Pocket Wi-Fi or Any Standalone Modem/Router? Which One Is Better?

kaiser2b on 02/06/2022 - 19:54

Need suggestions.

I live in Brisbane and currently I am connected with Telstra using NBN FTTN network. I am contracted with Telstra for more than 1 and half year. Really frustrated with their network. Although I have received credit back to my account, discount on my bills calling them and buffering time in youtube is same. I still got 6 more months to go to with them to end the contract. Although the SMART modem has a 4G backup network, it never worked for me flawlessly.

Now I am looking for a 2nd provider for my my home so that I can use that internet service when Telstra will drop off. I am not sure whether any standalone service available (wifi router modem that just need to plug in) or not; or pocket Wifi will be the best option? I am looking for an internet service that will not use the home phone socket. Does any one knows what are are the current deals available on the market?

NB: Unfortunately I have to stick with telstra and use their services because I use telstra home phone a lot.

many thanks in advance.

Internet Mobile Broadband Modem Modem Router

Comments

  • ESEMCE on 02/06/2022 - 20:28

    Do you have poor signal in the location of the modem?
    Can you move the modem to a better signal location? Even if it means having it disconnected from NBN?
    I've run the house on Telstra 4G backup and it was perfectly fine…

    • kaiser2b on 02/06/2022 - 22:57

      I actually never tried it. Will try.

      But is there any quota for 4G? Suppose I am keep using the 4G instead of using NBN.

      • ESEMCE on 03/06/2022 - 07:43
        +1

        They'll eventually clock that there's something really won't with your NBN connection and they'll try to contact you after a month or two.
        Just plug NBN back in for a day or so then move it back.
        Reset the clock on their investigations.

        • ESEMCE on 03/06/2022 - 10:46

          Note that if you're using NBN, it's likely not Telstra's network that you're having issue with, instead it's the NBN that you need them to deal with.

          Have you replaced your internal line, especially if your house is old and has more than one phone outlet?
          It's amazing the difference that can make to the quality of a FTTN connection.

          Telstra (or any ISP for that matter) can't do much about crappy FttN until that checkbox is ticked off.
          Having said that, even after replacing my internal line I'd still rate my FttN connection as crappy, but it's at least stable, just nowhere near as fast as I want it to be (paying for 50/20, getting 32/8).

  • Xizor on 02/06/2022 - 20:29
    +2

    Pocket WiFi devices are very average, they are only really intended to be used in very small areas. I highly recommend avoiding them. You want a proper fixed wireless router that takes a SIM. If you have not already, get some free or cheap sims from the various networks (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone/TPG) to see which offer the best bang for buck performance in your area. Once you know which networks are OK and which to avoid, you can find the best deal for one of the brands that use that network.

    • kaiser2b on 02/06/2022 - 22:58

      Thank you.

    • avoidfullprice on 02/06/2022 - 23:24

      Agree. I damaged two pocket wifi batteries while using 24/7 at my new place before NBNCo wired my place. Pocket wifis are no substitute to smart modem for that usage

  • dasher86 on 02/06/2022 - 21:23
    +2

    The best value 4g modem on the market would have to be the Huawei B818.
    If you prefer a "pocket" modems have a look at the net gear ac800s or nighthawk M1.

  • yokel on 02/06/2022 - 22:12
    +1

    Portable has its uses. I’d prefer full blown router for something that is on 24x7 and copping many simultaneous connections. As @ESEMCE pointed out the standalone is going to have better antennas for the cellular.

  • kaiser2b on 02/06/2022 - 22:59

    Thanks mate

  • kfp187 on 03/06/2022 - 10:36
    +1

    Hey the Telstra modem is pretty good. I use the sim card back up all the time and if you root it, you can install the APN for use with other providers.

    • Jackson on 03/06/2022 - 13:56

      I picked up the gen 1 for this purpose on the cheap, are you referring to that or he gen 2?

      I am looking at using a 4g currently as I have moved house temporarily, and so far a Samsung a20 phone is doing just fine, not sure if it will thrash the battery tho

  • kfp187 on 03/06/2022 - 14:44

    Well you could do the same with a Gen 1. You need to root it regardless. Shoot me a PM…

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