3G modem for rural broadband.

Forums › New Zealand Broadband › 3G modem for rural broadband.

tims

118 posts

Master Geek

#177691 11-Aug-2015 17:46

Looking at "http://www.ultimatebroadband.co.nz/rbi-wireless.html" there are some competitive 3G plans but the Router DIY/Starter kits ($199 - $249 contract free) seem pricey?
I found this modem - "TP-LINK M5350 3G Mobile WI-FI with internal 3G modem, SIM card slot"(http://www.pcforce.co.nz/tplink-3g-mobile-wifi-with-internal-3g-modem-sim-card-slot-p-3248.html) at $109.
Don't know too much about what home equipment is required for wireless broadband - will this do the job? If so, do I need Ultimate Broadband to supply a Sim card to get it working?

Thanks

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#1363037 11-Aug-2015 17:49

You will need to use the provided modem and SIM card, They are locked to one another

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#1363104 11-Aug-2015 19:02

The device you linked to is a 3G hotspot. It's totally unsuitable for RBI, and also lacks LTE so you'd only be able to use 3G.

(Not to mention the SIM card is locked to the hardware that is supplied anyway)

grant_k

3539 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1363113 11-Aug-2015 19:17

tims: ...
Don't know too much about what home equipment is required for wireless broadband - will this do the job? If so, do I need Ultimate Broadband to supply a Sim card to get it working?

The other thing you've overlooked completely is an external antenna. Unless you happen to live in an area with a very strong signal, you'll need an external antenna of some sort. Ultimate offer 3 options:

Indoor Antenna Kit
4G ready Outdoor Antenna (single)
'Pro' 4G Outdoor Antenna Kit (dual)

Prices for the first two options are on the page you linked to, but it's best if you contact Ultimate for the price on the 'Pro' Kit. It offers greater signal stability and potentially greater speed as well.

Jase2985

13466 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#1363136 11-Aug-2015 19:53

wants faster rural internet, cheaps out on the device that will be supplying that internet.

tims

118 posts

Master Geek

#1363385 12-Aug-2015 08:07

Thanks for your replies. As I said I don't know too much about the equipment required and now know that their supplied equipment is mandatory due to the Sim etc as mentioned.
I wasn't trying to cheap out on anything - the modem I was looking at is highly rated and now know just not suitable for what I need.

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#1363403 12-Aug-2015 08:48

tims: Thanks for your replies. As I said I don't know too much about the equipment required and now know that their supplied equipment is mandatory due to the Sim etc as mentioned.
I wasn't trying to cheap out on anything - the modem I was looking at is highly rated and now know just not suitable for what I need.

What you looked at isn't really a modem for a fixed install. It's a battery powered portable 3G hotspot.

pjay

21 posts

Geek

#1370608 19-Aug-2015 22:27

I've used one of these for a year or so - hooks into the 3G network and rebroadcasts locally to the house plus a couple of LAN sockets. Has external antenna facilities if you're struggling for signal.

http://www.netcommwireless.com/product/3g/3g22wv

I took the SIM card out of the Spark modem and plugged it in - works fine. Dont use the VOIP tho.

I'm in an RBI area but don't subscribe.

Hope this helps