Using a router abroad

[GinaJOL_1367577]

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

[the_owl_0v0 · Accepted solution]

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. 

[the_owl_0v0 · Accepted solution]

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. 

[GinaJOL_1367577 · Accepted solution]

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.

[Jomac]

A router with a 4G SIM should work well in Europe but a fixed data charge for roaming will apply

[GinaJOL_1367577]

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!

[Jomac]

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.

[GinaJOL_1367577]

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.