Should I use a mobile hotspot or pay for internet at a tradeshow?

I say just pay it. They're charging what they are because they know there’s no competition. Plus, if your team can't connect due to a hotspot failure, you're the one who will get the blame. It’s probably worth the peace of mind.

Don't fall for the hotspot trap! They're charging so much because they know you've got few other choices, and the poor performance of 5G inside buildings just makes things worse. You might find yourself relying on a connection that just won’t hold up.

It honestly depends on the venue itself. Some places have terrible cell service, which means a hotspot isn't going to help. Sometimes it can perform similarly to just using a cell phone hotspot. You might end up disappointed.

You really need to first think about where your booth is located. If you're inside a convention center, that heavy steel and concrete can really block signals from your carrier. Plus, you'll have tons of other people trying to access the network around you. Those places often have their own small routers too, which can complicate things. If you want consistent internet, you're probably going to have to pay for it.

Keep in mind, if you're in a rural area, you might struggle with a mobile hotspot. Coverage can be spotty, and the nearest cell tower distance plays a huge role in your connection quality. In urban settings, a hotspot might work fine, but it gets trickier in less populated areas.