Which Mobile (Sim Use) Router for Watching TV?

alanwsg

BFBW said:

I'd like to see speed test results of that. https://testmy.net

Their network would need to have an LTE-A deployment, a cell tower nearby and multiple frequency band availability to achieve those speeds.

I ran that and here's the "share this result" text ...

:::.. Download Speed Test Result Details ..:::
Download Connection Speed:: 169038 kbps or 169 Mbps 
Download Speed Test Size:: 59.2 MB or 60578 kB or 62031872 bytes
Download Binary File Transfer Speed:: 21130 kB/s or 21.1 MB/s
Tested At:: https://TestMy.net
Validation:: https://testmy.net/db/0uV0_XAe1
TiP Measurement Summary:: Min 51.9 Mbps | Middle Avg 238.05 Mbps | Max 297.66 Mbps | 94% Variance
Client Stats:: https://testmy.net/compID/29292570861  
Test Time:: 2025-11-06 09:36:08 Local Time 
Client Location:: Southwark, SWK GB https://testmy.net/city/southwark_swk
Target:: London, GB https://dallas.testmy.net
Client Host:: BT https://testmy.net/hoststats/bt
Compare:: 85% > client avg, 143% > host avg, 128% > city avg, 6% < country avg, 108% > world index 
1MB Download in 0.05 Seconds - 1GB Download in ~51 Seconds
This test of exactly 59.16 MB took 2.938 seconds to complete
User Agent:: Mozilla/5.0 Windows NT 10.0; Win64; x64 AppleWebKit/537.36 KHTML, like Gecko Chrome/142.0.0.0 Safari/537.36 [!]

:::.. Upload Speed Test Result Details ..:::
Upload Connection Speed:: 52867 kbps or 52.9 Mbps 
Upload Speed Test Size:: 24.9 MB or 25472 kB or 26083328 bytes
Upload Binary File Transfer Speed:: 6608 kB/s or 6.6 MB/s
Tested At:: https://TestMy.net
Validation:: https://testmy.net/db/6nfcrEY-7
Client Stats:: https://testmy.net/compID/29292570861  
Test Time:: 2025-11-06 09:46:05 Local Time 
Client Location:: Southwark, SWK GB https://testmy.net/city/southwark_swk
Target:: London, GB https://uk2.testmy.net
Client Host:: BT https://testmy.net/hoststats/bt
Compare:: 215% > host avg, 72% > city avg, 13% < country avg, 112% > world index 
1MB Upload in 0.15 Seconds - 1GB Upload in ~3 Minutes
This test of exactly 24.88 MB took 3.947 seconds to complete
User Agent:: Mozilla/5.0 Windows NT 10.0; Win64; x64 AppleWebKit/537.36 KHTML, like Gecko Chrome/142.0.0.0 Safari/537.36 [!]

BTW, the modem does carrier aggregation, at the moment it's using the following
20MHz@B3 + 20MHz@B7 + 15MHz@B7 (ca_activated)
but that changes through the day (EE switch off some bands overnight)

BFBW

alanwsg said:

BFBW said:

I'd like to see speed test results of that. https://testmy.net

Their network would need to have an LTE-A deployment, a cell tower nearby and multiple frequency band availability to achieve those speeds.

I ran that and here's the "share this result" text ...

:::.. Download Speed Test Result Details ..:::
Download Connection Speed:: 169038 kbps or 169 Mbps 
Download Speed Test Size:: 59.2 MB or 60578 kB or 62031872 bytes
Download Binary File Transfer Speed:: 21130 kB/s or 21.1 MB/s
Tested At:: https://TestMy.net
Validation:: https://testmy.net/db/0uV0_XAe1
TiP Measurement Summary:: Min 51.9 Mbps | Middle Avg 238.05 Mbps | Max 297.66 Mbps | 94% Variance
Client Stats:: https://testmy.net/compID/29292570861  
Test Time:: 2025-11-06 09:36:08 Local Time 
Client Location:: Southwark, SWK GB https://testmy.net/city/southwark_swk
Target:: London, GB https://dallas.testmy.net
Client Host:: BT https://testmy.net/hoststats/bt
Compare:: 85% > client avg, 143% > host avg, 128% > city avg, 6% < country avg, 108% > world index 
1MB Download in 0.05 Seconds - 1GB Download in ~51 Seconds
This test of exactly 59.16 MB took 2.938 seconds to complete
User Agent:: Mozilla/5.0 Windows NT 10.0; Win64; x64 AppleWebKit/537.36 KHTML, like Gecko Chrome/142.0.0.0 Safari/537.36 [!]

