Tag: Cellular

DISH Wireless Expands Their 5G Network to 70% of the U.S.

DISH Wireless has reached a significant milestone in the U.S. telecom industry by providing 5G broadband service to over 70 percent of the American population. This grants more than 240 million people access to cutting-edge connectivity technology. The accomplishment demonstrates DISH’s ability to design, construct, and deploy a groundbreaking 5G network within just three years. Furthermore, DISH has fulfilled all of its commitments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as of June 14, 2023, including the launch of over 15,000 5G sites.

Dave Mayo, the executive vice president of Network Development at DISH Wireless, expressed gratitude for the tireless efforts of their teams in establishing the world’s first and only 5G cloud-native Open RAN network. He also acknowledged the continuous support and collaboration of their partners as DISH takes the lead in Open RAN deployment.

DISH has taken a pioneering step as the first wireless service provider in the U.S. to introduce 5G voice service, known as voice over new radio (VoNR). After its initial deployment in Las Vegas last year, DISH has expanded VoNR functionality to other markets. Presently, the VoNR service is accessible to over 70 million individuals across the country through Boost Mobile and Boost Infinite. DISH intends to expand the availability of VoNR service as they optimize their network for this advanced voice technology.

John Swieringa, the president and chief operating officer of DISH Wireless, emphasized the company’s crucial role in transforming America’s wireless infrastructure and global communication through their leadership in Open RAN technology. Swieringa mentioned the significant progress made in the network build-out and the forthcoming focus on generating revenue through retail and enterprise growth. As more markets across the nation offer the DISH 5G network for voice, text, and data services, DISH anticipates reaping the benefits of owner economics.

Customers can access the DISH 5G broadband network through Project Genesis, which allows them to provide valuable feedback on network performance, benefiting all retail wireless users. This opportunity is available to eligible individuals within the 70 percent coverage area. To sign up for Project Genesis unlimited data, voice, and text services, individuals can visit Genesis5G.com. Additionally, Project Genesis subscribers can now enjoy the Motorola edge+ 2023 device, equipped with three carrier aggregation supporting Bands 29, 66, 70, and 712.

The DISH 5G network is also accessible to Boost Mobile and Boost Infinite subscribers in over 50 markets nationwide, provided they own or purchase a device compatible with the network. Throughout the year, DISH will continue to expand availability to more markets and introduce network-compatible devices for the DISH 5G network.

DISH intends to submit its FCC buildout report no later than July 14, 2023.

For a comprehensive list of DISH’s wireless partners, please visit DISHWireless.com/home.

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How to Get the Best Performance from Your Cradlepoint or Peplink Router

Wired Internet services are becoming outdated. Instead, many people now prefer using 4G and 5G cellular connections for their internet needs. These cellular connections are popular because they are widely available, have similar speeds to wired connections, and are often cheaper. People often use their cell phones to check the internet speed and connectivity at their location. But here’s the problem: not all cell phones or cellular modems support the same frequencies and speeds.

When you’re looking to buy a cellular modem or router, there are a few things to think about. First, which cellular provider will you use? It’s important to know because different providers have different coverage areas. You also need to consider where you get the best cellular signal at your location. This will help you decide if you need an indoor router or an outdoor solution. Do you need 5G, or will a 4G LTE modem be enough? There are different types of LTE modems, and they vary in the frequencies they support and the speeds they can handle. The higher the “Cat” (category) number, the more frequencies it supports, and the better it performs.

Now, let’s say you’ve got a modem that’s just as good as, or even better than, your cell phone or other device. But when you test the new modem, you find that it’s actually worse than what you had before. What do you do then?

First, check if your existing device can tell you the frequency bands it’s connecting to. Different frequencies travel at different speeds and distances, which affects the signal and speed you get. If your device has a Cat 6 modem or higher (including 5G modems), it can connect to multiple frequency bands at once. This means it gets more bandwidth from the cell tower compared to connecting to just one band.

