The 3G Blues

[tec0]

Every single one of us has the internet otherwise we wouldn’t be here on the net. So knowing that most of us are actually using 3G or rather mobile internet I would imagine that I am not the only one feeling a bit blue… or red with anger maybe just plain discouraged.

In my situation I pay for a 3G contract that claims you will have a good fast connection. I live 2Km away from one tower and 1.5Km away from a second tower and 3.0Km away from a third. So basically if you look in any direction there you will see a nice big tower. It just so happen that I know for a fact that all of them are from the same service provider.

Yet I get GPRS? Regardless and my net is stable some days but others especially after 3:00PM I can forget about any connection.

Problem solving: Can you build a DIY dish to amplify your signal? Yes and it is really simple to do and I will include pictures later on. Are there actually stuff you can buy to amplify your signal? Yes and really the prices isn’t all that bad.

Lest start with the system you can buy; 11dBi GSM Booster Kit as shown on the website it is really not a bad little device and the price is really not that horrible. I do own some of there other equipment and it is of good quality.

I am saving up for this booster myself.

So what are your thoughts on 3G and what home made solutions did you try?

My personal DIY system is not that bad. I boosted my signal from GPRS to WCDMA at a signal strength of 99% Now before I try explain it all I would rather just show you a picture or two. Now one must have is a USB ponytail because you will need the extra power from the second USB “very bad news if you run a notebook I know. But the USB extension works better if it has a bit more power.



I found that if you elevate the modem and place it on a piece of plastic and then secure so that it doesn't touch the metal parts that it works best. I am getting a supper strong signal but the net is still slow. And or I will just lose my connection regardless of the FACT that I have a 99% signal strength.

Also I wouldn't recommend the DIY because I really don't know what health concerns there are... So do it at your own risk.

Also as a note: Unplug it when you see a thunder storm. For some reason my previous modem didn't survive.

[vieome]

I have tried putting the dongle in a pringles can with good results cantenna Another thing one can do is turn the dongle in a circular motion to find the best signal.

[Blurock]

If you are using 3G at home, should you not consider an ADSL line instead? It is much cheaper and much more stable.

I am considering buying a 3G for when I am travelling. (I no longer want mail on my phone). That will of course be a once-off for the modem and then pay-as-you go or top up. The monthly packages on 3G are just too expensive and a complete rip off.

[tec0]

ADSL will cost me double then what I pay now.

So it is not an option for me at all.

[tec0]

Interesting that all these new Telkom lines are being installed and it seems that we pay more and is worst off the before?

Anyone had the same experience?

[Justloadit]

My standard Telkom line is more off ADSL line than on. So much so that I am considering going wireless.

[Mike C]

We run both 3G and ADSL at the office and the 3g is way faster.

[Dave A]

In my situation I pay for a 3G contract that claims you will have a good fast connection. I live 2Km away from one tower and 1.5Km away from a second tower and 3.0Km away from a third. So basically if you look in any direction there you will see a nice big tower. It just so happen that I know for a fact that all of them are from the same service provider.

Yet I get GPRS?

Have you tried setting your connection to 3G only?

[Blurock]

My standard Telkom line is more off ADSL line than on. So much so that I am considering going wireless.

Never had a problem with my ADSL line.