band mesh system delivers up to 3.9 Gbps wireless speeds and 5 Gbps wired speeds, covering 6,000 sq. ft. for businesses needing high-capacity networking.
Amazon eero 6 mesh wifi add-on extender - Add up to 1,500 sq. ft. of Wi-Fi 6 coverage. Required eero mesh wifi system not included
A Wi-Fi 6 mesh extender that adds up to 1,500 sq. ft. of coverage, exclusively for existing eero network users.
TP-Link Deco S4 Mesh AC1900 WiFi System - Up to 5,500 Sq.ft. Coverage, Replaces WiFi Router and Extender, Gigabit Ports, Works with Alexa, Deco S4(3-Pack)
A 3-pack AC1900 dual-band mesh system covering 5,500 sq ft with Gigabit Ethernet, for homes needing broad Wi-Fi 5 coverage on a budget.
TP-Link Deco X55 Pro AX3000 Whole Home Wi-Fi 6 Mesh System - Coverage up to 6500 Sq.Ft & up to 150 Devices, 2x2.5G WAN/LAN Ports, 4 Streams, Wired Ethernet Backhaul, Ideal for 1Gig+ Internet, 3-Pack
A Wi-Fi 6 mesh system with AX3000 speed and 2x 2.5G ports per unit, covering 6500 sq. ft. for homes with 1Gig+ internet.