:::.. Upload Speed Test Result Details ..:::
Upload Connection Speed:: 52867 kbps or 52.9 Mbps 
Upload Speed Test Size:: 24.9 MB or 25472 kB or 26083328 bytes
Upload Binary File Transfer Speed:: 6608 kB/s or 6.6 MB/s
Tested At:: https://TestMy.net
Validation:: https://testmy.net/db/6nfcrEY-7
Client Stats:: https://testmy.net/compID/29292570861  
Test Time:: 2025-11-06 09:46:05 Local Time 
Client Location:: Southwark, SWK GB https://testmy.net/city/southwark_swk
Target:: London, GB https://uk2.testmy.net
Client Host:: BT https://testmy.net/hoststats/bt
Compare:: 215% > host avg, 72% > city avg, 13% < country avg, 112% > world index 
1MB Upload in 0.15 Seconds - 1GB Upload in ~3 Minutes
This test of exactly 24.88 MB took 3.947 seconds to complete
User Agent:: Mozilla/5.0 Windows NT 10.0; Win64; x64 AppleWebKit/537.36 KHTML, like Gecko Chrome/142.0.0.0 Safari/537.36 [!]

BTW, the modem does carrier aggregation, at the moment it's using the following
20MHz@B3 + 20MHz@B7 + 15MHz@B7 (ca_activated)
but that changes through the day (EE switch off some bands overnight)

Thanks for doing that. Looks good.

Frozen_up_north

HollyandCo, I am confused... firstly you appear to be looking for a mobile data solution, then show a really good fibre connected speed test and mention your phone/laptop is struggling with WiFi.

There looks to be an issue with WiFi coverage in your property, which a mobile network router won't solve. Mobile network routers are idea for temporary use, especially where you have a strong 5G signal, and low latency/jitter due to being near a mast. They can work out cheaper than fibre broadband. Examples include second homes, caravans, boats on inland waterways, small shops, etc.

As mentioned further up the thread, WiFi extenders and mesh networks can solve the problem of poor WiFi.

flaneurs_lobster

Frozen_up_north said:

HollyandCo, I am confused... firstly you appear to be looking for a mobile data solution, then show a really good fibre connected speed test and mention your phone/laptop is struggling with WiFi.

There looks to be an issue with WiFi coverage in your property, which a mobile network router won't solve. Mobile network routers are idea for temporary use, especially where you have a strong 5G signal, and low latency/jitter due to being near a mast. They can work out cheaper than fibre broadband. Examples include second homes, caravans, boats on inland waterways, small shops, etc.

As mentioned further up the thread, WiFi extenders and mesh networks can solve the problem of poor WiFi.

Why I've asked upthread for details of the current router, might be a clue as to why coverage is poor.

HollyandCo

BFBW said:

alanwsg said:

la531983 said:

Relying on a 4G signal to power broadband for the whole of the house, including streaming, isnt something I would be doing, 

Well, it's something that I, and many others, do.

I use a Scancom EE unlimited SIM (Search Amazon) in a MC7010C modem.
No 5G signal where I am, but I get around 250Mb down / 70Mb upload speeds on 4G.

Sim was £220 for 18 months, so about £12.20/month.

As you need to commit to a big outlay in advance, it's very important to check signal in your area before forking out. You can get a monthly unlimited SIM from 1pMobile (on EE) for £12.50 for the first month.

Scancom also do '3' unlimited SIMs, which are even cheaper but no good for me, no signal here.

I'd like to see speed test results of that. https://testmy.net

Their network would need to have an LTE-A deployment, a cell tower nearby and multiple frequency band availability to achieve those speeds.

Thank you for all the helpful information everyone.

I will have to pick up with this in a couple of weeks time.  I am grateful to know that I have options to improve my signal indoors etc.  I also understand that if I have an outdoor aerial to get greater connectivity to 4G inside my house, this would connect to my indoor router and help throughout the house.

Again, thanks everyone for all the help/advice.

Frozen_up_north

HollyandCo said:

 I also understand that if I have an outdoor aerial to get greater connectivity to 4G inside my house, this would connect to my indoor router and help throughout the house.

Again, thanks everyone for all the help/advice.

