![]() ![]() ![]() ET, and the 5G gateway's speeds dropped to around 400 Mbps for downloads and 40 Mbps for uploads. SpeedTest with Spectrum (Desktop) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware)įor a worst-case scenario, I tested again around 9:00 p.m. To my amazement, I registered download speeds exceeding 470 Mbps, while uploads came in at nearly 72 Mbps. I first connected just my iPhone to the 5G gateway over Wi-Fi and performed a Speedtest. Given the sheer number of Wi-Fi devices in my home, I opted to piggyback my Orbi off the 5G gateway to make things simple (granted, I could have just changed the SSID and password on the 5G gateway to match my Orbi, but I didn’t want to drop coverage that my router and two satellites provide through the whole house and outdoors). We're talking multiple laptops, smartphones, tablets, Smart TVs, Amazon Echo speakers, and about a dozen Kasa smart light switches, light bulbs and power outlets. After about 30 seconds, the setup process was complete, and I was ready to go.Īt any given time, we have 40+ Wi-Fi devices connected to our wireless router (a first-generation Netgear Orbi RBR50 Wi-Fi 5 mesh router with two satellites). This prepopulated the SSID and passcode, then began communicating with the gateway and the T-Mobile network for activation. Upon opening the T-Mobile Internet app, I was asked to scan the QR code on the bottom of the gateway to expedite setup. After the initial setup, signal strength has hovered between three bars and four bars. At that point, I decided to just put it in the original location near the cable modem and proceed with the setup. I next took the 5G gateway downstairs on the opposite side of the house and placed it near a window. I then stuck it near a window in my office and was greeted with the same three bars. Power users will likely want to look elsewhere or simply connect their existing router to the 5G gateway.Īt first, I was concerned about the signal strength, as I had the gateway situated on top of a bookshelf next to my cable modem, which isn’t near a window (T-Mobile suggests placing the gateway near a window for the best signal). This is just a barebones setup that should work fine for most households. There are no parental controls, advanced wireless controls, access controls, MAC filtering, or anything like that. You can see network status, signal strength, connected devices, change the SSID/passcode, and adjust the frequency bands. The app itself is very basic, with few controls for the router. It booted up, performed a quick software update, then confirmed signal strength of three out of five bars. I then plugged the gateway into the wall in my office on the second floor of my house and powered it up. To set up the gateway, you must first download the T-Mobile Internet app and install it on a smartphone. Yes, the 5G gateway has an integrated battery, and it will continue to function if the power plug is pulled (this feature should come in handy during power outages). You can swipe across the screen to see your current signal strength, messages from T-Mobile, the number of connected devices, and battery status. You’ll find a small, circular touch display on the top of the device. Once eligibility was confirmed, I was able to chat with a representative who asked me a few questions and sent me several secure links to enter my name, address, billing information, and social security number (to perform a credit check for the new hardware that would be sent to me). First, I clicked this T-Mobile link to enter my phone number and see if my home address was eligible. Getting signed up for service was relatively easy. T-Mobile says its home internet service is available to 30 million Americans. Our speed projections are based on our analysis of internal and third-party data. Speeds can vary depending on location, signal strength and availability, time of day, and other factors. markets, T-Mobile thankfully eschews the practice–at least for now.Īs for overall performance, T-Mobile provides the following disclaimer: While Comcast and Spectrum have implemented data caps on their fixed-line customers in multiple U.S. Surprisingly, the answer is that there are no data caps. The other big thing that most people would probably want to know is the current situation with data caps, given that this service works on T-Mobile's cellular network. ![]() However, as you see below, actual speeds can be much higher, rivaling legacy cable companies. If that wasn't enough, new signups get an Amazon Echo Show 5 (second generation) for free.Īccording to the company, you can expect "typical" download speeds of between 33 Mbps to 182 Mbps and upload speeds ranging from 6 Mbps to 23 Mbps. T-Mobile currently offers home internet customers 50% off YouTube TV for a year, Paramount+ free for a year, and Philo TV for $15/month (versus the standard rate of $25/month). ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |