Understanding 4G as a Broadband Alternative

In the world of internet connectivity, a common question often surfaces: Can single network 4G solutions serve as a solid alternative to traditional broadband when fibre isn't available and ADSL offers limited speeds? The answer is complex - it's both Yes and No, and it largely depends on specific circumstances.

Factors Influencing 4G Performance

The performance of mobile network connectivity hinges on several factors. These include the distance of your property from the cell towers, the existence of a clear line of sight from your property to the tower, the mobile network operators in your area, and the technology deployed on the tower by the mobile networks operator. When these factors align favourably and the right hardware is used, speeds of over 100Mbps can be achieved.

The Consumer Experience

For most users, particularly general consumers, these speeds are more than sufficient for a good internet experience at home. Even with a bit of contention on the connection (many people using the same cell tower in the area), the service should comfortably stream a film on Netflix and provide enough bandwidth for the family to browse online.

Why Doesn't Integra Provide Single Network Services?

So, why doesn't Integra provide this service? This is a question we often encounter. The main reason is that the quality of service has too many variables, and for many, it will simply not provide a good service.

Challenges with Single Network Solutions

Single network solutions can become challenging when the aforementioned factors don’t perfectly align. For instance, if there's tree coverage and you're quite far from the cell towers, your service may not be optimal.

Integra's Approach: SD-WAN

At Integra Networks, we focus on providing a more premium service for users that need more reliability at faster speeds. It’s more expensive, but for those who require consistent, reliable connectivity, it's a worthwhile investment. Our service, known as Integra SD-WAN, merges multiple network connections, providing faster 4G/5G speeds than a single network operator.

Conclusion: Understanding Your Options

While single network 4G solutions can be a suitable alternative to traditional broadband in certain circumstances, solutions that merge multiple network connections, such as our SD-WAN, can offer a more reliable and robust service. This is especially true in areas where fibre is not available, and ADSL can only provide limited speeds.

So, what's the right choice for you? If you're a consumer who simply needs a good internet connection for streaming and browsing, a single network connection is definitely worth exploring. However, for users who require faster speeds and more reliability due to work requirements that demand stability, then Integra SD-WAN may be worth exploring further.