FAQ
TL;DR: Expect variable LTE speeds; T‑Mobile offers a 2‑week test, and “In LTE you have nothing permanent.” Test before you sign. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #16945435]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps you choose between Orange/T‑Mobile LTE and local radio ISPs when fiber/copper isn’t available.
- Planned Orange LTE site with multiple bands was noted for launch around March in this area. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #16944074]
- Local radio offer cited: 20/3 Mb/s for PLN 55; public IP +PLN 15. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #16944261]
- One radio provider sought PLN 400 install + PLN 100 “link measurement,” with no trial. [Elektroda, drakan2, post #16945383]
- T‑Mobile home LTE mentioned: no limit for PLN 59 with Huawei B525 for PLN 1. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #16943973]
- Orange cap confusion: site showed 250 GB; 500 GB unclear at that time. [Elektroda, ozi1024, post #17013370]
Quick Facts
- Planned Orange LTE site timing: “until March,” license includes a set of bands. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #16944074]
- Radio Internet plan highlighted: 20/3 Mb/s, PLN 55, 36‑month term; public IP +PLN 15. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #16944261]
- Upfront costs seen: PLN 400 installation + PLN 100 link check; no trial period offered. [Elektroda, drakan2, post #16945383]
- T‑Mobile LTE option quoted: no data limit for PLN 59; Huawei B525 for PLN 1. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #16943973]
- Orange data allowance noted by users: site listed 250 GB; 500 GB questioned. [Elektroda, ozi1024, post #17013370]
Will LTE speeds drop if many neighbors use it at once?
Yes. LTE is a shared medium, so throughput falls as cell load rises. As one expert put it, “In LTE you have nothing permanent.” Consider providers that let you test first. T‑Mobile’s home offer included a 2‑week trial to gauge real performance at your address. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #16945435]
Is there an Orange LTE tower coming to this neighborhood, and when?
A new Orange site with a full band set was reported as licensed but not yet active, with launch suggested “until March.” That indicates imminent availability but not a guaranteed go‑live date. Plan for interim access until it lights up. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #16944074]
How far am I from the planned BTS, and does that help?
The user reported roughly 1 km line‑of‑sight to the Orange LTE2600 site. Short distance and clear sightlines usually help signal quality, but congestion still governs speed. Use this proximity to justify outdoor tests and later a fixed router placement. [Elektroda, drakan2, post #16943950]
What are the real costs of local radio Internet here?
One provider quoted PLN 400 installation plus PLN 100 for a link check, and refused a trial period. Even with line‑of‑sight, that upfront cost is significant if performance disappoints later. Get written service terms on speeds, uptime, and exit fees first. [Elektroda, drakan2, post #16945383]
What does the 20/3 Mb/s radio plan actually include?
A cited radio offer advertised 20 Mb/s down, 3 Mb/s up for PLN 55 on a 36‑month term, with an optional public IP for PLN 15. Compare that against LTE plans that allow testing and potential carrier aggregation when the new BTS activates. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #16944261]
Is there a truly unlimited LTE home plan mentioned?
Yes. A user pointed to T‑Mobile’s no‑limit plan at PLN 59, bundled with a Huawei B525 router for PLN 1. Always verify current terms, but this shows LTE can beat radio on flexibility and hardware value in this area. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #16943973]
How do I test coverage and speed before signing anything?
Use an LTE phone outdoors with the Network Cell Info app. 1) Insert a T‑Mobile SIM and an Orange SIM with data. 2) In the DATA tab, record CID and signal metrics. 3) Run speed tests at different times of day and compare. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16944160]
Can I connect an external antenna to my phone for better signal?
No. You cannot attach a standard external antenna directly to a phone. For fixed use, test with a dedicated LTE router that supports external antennas, after the BTS is live. Avoid buying phone “repeaters” without proper authorization. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16947591]
I need Internet right now—what short‑term workaround is viable?
One user measured about 4 Mb/s outdoors on mobile data, while indoor service was barely usable except near a window. As a stopgap, use a mobile hotspot where signal is best and keep workloads light (email, docs) until the tower launches. [Elektroda, drakan2, post #16947494]
Does weather affect radio Internet stability?
Yes. The prospective buyer reported concerns about weather impact on radio links after reading experiences. Ask the provider for SLA details and rain‑fade mitigation before committing to an installation. [Elektroda, drakan2, post #16945383]
Is there any trial period for local radio versus LTE offers?
A local radio provider refused a trial, despite clear line‑of‑sight. In contrast, the T‑Mobile LTE offer cited included a 2‑week test window, which reduces risk if performance varies by time of day. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #16945435]
What does “BTS” mean in this thread?
Here, BTS refers to the local base station serving Orange/T‑Mobile (NetWorks) coverage. A user noted only UMTS gear present, with no LTE yet, and called the station portable. The new mast should change LTE availability once live. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16944160]
Does Orange offer 500 GB or 250 GB on home LTE here?
A participant saw 250 GB on Orange’s website and asked whether 500 GB was available. Treat 500 GB as unconfirmed in this thread and verify current caps with Orange before ordering. [Elektroda, ozi1024, post #17013370]
I use Organge, so as you wrote I will check on Friday and let you know
