Emergency measures

[#1]

Hi

I need to have internet access at all times as I am self-isolating and use the internet to order food  communicate etc..

If my broadband signal went down Plusnet would attempt to sort out my broadband as a priority. 

To maintain a service could I get someone to upgrade my sim only mobile deal to unlimited data and tether my mobile to my computer..

My mobile provider Idmoble allows this.

Can anybody tell me if this would work and how I would do it, the  mobile has an  Android OS. 

I thought that I could print  out the instructions and keep it handy .

I have arranged a spare router and cables 

Nothing wrong me in being neurotic

Many thanks

[#2]

Its been a few years since i have done it but basically connect phone to computer with cable (usb to micro usb) and enable tethering on phone.

Regards Mark

[#3]

Moderators Note

This topic has been moved from Fibre to Tech Help

[#4]

If it’s a recent version of Android you can turn it in to a wireless hotspot.
You might also be able to buy a 4g wireless router to put your SIM card into.

I have a backup 4g wireless router.

[#5]

Hi

So I should use my cable from my charger .

My phone is a Samsung A3 and seems that the software allows this

Thanks

[#6]

Thanks Dvorak

Any idea of a cheap reliable 4G router

[#7]

@SWANECO 

You should be able to "wirelessly tether" your Mobile to your computer.

Have a look here under Mobile hotspots and thethering

I hope this helps.

You can look on eBay for a cheap (ish) 4G router.  TP Link make one.  Good idea to make sure it's unlocked, so you can use any sim. 

[#8]

Hi

Many thanks to allNothing better than being prepared

I have an independant PC shop locally which would have been able to advise/sort me out but they are closed due to the Covid

emergency

[#9]

IF you want the ultimate connectivity back, get a dual sim phone (any cheap old things with 2 micro / nano slots should do).

Then you can use two separate physical networks. I use Tesco (O2) and Asda (EE). If one fails, i can switch over my data use to the other.

I plug mine in via usb so that the device slowly charges while in use - 4G use drains batteries. Once plugged in the drop down menu ususally says something like "charging from usb" - if you click it you should see a tethering option. It will then emulate a network connection to your PC which will pick it up and identify itself with an IP address issued by your phone. You'll then have an internet connection.

Point to note though is that you won't get a public IP address so it's outward bound traffic only - no hosting servers on your network and accepting incoming traffic.

[#10]

Hi 7up

Many thanks for your help

I am  just looking at a cheap dual sim and seeing who does cheap data

cheers 

[#11]

---

@SWANECO wrote:

Hi

I need to have internet access at all times as I am self-isolating and use the internet to order food  communicate etc..

If my broadband signal went down Plusnet would attempt to sort out my broadband as a priority. 

To maintain a service could I get someone to upgrade my sim only mobile deal to unlimited data and tether my mobile to my computer..

My mobile provider Idmoble allows this.

Can anybody tell me if this would work and how I would do it, the  mobile has an  Android OS. 

I thought that I could print  out the instructions and keep it handy .

I have arranged a spare router and cables 

---

 I have a Huawei E5577 MiFi unit. These are unlocked. This has quite good mobile connection where I live but if necessary can be fitted with external antennae.

With this I keep a Giffgaff SIM, which piggy backs onto the O2 network. Giffgaff only have monthly contracts so I only need to spend money if I need to use this back up unit. If I need to use it there is a range of deals, which go up to 80GB, with a time limit of up to a month, for £20  https://www.giffgaff.com/sim-only-plans. This might work out cheaper than tethering a phone that's on a standard contract for a few weeks very occasionally. It's also useful if away on holiday.

[#12]

Hi

Many thanks, I will price it up

80GB should last me a while, turn off IPLAYER etc

[#13]

---

@SWANECO wrote:

Hi 7up

Many thanks for your help

I am  just looking at a cheap dual sim and seeing who does cheap data

cheers 

---

3 and ASDA are the cheapest PAYG. Can't remember if 3 allow tethering though. There's also another catch, they don't support 2G so you'd have to use it as your primary sim and then turn off that sim if switching to the 2nd sim - otherwise 3 will disconnect it. Point to note is that even a virtual mobile network operating on 3 won't stop 3 doing this - 3 will still chop the sim as it affects their network (i read somewhere that for 2G connections they have to pay the other networks). If it's in the 2nd sim slot and you're using the first sim for data, the 2nd sim will drop down to 2G - which is why it would have to be primary and turned off when using the 2nd sim OR 2nd sim and turned off until you need to use it - which is when you set it as the data sim and then turn it on. A total PITA if you ask me.

ASDA do allow tethering and the last time i checked, were the cheapest for data after 3 - but that was probably a year ago that i checked.

Tesco used to be reasonably good for PAYG years ago, no idea what that's like now as i'm on monthly contract thing.

[#14]

You could also try Id Mobile - they utilise the 3 Network and even have WiFi calling which is good for an MVNO operator.

Prices are good and service also.

The only reason I left them was because Vodafone offered me an excellent Fibre/Mobile contract.

[#15]

The OP is already with ID...