Forum Discussion
Using a router abroad
I have a router which I use in the UK and I want to use it abroad. I understand the principles (data limit, etc), but all advice talks about phones. Can I assume this includes routers too? This may sound naive, but can someone just confirm it? Thanks
Hi,
Assuming you are using a data sim that is valid in the country in question, then check the router you wish to use supports the frequency bands and standards of the networks/countries you want to connect with. Some info here: https://www.worldtimezone.com/gsm.html
There are different bands and sub bands for 4G and 5G, of course don't confuse this wit the 5G WIFI compatability!
As an example, the Huawei h112-37x 4G/5G unlocked routers differ mainly on channel band support. The more bands, the more countries/networks it will work with. All you would need to do is swap to a local carrier SIM if your Smarty package isn't available and roaming isn't an option.
This is the main consideration as this is a broad question, hope it helps point you in the right direction for further research for your particular circumstances.
Thank you. That's very helpful. I have an unlocked Huawei I want to try in France. So I'll give it a go with my data package. (What confused me at first was that all advice was aimed at phone users for calls and texts.) Thanks agin for your help.
6 Replies
Thank you. Because I just have a data plan I have to set up the SIM before I go. And I'm limited to 12gB of data a month, which will be OK until I set up a French service.
A router with a 4G SIM should work well in Europe but a fixed data charge for roaming will apply
Thank you. Very kind of you to respond. I've been using a French router but stopped the contract (very good non-contract service but I was going to be away for a few months), and want to use my UK-unlocked one to fill in for a few days while I get a new French service when I go back. I'm going to give it a go. I reaiseI've got to configure the SIM for foreign use. All the best and thanks again!
A couple of years or so back, I did go abroad and took my router with me. At that time my SIM was with the THREE network (Who own Smarty) and my use of data was seemless, I didn't have to set anything up other than choosing the network.
Hi,
Assuming you are using a data sim that is valid in the country in question, then check the router you wish to use supports the frequency bands and standards of the networks/countries you want to connect with. Some info here: https://www.worldtimezone.com/gsm.html
There are different bands and sub bands for 4G and 5G, of course don't confuse this wit the 5G WIFI compatability!
As an example, the Huawei h112-37x 4G/5G unlocked routers differ mainly on channel band support. The more bands, the more countries/networks it will work with. All you would need to do is swap to a local carrier SIM if your Smarty package isn't available and roaming isn't an option.
This is the main consideration as this is a broad question, hope it helps point you in the right direction for further research for your particular circumstances.
Thank you. That's very helpful. I have an unlocked Huawei I want to try in France. So I'll give it a go with my data package. (What confused me at first was that all advice was aimed at phone users for calls and texts.) Thanks agin for your help.
