Most reliable mobile broadband

Price: £10/mth for the first six months (then £20/mth) | Buy now from Three

If you’re lucky enough to live in an area within Three’s 5G coverage, its Home Broadband package is hard to beat. £20/mth (on a 24-month contract) buys you unlimited 5G broadband at the fastest speed available, with performance that can match and even beat many fibre options. Three promises average download speeds of 100Mbits/sec and it’s not unknown for data speeds to peak above 400Mbits/sec. Some customers still complain of slow or inconsistent connections, though increased and improved coverage seems to be working in Three’s favour. The bundled 5G Hub supports download speeds of up to 2.33Gbits/sec and has two Gigabit Ethernet ports and 802.11ax Wi-Fi with 4x4 MIMO, so you have everything it takes to handle higher speeds.

Speeds have definitely improved over the last year, as has coverage, according to research firm RootMetrics. Coverage is now better in 15 out of 16 cities where RootMetrics tests, and download speeds are faster in ten of them. 5G median download speeds were over 100Mbits/sec in six cities – Belfast, Liverpool, Leicester, Manchester, Coventry and Birmingham – and over 90Mbits/sec in a further five. Three’s maximum recorded median download speed in London – 544Mbits/sec – was the fastest of any network. What’s more, investments in 5G spectrum should mean more areas seeing this kind of performance as more 5G services roll out.

Those outside of 5G areas aren’t forgotten. Three also offers an unlimited 4G+ Home Broadband plan: you can expect speeds of up to 600Mbits/sec, although most connections will be in the 50 to 100Mbits/sec range, and an Unlimited deal comes in at £14/mth on a 24-month contract with no upfront charge. The router only goes as far as dual-band Wi-Fi 5, but has four Gigabit Ethernet ports and an additional two ports for external antennae, if your reception needs a boost. Three’s download speeds were still behind those of EE and Vodafone in the last round of RootMetrics tests, but this remains a very competitive option if you’re stuck without fibre or can’t use a fixed line.

Three: Get unlimited 5G data for just £10/mth for the first six months

If you sign up for a two-year plan, Three is offering a gob-smacking deal: unlimited 5G data for just £10/mth for the first six months (then £20/mth), with no upfront fees. That will be more than enough for a busy household and you simply plug the Hub to get surfing.

Three

Save 50% for six months

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2. EE 5GEE: The best premium 5G broadband option

Price: From £20 to £55/mth | Buy now from EE

If you’re prepared to pay more for your mobile broadband, EE has some compelling 5G deals. They’re based around the brand’s 5GEE Wi-Fi router, with 802.11ax/Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and support for up to 64 devices in a 30m range, with the only serious limitation being the single Gigabit Ethernet port. EE has addressed one of our biggest criticisms by now offering unlimited 5G broadband for a reasonable £50/mth, although that comes with a 24-month contract and a £100 upfront charge. That’s less than EE used to charge for 100GB. If that’s still too expensive, however, 40GB and 100GB plans are available for £20 or £40/mth.

5G is at its best with 4K streaming and big downloads, and EE has the speeds to match. In the latest RootMetrics figures, it posted median download speeds of over 100Mbits/sec in all 16 cities where RootMetrics tests, not to mention the fastest speeds in six of those. It couldn’t match Three or Vodafone for the fastest maximum speed in London, but it still hit 422.6Mbits/sec. EE also wins on consistent and broad availability, reaching over 50% in 11 of the 16 cities, and nearly 65% in Nottingham and Birmingham. Like Three, EE has also invested in more 5G spectrum for improved coverage and performance in the future.

It's a premium option, and in some areas Three, O2 or Vodafone are going to be even faster, but EE delivers great 5G broadband in more places than anyone else and is definitely worth checking out.

EE: Get unlimited 5G data for £50/mth

As we mentioned above, EE is offering screamingly-fast unlimited data for a reasonable £50/mth, with £100 to pay upfront. And, if that sounds too much, you can also pick up 40GB for £20/mth or 100GB for £40/mth.

EE

£55/mth for 24 months

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3. Vodafone GigaCube: Solid 5G mobile broadband

Price: From £30 to £60/mth (plus up to £100 upfront) | Buy now from Vodafone

Vodafone’s 5G GigaCube router comes with a choice of three monthly usage plans: you can get 100GB for a reasonable £20/mth, 200GB for £23/mth or unlimited usage for £43/mth, each with a 24-month contract. The 100GB package comes with a £100 upfront fee, while the other two reduce this to just £50.

