Although the “normal” thing is that domestic internet comes to us through the contracting of a fiber optic service, it is not the only option. Without going any further, you can also contract a satellite internet rate or Use 5G to connect at homewhich in a nutshell is browsing with the mobile data network as you would do when using your mobile phone via tethering.
Why use 5G instead of traditional fiber optics? There will be some scenarios where it is a convenient solution, but it also has its advantages over a fixed installation and in fact, sometimes it will be the best option for you. That is, as long as you get a stable internet connection with a decent speed.
Because you can’t or don’t want to install fiber
To have internet via fiber, it is a requirement to request the services from the teleco of your choice, so that it verifies that is available at your home and send a technician to carry out the installation, with the corresponding cable and router. Therefore, an essential requirement is that fiber internet reaches there.
If it doesn’t work, you have to look for alternatives. With 5G internet, you only need a SIM card with the contracted data and use either your mobile phone or a 5G router without the need for a technician.
But it is also that Although you can technically have fiber internet at home, it is not a possibility In practice: because you are renting and the owner of the property does not allow it, because you do not want or are not willing to wait for the installation to take place. you do not want to wait
Because you are going to make light use of the data
If your home internet use is basic and it’s about browsing the internet, checking email and little else, then 5G is more than enough for that performance. But if you usually consume streaming content at the highest quality and play online, then you’re probably more interested in fiber for its speeds, stability and because mobile data rates have a limit and it’s easy to exceed it if you use it intensively. Here you can see how much connection speed you need for streaming on Netflix, cloud gaming or listening to music on Spotify.
In this sense, keep in mind that Data rates have data limits And if they don’t have it, from a certain point on they tragically lower the connection speed, which will considerably tarnish your experience. This doesn’t happen with fiber, where with a good installation, an adequate configuration and even an affordable rate, you will avoid this problem.
Because you’re going to move
Although it is most common to have a habitual residence where we spend most of the year, this does not apply to everyone. There are people who travel oftensuch as digital nomads or students, or simply because your job requires you to travel frequently.
If what you are looking for is mobility and flexibilitythen 5G is the best option to be able to have internet wherever you are as long as there is coverage there, thus avoiding the need to have several fiber contracts in different homes that you are not going to use continuously but that you will have to pay for (some operators allow you to turn off the service in the summer) and pay only for one, which is the one you transfer from here to there.
Because your coverage is good
Before you decide to use 5G at home using a 5G router, leaving behind fibre (either because you can’t or you don’t want to) and satellite, check that you have good coverage. Because if the network is weak and you can’t even benefit from the advantages of 5G because only 4G is available, it’s probably not worth it for mixed, frequent and moderately demanding use.
So, it’s a good idea to take a look at Which companies offer the service and their conditions and run speed tests before making the decision.
Cover | Xataka Mobile at MWC 2022
Via | RedesZone