FAQ:
4G/5G Connectivity
- What equipment do I need?
- The answer to this question varies depending on where you are, and how good signal levels are in your area.
In an area where the signal levels are excellent, you may only need a router with built in antenna to achieve excellent signal levels and data rates. We would however, always recommend an external antenna to ensure no interference from signals inside your property.
In areas where signal is less strong, we can provide units that mount externally, and are directional – allowing them to be pointed towards a mast to ensure good data throughput.
- Do all my home devices need to be 4G/5G enabled?
- No, not at all. In this case the 4G/5G is being used to provide the internet connection to your property. The devices in your property do not require any 4G/5G connectivity to make use of this. The router provided will allow standard cabled/wireless access as you would find with any ISP provided router.
- Is this suitable for online gaming?
- Yes – the latency on a 4G/5G connection is low enough that online gaming is possible, and works well.
- Is there a data cap?
- While this depends on the chosen network provider and package, we endeavour to provide unlimited data sims as far as possible. So for the most part no, there is no data cap.
- Can I self-install?
- This is an option yes. The cabling requirements obviously vary depending on the solution being used (see question above), but at most the external cabling run should be fairly straightforward in most cases.
Satellite Connectivity
- What equipment do I need?
- The satellite system comprises a Dish, TRIA, and Modem. The Dish and TRIA require external mounting, with appropriate line of sight for the chosen satellite network. The Modem is installed inside the property, and will then feed the router to provide internet access.
- What about latency?
- Due to the distances the data needs to travel, there is unfortunately a higher latency via a satellite internet connection than you would find on 4G/5G or fixed line.
Despite this, the connection speeds are still high – making it more than suitable for internet browsing, as well as streaming content, as these activities are unaffected by the latency.
- Is this suitable for online gaming?
- No – unfortunately the latency on a satellite connection is too high and as such online gaming is not possible. While it may work, the controls will seem ‘laggy’ due to the round trip time for the data.
- Is there a data cap?
- This depends on the package chosen. Most lower tier packages do have a data cap, however we are pleased to be able to offer unlimited data packages also.
- Can I self-install?
- Unfortunately with satellite systems this isn’t possible. The tools and techniques involved are fairly specialised. However we include installation as part of any quote given.
Telephony
- What equipment do I need?
- SIP telephony requires a working data connection, and a SIP compatible telephone. The telephone can be either a physical handset (including Desk and Cordless handsets) or a software handset. Software handsets are available for your smartphone, effectively allowing you to take ‘landline’ calls wherever you are, as long as your smartphone has a data connection.
- I have a landline at present, can I keep my landline number if I move to 4G or Satellite broadband?
- Yes! We also provide SIP telephony services, and have the ability to port numbers from an existing landline connection across to ourselves. This means that you can keep your original number but any calls are routed via the 4G/Satellite broadband connection.
- Do I need to pay monthly line rental charges?
- That depends, if you no longer require the use of a landline telephone, then no line rental charges apply. However if you wish to make use of the SIP telephone services mentioned above, there will be a small line rental charge as well as a charge for calls made. However this is generally much less than you would pay for a fixed line.