Luckily, there’s a solution to improve your modem’s performance. Some routers, like those made by Peplink and Cradlepoint, not only show you the signal and band details but also let you control the frequency bands. This means you can manually disable certain bands and force the modem to connect to different ones (example below).

It might take some time, especially if your current device doesn’t provide band details, but it can be worth it. Sometimes, the signal on these other bands is weaker than what the modem selects automatically. However, even with a weaker signal, you can usually achieve download speeds of 30 Mbps or higher. This is typically more than enough to do most activities on the Internet. 

So, when you’re looking for a cellular modem or router that’s similar to your current device, keep these things in mind. Even if you don’t have anything to compare it to, consider getting a Peplink or Cradlepoint router if you’re willing to do some band testing to get the best performance. These routers can help you optimize your internet experience and get a reliable connection wherever you are.

Looking for more detailed information on this subject, including instructions? Check out our article, Adjust the 4G/5G Band Selection to Increase Performance on Your Cradlepoint or Peplink.

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How to Improve Your Cellular RSSI/ RSRP: Tips and Tricks for Better Mobile Connectivity

When it comes to cellular data connectivity, good signal strength is crucial. Without a decent signal, you’re not going to get very far. Cellular signal strength and quality can vary greatly depending on your location from a cellular tower, terrain, network overloads, and other factors. Weak cellular coverage can be incredibly frustrating and cause a variety of problems, such as dropped calls, slow internet speeds, and poor call quality. If you live or work in an area with poor cellular coverage, a cellular antenna or a signal booster (also called an amplifier, a cellular booster, or a cellular repeater) may be the solution you need.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the basics of cellular coverage and how to determine a good reference signal received power (RSRP) and/or a good-received signal strength indicator (RSSI). We’ll also share a few tips and tricks about improving your RSRP and RSSI for better cellular connectivity.

First Things First: The Site Survey

It’s important to first determine how much signal you’re currently working with. This will help confirm whether you may benefit from an antenna or a cellular signal booster kit. The method in which you will test your signal strength is called a “site survey.” Instead of looking at your signal bars, a site survey digs into the cellular device’s settings to find its RSSI. Some devices may also have an RSRP value, which is found on LTE and 5G devices.

So, what’s a good RSRP or RSSI signal strength? Both RSSI and RSRP values are displayed as negative numbers. The closer this negative number is to zero, the better the signal strength. If your signal is very weak to begin with, chances are you will need both an antenna and an amplifier. This depends on where (if anywhere) you’re getting a stronger signal. For example, if you’re able to step outside and receive a stronger signal, an antenna should be sufficient. If there’s little to no improvement when you step outside, then a booster system will be necessary.

Cellular Signal Amplifiers/Boosters

A cellular signal amplifier/booster is a device that captures weak cellular signals outside of your building or vehicle, amplifies them, and then rebroadcasts the stronger signal inside. This can greatly improve device coverage in your building or vehicle. You might use a booster if you need to travel outside your current location before you start seeing any signal improvement.

Just like most things, boosters do have their limits. If you experience very weak signals (e.g., between -108dB and -120dB), it will be difficult to determine exactly how much signal improvement you’ll receive. The weaker your starting signal is — meaning where your external antenna is mounted — the less signal rebroadcast coverage area you’ll experience. In some cases, you may need to stay within a few feet of your inside antenna to receive a boosted signal.

Cellular Antennas

A cellular antenna is a device that amplifies the signal received by your cellular device, allowing you to stay connected in areas with weak coverage. These antennas can be installed on your home, office building, or vehicle. They are typically used for connecting a single cellular device with an external antenna port. Amplifier/signal booster kits will also use antennas to receive signals from cell towers, and rebroadcast them to cellular devices.

How a Signal Booster Kit or an Antenna Can Benefit Poor Signals

Both cellular antennas and signal boosters can be great solutions for those who live or work in areas with weak cellular coverage. They can improve call quality, prevent dropped calls, and increase internet speeds, making it easier to stay connected. If you’re experiencing issues with your cellular coverage and your site survey has confirmed a poor cellular signal, consider investing in a cellular antenna or a signal booster. These devices can significantly affect your ability to stay connected and are cost-effective solutions for those living or working in areas with poor coverage.

