Offline Mobile
Media
Distribution
Devices

What Do Offline Mobile
Media Distribution Devices
Do?
• Each of the reviewed devices can create a
WiFi “hotspot” that any WiFi enabled
device (phone, tablet, computer) within
range can connect to
• Once connected those devices are NOT
connected to the internet but they CAN
access and download whatever
files/media you choose to make available
through the device

Use Cases
• Providing access to files/media in rural
areas with poor internet access or high
internet data costs
• Providing access to files/media in
situations where internet access is
monitored by security services, etc.
• Providing access to files/media at a
conference without using up/needing
internet access

HooToo Tripmate Wireless
N Portable Travel Router
with 6000mAh Battery
Pros
1)Inexpensive ($40 for device, $10 for 16GB flash drive)
2)Very portable/pocketable (manufacturers typically
recommend keeping WiFi devices like these 8
inches/20cm away from the body due to concerns with
signal radiation. Determine your comfort level with
pocketing one similarly to how comfortable you are
keeping a computer on your lap, etc.)
3)6000mAh battery can be used to charge a typical
smartphone 2-3x

HooToo Tripmate Wireless
N Portable Travel Router
with 6000mAh Battery
Cons
1)Users need to download and install an app in
order to access the media (deal breaker)
2)Users need to know the username and
password in order to access the media- this is a
barrier to use for them and also makes
securing your files/device next to impossible

HooToo Tripmate Wireless
N Portable Travel Router
with 6000mAh Battery
Assessment
While unsuitable for offline media distribution this is
an excellent combination of 1) portable battery
charger, 2) “personal cloud” device which allows you
to store files and media you want to be able to access
on your tablet or mobile without clogging those
devices’ memory and also leaving them “clean” of
potentially compromising ministry materials, 3)
Internet router for situations where you only have one
hard line to the internet- this will create a WiFi signal
many devices can connect to the internet with.

PirateBox (with TP-LINK
TL-MR3020 3G/4G Wireless
N150 Portable Router)
Pros
1)The TL-MR3020 router used in building this
version of the PirateBox has excellent range-
258 feet/78.6 meters
2)While difficult, it is possible to edit the landing
page viewers see upon accessing the
PirateBox
3)The PirateBox community is pretty large and
has forums for usage and Q&A.

PirateBox (with TP-LINK
TL-MR3020 3G/4G Wireless
N150 Portable Router)
Cons
1)The set-up instructions are a bit
challenging for the less technically literate
2)The TL-MR3020 router, while cheap ($34)
requires an external battery which reduces
portability/pocketability
3)Requires some work to secure it.

PirateBox (with TP-LINK
TL-MR3020 3G/4G Wireless
N150 Portable Router)
Assessment
Using the PirateBox directions (
http://piratebox.cc/openwrt:diy) with a different
router (the TP Link TL-MR3040) the PirateBox
provides a decent offline media distribution
device with the benefit of landing page
customizability at the expense of a more
challenging build experience.

BibleBox (with TP Link
TL-MR3040 Portable Router)
Pros
1)The DIY build is the most inexpensive offline mobile media
distribution device tested ($45- $35 for the router, $10 for a
16GB SanDisk Cruzer Fit flash drive)
2)The device is fairly portable/pocketable as it is about the
size of a mobile phone and is self contained once the tiny
thumb drive is inserted.
3)While not having as great a range as some, 217 feet/66.1
meters range will meet most needs.
4)The possibility of having one made for you is a blessing for
those without time or technical ability (120 Australian
dollars/108 US dollars plus shipping from Australia)

BibleBox (with TP Link
TL-MR3040 Portable Router)
Cons
1)Customizing the home page/landing page
requires some coding skills/ability.
2)The pre-made version is somewhat
expensive compared to the DIY ($108 to $45).
The expense is understandable as this is the
maker’s side-ministry to a full-time job.

BibleBox (with TP Link
TL-MR3040 Portable Router)
Assessment
The combination of the inexpensive, all-in-one
router and easier to follow instructions (
http://biblebox.org/make-your-own) make
this a great tool for offline media distribution.
Its availability as a pre-made product is also
a big, although somewhat costly, benefit to
the ministry world.

Renew Outreach
LightStream
Pros
1)Can do everything the others can ++
a. Incredible landing page customizability
b. Greater range (298 feet/90.8 meters)
c. Bluetooth broadcasting
d. Four port microSD card duplicator
e. Ready to use out of the box

Renew Outreach
LightStream
Cons
1)Quite costly ($360 without battery, $540
for the device with a high-end/high capacity
battery)
2)Not as pocketable as the others
(especially using the supplied battery)

Renew Outreach
LightStream
Assessment
If you can afford it the LightStream is the way to
go in all ways except pocketability. With the
additional functions of Bluetooth broadcasting,
microSD card duplication and battery charging
as well as extreme landing page customizability
this device rocks!