I'd probably stick with AT&T since it sounds like your DSL connection is pretty fast for that technology. Consider putting a backup plan in place ahead of time in case of future outages. A couple things to be aware of:
1) T-Mobile has quietly introduced a backup business internet option. You could keep your AT&T service, but also have the T-Mobile available if maintaining a ready-to-go backup is worth the cost to you. I'm not aware of any requirements to be an actual "business" to use it. For a modestly reduced cost compared to the normal monthly rate, they send you a gateway, and let you use it for up to 7 days a month:
https://www.t-mobile.com/business/solut ... net-backup
2) T-Mobile post-paid plans allow you to use your phone as a mobile WiFi hotspot, but you do need to pay attention to limits on speeds and data used in this manner, as they are different from the data allowance for the phone on its own, and vary by plan.
3) T-Mobile also offers prepaid hotspot plans. I haven't done this, but I believe you can buy the hotspot to have on hand, and activate it for a month when needed, and then deactivate it the next month.
4) By the window is not always the best location, despite what T-Mobile says. Modern Low-E windows often have a metallic film coating that, although invisible, can attenuate the signal even more than a solid wall. Always try different locations around your house to find the best spot.
5) Some hotspots, and one of the T-Mobile Home Internet gateways, have connections for an external antenna. This can allow you to get a stronger signal in marginal locations, especially if mounting the antenna outdoors and high up.
6) The meaning of the bars on your phone or gateway is a mystery. For a better idea how good the signal is, use the home internet app or T-Life app to view the advanced signal metrics. The signal-to-noise ratio (SINR) is generally the easiest to compare, although RSSI and RSSQ also play a role.
7) T-Mobile home internet speeds are likely to vary by time-of-day, day of week, etc. depending on how busy the network is. Home internet service is given a lower priority than phone data, and so will usually be slower than your phone.
8) AT&T and Verizon also both offer 5G home internet service. You can check to see if either is available in your area, although currently they offer theirs in fewer locations than T-Mobile.
1) T-Mobile has quietly introduced a backup business internet option. You could keep your AT&T service, but also have the T-Mobile available if maintaining a ready-to-go backup is worth the cost to you. I'm not aware of any requirements to be an actual "business" to use it. For a modestly reduced cost compared to the normal monthly rate, they send you a gateway, and let you use it for up to 7 days a month:
https://www.t-mobile.com/business/solut ... net-backup
2) T-Mobile post-paid plans allow you to use your phone as a mobile WiFi hotspot, but you do need to pay attention to limits on speeds and data used in this manner, as they are different from the data allowance for the phone on its own, and vary by plan.
3) T-Mobile also offers prepaid hotspot plans. I haven't done this, but I believe you can buy the hotspot to have on hand, and activate it for a month when needed, and then deactivate it the next month.
4) By the window is not always the best location, despite what T-Mobile says. Modern Low-E windows often have a metallic film coating that, although invisible, can attenuate the signal even more than a solid wall. Always try different locations around your house to find the best spot.
5) Some hotspots, and one of the T-Mobile Home Internet gateways, have connections for an external antenna. This can allow you to get a stronger signal in marginal locations, especially if mounting the antenna outdoors and high up.
6) The meaning of the bars on your phone or gateway is a mystery. For a better idea how good the signal is, use the home internet app or T-Life app to view the advanced signal metrics. The signal-to-noise ratio (SINR) is generally the easiest to compare, although RSSI and RSSQ also play a role.
7) T-Mobile home internet speeds are likely to vary by time-of-day, day of week, etc. depending on how busy the network is. Home internet service is given a lower priority than phone data, and so will usually be slower than your phone.
8) AT&T and Verizon also both offer 5G home internet service. You can check to see if either is available in your area, although currently they offer theirs in fewer locations than T-Mobile.
Statistics: Posted by iamlucky13 — Tue Apr 16, 2024 3:47 pm — Replies 15 — Views 700