FAQ
TL;DR: On T‑Mobile’s “up to 60 Mb/s” plan, fix weak Huawei B525/B528 LTE by using a wideband 2xATK‑504 and aiming LTE1800/2600; “Speeds depend on the load on the BTS.” This FAQ helps T‑Mobile LTE users choose antennas, test bands, and stabilize carrier aggregation. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17494237]
Why it matters: The right antenna and band strategy can turn unstable LTE into consistent, plan‑level performance for home internet users.
Quick Facts
- T‑Mobile Home Internet plans: DL up to 60 Mb/s (65 PLN) or up to 20 Mb/s (49 PLN); no guaranteed minimum. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17494237]
- Recommended hardware: 2xATK‑504 wideband (800–2600 MHz) to improve/stabilize LTE and enable multi‑band use. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17500621]
- Keep coax short: 5 m LMR240 lowers cable loss and cost versus longer runs. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17497915]
- Real‑world check: Near‑BTS Sunday tests reached ~60 Mb/s; test close to the tower first. [Elektroda, miś35, #17496908]
- Caution: LTE800‑only cells are often congested; target LTE1800/2600 or aggregation when available. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17500621]
What’s the best external LTE antenna for a Huawei B525/B528 on T‑Mobile?
Use a broadband 800–2600 MHz set, such as 2xATK‑504 from Telkob. It strengthens and stabilizes LTE800/1800/2600 and also helps 3G fallback. As one expert put it, “broadband antenna operating in the 800-2600MHz band, e.g. 2xATK-504.” Align it to a multi‑band BTS and test carrier aggregation. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17500621]
Should I choose an 1800 MHz‑only antenna or a wideband antenna for carrier aggregation?
Choose a wideband 800–2600 MHz pair. It lets your router use LTE1800 as primary with LTE2600 or LTE800 added when available. LTE800‑only sectors can be overloaded even with good signal; the expert verdict: “clogged band, not worth attention.” Aim at multi‑band sites for better headroom. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17500621]
Can ATK‑504 handle 800+1800 aggregation on a B525s?
Yes. ATK‑504 covers LTE800 and LTE1800 used by T‑Mobile. An installer confirmed, “ATK‑504 is good, works on every band.” Use the set with your router’s external ports and verify aggregation after alignment. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17494217]
Will T‑Mobile’s “up to 60 Mb/s” be guaranteed after I add an antenna?
No. T‑Mobile sells plans “up to 60 Mb/s” or “up to 20 Mb/s” without a guaranteed minimum. “Speeds depend on the load on the BTS.” An antenna improves signal and stability, but it cannot remove cell congestion. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17494237]
How can I replicate the 60 Mb/s I saw near the BTS at home?
Stabilize your link with a 2xATK‑504 aimed at a multi‑band site. Prefer LTE1800 as base and allow LTE2600 or LTE800 to join. This setup improves and stabilizes signal across LTE bands. Throughput still depends on many factors, including local conditions and traffic. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17500621]
How do I install and aim a 2xATK‑504 for best results?
- Mount the pair outdoors, high and clear, facing the chosen BTS.
- Use a short 5 m LMR240 coax run and weather‑seal connections.
- Fine‑tune for best SINR, test Auto and per‑band speeds at different times.
“Remember that in LTE nothing is forever.” [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17497915]
Why is LTE800 slow even with good signal metrics?
Many LTE800‑only cells run at capacity. Even after improving signal, speeds can stay low because the band is “clogged.” Prioritize LTE1800/LTE2600 or their aggregation when possible. A wideband antenna helps you target those sectors. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17500621]
Why is 3G (UMTS2100 HSPA+ DC) sometimes faster than LTE800?
Your LTE800 sector may be loaded, while UMTS2100 DC can deliver up to 43.2 Mb/s. Tests showed residual LTE1800 signal but solid UMTS2100. When LTE underperforms, try UMTS2100 DC for steadier throughput. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17500409]
Which BTS should I point to around Inowrocław/Balczewo?
Favor Inowrocław sites broadcasting multiple LTE bands. LTE2600, LTE800, and LTE1800 NW run on Błonie 6 and Jagiellońska 22 with aggregation. UMTS2100 HSPA+ DC is at Laubitz 19. Avoid Modliborzyce LTE800 for LTE; it is often overloaded. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17500409]
What performance can I expect 2 km from a BTS with weak signal on B525?
A user 2 km from the Świdnik BTS saw about 15–18 Mb/s down and 5–7 Mb/s up in Auto (800+1800). Forcing 800 MHz gave ~10/7 Mb/s. Forcing 1800 MHz yielded ~18/0.7 Mb/s. Results vary with load and alignment. [Elektroda, miś35, #17494105]
Can I downgrade my plan to 20 Mb/s if real speeds disappoint?
Yes. Call T‑Mobile and request a change to the 20 Mb/s tier. A forum member noted they should not make a problem switching. Confirm contract and billing impacts, and keep your speed‑test logs handy when you call. [Elektroda, DobryMudzyn1702, post #17494633]
How should I test per band and aggregation before buying an antenna?
Place the router at a window or outside and record LTE800, LTE1800, and LTE2600 readings. Run speed tests on each band and in Auto. Also compare 3G UMTS2100. This approach revealed faster 3G for one user and clarified aggregation behavior. [Elektroda, mac_ino, post #17500490]
