Cable Forum - View Single Post - Using a SIM instead of standard broadband

**Chris** · 12-08-2023, 10:41

The only way to know for sure is to use it.

A website like cellmapper.net can tell you where all the local cell masts are which will give you an idea what sort of signal strength to expect. That information should inform your decision about which network to go with and where to place the modem/router for best signal reception.

However, with 4G a major determining factor is how many users are on the same cell as you at the same time. A single 4G channel is capable of 150mbps download and 50mbps upload but you will only see that speed with a very good signal and not many other people also using the cell at the same time.

If your speeds are highly variable then there are a couple of potential factors at play. First, weak signal. If they refused to offer you service at your new address it is because their coverage model is telling them not to. That’s not to say you won’t be able to make it work, but it is marginal enough to be susceptible to interference. Second, if the speed drops at a particular time of day, then you’re suffering from movement of Three subscribers into or out of your area. If you’re close to a town centre or industrial estate where people work you will see a dip during the working day. If you’re near a popular night spot it will be constrained in the evening. I used to use mine in a remote rural location with lots of campsites and caravan parks so it would drop to a crawl every evening for 8 weeks in the summer.

If you’re determined to stick with 4G the first thing I’d say is ditch Three. If even they don’t want to provide your service there’s no merit in sticking with them. Try out a couple of PAYG SIMs from different networks, based on what you discover at cellmapper.net. The golden rule with 4G internet is you go with the network with best coverage, not the cheapest deal.

And on that final point, *do not* ever sign up to a data SIM contract with any supplier. They will always charge you more for a data-only contract than you can get with a phone contract that has data included. Get a SIM-only phone contract and put the SIM in a 4G router. You are legally allowed to do this due to a market/competition court ruling from several years ago. The mobile service providers would prefer you not to do it but they can’t stop you.

12-08-2023, 10:41	#10
Chris Trollsplatter Cable Forum Team Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: North of Watford Services: Humane elimination of all common Internet pests Posts: 36,962	Re: Using a SIM instead of standard broadband The only way to know for sure is to use it. A website like cellmapper.net can tell you where all the local cell masts are which will give you an idea what sort of signal strength to expect. That information should inform your decision about which network to go with and where to place the modem/router for best signal reception. However, with 4G a major determining factor is how many users are on the same cell as you at the same time. A single 4G channel is capable of 150mbps download and 50mbps upload but you will only see that speed with a very good signal and not many other people also using the cell at the same time. If your speeds are highly variable then there are a couple of potential factors at play. First, weak signal. If they refused to offer you service at your new address it is because their coverage model is telling them not to. That’s not to say you won’t be able to make it work, but it is marginal enough to be susceptible to interference. Second, if the speed drops at a particular time of day, then you’re suffering from movement of Three subscribers into or out of your area. If you’re close to a town centre or industrial estate where people work you will see a dip during the working day. If you’re near a popular night spot it will be constrained in the evening. I used to use mine in a remote rural location with lots of campsites and caravan parks so it would drop to a crawl every evening for 8 weeks in the summer. If you’re determined to stick with 4G the first thing I’d say is ditch Three. If even they don’t want to provide your service there’s no merit in sticking with them. Try out a couple of PAYG SIMs from different networks, based on what you discover at cellmapper.net. The golden rule with 4G internet is you go with the network with best coverage, not the cheapest deal. And on that final point, do not ever sign up to a data SIM contract with any supplier. They will always charge you more for a data-only contract than you can get with a phone contract that has data included. Get a SIM-only phone contract and put the SIM in a 4G router. You are legally allowed to do this due to a market/competition court ruling from several years ago. The mobile service providers would prefer you not to do it but they can’t stop you. Last edited by Chris; 12-08-2023 at 10:44.