4g SIM or Sim + Router

[nibzy]

Hey guys,

So i want to buy an unlimited 4g sim to play games, work from home and other entertainment however, I cannot decide between just getting a stand alone sim and then buying a powerful router separately or buying the sim package that come with the EE router. Cost is not a concern for me, I'm looking for the maximum performance, in terms of lowest ping possible and high download. Which of the 2 options would give me the best result?

[Chris_B]

@nibzy   It doesn’t matter what router your using it’s still a cellular sign via the EE SIM card.  

[nibzy]

@Chris_B 

ok, so ive been looking at all the deals. I've noticed you can buy 5g broadband mobile data with a router however its not unlimited where as if i buy a stand alone sim with 5g, it comes with unlimited data thus, would i be able to put that sim in a 5g router and essentially have unlimited 5g broadband mobile data?

[EssexBoyEE]

Yes you can.

[nibzy]

@Chris_B 

right now, i have used 2 ee sims which i borrowed from 2 of my siblings. 1 is a stand alone sim only EE sim, whilst the other is an ee sim that came with an ee router, i tested both sims in a router, the sim only one had between around 40-50 download while, the sim that came with router had around 100 download. Why is this the case? shouldn't they both have the same performance? 

All tests where carried out in the same router and at the same location with multiple tests.

[James_B]

Hi @nibzy,

Which plan was each SIM using?

James

[nibzy]

hey @James_B 

The sim only was on pay as you go and works only in tablets and routers while the 2nd EE sim came with 4gEE router with unlimited data (Contract)

[James_B]

Hi @nibzy,

In some instances, a pay monthly SIM could be connecting to a different mast or cell than a SIM using pay as you go (Which doesn't have access to the 800MHz spectrum).

Our Tech Gurus will be happy to take an in depth look at this if you get in touch.

Thanks

James

[EssexBoyEE · Accepted solution]

Depends how's old the Sims are, EE used to have (and still do to a degree) two speed Tiers on 4G speed, limited, and Double Speed, the 1st Tier was limited to around 60mps max, a tad more in practice, and the later was Max Speed where possible.

The PAYG would have fallen within the 1st, and the Data SIM, subject to the Plan would have been in the 2nd.

You mentioned 5G in your other post, just to confirm to get 5G Speeds your need a 5G Plan, a 5G Phone or Router and of course be in a 5G Coverage Area,

[nibzy]

@EssexBoyEE 

@James_B 

I see, that makes sense and thanks for the information. The PAYG Sim is actually a few years old too while the monthly plan data sim, was purchased within the last 3 months. Since i already have a 4g router (TP link 6400), i will just get the sim only unlimited data (with 5g enabled) with the intention of upgrading to a 5g router in the future and use 4g for now (signal strength of 4g is maxed out in my area and 5g says only good for outdoors). 

Getting the sim only with unlimited data should put me in the 2nd tier right?