VituVingiSana wrote:Wororo wrote:Stiffler wrote:I have given up on this Faiba4G thing. Lemme stick to Safaricon/ Telecom
This Faiba is just but a Branded Tortoise. Nothing more
Word is that MTN Business is extremely keen offering 4G internet as it eases its way into mobile data offering in Kenya ...
I think only MTN Business amongst the tier two telcos has the know-how and financial capability to create a considerable dent... And efficiently rival the Safaricom within the data segment...
Faiba won't hack... Buying their routers might leave many frustrated...
I decreased my usage of Safaricom's mobile data by replacing it with Faiba4G. I have recouped the cost of the modem (5,800 at the time) by buying much cheaper bundles. This may not work for others since my usage is centered in "old" Nairobi (eg CBD) and Mombasa (eg Nyali) but not the newer less dense "suburbs" [Runda, Kahawa, etc] which may not have Faiba's fiber.
Faiba seems to be a very good option especially the bundles offered. The biggest downside is COVERAGE.
If only the faiba guys would increase the number of BS knowing very well they need fewer to cover a large area as compared to 3G or 2G coverage!
For those who are thinking or planning on buying the 4G portable routers do the background check properly if you intent to use them with different providers.
Ensure that the modems/routers are able to operate within LTE bands 20 (~800MHZ) and LTE band 28 (~700MHZ).
A brief list of common bands and the frequencies (in brackets) the are capable operate in: B1/2/3/4/7/8/20/28/12&17 (700/800/900/1800/1900/2100/2600Mhz)
I would suggest visiting the
4Gltemall website and search the exact model of the dongle or router you want to buy/use. exact model includes the numbers/text after hyphen e.g Huawei E5786s-32a and Huawei E5786s-62a are similar but support different LTE bands. The 32a supports Band 1/3/5/7/8/20/38 while the 62a supports Band 1/3/8/28. The first would not work with faiba while the second will. When using safaricom or airtel or even telkom lines the first would work perfectly while they may work wih the second mifi, the best speeds or connectio would be a 3G connection which the networks optimize for voice and not data. This is irrespective of whether unlocked or not.
Recently tried to look for faiba modems but they were in short supply including from the faiba distribution channel. Managed to find a Huawei E5573s-606 [LTE Band 1/3/7/28 (2100/1800/2600/700MHz)] which is able to work on the faiba lte network. Safaricom utilizes Huawei E5573C-322 [LTE Band 1/3/5/7/8/20 (800/850/900/1800/2100/2600MHz)].
If only a proper map of 4G coverage is available
Looking to replace the home internet connection with 4G router.
Live and learn; and don’t forget, nothing ventured, nothing gained.