To use AIBU to see if any techy people can help with mobile broadband ?!

[Blueeyedgirl21]

Hi
posting for traffic!!

we move House this weekend and wifi not sorted, we really need it for work and there is barely any signal to even access emails on phones never mind do a Teams or anything

also would be nice to stream a film in the evening on iPad until we get tv sorted

is there a pay as you go or one off thing you can buy to provide internet access in a house ? I’m googling but there seems to be a range of options and it’s confusing

anyone used this and can help! I’m thinking people who live in caravans etc might use something similar ?

thank you!

Hopeful bump

Do you know people with different mobile providers, so you can see if any network has a strong signal?

If you can find a mobile network with a strong signal, then you may be able to find a mobile device which can be a WiFi hotspot.

Oddly enough, you can sometimes get a usable 4G data signal even when there is no phone signal.

We use one of these…

consumer.huawei.com/en/support/routers/lte-cpe-b310/

with an ordinary phone sim in it but you can get PAYG data sims. A one month contract sim from Smarty, ID Mobile or similar may be cheaper. Mount it as high in the house as you can get it for the best reception. The attic, for example.

If you have a cellular iPad, you can check the 4G signal before spending on a 4G router. Again, you need to get as high in the house as possible.

Incidentally, we have no phone signal at all but can get 4G. It isn’t great but it is a connection. It also means wifi calling is possible.

I use a tp link router and smarty sim when we go on caravan holidays

Smarty sim is on a rolling contract so you can cancel and take it up again when it suits you.

For the film I would download a selection in advance then if data is limited you won't need to use it for that

Thanks so much for the advice both

Ive found this - www.currys.co.uk/products/ee-4gee-mini-mobile-wifi-2021-pay-as-you-go-10229244.html

I take it this has the sim included and you use it like a router ?

Check EE coverage in your area for 4G.

coverage.ee.co.uk/coverage/ee

Again, take this with a pinch of salt as officially we have no coverage, but it works (Three).

Thank you @etulosba !!

Would something like this D-Link DWR-932 4G/3G LTE Unlocked Wireless N300 Mobile Broadband Router - Wi-Fi Portable Hotspot, Black www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00OVJDCQ0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_EKFHTEX4V0F85KT4DRNM?psc=1

with an unlimited Smarty sim, work?

@Blueeyedgirl21 - we have that. Wasn’t expecting much but it’s fab. Is actually better than the expensive broadband we had. Works just like a router so can also use it for the TV.

@Blueeyedgirl21 it’s the EE 4gee thing we have

@voxnihili that’s good to know. I mean it’s 59 quid but I’m thinking for a couple of weeks it would be useful, and we could then use it camping ?

Yes, a Smarty sim could work. We use a Three unlimited sim and that is on the same network. I D Mobile is too and their unlimited sim is, or was, cheaper per month than 3 or Smarty.

Three (Smarty and ID Mobile) network checker…

www.three.co.uk/Discover/Network/Coverage

The problem I found with the mifi units like those you have linked to is that they are not as sensitive as a mains powered 4G/LTE router and struggle in poor reception areas.

Yes. We got ours to tide us over until we got broadband sorted but it’s been so good we’ve just stuck with it. Took ours camping last week and also used it in the car for DD’s iPad. Revolutionary