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5G rubbish
Sept 23, 2024 9:34:45 GMT 12
via mobile
Post by Fogg on Sept 23, 2024 9:34:45 GMT 12
Anyone else noticed that if you’re roaming and data seems to be v slow / dodgy that often the phone signal is showing as 5G?
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Post by fish on Sept 23, 2024 10:07:40 GMT 12
I've not had this problem, probably because my phone pre-dates 5G, but it is something I am interested in for this summer's cruising.
What network are you using? I understand 5G provides fast internet, but only at short range.
The last few years we were using a dedicated mobile internet unit via the Motor Caravan Association, I've forgotten the name of the provider but the system is designed for stable internet in remote locations like the Gulf. Think it is what they use for the rural broadband initiative?
Anyway, that option isn't available to us this year so I'm interested in alternatives. The obvious is hot-spotting off our existing mobiles, which are Spark and 2Degrees respectively, fairly sure both units are 4G.
Way back when Vodaboat was a thing (the giant Tri) Vodafone had the long range phone coverage system. Is that still a thing? I know Vodafone aren't even Vodafone anymore, (OneNZ) showing how out of date I am.
Basically I'm looking for a cheap and simple mobile broadband set up, as in with a dongle or small device, good coverage, that is pre-paid and good for occasional use boating and a few weeks over summer.
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mihit
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Posts: 107
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Post by mihit on Sept 23, 2024 10:54:07 GMT 12
There is probably a setting in your phone where you can limit it to 4G (HSPA LTE) Check for something like 'network settings'
5G is garbage for a lot of reasons, and I will never own a device with it even as a capability.
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mihit
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Posts: 107
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Post by mihit on Sept 23, 2024 11:07:12 GMT 12
Basically I'm looking for a cheap and simple mobile broadband set up, as in with a dongle or small device, good coverage, that is pre-paid and good for occasional use boating and a few weeks over summer. You'll have to find the network provider with best coverage in your area. Probably one of the Telecom derivatives. Spark do unlimited mobile data for $40/28 days. Can top up with credit/debit card or vouchers, via their website.
Depending what you need to connect, (wifi and/or LAN) a 4G router is a good solution and most run on 12V DC so can be wired into house batteries.
As with most things wireless, your antenna setup will make or break. Get it high and clear of interference, and particularly on a boat, ground planes. Make sure your stanchions aren't a wire loop (insulate one or both ends, or replace with dyneema)
Check out "wok-fi" or the "can-tenna" If you can run a directional antenna it increases range awesomely, but difficult on a floating platform. A 'yagi' type antenna probably your best bet.
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5G rubbish
Sept 23, 2024 11:18:08 GMT 12
via mobile
Post by Fogg on Sept 23, 2024 11:18:08 GMT 12
I’m using One or “Kia Ora” as they insist on putting at the top of my screen.
On the boat we have one of those WiFi models from Wireless Nation that is probably the device you were referring to as part of the RBI.
It works ok. I think it uses One too (pardon the pun).
It means everyone / everything on Fogg can simply connect to “Fogg WiFi”.
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Post by Cantab on Sept 23, 2024 18:48:47 GMT 12
I use 2 degrees, they have a new offshoot or partner now, Kiwi? $40 a month seems the new normal for unlimited. Same network as vodafone
Good coverage most of the coast Whangarei BOI and on to at least Whangaroa, there are deadspots at cape brett and some bays in the BOI and Whangaroa
Really good reception around Port Fitzroy etc recently. No idea what the Auckland Gulf area is like.
I would find it hard to justify Starlink around the coast here unless you really need fulltime coverage,
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5G rubbish
Sept 26, 2024 16:04:08 GMT 12
via mobile
Post by Fogg on Sept 26, 2024 16:04:08 GMT 12
Some bright Spark (pun intended) has decided to ‘upgrade’ the Voda service around GH from 4G to 5G.
The result is I now can’t make decent phone calls because 3 bars of 5G is indecipherable whereas 3 bars of 4G is fine.
Another tech scam.
