Definition of tethering when using 4G router

Forums › New Zealand Mobile and Wireless › Definition of tethering when using 4G router

truant

15 posts

Geek

#268399 17-Mar-2020 16:14

I am trying to set up a 4G router on my rural property. All the provider's websites say there is no coverage at my site, but actually there is. It's not pretty but there are some reasonable places where I can get 4G on my phone & friends on other providers. I don't want to use another address to get a modem + sim and then get it geoblocked when I move it there.

So I've decided to buy a cheap Skinny/Spark b315 4G router on TM and try it out with some prepay sims, and if it works ok I'll look at going for a high data mobile plan.

I noticed some allow tethering, and others not (or with an extra fee), so my question is this: if I simply put the sim with data in the b315 and connect devices to it, will the provider detect 'tethering' or not?

Thanks

RunningMan

8953 posts

Uber Geek

#2440072 17-Mar-2020 16:26

If the sites are saying no coverage for wireless broadband, it means there is insufficient capacity (so they won't deploy more modems and make the experience worse for existing customers), not that you won't get a signal.

truant

15 posts

Geek

#2440073 17-Mar-2020 16:28

Yes I understand that. Currently I am hotspotting off my phone anyway which works fine, so this solution will use a similar load but just be easier.

Edit: to clarify, I am not living at the site, so it is not a permanent solution.

wratterus

1687 posts

Uber Geek

#2440080 17-Mar-2020 16:39

If the plan you are on allows tethering, I don't think there would be an issue with it - there is no real difference between tethering from a phone or connecting to a modem with a prepay sim in it is there?

truant

15 posts

Geek

#2440084 17-Mar-2020 16:43

wratterus:

If the plan you are on allows tethering, I don't think there would be an issue with it - there is no real difference between tethering from a phone or connecting to a modem with a prepay sim in it is there?

I would have thought Data is Data, but no, some providers don't allow tethering unless you pay a tethering fee, or charge per user especially on the high data plans. I'm not planning on using my current phone sim for this, but another dedicated prepay sim so I'm shopping around.

hio77

12999 posts

Uber Geek

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Lizard Networks

#2440131 17-Mar-2020 17:18

Don't buy a plan that says no tethering allowed and expect this to work.

Given you say Spark/Skinny i'd suspect your only looking at one network.

We don't sell Fixed Wireless in places where it could impact the network - Remembering wireless means we might be offering a multiple hundred gig plan, that edge coverage simply isnt ideal to support.

you also say your rural, it's possible you are in a Rural attenna location.

Spark's website does not sell Rural Attenna plans online.

Skinny do not sell Rural Wireless Products.

Happy to have a quick look at your address if you DM me.

#include <std_disclaimer>

Any comments made are personal opinion and do not reflect directly on the position my current or past employers may have.

wratterus

1687 posts

Uber Geek

#2440137 17-Mar-2020 17:24

@truant I did specify 'if your plan supports tethering'...

There are legitimate reasons most 'unlimited' or high GB plans don't allow it.

truant

15 posts

Geek

#2440220 17-Mar-2020 18:39

wratterus:

@truant I did specify 'if your plan supports tethering'...

There are legitimate reasons most 'unlimited' or high GB plans don't allow it.

Yes I understand. I'm not trying to hack the system, just trying to figure out if I need tethering or not.

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deadlyllama

1260 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2440238 17-Mar-2020 19:07

Skinny's "no tethering" buy data by the hour works when I tether my laptop and use a VPN.

2degrees data clock has always worked with tethering for me, no funny business required.

Make of that what you will.