Amplifier System or Antenna: How to Choose

How do you know which solution is best for you? We suggest verifying where you have the best signal strength and bandwidth speeds. If that location is under 100 feet, then a cellular antenna should be a sufficient solution. In the event that the better signal is over 100 feet away, you will likely need an amplifier.

If you have only one device, go with a direct-connect booster. For more than one device, a repeater kit will be capable of boosting the signal wirelessly to multiple devices at the same time. An important fact to note about antennas is that you will want to keep the cable length to a minimum. This is because the longer the cable, the more signal you will lose.

5Gstore has a variety of cellular antennas and all-in-one amplifier kits from well-respected manufacturers like SureCall, Panorama, weBoost, Wilson, and others. These products are available in many different price points for building, vehicle, or M2M/IoT use. These systems can also be tailored to your specific mounting needs, such as pole mount, magnetic mount on cars or RVs, or wall mount.

Need Help? 5Gstore Can Help!

Still not sure what you need to improve your cellular signals? Have more questions about repeaters and/or antennas? Check out our repeater FAQ page and learn more about how to find a matching antenna on our website.

You can also check in directly with the experts at 5Gstore.com. We’re available Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST via phone, email, or chat.

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What Data Plans are Available at 5Gstore?

Are you looking for an affordable cellular data plan for your failover or primary Internet service? 5Gstore.com is currently offering 4 different data plans, all with one of the nation’s biggest cellular providers, Verizon Wireless. These data plans will accommodate users needing either 4G LTE or 5G service. Here’s a breakdown of each plan:

  • 4G LTE Failover plan
    • $10/mo (includes 1GB)
    • $10 Per Additional GB
    • For fixed or mobile use
  • 4G LTE Failover plan with Static IP address
    • $12/mo (includes 1GB)
    • $10 Per Additional GB
    • For fixed or mobile use
  • 5G Unlimited with Static IP address
  • 4G LTE Standard plan with Static IP
    • $84.99/mo (includes 300GB)
    • $10 Per Additional 5GB
    • For fixed or mobile use

You might be asking why the 5G plan requires address verification while the others do not. This is because the 5G service is limited to fixed wireless access (FWA). This 5G service includes access to Verizon’s C-Band frequencies, which provide some of the fastest bandwidth speeds. The speeds at this time will generally be around 100-150 Mbps down and 10-15 Mbps up. 

Verizon is also only allowing a certain number of 5G Unlimited plans to be sold per cell tower. Once each of the 5G “nodes” are sold, they cannot sell any more. With this being a first come, first served situation, it’s best if you act quickly! 

But what if your address is not currently in a 5G C-Band area (also called Ultra Wideband)? Not to worry! All you need to do is wait. After you submit your address once, we will continue to check periodically for coverage. Only after we receive confirmation that there is coverage, will we contact you to let you know. 

Not interested in a 5G plan? Take a look at our 4G LTE plans instead. Keep in mind that there is limited data usage included and overage fees. If you’re not sure how much data you will need, follow our guide for assistance and check out our data usage calculator as well.  

How about a static IP address? Do you need one? How might a static IP help you? There are of course pros and cons to everything, including static IP addresses. Find out more about static IPs before you decide.

If you’re still uncertain about what data plan you require, contact the experts at 5Gstore.com for assistance. We’re available Monday thru Friday, 9am to 6pm CT via phone, email, or chat!

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Why You Should Use a Cellular Backup for IoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming the world as we know it. It has the potential to revolutionize the way we live, work, and communicate, with billions of connected devices already in use around the world. IoT has a wide range of applications, from smart homes and cities to healthcare, industrial, and transportation. With this increased connectivity comes the need for reliable and resilient IoT networks. 

IoT networks are designed to connect billions of devices in real-time, providing access to information and data when and where it’s needed. This also means IoT networks are vulnerable to disruptions and outages. A single point of failure in the network can result in significant consequences, such as the loss of critical data, loss of productivity, and even financial losses. This is where cellular Internet can help.