Vodafone also gets bonus points for supplying an excellent TCL-built router. Up to 64 devices can connect simultaneously, and there’s support for the latest 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) standard, with 4x4 MIMO and 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The GigaCube also packs in one Gigabit Ethernet port and a faster 2.5Gbit LAN/WAN port. And if you don’t have 5G in your area yet, you can get the same router with a 4G SIM, then upgrade later, with the monthly rates running from 100GB for £30/mth a month to 300GB for £50/mth.

Vodafone’s 5G performance is impressive. RootMetrics’ most recent tests saw strong speeds across the board, with improved availability in 13 out of 16 cities and faster performance in 11. Its everyday 5G median download speed of 192.2Mbits/sec in Glasgow was the fastest reported of any network in any city, while its maximum download speed in London – 491.2Mbits/sec – was second only to Three’s 544.3Mbits/sec. Vodafone is also striding forwards on 4G performance, with the second-fastest UK-wide median download speed of 25.2Mbits/sec putting it comfortably ahead of Three and Virgin Media/O2. 5G coverage still needs work, only topping 50% in Liverpool, but if you can get them Vodafone’s 5G services are shaping up very nicely indeed.

Vodafone: Get 200GB for an incredibbe £23/mth

Once you've paid the £50 upfront fee, you'll get 200GB of 5G data for a mere £23/mth from Vodafone. That's an extraordinary deal if you know that you won't need unlimited data.

Vodafone

£23/mth for 24 months

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4.

Price: From £13 to £50/mth | Buy now from EE

There are at least two good reasons to pick EE’s 4GEE bundles if you’re after mobile broadband on the go. For one, RootMetrics has rated EE as the number one UK network for 4G performance for the eighth consecutive test period, with a UK-wide median download speed of 58.8Mbits/sec that’s over twice that of its nearest competitor, Vodafone. For another, coverage is excellent, and you shouldn’t find it hard to get a decent signal even in rural or coastal areas, although there will always be some remote spots or awkward places where it slips.

EE’s 4GEE WiFi Mini router is also pretty useful, with 802.11ac Wi-Fi and a 2,150mAh battery that should last up to 12 days. It’s less than 10cm across and weighs only 85g. EE has expanded its range of plans since our last review, adding 40GB, 100GB and Unlimited data options on top of the old 4GB and 10GB packages, so you’ve got everything from a £13/4GB plan for occasional travellers to unlimited mobile broadband for £50/mth. There are also more expensive one-month options, although these come with a £40 upfront cost.

EE also offers a 4GEE Home Router and a BT 4G Home Hub with an EE SIM. These take you from 100GB to Unlimited 18-month contracts for between £35 and £55/mth, along with 802.11ac WiFi. There’s stiffer competition here from Three and Vodafone, but EE nearly always wins when it comes to 4G connection speeds.

EE: Pay £0 upfront on all 24-month 4G plans

If you sign up for one of EE's two-year 4G plans, you won't have to pay anything upfront. As we mention above, an unlimited data plan is £50/mth, while 100GB is £40/mth and 40GB is £20/mth.

5. Three 4G MiFi: The best for unlimited data away from home

Price: From £11/mth for the first six months (then £22/mth) | Buy now from Three

While Three is heavily pushing 5G as a home broadband option, it hasn’t forgotten those wanting mobile broadband for holidays, business trips or travel. Like O2 and Vodafone, it offers a range of 4G services using a Huawei E5783B micro-router. This combines 4G connectivity with a six-hour battery life and dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and supports up to ten devices at once.

The real reason to get excited is the unlimited option for £10/mth for the first six months of a two-year contract (then £22/mth), with no upfront cost. You can stream and download as much as you like, and basically consume broadband much as you would at home.

Of course, your speeds will vary. In RootMetrics’ last round of 4G testing Three came third out of the big four, and its UK-wide median download speed of 19.1Mbits/sec is a long way behind the scores for EE (58.8Mbits/sec) and Vodafone (25.2Mbits/sec). However, Three does much better in some areas than others, so you may find speeds in excess of basic ADSL2+ or Fibre speeds, depending on where you are.

Both Vodafone and EE can go faster, while O2 has its super-powered 5G option. Yet Three’s a brilliant, cost-conscious alternative if you need all-you-can-eat data while you’re out and about.

