Forum Discussion

IanTrud_1565651's avatar
IanTrud_1565651
SMARTY Pioneer
10-03-2023
Solved

5G Router for home wifi

Hi I have unlimited data 5G SIM and I need help with suggestions please...

I want to set up WiFi in my new home and I need  ideas on a Router, which one is suitable with Smarty?. I am basic when it comes to technology so I would appreciate any suggestions.

Thankyou

Ian

  • MSF's avatar
    MSF
    10-03-2023

    Unfortunately, I'm no expert on routers (I am sure there are others who are though). BUT, don't forget that you will be relying on mobile signal and so will need to check carefully that the position of the router is such that there is a strong signal in that place in your home.

  • Chalkychap's avatar
    Chalkychap
    10-03-2023

    While a SMARTY SIM usually works in a mobile broadband router, bear in mind that SMARTY don't support their SIM cards when used in this kind of device. So, if you ever had an issue, getting SMARTY to help could be difficult, especially as they don't have a telephone support helpline.

    Personally, I'd recommend using a landline broadband connection instead, if that's in your price range. Anyway, good luck IanTrud_1565651.

     

23 Replies

  • Chalkychap's avatar
    Chalkychap
    SMARTY Trendsetter
    10-03-2023

    While a SMARTY SIM usually works in a mobile broadband router, bear in mind that SMARTY don't support their SIM cards when used in this kind of device. So, if you ever had an issue, getting SMARTY to help could be difficult, especially as they don't have a telephone support helpline.

    Personally, I'd recommend using a landline broadband connection instead, if that's in your price range. Anyway, good luck IanTrud_1565651.

     

    • Brookhouse's avatar
      Brookhouse
      SMARTY Commentator
      14-03-2023

      That must be for data in voice SIM plans! Smarty also do data only plans and it would be absurd if you could not use that for data!

      • Chalkychap's avatar
        Chalkychap
        SMARTY Trendsetter
        14-03-2023

        Yes Brookhouse, SMARTY plans have a calls, texts, and data allowance.

        SMARTY's data-ONLY SIM plans have no calls, nor any texts in the plan.

        Seems sensible enough, I guess... 

  • ROYHEALE_932998's avatar
    ROYHEALE_932998
    SMARTY Maverick
    12-07-2023

    I have a 5G smarty (call text & data) unlimited sim card in a Huawei 5G router which is in my office upstairs with a desk top computer connected, another desk top is Wi-Fi in my sons bedroom, we also run 2 laptops, iPad 3 fire 7 tablets 2 mobile phones when at home & the tv connected to the internet ( but not all at once) 

    Roy

  • MSF's avatar
    MSF
    SMARTY Guru
    10-03-2023

    Unfortunately, I'm no expert on routers (I am sure there are others who are though). BUT, don't forget that you will be relying on mobile signal and so will need to check carefully that the position of the router is such that there is a strong signal in that place in your home.

  • WelshSian's avatar
    WelshSian
    SMARTY Maverick
    10-03-2023

    The SMARTY terms and conditions (section 5.15 & 5.16) state that you must not use their service as a replacement for a home broadband connection. If you regularly tether more than 8 devices, SMARTY will likely suspend your service.

    • Chalkychap's avatar
      Chalkychap
      SMARTY Trendsetter
      10-03-2023

      Section 5.15 being relevant to an unlimited data only plan, and it would also depend on the meaning of long-term.

    • PaulMil_1983877's avatar
      PaulMil_1983877
      SMARTY Maverick
      19-04-2023

      Until 2018, the terms and conditions on many mobile phone SIM cards would prevent you from using the SIM card in devices other than a mobile phone. However, this changed in 2018 as Ofcom ruled that this was a breach of net neutrality as defined in the Open Internet Access Regulation:

  • krisswco72's avatar
    krisswco72
    SMARTY Maverick
    08-05-2023

    Hi Ian I have a 5G router set up using a 5g data sim the router is Huawei CPE PRO 2  works very well and wfi is excellent I have it on the window of my living room, the two tv's get a good signal and the rest of the bungalow is far better than me old Virgin media hub.. I pay £10 a month very happy get on average 140g download 

    • Betty_Swollox's avatar
      Betty_Swollox
      SMARTY Commentator
      25-10-2024

      Do you just put the smarty SIM in and it works? Is there an app to accompany the router?

