My current provider is Consolidated Communications and I get 10 mbps download speed (dsl). When doing speed tests, it's more like 6 mbps (upload speed of 1.5 mbps).

I got the T-Mobile 5G home internet hot spot last night, and the speed varies wildly (between 1 - 50 mbps). However, the upload speed is a consistent 10-11 mbps.

I'm torn between keeping Consolidated at $85/month versus T-Mobile at $60.

• Consolidated also loses signal a lot, usually less than 5 minutes.

I'm wondering if I should go T-Mobile and then try Starlink when it gets here. What would you do?

I would get on Consolidated's cheapest tier and keep both. Use the 5G as primary since it has better upload. I imagine T-Mobile's 5G is going to get better over time but possibly not.

EDIT: I should add that I work 100% from home so a connection is necessary for me.

I am on Consolidated's cheapest plan.

It's odd because when I run a speed test on my phone, which is T-Mobile, it's always in the 20 mbps speed. I don't have a 5G phone (3 year old iPhone).

Oh that stinks. My dual connection suggestion might not be that important to you anyway. I think the erratic 5G speeds is likely due to the relative newness of the network. I would stick with that one for now, until there are more broadly available options like Starlink. Sounds like Consolidated wouldn't work for me if it's down often.

There are ways to add external antennas to the T-Mobile hub if you are into that kind of thing.

I have a 5G modem with open source software (GoldenOrb) that can run on any network. I have not been able to pick up n71 (T-Mobiles 5G), but I can pick up n5 (AT&T 5G). I'm considering upgrading my antennas to try to get n71, but I'm not sure it is worth it yet.

I got my information from this group.https://www.facebook.com/groups/imeimagic/

2girlsdad said:

---

I am on Consolidated's cheapest plan.

It's odd because when I run a speed test on my phone, which is T-Mobile, it's always in the 20 mbps speed. I don't have a 5G phone (3 year old iPhone).

---

You might be closer/have a cleaner connection to an LTE tower and that's why it varies so much.

What does the status page say when you login to the router on a computer? It should tell you what signal band you are connected to.

I put it outside on my front porch, 4 bars consistently! Since I'm not in a subdivision and deadend street, it's safe.

Haha remember that you are leasing the device from T-Mobile and it's probably worth about $500.

I'm truly not concerned. If you knew my neighborhood, you'd get it.