Since 5G is becoming increasingly available, IoT devices and applications have become more sophisticated and data-intensive, which has led to the need for better connectivity and faster data transfer rates. Cellular provides a reliable and secure connection, even when other communication channels are unavailable. This is especially important for IoT devices that need to function in remote or challenging environments, where a reliable and stable connection is essential. For example, IoT devices used in agriculture, mining, or oil and gas production often operate in remote locations where traditional fixed-line networks are not available. Cellular can provide a primary or backup connection that keeps these devices online and functioning, even in the event of a network outage or disruption.

Speed and Reliability 

In addition to providing a reliable backup connection, cellular can also improve the speed and reliability of IoT networks. Cellular networks are designed to handle large amounts of data traffic, and can often provide faster and more reliable connections compared to traditional fixed-line networks. This is because cellular networks use the latest technology and have the ability to dynamically allocate bandwidth based on demand, providing a better user experience.

This improved speed and reliability can be particularly useful for IoT devices that require real-time data transfer, such as those used in healthcare, industrial, or transportation applications. All can benefit from high-speed connectivity, low latency, and advanced security features that some LTE, and 5G-enabled routers and gateways can provide. 

Enhanced Security

Another advantage of using a cellular backup for IoT is security. IoT networks can be vulnerable to cyber attacks and hacking, and cellular Internet provides an additional layer of security to protect against these threats. Cellular networks are designed to be secure and reliable, and use encryption and other security measures to protect against unauthorized access. This includes secure authentication methods, network-level encryption, and firewalls to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.

In addition, cellular networks are subject to strict regulatory and compliance requirements, which ensure that they are secure and reliable. For example, in the European Union, mobile broadband networks must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which sets strict rules on data protection and privacy. In the United States, mobile broadband networks must comply with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations, which set standards for network security and reliability.

It’s important to note that the security features offered by mobile broadband services can vary depending on the service provider and the specific plan or package you choose. Additionally, users should always take basic security precautions such as keeping their device and software up to date, using strong passwords, and avoiding suspicious websites and links.

Cellular and IoT

Cellular Internet can be used in IoT applications to provide connectivity to a wide range of devices and sensors, allowing them to communicate with each other and with cloud-based services. Here are some ways that cellular can be used in IoT applications:

  • Remote monitoring: IoT devices can be deployed in remote locations to collect data and transmit it to the cloud using cellular connectivity. This data can then be analyzed to provide insights and improve operational efficiency.
  • Asset tracking: Use cellular to track the location and status of assets, such as vehicles or shipping containers, in real-time. This allows organizations to optimize logistics and improve supply chain management.
  • Smart homes: Cellular Internet can be used to connect smart home devices, such as thermostats, security cameras, and lighting, to the internet. This allows homeowners to remotely control and monitor their homes from anywhere.
  • Wearables: When WiFi is not available, wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, use cellular to connect to the internet. This allows users to track their health and fitness data and receive real-time alerts and notifications, no matter where they are.
  • Industrial automation: Connect industrial automation systems, such as robots and sensors, to the internet. This allows organizations to automate processes and optimize production.

Cellular backup for IoT provides a flexible connection, improved speed and reliability, and enhanced security for IoT devices. By leveraging the strengths of cellular Internet, organizations can ensure the resilience and reliability of their IoT networks, and safeguard against network disruptions and outages. If you’re looking to optimize your IoT network and ensure the success of your IoT initiatives, consider implementing a cellular backup for peace of mind and increased functionality. Whether you’re operating in remote locations or urban environments, a cellular backup can be a valuable investment for any organization looking to fully leverage the power of the Internet of Things.

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Considerations for Successful Work and Travel: How to Stay Connected with Cellular

The ability to work remotely has opened up a world of opportunities for people who love to travel. With a cellular internet connection, you can work from almost anywhere in the world. Whether you’re a freelancer or a full-time remote worker, working from the road can be both exhilarating and challenging. In this blog, we’ll discuss the steps you can take to work from the road with a cellular internet connection.

The most crucial aspect of working from the road is a reliable internet connection. A stable and fast internet connection is essential for most remote work jobs, as most tasks require internet access. It’s important to research ahead of time and find out if your destination(s) offer any internet connectivity. Even if they do, we suggest investing in a cellular Internet device and service so that you don’t have to rely on someone else’s connection. 

Choose the right equipment

The first step to working from the road with a cellular internet connection is to choose the right equipment. You’ll need a reliable laptop and/or tablet along with a portable cellular hotspot device. This can either be your smartphone acting as a hotspot, a dedicated battery powered WiFi hotspot, or a router with embedded cellular modem. If you’re looking for the most reliable however, we recommend a router. These are meant to stay online 24/7 (if needed) and allow for multiple connections, wired and wireless. They can also support multiple WAN connections and automatically failover and failback between connections. 

You’ll also want to consider an antenna or signal booster that can improve the existing signals wherever you go. Should you select a router with an embedded modem, an antenna should be sufficient. These are meant for connecting directly to a single device at a time. However, if you will be using multiple cellular devices to connect with, then a signal booster is the best option. This will take the existing signal and boost it wirelessly to any device within range. 

Choose the right cellular provider

The next step is to choose the right cellular provider. Do some research to find out which providers offer the best coverage in the areas you’ll be traveling to. Look for providers that offer unlimited data plans, as you’ll be using a lot of data while working remotely. If you’re going to be using your phone, make sure your plan includes a good amount of hotspot data as well.

Find a good spot to work

Once you’ve set up your equipment and chosen a cellular provider, it’s time to find a good spot to work. Coverage maps show availability, but you won’t know the signal or speeds until you get on site. Test the connection speeds to verify if you have enough to work. You could also look for coffee shops, libraries, co-working spaces, or other places that offer free WiFi. Just make sure that the WiFi is also fast enough to support your work. 

Manage your data usage

Working from the road with a cellular internet connection means that you’ll be using a lot of data. To avoid running out of data in the middle of an important task, you need to manage your data usage carefully. One way to manage your data usage is to use data-saving apps and browser extensions. These tools can help you compress images and videos, block ads, and reduce your data usage while browsing the internet.

You should also be mindful of your data usage when streaming videos or music. Consider downloading your favorite shows and songs before hitting the road. This way you can avoid eating up your data plan too quickly. Just take a look at our data usage calculator to gather an idea of how much data you may need.

If unlimited plans are not offered, some folks will get multiple lines of data from the same carrier. This way they can switch SIM cards once one has used all its data allotment. If that’s not possible, they’ll opt for a different carrier as a secondary connection.

Stay connected and secure

Working remotely can be isolating, but it’s important to stay connected with your team and clients. Use video conferencing tools like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet to communicate with your team members and clients.

It’s also a good idea to set up a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your online privacy and security. A VPN can encrypt your internet traffic and protect your data from cyber threats. You can also find a router with a good firewall. This allows you to protect your entire network from possible threats.

When you’re connected to someone else’s Internet, it makes your devices vulnerable as they can be seen by other devices on the same network. If you plan on doing this, we recommend you use a router to connect into the network first. You will then have your own private network that you can connect all your personal devices to.

Have a backup plan

Even with the best equipment and planning, things can go wrong when working from the road. That’s why it’s important to have a backup plan in place. Consider carrying a backup battery for your laptop and smartphone, as well as a backup portable WiFi hotspot device. You can also download important documents and files to your laptop or smartphone, so that you can access them even if you don’t have an internet connection.

Before You Get on the Road

Working from the road with a cellular internet connection can be both challenging and rewarding. It’s important to do research beforehand so that you select the best cellular carrier and data plan. Once you have your hardware in place, test it out at your main location and see how it works. Evaluate the connection performance for your primary applications to make sure it’s sufficient. Remember that an antenna or signal booster can help with the performance. By following these steps, you can stay connected and productive while exploring the world.