Three: Get 50% off unlimited 4G data for six months

Three has the perfect deal for money-saving data devourers: 50% off the price of its unlimited 4G data plan for the first six months of a two-year deal. That works out at £11/mth, rather than the usual £22/mth. Even better, there are no upfront fees.

Three

£11/mth for six months

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Best Portable Internet Providers in 2022

Since the birth of the internet, we’ve seen all kinds of internet users. Business folks require constant access to secure and fast internet as they travel to even the most remote locations. Road warriors bike around cities and settle down in chic and inspirational neighborhoods to blog or run an online business. Now, in 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced adults and children to stay home and use the internet for work or school. No matter what type of internet user you are, there’s no doubt that the demand for portable internet is on the rise. Our guide will help you understand what to look for when portable internet is a must-have, wherever you are. Let’s dive into learning about the best portable internet in 2021!

What to Expect With Portable Internet

To put it simply, portable internet is receiving a stable internet connection through a dedicated mobile hotspot device. Similar to a wireless router, a mobile hotspot allows you to connect multiple devices. Generally, people need mobile hotspots if they travel frequently or stay away from home for long periods of time. Mobile hotspots can be used as a home internet connection if you don’t use large amounts of data or don’t require download speeds of over 50 Mbps. Also, people who live in areas with poor broadband service may find portable internet a more viable alternative.

Speeds and Data Usage

Although having a high speed internet connection wherever you go is ideal, there are some limitations to portable internet. Most mobile hotspot devices are still 4G, which means that download speeds are limited to around 50 Mbps. Also, many mobile hotspot plans have a soft data cap (a limit on your data usage before your download speeds are reduced to very slow speeds) or a hard data cap (a limit on your data usage that you will be charged for whenever you exceed that limit). These data caps limit most users to connecting two to five devices depending on the bandwidth requirements of each device.

Below, we note down popular online activities and services that require an internet connection as well as the download speed requirements and typical data usage for each. It’s best to understand just how much internet speed you need for the services you use on a daily basis.

If you’re streaming or gaming, you can connect one or (maybe) two devices to your mobile hotspot without compromising your online experience. If you’re a blogger or frequent business traveler that typically uses the internet for browsing the web or sending emails, you can connect up to five or more devices because these online activities won’t require high data needs. For vacationers, a mobile hotspot should still be adequate for two to five devices depending on your bandwidth usage, but don’t expect a single mobile hotspot to be the solution for a larger group of users who need high data usage.

What About 5G?

5G is the next generation for cellular data that’s still being implemented in the U.S. While the theoretical high speeds of 5G reaching 10 Gbps is an attractive goal, there are still some issues¹ such as limited accessibility. Since 5G compatible smart devices are often more expensive than its 4G LTE counterparts, we recommend the latter until the former expands its service. If you really need a 5G mobile hotspot, consider Verizon Wireless or AT&T Wireless, as they have the largest networks and coverage for 5G compatible smart devices.

Portable Internet vs. Smartphones

Many people who own a smartphone have a mobile hotspot functionality, which begs the question, why would anyone want a dedicated mobile hotspot device in the first place? We make our case through the pros and cons listed below.

Pros

• Easily manage battery life for both your smartphone and mobile hotspot
• Wider range to connect devices
• Connect other smart devices like a tablet or smart watch
• A separate pool of internet data so you won’t experience reduced speeds on your smartphone for going over soft data caps
• Provides an external battery to charge other devices

Cons

• A second device you need to remember to charge and bring with you
• Additional costs for a second device

For light data usage, a smartphone is a viable option for connecting other devices to the internet, but for long-term higher data usage and connecting more than a couple of devices, a dedicated mobile hotspot is necessary—especially if you do not have access to unlimited data with your cell phone plan.

The Best Portable Internet Plans in 2021

While many mobile carriers offer mobile hotspots, the Big 3—Verizon Wireless, AT&T Wireless, and T-Mobile—gives the best coverage options in the U.S. Of the 51 mobile broadband providers, we believe the Big 3 are worthy of your attention.

Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile have soft data caps, so you can use as much data as you want but only an allotment of 4G LTE data. The two providers also have different discounts—either by enrolling in an Unlimited Plus plan through Verizon or enrolling in AutoPay with T-Mobile. AT&T Wireless has a hard data cap and will charge an additional $10 for every 2 GB you use beyond the limit. They also don’t offer any discounts but do allow you to use hotspot data from your smartphone if you’ve already signed up with them. When deciding on a mobile hotspot plan, know that hard and soft data caps play a major role on the cost.

The Best Portable Wi-Fi Hotspots in 2021

Verizon Jetpack MiFi 8800L

Starting at $199, the Verizon Jetpack MiFi 8800L provides a 4400mAh battery, allowing up to 24 hours of usage. This is great for a couple of days worth of internet access without charging. The mobile hotspot device can be used in more than 200 countries, making it the perfect travel companion. The Verizon Jetpack can also connect to the 4G LTE or prior generations, broadcast up to Wi-Fi 802. 11ac while supporting up to 15 devices simultaneously, and has a USB Type C port for faster charging—a standard for all new devices.

AT&T Netgear Nighthawk LTE Mobile Hotspot

The Netgear Nighthawk LTE Mobile Hotspot touts a 5040mAh that allows up to 24 hours of usage and up to 1.7 days of standby time. The mobile hotspot device costs $249.99 and supports up to 4G LTE connections, can broadcast 802.11ac while connecting up to 20 devices simultaneously, and uses USB Type C for fast charging.

T-Mobile Franklin T9 Mobile Hotspot

The Franklin T9 Mobile Hotspot, priced at $84, has a 2450mAh battery that provides about 8 hours of constant usage or 48 hours on standby, which is adequate for a full workday. It has a micro USB connection, which is disappointing, but gives you access to emergency charging, connects up to 4G LTE, and broadcasts up to Wi-Fi 802.11ac while supporting up to 15 devices simultaneously.

Skyroam Solis Mobile Hotspot

The Skyroam Solis Mobile Hotspot costs $99.99 and provides internet connections globally, including the U.S. It can connect to 4G LTE, broadcast up to a 802.11n Wi-Fi network, which is good enough for most users, and connects up to 10 devices simultaneously. The device also has a 4700mAh battery that provides 16 hours of usage, which is comparable to some of the higher-end mobile hotspot devices on the market.

The Features of Portable Internet

When choosing a mobile hotspot, there are several important features to prioritize for an optimal experience:

• Network: Your mobile hotspot will only be as good as the network that supports it. Look for a network that offers internet accessibility and high speeds to the areas where you will be visiting. Many mobile hotspot devices can be used with different network providers, so deciding which networks you like best should be one of your main priorities.
• Battery Life and Charging Type: All mobile hotspot devices have different battery sizes which affect how long you can connect to the internet. Look for devices that can operate for 18 hours or more, as some can give constant usage for over 20 hours. It’s important to note that mobile hotspot devices charge with a USB Type A or C cable can be used as an external battery. We recommend devices that use the same charging type as your smartphone.
• Wi-Fi: Be sure to get a mobile hotspot device that supports 2.4GHz, which allows for broad connection range, and 5GHz, which gives a faster transmission rate and reduces interference over Wi-Fi. To best utilize both Wi-Fi bands, you will want your mobile hotspot device to be up to Wi-Fi standards, including 802.11ac.
• USB Tethering: USB tethering allows you to connect a laptop directly to your mobile hotspot device using a USB cable. This is convenient if you’re in an area that’s overcrowded with Wi-Fi connections. USB tethering lets you bypass the risk of having a less secure and unreliable wireless connection.

How to Set up Your Portable Internet

Setting up your portable internet doesn’t require the help of a licensed technician. The following steps are a general guideline to accessing whichever mobile hotspot device you use on your smartphone. The process is pretty straightforward, so there’s no need to worry!

1. Before setting up a mobile hotspot device, make sure that it’s charged.
2. Insert a SIM card provided by the mobile carrier.
3. Turn on the device by holding down the power button until the screen turns on.
4. Follow the steps on the screen and set up a wireless network using the interface on the device.

The Future of Portable Internet

Portable internet will be a common solution for many users on the go. Countries like Japan only use mobile hotspots—otherwise known as pocket Wi-Fi—even at home! With 5G on the horizon, granting devices access to download speeds of up to 10 Gbps sounds like a far cry into the future but is definitely possible thanks to the advancement of technology. The only limiting factors may be an unstable connection and providers employing data cap restrictions. Until 5G mobile hotspots become more affordable—three times more expensive than 4G LTE mobile hotspots—and accessible, the current standard of portable internet is 4G LTE mobile hotspots for most users.

