Tips for a Mobile broadband router

[EasterMummie]

Looking into replacing my wifi with mobile broadband & have no idea where to start with what router to use. When I look on amazon the range of prices goes from £50-£600 and is slightly bamboozelling.

Can anyone recomend a particular make/model or advise what features I need to look out for? I'm hoping to spend between £70-£120 ish (unless someone comes up with a good reason why I need to spend more?)

We live rurally, think we only get 4G, not wanting to install an outdoor ariel or anything. Mostly using for streaming TV, general internet browsing, we aren't big gamers or anything.
I've seen the Alcatel pocket hotspot 4G, is that any good? Any suggestions or pointers of what to look out for?

I would start by seeing what performance you can get on 4G, by running a speed test on your mobile before considering what router to buy.

Thanks DBank, as we are rural and no chance of fibre broadband or high speeds its definitely faster on mobile. I have run a speed test over wifi and mobile so know this for sure.

I've heard weather can affect mobile signal more but as we don't rely on it for work I think its still a good option for us.

Bumping for suggestions!

As already said, you need to check how good your 4G signal is. It will almost certainly vary depending on the network. You might get excellent results on EE, for example, and nothing on Vodafone. Or vice versa.

Once you have established that, then move on to the choice of 4G router. In a strong signal area, you may get away with something at the cheaper end of the range. In a difficult signal area, you may need something more elaborate (expensive). Also, note that a good signal doesn’t always mean fast download and upload speeds. Ideally, you need to try each network at different times of day using a speed checker.

https://www.ispreview.co.uk/speed/

Yes, weather can make a difference. So can trees, buildings and hills around you.

The best place to ask for this type of advice is here…

https://www.ispreview.co.uk/talk/forums/mobile-broadband-and-fixed-wireless.106/

You may need to provide more detail than you might do on MN. There isn’t the obsession with “outing” on that forum.

Have you been able to test your speed on 4G and can you share your results?

Make sure its 4g+ bit dearer but its a lot faster then 4g

Set it up in the attic if you dont want to fit an outdoor aerial

Make sure its 4g+ bit dearer but its a lot faster then 4g

If budget is a concern, that could be a waste of money if the only usable signal is Band 20. As is often the case in rural areas.