This $30 smart router with a built-in VPN is the travel gadget I didn't know I needed

"But that's not the case everywhere. Here in the UK, the rules for telecommunications providers are set by Ofcom (the Office of Communications), and they're pretty simple -- your hotspot should work like your phone. No limitations, no nonsense. But when I'm not in the UK, things get... more complicated. Even in Europe, which has "Roam Like at Home" rules, there are usually hurdles such as speed caps and "fair use policies" to contend with."

"If the carriers can make an extra buck from you or put a hurdle in the way of using what you've paid for, you can be sure that, in the absence of legislation, you will face obstacles. This issue means hotspots are only part of the solution, partly because of carrier nonsense and partly because Wi-Fi coverage is getting better."

"What I needed was a tool that let me rise above all this nonsense and create secure, private, and portable Wi-Fi networks while traveling, whether I'm connected to Wi-Fi at a hotel, airport, café, or Airbnb, or I have to connect to a local cellular provider."

Mobile hotspots work reliably in the UK due to Ofcom regulations requiring carriers to treat hotspots like regular phone service. However, outside the UK, carriers impose speed caps and fair use policies that limit hotspot functionality. Even within Europe's "Roam Like at Home" rules, restrictions exist. Outside the EU, limitations become more severe. Public Wi-Fi alternatives present their own complications including restrictions and fair use policies. These carrier-imposed obstacles mean hotspots alone cannot serve as a complete travel solution. Travel routers like the GL.iNet Mango offer an alternative by creating secure, private, portable Wi-Fi networks regardless of connection source, whether hotel Wi-Fi or local cellular providers.

Read at ZDNET