In Short: Do I Need a Mobile Hotspot?

Many mobile hotspot devices work with different mobile broadband providers, including international ones. If you feel like switching plans, most providers let you change it. This is particularly useful when you can’t afford more data. All in all, portable internet is a prime solution for travelers or individuals on-the-go. A dedicated mobile hotspot device is the best alternative for when you need access to the internet outside your home. While it doesn’t measure up to residential internet by any means, 5G internet will supposedly catch up in terms of speed and reliability. For now, though, you’ll have to make do with 4G LTE on your mobile hotspot device.

Frequently Asked Questions About Portable Internet

Which portable Wi-Fi is best?

The best portable Wi-Fi depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re traveling within the U.S. or need a local internet connection, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all offer competitive pricing and their speeds vary based on location. If you’re traveling internationally, then Verizon’s Jetpack MiFi 8800L or Skyroam Solis Mobile Hotspot are great options.

What is the best travel Wi-Fi?

The best travel Wi-Fi depends on your travel destination. If you’re traveling within the U.S., a mobile hotspot device and/or plan from a mobile broadband provider is a good place to start. Just make sure to check their coverage maps for the regions you will be traveling to. If traveling abroad, Verizon’s Jetpack MiFi 8800L or Skyroam Solis Mobile Hotspot are both great mobile hotspot devices for accessing an internet connection in a different country. Remember to check if the provider’s wireless network is compatible with the device.

Can a hotspot replace home internet?

A mobile hotspot can replace home internet if you have basic internet needs such as checking emails, surfing the web, or infrequent streaming. If you’re a frequent gamer, spend a few hours a day watching shows and movies online, or download large files, a mobile hotspot plan might not be able to support the amount of data you’re using. If that’s the case, residential internet is your ideal choice.

Is there a portable internet device?

There are various portable internet devices, or mobile hotspot devices, available depending on the location. Mobile hotspot devices from different mobile service providers allow you to connect multiple devices to the internet simultaneously.

Can I get Wi-Fi without an internet provider?

You can get Wi-Fi without an internet provider, as there are many public Wi-Fi hotspots available. While convenient, public Wi-Fi hotspots pose a security risk as they can compromise your private data such as your home address and payment information. It is highly recommended that if you’re traveling and need an internet connection, you should connect to a secure Wi-Fi network, connect via a VPN, or have a personal mobile hotspot.

Notes

1. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/08/technology/personaltech/5g-mobile-network.html ↩

What is the best Internet for a country house

Choosing the right broadband option for your home or business can be confusing, especially if a good fixed Internet connection is not available where you are.

If you live in a remote area with poor connectivity, there are two key options: 4G broadband or satellite internet.

In this post, we explain the differences between these two services and help you figure out which is best for you.
For several years, 4G broadband has been considered the undisputed best solution for providing fast and reliable Internet connectivity in places where fiber optic services are either unreachable or inadequate.

Alternatives to landline internet

Both 4G internet and satellite broadband offer a potential solution to rural internet connection problems, so if you can't access decent broadband through your landline, one of these options is almost certain suits you, but which one? If you are actively considering 4G broadband or satellite internet, read on to find out more!

What is satellite broadband

Satellite Internet is delivered directly to property from satellites in either low orbit or geostationary orbit around the earth. Each property wishing to connect to a broadband satellite connection will need to install a dedicated satellite dish that sends and receives broadband signals to and from an orbiting satellite in space.

Satellite broadband has one important advantage: it is available anywhere in Russia. However, since it is typically the slowest and most expensive type of alternative internet connection, it is usually considered a last resort when homes and businesses have exhausted all other options.

What is 4G broadband

4G internet, also known as mobile broadband, uses the same signals as your smartphone or mobile phone to access the internet by connecting to a nearby 4G mast and using that connection to providing fast and reliable broadband access to homes and businesses.

You are usually provided with a dedicated 4G router that accepts a SIM card just like your mobile phone. It can provide good quality and stable broadband in one fixed location, and can successfully handle multiple devices connecting to it at the same time.

4G Internet is currently available in about 98% of all properties in Russia, but it depends on where your home is and how strong the 4G coverage is in your area. And even if this is a weak point, it is possible to install a small but very effective outdoor 4G antenna to get excellent results even when smartphones may show 4G signal levels as weak or unreliable.

