Coverage on 4GX

[Walmac]

help with 3G - 4G coverage, Looking for a solution, currently in a remote location of Western Australia, have multiple employees, we currently get 3G and 4G coverage, sometime anywhere from 1bar to 5 bar signal strength, wanting to know if it is possible to connect a 3G/4G modem to a Router and AP points so that an acceptable internet speed is available thru out accommodation for personnel, if a booster would help

[Jupiter]

Yes, it can be done. Depending on the size of your compound, you may need multiple units. You'll definitely need a couple of Yagi antennas for each modem to get the best performance.
I would recommend getting a communications specialist to come out and do a proper assessment as having to get people to come out to fix a poorly designed and installed system is expensive.

[cf4]

The success of this will also depend on how much spare capacity is in the local cell tower. If you connecting several modems each trying to download at the same time will cause congestion in the tower. The reason why mobile data is so expensive compared to fixed broadband is the limited capacity. The price is discourage users from downloading huge amounts of data on the limited bandwidth available.

[Walmac]

Thanks for the quick response, we are actually off the coast of WA on a dynamic positioned drill rig. we have a current internet service supplied in the accommodation by an OS company and it is extremely slow 0.25mbps, phone and data is available outside of the accommodation on personal phone, I have been asked to look into other solutions that if we could use in the accommodation something on the 4G network as we get decent coverage most of the time and the personnel could use there own data on their phones, there are approx 160 -200 people onboard at any given time

[Walmac]

how do the satellite connection compare in price and speed, are there reasonable priced packages available

[ForensicsGuru]

@Walmac, with the number of people you mentioned, I don't think satelite connection is viable (or affordable), nor the 4G... Not sure what your solution might be, but you will need to go for the commercial solution and I doubt anyone here can help you with that... 

[Jupiter]

Having experience of both, Satellite would be a disappointing experience. 4G would work far better. The rigs in Bass Strait use the 4G network. If you have any contacts at Esso, then I would be getting in contact with them for advice on what they have set up.

[ProfessorPhone]

You also could consider a Telstra Stationary Go Repeater.....which also requires a Yagi or window antenna and re-transmit simple antenna to cover your premises.
I use the one repeater which covers 2 4GX wireless modems (different sims) 3 mobiles and computers. Telstra sell the repeater for about $1200 and the yagi..cable..connectors and mounting brackets about $350.
Its very tricky to set up and you'll be best to get a contractor that Telstra uses. In metro about $300. That means youll only need 1 antenna system for both voice and data. You can use automatic frequency operation which changes bands in the repeater or you can set it to a nominated frequency bsnd eg 770 megs which in my case is most stable and gives about 70mb/s with several devices. Telstra coverage department is who you speak to... but you really need a genuine Go specialist who knows the set up and hardware and importantly the
Wave software app you remotely access the repester settings with.. from your phone.
Telstra have people who can do the entire install which is quite specialised

[Walmac]

Thanks for the great info, was trying to get hold of the Telstra coverage team today but could not get hold of anyone in Australia that could understand that I was not at a fixed address or location, tried calling Telstra shop but only got a recording to leave a message. if any one has a phone number for a contact at the Telstra Coverage department they could pass on it would be much appreciated as this a little bit different to the norm, so need the consultant to understand the situation and what we need to achieve

[Jupiter]

@Walmac I've sent you a PM with the contact details of someone who should be able to aust.

[Walmac]

Cheers Jupiter, much appreciated. will give them a call tomorrow morning

[ProfessorPhone]

Hello
Almost all Telstra's call centres are overseas and only Disconnections are in Adelaide 9 to 9pm. There is no direct number but repeater hardware and antennas is 1800 305 307 and they are actually in India. You need to be approved first by Coverage Dept.
A normal antenna installer would not have any expertise as its not just a matter of mounting an antenna. Take it from me. The repeater is licensed as a base station and this is not what a normal licensed data cabler or antenna installer does.

[ProfessorPhone · Accepted solution]

I forgot to mention that if Telstra agree to sell this equipment they have you sign quite a detailed agreement re the installation as its definitely not plug and play. The US based Cel Fi have details only of unit. Its network specific. The latest Go unit is several times better than the original 2 box unit and only shares a company name