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Post by GO30 on Sept 26, 2024 16:34:05 GMT 12
Some bright Spark (pun intended) has decided to ‘upgrade’ the Voda service around GH from 4G to 5G. The result is I now can’t make decent phone calls because 3 bars of 5G is indecipherable whereas 3 bars of 4G is fine. Another tech scam. Mean while in Bayswater 4G is only a dream and one day we hope to be able to get a decent quality call without having to sit on the dunny, true story.
Yet mean while in the Wairau Valley (4 min north of the bridge) 4G is also a dream as is having a whole day without the interweb randomly dropping out, which also takes out our CRM, accounting and phones.
Yet mean while once more anything above H or H+ and 1 bar is a dream here in rural. Yet in some weird quirk the interweb is more reliable here in rural, even if it would be pasted by a Snail with 3 broken legs when talking speed.
That is why in my world Mr Fogg and Hans Christian Anderson share a trait, they both write fairy tales. 
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mihit
Full Member
Posts: 107
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Post by mihit on Sept 27, 2024 9:10:12 GMT 12
Some bright Spark (pun intended) has decided to ‘upgrade’ the Voda service around GH from 4G to 5G. The result is I now can’t make decent phone calls because 3 bars of 5G is indecipherable whereas 3 bars of 4G is fine. Another tech scam. Again, have a look at setting your device so it will not connect to the 5G. It will fall back to 3 or 4G, and you should get the same signal strength as previously. Yet mean while in the Wairau Valley (4 min north of the bridge) 4G is also a dream as is having a whole day without the interweb randomly dropping out, which also takes out our CRM, accounting and phones.
Yet mean while once more anything above H or H+ and 1 bar is a dream here in rural. Yet in some weird quirk the interweb is more reliable here in rural, even if it would be pasted by a Snail with 3 broken legs when talking speed. Hell, I think most providers are turning off 3G hardware within a year or two at the most. It might pay to talk to yours to see if they intend to maintain coverage in your area. |
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Post by Fogg on Sept 27, 2024 14:12:43 GMT 12
Thanks have done that (on iPhone).
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Post by GO30 on Sept 28, 2024 15:19:03 GMT 12
Yet mean while in the Wairau Valley (4 min north of the bridge) 4G is also a dream as is having a whole day without the interweb randomly dropping out, which also takes out our CRM, accounting and phones.
Yet mean while once more anything above H or H+ and 1 bar is a dream here in rural. Yet in some weird quirk the interweb is more reliable here in rural, even if it would be pasted by a Snail with 3 broken legs when talking speed. Hell, I think most providers are turning off 3G hardware within a year or two at the most. It might pay to talk to yours to see if they intend to maintain coverage in your area. Me and the Wa have mid range Samsungs and get the average reception. In rural iPhones struggle a lot more than us but a mate who spend some bullshit 3K odd on the latests n greatest folding Samsung gets better then all overs seen to date.
So as scientific as that is  I reckon the quality of the receivers phone antenna has an input into it. |
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mihit
Full Member
Posts: 107
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Post by mihit on Sept 28, 2024 18:38:21 GMT 12
Hell, I think most providers are turning off 3G hardware within a year or two at the most. It might pay to talk to yours to see if they intend to maintain coverage in your area. Me and the Wa have mid range Samsungs and get the average reception. In rural iPhones struggle a lot more than us but a mate who spend some bullshit 3K odd on the latests n greatest folding Samsung gets better then all overs seen to date.
So as scientific as that is I reckon the quality of the receivers phone antenna has an input into it. Can't recieve what ain't sent...providers wont send what aint asked for...
I would bet that 99% of phones/tablets/laptops, whatever brand, use the same microchip to connect. Any percieved difference in service will be achieved at a software level. I deliberately keep my tech old. I think my "smart" phone is 2017 model.
I am astounded at anyone who sees more than $100 value in a "phone" I really can't wrap my head around these $1000-3000 devices, but I guess it gives more inches or megapixels or likes or whatever metric they feel validates them.
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Post by GO30 on Sept 29, 2024 8:42:01 GMT 12
Another theory takin a kickin* but agree, software is so variable in quality. I had to get a new phone for covid testing and managed to part with 5 hundy odd but struggle to see more value in one than that for me. * - it's OK I have 1000's of others. Pretty sure 1 or 3 may even be at least close |
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I reckon the quality of the receivers phone antenna has an input into it.