What are the benefits of 4G broadband compared to satellite internet

Data and Rate Permits

Satellite broadband offers a range of different subscription packages, including unlimited data options.

However, with most types of satellite broadband, only a small “priority” monthly amount of data is actually delivered at full speed. As soon as it is used up (and in most households it will happen very quickly), your Internet connection speed will be immediately and automatically reduced to a frustratingly slow level for the rest of the month.

With an unlimited 4G plan, your data capacity is unlimited and all your monthly data is delivered at the fastest speed available all the time.

Medium Speeds

If you happen to live near a 4G+ enabled tower, you can potentially experience 4G broadband speeds in excess of 100Mbps with our equipment.

But if you use satellite internet as above, only a small amount of so-called "priority" data is provided at full speed. Once this is used, your satellite broadband connection will be automatically limited to a fraction of this initial rate until the start of the next month.

Connection stability

As you might expect, a “wired” broadband connection to a property will always be more reliable than wireless technology, which can be affected by external factors such as strong winds, heavy rain or snow.

Satellite broadband is based on a wireless connection to a satellite that is up to 36,000 km away. Thus, the satellite connection is much more likely to be adversely affected by factors such as bad weather, tree growth, or any slight movement of the dish.

In contrast, 4G broadband access is provided through mobile towers, which are usually no more than 8 km away, so your service will be much more reliable and weather conditions must be extremely harsh to degrade performance.

Latency

Latency is an important factor in the performance of an Internet connection. This is the time it takes for an online resource (such as a website) to receive a request and respond. This is usually measured by a ping test in milliseconds or ms. Latency with traditional fixed broadband is typically around 10-20ms.

For 4G internet, latency is usually a bit higher - typically around 30-40ms. Unless you're a fanatical gamer for whom instant feedback is desirable, this slight increase won't have a noticeable impact on your online experience.

However, satellite broadband latency is much higher, typically at least 10 times greater, around 400 ms. This is because all of your Internet communications go both ways through a satellite that is 36,000 km away. It's a round trip of at least 72,000 km - and even at the speed of light, which causes a significant and frustrating delay while waiting for things to load. This is another important consideration to keep in mind when weighing which broadband service is right for you.

What you need to get fast 4G internet

If you have a strong 4G signal where you are, all you need to get 4G broadband access is a standard size 4G WiFi router in your home. And even if you are in a weaker 4G coverage area, you can install a 4G antenna. This inexpensive yet highly effective device captures and amplifies the best available 4G signal before transmitting it to your home's 4G router.

The internet signal antenna really works and allows you to provide fast and stable 4G broadband in places where smartphones report available 4G signal as very weak.

How to Improve Cellular Communication in Rural Areas

Rural areas often have weak cell signal due to fewer cell towers and difficult terrain (think: forests, hills, mountains, etc.). You can improve the quality of cellular communication in rural areas with the help of an Internet signal booster. But before you buy an Internet amplifier, please note that the signal amplifier does not create a signal, but amplifies an existing one.

Signal booster in Rostov-on-Don amplifies weak cellular signals thanks to an antenna that can be installed outside the house. The external antenna works with the internal antenna to boost the cellular signal inside your home.

DMTEL for the first time in Russia gave operators integral assessments

Telecom

13 December 2021 10:00 13 Dec 2021 10:00 |

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Reliable mobile communication is a tool not only to ensure the comfort and safety of citizens, but also to solve work tasks remotely, regardless of the location of the subscriber. The mass transition to a remote format of work and study has significantly increased the requirements for the quality of communication and Internet services. DMTEL conducted a large-scale study of the metropolitan mobile networks of the "Big Four" operators, setting integral assessments based on the results.

Integrated evaluation of the quality of mobile communication in Moscow

DMTEL experts assessed the quality of communication services in the networks of Beeline, MegaFon, MTS and Tele2 operators. A comprehensive assessment and comparison of the characteristics of the quality of mobile services was carried out on the territory of Moscow in the period from October 11 to November 2, 2021 on a route with a length of 3892 km. The full text of the report is available at this link.

For the first time in Russia, the company used for comparison the ratings of operators calculated on the basis of integrated assessments of the quality of services. A unified integral assessment is especially relevant in the context of the large-scale introduction of various digital technologies into the daily life of subscribers. For a comprehensive assessment, indicators characterizing the availability, stability and quality of communications were used.

