4G vs ADSL

[Ayman H]

Hello everyone!

I am currently using 4Mbps ADSL and my contract recently has ended. I was thinking If it's worth it to switch from ADSL to 4G due to its higher speeds that it offers, around 8Mbps to 20Mbps (and way above at times).

The reason why I'm asking this question is because my family are constantly using the internet, around 6 to 8 devices are connected and being used simultaneously. It's obvious already, that the ADSL won't hold up with all these devices connected at a speed of 4Mbps.

I'm a heavy downloader and a gamer, my ping seems to jump all the time using ADSL (jumps to thousands constantly).

I know that 4G:
* has capped data and once it's done, I have to wait till the end of the month to refill my capped data.
* has inconsistent ping sometimes.

But here's the thing;
* 4G subscription offers me 1.2TB of data (promotional cap) and 600GB of data (real monthly cap once the promotion ends [?]) and a speed of no less than 8Mbps for 19.72JD which equals to ‎€23.75
* My current ADSL subscription is obviously uncapped, but the inconsistency in pings and abhorrent speeds are driving me crazy, not to mention, I pay 30JD which equals €37!!!!!
* And no, fiber is not available in my area.

So, I need your help so I can decide if it's worth it to switch to 4G or not, because I am uncertain if that data cap (1.2TB promotional, 600GB real monthly cap) is ever going to be enough for a family, and also to AT LEAST be somewhat more consistent than my current ADSL.

Your help is appreciated.

 

[boju]

Adsl even at faster speeds, it's bandwidth is quite small and can only really can accommodate few people at a time and thats not all going nuts. Does your ping fluctuate when you're the only one on it?

However 4g being wireless not too sure how it's latency compares. Have you done a speed test to find out? If it's reasonably low and you're comfortable with it then yes it should be better adequate solution for comfortable simultaneous uses.

 

[boju]

Or maybe not. http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2395565

 

[Solandri]

600 GB / 8 Mbps is nearly 7 days of constant downloading. So as long as you're not doing anything like filesharing, you should be fine.

Is the 4G subscription month-to-month? Or does it require a long-term subscription? If it's month-to-month, you can try it for a month and see how it goes. Jitter (variability in latency) on 4G can be a problem, but it sounds like you're already experiencing that with ADSL so you won't be losing anything.

The problems you've described with ADSL are usually caused by poor line quality, or over-subscription (too many customers). Do you sometimes hear static when using the phone lines? If so, complain to the phone company and have them fix it, because that'll affect your DSL connection as well. Are you using DSL filters on all your phone connections? They're necessary to prevent phone signals from interfering with the DSL connection. Every phone jack in your house being used should have a filter, except the one the ADSL modem is plugged into.

 

[Ayman H]

600 GB / 8 Mbps is nearly 7 days of constant downloading. So as long as you're not doing anything like filesharing, you should be fine.

Is the 4G subscription month-to-month? Or does it require a long-term subscription? If it's month-to-month, you can try it for a month and see how it goes. Jitter (variability in latency) on 4G can be a problem, but it sounds like you're already experiencing that with ADSL so you won't be losing anything.

The problems you've described with ADSL are usually caused by poor line quality, or over-subscription (too many customers). Do you sometimes hear static when using the phone lines? If so, complain to the phone company and have them fix it, because that'll affect your DSL connection as well. Are you using DSL filters on all your phone connections? They're necessary to prevent phone signals from interfering with the DSL connection. Every phone jack in your house being used should have a filter, except the one the ADSL modem is plugged into.

The 4G company offered me 4 days trial with a cap of 4GB (during the trial period only). I'm going to give it a shot and see how it performs. The only thing I'm worried about is the capacity finishing before the end of the month and the inconsistencies in ping that it can have.

I've contacted my ADSL ISP so many times complaining about my issue, I do hear static when using the phone line, but not always. My ISP claimed that they have changed the cabinet wires but I see no difference honestly. And yup, I'm using DSL filters on all phone connections.

 

[boju]

When i was on adsl many years ago the static came from old wiring in house and pit. Wires from pit to house were replaced and static was gone. Then static started again. Was said house wires are very old so that was the reason for the latest bout of static (20 years old, understandably) let them go and replaced the wires for lan line phone and adsl with cat5e cable to an existing in roof line filter and didn't have a problem since. Had been 5 years then using adsl no problems, pings were good.

Since then we've had nbn cable rolled out. Made phone lines obsolete here which no matter just re-wired the filter box to suite the nbn box and kept the home phone running. Many complained about that that and were given wireless phones.

 

[Ayman H]

4G had inconsistencies in ping and the speed would fluctuate quite a bit.

I have contacted my ISP which supplies my ADSL subscription. They came and scanned the area and told me I have fiber.
I have picked fiber thankfully for 33.5JD a month!

Thanks to everyone who have helped.