Stephen Anderson.
The story.
Living in a very remote part of Perthshire I have adapted my technical solutions to my environment. This was initially out of necessity, but I have since discovered an audience for these location specific solutions. Therefore, I am now utilising my knowledge to offer bespoke 4G broadband installation services.
I use specialist, high gain antenna, to provide a useable 4G broadband connection, where a mobile phone will often struggle to connect.
This is my 4G connection, using a satellite dish mounted aerial. This is a very high gain antenna, which boosts the signal available to give me 30 Mb per Second download speeds, even though I do not actually getting a mobile phone signal at my home.
The reasoning.
With more emphasis on remote working, and an increased reliance on reliable broadband provision in modern education, not to mention all of the available online entertainment options. We are now more than ever before, becoming dependant on a useable broadband connection.
Therefore, I have been exploring the options available to those of us who are lucky enough to live in a remote environment where there is no landline connectivity. Currently there are really only two realistic options. There is Starlink, Elon Musk’s close orbit satellite system, which is good and delivers but at a cost. Alternatively, for those of us who consider £75 per month too expensive, there is also the option of connecting to a 4G phone mast. This option is currently £28 to £30 per month for an unlimited data plan from EE. Although there are also cheaper, alternative plans for those who do not need unlimited data.
The installation cost of 4G broadband is largely based on what site specific equipment is required, however a normal installation would be in the region of £300, this includes the price of the equipment and the installation. Usually, the equivalent Starlink installation price is £500. Also, there is no line rental to pay, so a saving there as well.
The speed of the connection is entirely based on the distance to, and an uncluttered view of a nearby mobile phone mast. Therefore speeds can vary enormously, a minimum usable download speed would usually be about 15 Mb per Second however, I have recently surveyed two locations nearby that are getting 100 and 150 Mb per Second respectively, which is impressive by any standard.
Installation examples.
This installation features a 4G dish antenna mounted on a remote structure and connected to main property using a wireless point to point connection. This installation was chosen because the owner did not want the 4G dish to be mounted on the main house.
The installation below utilises a small, compact dish, which was chosen because of the direct view it had of the mast and because discretion of the installation was a concern of the client. This unit is 14 Cm across and is providing a connection of over 100Mb per Second. I also think these smaller units are less susceptible to snow and ice build-up which can negatively affect the reception.
Similarly, this installation also uses a small enclosed dish (marked out in a black square to the top right of the door). This was chosen because the cottage had a line of sight to a nearby mast and the owner was keen to minimise the impact of the installation. This small antenna delivers a connection speed of nearly 100Mb per Second. Substantially quicker that the existing BT copper connection.
The process.
1. Site visit
A site visit will be arranged to establish if a connection is feasible.
2. Discuss options
From the visit analysis, an option list will be drawn up and provision agreed.
3. Provision
Equipment will be ordered and an installation date provided.
4. Installation
Installation onsite undertaken in accordance with the agreed options.
Contact me.