The final integral assessments of the quality of communication services were calculated on the basis of a set of indicators and reflect the quality of services in the network of each operator. The calculation of a unified integral assessment is based on the values ​​of integral assessments for two categories of services: telephone communication and mobile Internet.

Distribution of final assessments of the quality of communication services

The best results were demonstrated by "Beeline", which took the top line in the rating of quality of services in Moscow. The leading position both in terms of the quality of telephone communication and the quality of data transmission to the operator was provided by the high technical potential of the network infrastructure. The second line of the rating was occupied by MegaFon, noticeably losing to the leader in the final assessment. With only a three-point gap in voice service quality, a 25-point gap in data service quality had a significant impact on the bottom line. MTS is on the third position in the rating. However, the assessment of the quality of data transmission services in the MTS network corresponds to the second position. A noticeable lag in the quality of telephone communication led to a decrease in the final score. Closes the rating "Tele2", noticeably inferior to competitors in terms of quality in each category.

All final grades are significantly below the maximum value of 1000 points. This indicates the possibility of further improvement of the quality of communication services in the network of each operator.

Voice communication

Despite the development of mobile Internet services, the main method of remote communication in the networks of mobile operators is a conversation on the phone in real time. Therefore, fast and successful connection and the absence of breaks and distortions in the voice of the interlocutor are important for subscribers.

Beeline demonstrates the best results in terms of the quality of voice communication services. MegaFon is only 3 points behind the leader and ahead of MTS by 24 points. Tele2 is significantly inferior to its competitors - the gap from MTS is 62 points.

Distribution of final ratings of the quality of voice communication services

In general, all operators demonstrate high rates of availability and reliability of mobile communications - the share of failures and breaks is below 1%.

MegaFon's network has the best values ​​for received speech quality indicators. Yielding to MegaFon, Beeline is ahead of MTS and Tele2 in terms of speech quality (estimated in points on the Mean Opinion Score, MOS scale). In particular, the share of speech transmission quality values ​​below the established value of 2.6 MOS points (conditional threshold of acceptable quality) in the Beeline network is approximately 2. 5 times higher than that of MegaFon.

Distribution of received speech quality gradations

Five gradations of perceived speech quality were used, which characterize the degree of subscriber satisfaction on the drive test route:

• "unacceptable" - low speech intelligibility and the presence of distortions in which it is impossible to continue the conversation;
• "bad" - the ability to exchange speech information, but with significant limitations, in particular, distortion of sounds and a decrease in speech intelligibility, which may lead to the need to repeatedly repeat individual words;
• "satisfactory" - the ability to exchange speech information, but with limitations, in particular, distortion of sounds and a decrease in speech intelligibility, which may lead to the need to repeat individual words;
• "good" - the quality and intelligibility of speech, sufficient for successful communication;
• "excellent" - the best quality, in which the naturalness and timbre of the interlocutor's voice are practically preserved, and the listener practically does not feel the difference between talking on the phone and live speech.

This gradation allows you to compare customer experience and the results of an automated objective assessment of the quality of received speech in modern mobile networks.

A fundamentally new level of sound quality is provided by modern technologies. In particular, the large-scale use of a new generation of HD+ (EVS) high-definition audio codecs for voice calls in 4G networks (VoLTE) allows you to preserve the naturalness and timbre of the interlocutor's voice. At the same time, there is practically no difference between talking on the phone and live speech. In addition, the EVS codec covers the entire frequency spectrum that can be heard by the human ear, which makes it possible to broadcast "live" music over the phone.

In the networks of MegaFon and Beeline, voice calls based on VoLTE technology and the modern codec EVS SWB (24.4 Kbps) were available on 98% of the surveyed route. In the MTS network, the relative length of sections using VoLTE technology and the EVS SWB codec is almost three times less - 37%. VoLTE technology is not registered in the Tele2 network; almost on the entire route, voice connections are implemented over the 3G network based on AMR WB wideband codecs (12.65 Kbps).

As a result, MegaFon and Beeline demonstrate close results in terms of the share of excellent ratings (87% and 84%, respectively) and are significantly ahead of their competitors in terms of speech quality. At the same time, MegaFon's network had the smallest share of "unacceptable" ratings (0.37%). In the MTS network, the share of “excellent” ratings is 32%. There are no such estimates for the Tele2 network. In the Beeline, MTS and Tele2 networks, the share of “unacceptable” ratings is approximately 1%.