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Why Every Enterprise Business Needs a Cellular Backup Plan

Enterprise businesses today are dependent on the internet for day-to-day operations. Whether it’s for email communication, managing websites, or accessing cloud-based applications, a reliable internet connection is crucial. However, there are times when the main internet connection fails, and in these cases, a backup plan is necessary to ensure seamless business operations. A mobile broadband, or 4G/5G cellular backup is a cost-effective solution that provides a secondary internet connection for businesses.

What is Cellular Internet and How Can it Help?

A cellular backup provides high-speed internet access through a mobile network via a mobile device (phone, hotspot), USB modem, or router with embedded modem. It can be used as a secondary connection in case the primary connection fails. It can even be the primary connection in cases where no other service provider is available. With cellular Internet, businesses can continue their operations without interruption.

Reliability is one benefit of using cellular as a backup for your enterprise business. Mobile broadband networks are highly resilient and less susceptible to outages compared to traditional broadband since service is provided over the air. Even if a natural disaster takes out the cell towers, providers now have mobile command units that can broadcast signals. 

Cellular Internet can be accessed from just about anywhere. This is particularly useful for businesses that need to work from remote locations, such as construction sites, outdoor events, or even when traveling. Pop up stores can be up and running in less than a day, especially because setup is generally simple and straightforward. All you need is a compatible device and a cellular data plan from a service provider.

How Does Cellular Internet Compare to Wired Internet Services?

In comparison to traditional wired Internet services (e.g. cable, DSL, fiber), cellular can be more cost-effective. This is mainly because there is little to no installation costs involved. You may be curious about the differences in bandwidth speeds too. These can be quite similar, depending on your service plan. With some LTE and 5G modems, speeds can actually exceed wired services. 

One of the key challenges with cellular Internet, however, is that it can be subject to data caps. This means that businesses may have to limit their internet usage to ensure they don’t exceed their data allowance. To overcome this, businesses can opt for a cellular plan with a higher data allowance, or they can purchase additional data as required. However, businesses should carefully consider their internet usage and select a plan that meets their needs.

Another consideration is that cellular connections can be subject to network congestion, which can result in slower internet speeds. This is particularly true during peak periods when many people are using the network. To mitigate this, businesses can look for a cellular data plan that provides priority access to the network during busy periods.

Where Can Cellular Internet Help?

Retail businesses and restaurants often rely on constant internet access to process transactions, manage inventory, run security cameras, and communicate with customers. If their traditional broadband connection goes down, the cellular Internet can ensure that credit cards can still be processed and customers can still be serviced.

Healthcare providers need to be able to access patient information and communicate with other healthcare professionals in real-time. Cellular can provide the necessary backup to keep operations running so that patients receive the care they need.

Remote workers, such as field technicians or sales representatives, need to be able to access company resources and communicate with their colleagues while on the go. Cellular provides a primary or backup solution that allows them to continue working wherever needed. Having this flexibility can certainly lead to more productivity.

Conferences and events often require internet access for attendees to connect to company resources, access information, and participate in virtual sessions. If the event space charges too much for their service, or its performance is lacking, mobile broadband can act as a primary, or supplementary Internet connection.

By providing an alternative way of accessing the internet, cellular Internet can help your business maintain operations and stay competitive in today’s fast-paced business world. With its quick and easy setup, high-speed internet access, and reliability, cellular is a cost-effective solution that provides businesses with peace of mind and ensures business continuity. Whether your business requires internet access in remote locations, on-the-go, or as a backup solution, cellular Internet provides a flexible and reliable solution that can meet your needs.

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RootMetrics Reports on 2H 2022: How the Cellular Networks Compare

RootMetrics just released its report that measures overall network experience and performance for the most popular cellular networks in North America.

Test results were based on the second half of 2022 and cover all network technologies (5G, 4G LTE, and any sub-4G technology). The report also looks at the newest C-Band 5G performance for AT&T and Verizon. The test space for the report consists of the entirety of the United States, which includes 125 of the country’s most populated metropolitan markets (as defined by the United States Census Bureau’s Census Urbanized Areas [CUAs].

The report noted a few important points to take away regarding the three top cellular networks: AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.

