Anyone Using 5G Routers for Internet?

Question

Thinking of switching to 5G routers instead of broadband. The data plans are reasonable ($50/month) and the service seems like it would be more reliable through storms and outages.

Any drawbacks I’m not considering? I would still need to subscribe to a streaming service for cable tv, so cost savings wouldnt be much (or a wash), but otherwise it seems like it might be a viable alternative?

Michael Baum · Answer

Hey @Jon Martin, so if you have some kind of broadband connection I would stick with that.

I have found 5g cellular modems to be spotty. You are at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to prioritization. Speeds are all over the place just about any time of day.

Rural areas can benefit from this but if I could go with Starlink, I would do that instead of a 5g modem.

In the end, people rely on internet for all sorts of things and you want that to be reliable.

Sunil Ghosal · Answer

Yes we use the TMobile Routers and they are good. However, if you have more then 2/3 within a certain range of each other, none of them will work.

Jon Martin · Answer

All good feedback, thank you all!

I might try the “emergency service” which is $20 with limited data and just use that for the smart locks and ring cameras. That way there is a temporary backup if the broadband goes down.

Andrew Steffens · Answer

I am days/weeks away from trying it at my personal residence.  3500 sqft but only two people using it, so not sure how good of a test it will be.  Verizon is like $35/mo and Spectrum is well over $100 now.

Max Smetiouk · Answer

It all depends on your location and service. If at all possible try it out first.

I tried it in my home but reception wasn't good. In addition you are sharing with cellular network, which gets priority. So service would degrade as the day progresses.

John Underwood · Answer

My cousin is using one and likes it.

Cell service is weak at our cabin PF so it would not work there.

Might be good for a smaller house in an urban area with good cell service.

Anyone Using 5G Routers for Internet?

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