Unified integrated assessments of the quality of telephone communication as a whole objectively reflect the technical potential and relative positions of the rating participants. "Beeline" is slightly ahead of "MegaFon" in terms of the totality of characteristics, "MTS" lags behind the leaders, ahead of "Tele2".

Mobile internet access

The spread of the remote format of communication, remote work and study involves the active use of online applications and data exchange. In this regard, it is especially important for the subscriber to be able to quickly and successfully access Internet resources, send or download data, and play content in real time without delay and distortion.

Distribution of final ratings of various data services

According to the final integral assessment, "Beeline" is in the lead significantly ahead of its competitors. "MTS" is on the second line of the rating, noticeably ahead of "MegaFon" and "Tele2". The lowest final score was registered in the Tele2 network.

When assessing the quality of mobile Internet, it is important to take into account the heterogeneity of assessments of the quality of services. In particular, in the Beeline network, the highest indicators of the quality of data transfer services from/to the Internet (HTTP Downlink and HTTP Uplink) and the lowest quality of video playback and web page loading were noted. MTS is mainly ranked second in the ratings of service quality assessments. MegaFon demonstrates the highest rating for the quality of YouTube video playback, but noticeably lags behind the leaders in terms of the quality of HTTP DL and HTTP UL services and occupies the third position. The lowest final score of Tele2 is due to a noticeable lag behind competitors in terms of the quality of HTTP DL and HTTP UL services.

Another important criterion for a comprehensive assessment of the quality of services is the relative duration of the possible use of various types of services and applications in the direction of the subscriber device (downlink).

Distribution of service types and speeds (Downlink)

The study showed that subscribers of all operators can successfully use typical services and applications for which speeds of 1 Mbps and below are sufficient, almost on the entire drive test route. In terms of services based on high-speed access to Internet resources (above 8 Mbps), Beeline is the leader. MegaFon and MTS demonstrate close results and are ahead of Tele2. The Tele2 network has the largest relative length of sections where it is impossible to successfully download content that requires high speeds, such as Full HD video. It is important to note that all carriers provide the ability to successfully play high-definition video in HD 1280x720 or Full HD 1920x1080 on a significant part of the route (at least 95%).

The use of LTE technology (at least 99% of the route), as well as the function of aggregation of frequency radio channels LTE CA, MIMO antenna diversity mode and high-order modulation (64QAM and 256QAM) is noted in the networks of all operators. At the same time, there are practically no sections without LTE in the Beeline network (only 0.14%), and the LTE CA function is registered on almost the entire route (92%). In addition, Beeline is significantly ahead of its competitors in terms of the relative length of sections that use 4x4 MIMO and 256QAM modulation.

MTS lags behind the leader in terms of technical potential. The LTE CA function is not registered on a significant part of the route (33%), and the MIMO 4x4 mode is missing on 92% of the route.

In the MegaFon network, the relative length of sections where the LTE CA function and the MIMO 4x4 mode are not used are about 17% and 100%, respectively.

The rational use of modern technologies, functions, modes and types of modulation significantly increases the potential of the Beeline network in terms of high speeds. This ensures the stability of the data transfer rate provided to the subscriber, taking into account the possible increase in the number of users of similar services.

As a result, Beeline's slight lag in certain indicators of the quality of data transmission services does not affect the final assessment, which confirms the highest potential of the network and the leading position of the operator, as well as the objectivity of a single integral assessment.

During testing, an estimate was also given of the relative duration of the possible use of various types of services and applications in the direction from the subscriber device (uplink).

Distribution of service types and speeds (uplink)

The study revealed that subscribers of all operators can successfully use typical services and applications for which speeds of 0.6 Mbps and below are sufficient for almost the entire drive test route. In terms of services based on high-speed access to Internet resources (above 5 Mbit / s), Beeline and MTS are ahead of MegaFon and Tele2: almost the entire route provides the ability to broadcast high-quality video in Full HD format (about 95% and 93% respectively).

Growth potential

A study conducted by DMTEL showed that Beeline not only occupies a leading position in the rating of mobile communication service quality, but also demonstrates the highest potential of the network. MegaFon lags behind the leader, but is ahead of MTS in the final assessment.

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