terrible 3G speed in Kelburn, Wellington - any recommendation for a backup internet connection?

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mattab

9 posts

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#73362 12-Dec-2010 19:23

Hi there,
I am a software engineer working from home, and need a backup internet connection (for when Telstra stops working). I just bought a Vodafone vodem stick for 80$, but the rates are just terrible in my house, on Kelburn/Highbury in Wellington:

I didn't know that 3G could be so slow indeed, especially 5min drive from the city center...
It sometimes doesn't find the 3G network at all, but most often connects with 1 bar out of 5.
I think there is nothing I can do to improve this speed... or is it maybe?

Would anyone maybe know a reasonnably cheap backup internet connection solution, that would provide maybe 1MB/s download rate? Since I am already paying for Telstra, I would be very happy to pay 10$ or 20$ (with limited data) to access fast internet when necessary.

Thank you for your help,

Matt

johnr

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#416233 12-Dec-2010 19:27

Have you tried the Vodem stick on the end of a USB lead to give it more height and better signal?

Gobit

40 posts

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#416359 13-Dec-2010 08:24

G'day Matt

I'm in a marginal coverage area in Kilbirnie, rarely getting more than one bar.

Over the years I found that by locking the Vodem to 3G only and using a USB extension lead to get it as high as possible that I could regularly get 1 to 1.2 Mb/s down.

Switched to a MiFi a couple of years ago instead of a Vodem which means I can put it wherever in the house reception is strongest (still doesn't get above 2 bars) and am averaging 2 Mb/s down. In recent times I've been pleasantly surprised to occasionally get up to 3.5 Mb/s down.

Either of the above might be worth a try for you.

Cheers, Gobit

freitasm

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#416361 13-Dec-2010 08:30

You have two options:

1.Try the suggestions here (use a USB extension and position the vodem somewhere else) or use a MiFi and position it where reception is better inside the house

2.Try another provider

You could just try the alternatives in order of cost (USB, MiFi, other provider) and see what you get. Your other provider option would be Telecom New Zealand. 2degrees could be an option, but you'd have to check that you'd be getting their own signal, not a Vodafone signal.

graemeh

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#416390 13-Dec-2010 09:39

mattab: I didn't know that 3G could be so slow indeed, especially 5min drive from the city center...
It sometimes doesn't find the 3G network at all, but most often connects with 1 bar out of 5.
I think there is nothing I can do to improve this speed... or is it maybe?

It sounds like you're just in a spot with terrible Vodafone coverage, try 2 Degrees or Telecom XT.

I'd try 2 Degrees first as you should be able to use your Vodem with them and their SIMs are cheap (Warehouse Stationery advertised a SIM with $20 loaded for $10 recently).

graemeh

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#416392 13-Dec-2010 09:40

freitasm: 2degrees could be an option, but you'd have to check that you'd be getting their own signal, not a Vodafone signal.

I understood that if you were in an area that *should* have 2 Degrees coverage you were not able to roam on the Vodafone network in that area.

freitasm

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#416397 13-Dec-2010 09:54

graemeh:
freitasm: 2degrees could be an option, but you'd have to check that you'd be getting their own signal, not a Vodafone signal.

I understood that if you were in an area that *should* have 2 Degrees coverage you were not able to roam on the Vodafone network in that area.

That's correct. But who knows exactly what areas are these? "Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch"... But are these the whole towns/cities or are there "spots"?

You know, just to be sure. Your suggestion of getting a cheap SIM to test is a good idea, and got with the 1,2,3 approach.

mattab

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#416411 13-Dec-2010 10:34

Hi guys
Thanks for your answers guys. I have tried the supplied USB lead and already get better results:

Not exactly uber fast, but already a lot more usable :)

my next step will be to buy a longer usb lead and try with this.

If this fails, I will try your other suggestions and report here my findings. Thanks!!

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freitasm

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#416416 13-Dec-2010 10:42

Also remember speedtest is influenced by lots of things. You could only get a complete "speed" picture with a good selection of tests, taken at random times of the day.

quickymart

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#416651 13-Dec-2010 17:52

Where in Kilbirnie is it?

mattab

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#416686 13-Dec-2010 19:02

It's in Kelburn / Highbury, not kilbirnie. I noticed a factor 5 speed difference between holding the key down to my desk, or up 15cm at the window.

matisyahu

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#416705 13-Dec-2010 19:52

mattab: It's in Kelburn / Highbury, not kilbirnie. I noticed a factor 5 speed difference between holding the key down to my desk, or up 15cm at the window.

Where abouts in kelburn - close near the university? I had the same problem when it came to using my XT 3G dongle where if it did have a signal it was incredibly weak. I guess it is one of those situations where the terrain wins over technology.

"When the people are being beaten with a stick, they are not much happier if it is called 'the People's Stick'"

quickymart

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#416814 13-Dec-2010 22:46

Sorry - my question was for Gobit :)

Gobit

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#416909 14-Dec-2010 09:01

quickymart: Sorry - my question was for Gobit :)

G'day Quickymart

I'm tucked into a crease in the hill up from the pool. Coverage comes from Kilbirnie with backfill from Shelley Bay I believe.

Cheers, Gobit

quickymart

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#417217 14-Dec-2010 19:36

Might be getting some from the airport too, if you're there, but most likely not.