I think you are confusing two issues. As I understand, you have fibre broadband into your house but the router has poor range on WiFi, so you cannot connect from some parts of the house. 4G and an outdoor aerial have nothing to do with WiFi. Something like this product will spread your existing WiFi all over the house.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-Deco-E4-Seamless-Replacement/dp/B07RXLF5XZ

https://www.currys.co.uk/products/tplink-deco-e4-whole-home-wifi-system-triple-pack-10238376.html

HollyandCo

I've decided to go with this router to use in the house which doesn't have any internet or phone line.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CYVQPHGK?tag=track-ect-uk-4137095-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&ascsubtag=ecSEPi8dmjmhsdlh7s

TP-Link Archer MR505 AC1200 4G+ Cat6 WiFi Router With Gigabit Port, Sim Slot, Superfast LTE Speed, Internal Antenna, MU-MIMO, Plug & Play

If I want to use it at my own house afterwards, I have fibre to my house, will I be able to get an adapter so I can connect the fibre?

Many thanks.

BFBW

HollyandCo said:

I've decided to go with this router to use in the house which doesn't have any internet or phone line.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CYVQPHGK?tag=track-ect-uk-4137095-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&ascsubtag=ecSEPi8dmjmhsdlh7s

TP-Link Archer MR505 AC1200 4G+ Cat6 WiFi Router With Gigabit Port, Sim Slot, Superfast LTE Speed, Internal Antenna, MU-MIMO, Plug & Play

If I want to use it at my own house afterwards, I have fibre to my house, will I be able to get an adapter so I can connect the fibre?

Many thanks.

I think the 515 covers an extra band, hence my recommendation.
https://uk.webuy.com/product-detail?id=8885020623277
https://www.tp-link.com/uk/home-networking/3g-4g-router/archer-mr515/

HollyandCo

BFBW said:

HollyandCo said:

I've decided to go with this router to use in the house which doesn't have any internet or phone line.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CYVQPHGK?tag=track-ect-uk-4137095-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&ascsubtag=ecSEPi8dmjmhsdlh7s

TP-Link Archer MR505 AC1200 4G+ Cat6 WiFi Router With Gigabit Port, Sim Slot, Superfast LTE Speed, Internal Antenna, MU-MIMO, Plug & Play

If I want to use it at my own house afterwards, I have fibre to my house, will I be able to get an adapter so I can connect the fibre?

Many thanks.

I think the 515 covers an extra band, hence my recommendation.
https://uk.webuy.com/product-detail?id=8885020623277
https://www.tp-link.com/uk/home-networking/3g-4g-router/archer-mr515/

Hi, I spent absolutely ages reading through the specs of both products and concluded they are exactly the same.  I thought surely not?  So I asked AI and basically, yes it is an identical product but branded MR505 and MR515 for recognition of marketing locations.   Looks like I saved a few pounds on Amazon.

Its been delivered today and I have bought a preloaded unlimited Sim Card which expires in April.  I might have a go at setting it up tonigt!

Many thanks for all the help given and received.

BFBW

HollyandCo said:

BFBW said:

HollyandCo said:

I've decided to go with this router to use in the house which doesn't have any internet or phone line.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CYVQPHGK?tag=track-ect-uk-4137095-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&ascsubtag=ecSEPi8dmjmhsdlh7s

TP-Link Archer MR505 AC1200 4G+ Cat6 WiFi Router With Gigabit Port, Sim Slot, Superfast LTE Speed, Internal Antenna, MU-MIMO, Plug & Play

If I want to use it at my own house afterwards, I have fibre to my house, will I be able to get an adapter so I can connect the fibre?

Many thanks.

I think the 515 covers an extra band, hence my recommendation.
https://uk.webuy.com/product-detail?id=8885020623277
https://www.tp-link.com/uk/home-networking/3g-4g-router/archer-mr515/

Hi, I spent absolutely ages reading through the specs of both products and concluded they are exactly the same.  I thought surely not?  So I asked AI and basically, yes it is an identical product but branded MR505 and MR515 for recognition of marketing locations.   Looks like I saved a few pounds on Amazon.

Its been delivered today and I have bought a preloaded unlimited Sim Card which expires in April.  I might have a go at setting it up tonigt!

Many thanks for all the help given and received.

£85 via Amazon vs £60 via CEX. How did you save?   I know one is new, but both have warranties. Don't expect AI to give you accurate replies. They are not identical, though close. https://www.tp-link.com/en/compare/?typeId=5871&productIds=79844,78875,78462

MR600 for £50 to £75 via CEX.

Information not for you to change your mind, but for others going down a similar route.