      • MSF's avatar
        MSF
        SMARTY Guru
        25-10-2024

        Betty_Swollox Not necessarily as simple as that, but you may be lucky. If it doesn't work 'out of the box' you may need to check that the APN Setting for the router is mob.asm.net.

        To do this, you need to access the Settings page for the router. Probably best to consult the manual for exact details.  Usually, you access that page via a web browser on a device; in the address bar, you normally need to put in something like 192.168.1.1 instead of a web address and then you will need the username and password (often something like admin and 00000).

        As I say, you will need a manual for exact details.

  • ROYHEALE_932998's avatar
    ROYHEALE_932998
    SMARTY Maverick
    21-04-2024

    why would I want to be in a 2 year contract and pay £20 a month when I can pay less with smarty and have had great service from them,  I am sorry but as far as buying a second hand router that’s a no no for me I would never buy second hand electrical products 

    • Solly's avatar
      Solly
      SMARTY Pioneer
      22-04-2024

      Buying used electrical products is not like it used to be. These days, for example, buying on eBay you are covered if the goods are faulty. You can claim a full refund up to 6 months after purchase. Not great for sellers but a big plus for buyers. However, if you want the full 12 month warranty then for sure, new is the way to go. As for 2 year contracts, I would never sign up to such a thing unless it was for full FTTP 500mb plus. Until then I stick with a month by month deal with GiffGaff. I would use Smarty but it doesn't work for 5G here.

    • AngeloG_3343981's avatar
      AngeloG_3343981
      SMARTY Observer
      24-04-2025

      I use my phone and then activate tethering.  Also if you connect your phone with a usb to a laptop and turn on usb internet tethering the speed is greater than if you just connected to the mobile hotspot creates by the phone. I have noticed a huge difference to connecting to the mobile hotspot versus connecting the phones internet via usb cable into the laptop.  In addition you can still run a portable hotspot from the phone while it provides direct internet to the laptop! A note: I'm using an Android 13 Moto Edge 20 which is one of my spare phones! Don't need to buy a router as you said just use a spare phone! ,😉

  • AlecEdworthy's avatar
    AlecEdworthy
    SMARTY Commentator
    19-04-2023

    Given the exorbitant price of 5G routers (new at least) I would suggest you are better off going with a deal where you get the router bundled in with the data plan. Forum rules prohibit postings which advertise services elsewhere unfortunately. 

  • MickLondon's avatar
    MickLondon
    SMARTY Pioneer
    28-08-2023

    Three, smarty s mother company does 5g hubs at £20 pcm 2 year contract.

    • JJP2's avatar
      JJP2
      SMARTY Pro-coach
      28-08-2023

      Just read your other post about 5G using more data than 4G MickLondon

      If you are using a Smarty SIM as a replacement for home broadband, and have several devices connected to a Smarty 5G hub / router, then yes, you will consume a lot of data.

    • Badger's avatar
      Badger
      SMARTY Maverick
      31-07-2024

      A cautionary note that Three never lets you own the 5G router and will always insist you return it when you end your contract. The 4G modems so far they just tell you to keep. 5G must be returned. 

      Three kept pushing my monthly up yet new customers would get much better deals, so I switched from Three to, err, well Three. They sent me a new 5G modem but insisted I pay for the old one or return it complete. Fair enough I was getting a new modem but the agent was a little harsh wanting the box and all accessories for something I'd been using for something like 4 years. I did suggest I keep the old modem and they keep the new one, but that didn't comprehend in the agents head.
      You'll never own 5G! (modems from Three)

  • ROYHEALE_932998's avatar
    ROYHEALE_932998
    SMARTY Maverick
    12-01-2024

    the most data we use each month is 750GB because we live on a farm our internet was down the land line our down load speeds were between 5 and 10Gb uploads between 2 and 5GB now using a SMARTY SIM card in our router our down load speeds are between 100 and 450GB depending on the time of day, being disabled I use the internet a lot, I do a lot of research, shopping and other things like looking for books to buy and read online

  • johnric_2517129's avatar
    johnric_2517129
    SMARTY Pioneer
    02-02-2024

    I would change to 3 you can get a deal with free router

    • Solly's avatar
      Solly
      SMARTY Pioneer
      16-03-2024

      ...and get tied into a two-year contract. Not ideal. Better to get a Smarty unlimited data sim at £20 a month which you can cancel at any time. Then purchase a used 3 or EE 5G router on eBay. That is what I have done. The router was £150 which is not far of the price of a high end wifi router anyway and I have the freedom of not being tied into contracts.