2022 RootMetrics Report Highlights for AT&T

AT&T won five national awards, including the U.S. Overall Performance RootScore Award. AT&T was also recognized within the Reliability, Speed, Data and Call categories. AT&T tied with Verizon for first in the Text category. Additionally, AT&T also took home the most State RootScore Awards. Its results in major cities were strong, but it came in second to Verizon. AT&T shows 5G speed gains in 70 C-Band markets. Overall, AT&T has clearly made some improvements, both in LTE and 5G. 

2022 RootMetrics Report Highlights for T-Mobile

Compared with its competitors, T-Mobile’s results showed great speeds. It took home 88 Speed RootScore Score Awards, which were higher than those of AT&T (59) or Verizon (71).

Out of all carriers, T-Mobile’s overall median download speeds measured above 50 Mbps in the most cities. T-Mobile was also the only carrier that posted median download speeds above 200 Mbps. These speeds were achieved in 59 markets.

Even more impressive is how in 32 of those cities, T-Mobile recorded median download speeds above 300 Mbps; additionally, it acheived 400 Mbps speeds in one city (Fort Wayne, Indiana). Overall, the carrier delivered the Fastest 5G and the Best Overall 5G Experience in the U.S. for the third time. It was recognized for its top 5G availability four years in a row.

2022 RootMetrics Report Highlights for Verizon

Verizon took home the most awards out of any carrier in major metropolitan markets — a total of 747 awards out of 875 total opportunities. This was a representation of roughly 85% of all possible network awards. Verizon demonstrated the best 5G reliability out of all cellular carriers and earned the second most state-level awards. Verizon showed improved speeds, including 5G C-Band speed increases: RootMetrics’ tests recorded Verizon’s C-Band in 102 of its 123 cities with 5G. Further, the carrier’s 5G speeds improved in nearly 90 of these markets since 1H 2022. Outstanding Verizon reliability has also been seen in major metros, compared to 1H 2022.

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How to Find a Cellular Failover Solution for Home Office/ Remote Work

When it comes to failover Internet connections, any type of Internet service can be used to backup another. However, due to the reliability of a cellular Internet connection, this is typically the recommended service type. Since the service comes through wirelessly from cell towers, it is less prone to service outages. Unlike wired services, which are run underground in most cases and can easily be broken. 

If you require Internet service in order to work remotely from home or run a home office, then you should consider a failover connection. This can be quite an overwhelming process when you first get started. We hope this article will help guide you through. 

Selecting a Cellular Provider 

Another benefit of cellular services is that they are quick and easy to install. Some users will start by contacting the same service provider as they use on their cell phones. This is an easy way to verify where you have coverage. If needed, check coverage maps from other providers to compare. 

Also think about whether you need 4G LTE or 5G service. Currently, the fastest 5G service is limited to small areas within large cities. Other 5G services will provide similar performance as 4G LTE, so it’s worth verifying this with the carrier if it’s not clearly defined on their map. You may also want to look into how much bandwidth your common applications use. This will help determine how much bandwidth speed you need from the cellular provider. 

Keep in mind that in any case, cellular bandwidth speeds are variable. They will differ with regards to the frequency band(s) your cellular router is connected to, along with its signal strength and quality. Other factors such as the user load on the cell tower you’re connecting to can also affect your speeds. The best approach is to place the cellular router in a part of your location where signal and speeds are most stable. If you find the only place like that is outside, an external antenna can always be added. 

Purchasing a Data Plan

Once you’ve decided on a cellular provider to use for your home office or remote work, you’ll need to purchase a data plan. If you have coverage from multiple providers, check with each to compare what data plans are offered. These plans will typically differ with how much data they allow you to use over the course of a month, as well as the price. If you’re not sure how much that is, you can utilize our data usage calculator to assist. We’ve also outlined typical usage for common applications such as VoIP, Video Calls, and VPN to help you determine how much data you may need. 

You’ll find that in most cases usage required for your most important applications can be well under 1 GB of data. This is the amount of data that 5Gstore includes with their current failover plans. Any additional data used will be priced at $10 per 1 GB. For more information, check out our Data Plans here. 

