Setting up a new mobile data network..

[quickpix]

Hi all

I am currently on a Mweb package (uncapped) with Telkom supplying a ADSL line. Whist happy with Mweb, the Telkom fixed line is terrible. Apparently I am to far away from the exchange to get anything faster than a (theoretical) 2mb and in reality I seldom get anything faster than 1mb. I have looked at various options but unfortunately there are very few choices. I dont get LTE reception from any provider so that not even an option. I looked at going with independent ISP's but 2 dont have LOS and the 3rd has a very weak signal.

Using OpenSignal I see that I have good connectivity to a MTN 3G tower .. in fact, my MTN phone report 4G connectivity... so that got me thinking

What I am thinking of doing is ..

- External antenna pointing at the MTN 3G tower
- 3G router
- MTN Data plan (hopefully a black Friday deal)
- Connect a 2nd router to the 3G modem via ethernet cable and create a AP to serve the furthest parts of the house (this router is the current one that I use for ADSL)

I will have to manage data if using this option cause it wont be uncapped.. but I am willing to do that to rather have better speeds and up time.

Any comments or suggestions on if my thinking is right?

And.. any recommendations on a 3G router (preferably not one that simply takes a 3G dongle via USB. Reason being is that this would kinda defeat having a external antenna)

 

[quickpix]

Something else to maybe consider .. since costs always play a role. Does the following make sense/possible?

External antenna coupled to a Universal Modem Adapter (https://www.geewiz.co.za/3g-booster...-female.html?search_query=3g+modem&results=45). The adapter then fits over a USB dongle modem that plugs into a 3G router. Router then broadcasts wireless connection. I could still increase coverage using Ethernet cable to 2nd router as mentioned in the 1st post.

I am not 100% sure if :

1. The adapter can connect to an external antenna?
2. If it will actually make a viable difference ?

Advantages of this are 2 fold. 1 being initial cost and the 2nd being if I do have to travel I can simply unplug the USB dongle and take it with

Comments please

 

[Voldemort]

Pop me some details, ie GPS coordinates, I'll have a look if this is a viable option and put you in touch with people that can help.