Considering a 4G router/dongle and Smarty data sim, any good?

A.Baird3

A.Baird3

A.Baird3

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27 Jul 2015
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I'm considering using a 4g router and Smarty data sim for regular use as I can't get very fast internet at the moment. Is 4G connectivity for daily use and downloading/streaming good? Are there any connectivity issues that may arise? From what I read 300Mb (which is about 10x my current broadband) is easily achievable and I have decent coverage here (though not 5G). Just 1 PC will be connected.

Just enquiring before I pay for a router and £20/month Smarty data.
 
Entirely depends on the signal in your area. If you don't get the best signal though you can invest in an outdoor antenna. Should have 20-30ms latency with 4G if you have a decent router and signal and speeds of 50-100 Mbps.
 
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I get mixed coverage here depending on the provider. I think Smarty use either EE or O2, both of which have a good signal where I am, well they are the only ones that work here.
 
A.Baird3 said:
I get mixed coverage here depending on the provider. I think Smarty use either EE or O2, both of which have a good signal where I am, well they are the only ones that work here.
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Understood, but running a speedtest on your phone will give you an idea of the speeds you'll get anyway :) also make sure it's near a window upstairs with the best possible signal if it's mixed coverage and you don't want to deal with the antenna.
 
Order a trial sim and do a speed test.

I do the same, but vodafone. Get 80-150, but the latency can vary at times. Enough to stop me playing any fps online (not that I do much of it mine).
 
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I work away quite a lot and always take my 4G router with me rather than relying on the rubbish public WiFi that plagues most of the hotels I stay in. I use a couple of external antennas to maximise the reception. As long as the coverage is good, a mobile connection is absolutely fine for general web browsing/streaming etc.

Rather than signing up for a contract and then realising the signal is rubbish, I'd register for a couple of 30 day SIMs and try them out. You'll be able to find the best network for your area and give you more confidence in taking out a long contract.

I've used Smarty (Three) and TalkMobile (Vodafone) plenty of times. There's also GiffGaff (O2). Each with plenty of cheap data bundles to choose from. I found Smarty were a bit cheaper but the coverage and throughput wasn't anywhere near as good as other providers, although YMMV.
 
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Journey said:
Smarty use Three ( 3 UK,) not O2 or EE, if you want EE then you'll want Lyca, RWG or similar but they all have FUP's.
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I'm sure I read that Smarty recently started using EE or O2, but I see they are owned by the company that owns Three. I used to not get coverage from them here, but their coverage checker shows I get a good signal. I've looked further afield and Lyca have a cheaper unlimited offer too.
I see GiffGaff have a 500GB offer for £20/month at the moment too.
Re: 5G, I'm a little in the middle of nowhere, 5G to the East of me, 5G to West, I'm stuck in the middle without.
 
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