Finding an Appropriate Failover Router

The cellular provider will give you an activated SIM card along with the data plan. This will be inserted into the cellular router. What do you need to look for exactly? Are there any specific features you need like VPN or QoS support? What about the hardware – do you need a certain number of Ethernet ports? Use our router advisor to help narrow down the options. 

Have you selected a cellular provider to use? If so, do they have 5G service in your location? Even if they do, is it necessary to use your applications successfully? As we stated earlier, determining how much bandwidth speed your applications require will help answer this. 

Consider how you might limit your data usage when on your failover connection. This is easiest when you push only your mission critical devices/ applications (e.g. your VoIP phone and computer) over the failover connection. This can be possible by keeping your failover network separate from your primary one. 

Or, you may opt for a multi-WAN router that takes both connections and handles the failover itself. These routers usually support load balancing rules, which can also help with managing usage. Load balancing differs between router manufacturers, but generally speaking, it allows you to send specific connections over a single Internet service as needed. For example, you can have your VoIP setup to connect to either your primary or failover service while all other devices/ applications can only use your primary service. 

Where to Start?

Whether you’re looking for a separate failover router or something that can connect to both your primary and failover connections, here are some popular solutions:

Contact the experts at 5Gstore (phone, email, or chat) for assistance with finding the appropriate router and failover plan for your needs. 

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OpenSignal Reports: Who is the Best Cellular Provider?

OpenSignal has released their collection of data from cellular providers over the dates of September 16 to December 14 of 2022. It will be no surprise to some of us that in these cellular reports, T-Mobile has won out above the rest, yet again. 

On the mobile network experience report, multiple factors were tested. For overall experience, the cellular report included video, games, voice app, download speed, and upload speed. For coverage, they checked availability across the providers. Lastly, they checked for consistency in excellent quality and core quality. 

Experience and coverage might make sense, but what about consistency? Per OpenSignal, “Consistent Quality measures how often users’ experience on a network was sufficient to support common applications’ requirements. It measures download speed, upload speed, latency, jitter, packet loss, time to first byte and the percentage of tests attempted which did not succeed due to a connectivity issue on either the download or server response component.”

Core Consistent Quality represents common, but less demanding use cases such as SD video streaming, web browsing, and email use. Excellent Consistent Quality is designed for higher quality applications such as live video streaming and streaming video games. See how Consistent quality metrics are calculated here.

The only awards that T-Mobile did not take was in the Availability section. That award goes to the previous champion, AT&T. AT&T and Verizon were only 0.2 percentage points away from each other. T-Mobile came up last with a score of 98%.

OpenSignal’s 5G Experience Report awards were a bit of a toss up between Verizon and T-Mobile. The UnCarrier took a slight lead by winning in 4 categories (download and upload speeds, as well as availability and reach), versus Verizon’s 3 (Video, Games, and Voice app experiences). Much like the mobile network experience report, the 5G cellular report tests the same categories, but with 5G specifically, and less the consistency awards. Instead, in coverage, they checked both availability and reach.

Experience awards were all quite close, with Verizon just barely winning out over T-Mobile. The only exception being 5G download speeds. T-Mobile was the clear winner here, topping out at 186.3 Mbps versus 84.9 Mbps from Verizon and 71.1 Mbps from AT&T. Regarding coverage and 5G Availability, T-Mobile won again with a far lead of 30% over its closest competitor, AT&T. 

Per OpenSignal, “5G Reach measures the 5G mobile experience in all the locations that matter most to everyday users – i.e. all the places where they live, work and travel. 5G Reach for each operator is measured on a scale from 0 to 10.” The results were a bit closer on this one. With a score of 8.3, T-Mobile had a little over a 2 point lead ahead of AT&T and about 4 points from Verizon.  

Something to keep in mind when reviewing the results for yourself – tests were done at the national and regional level. While T-Mobile may be the majority winner, take note of the winners in your state. You may find a different provider is more appropriate.

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