Little known communications provider Exmoor Technology claims to have helped 200+ homes in rural Devon and Somerset (England) gain access to faster wireless broadband by connecting them to EE’s 4G data network via a specialised antenna and Mobile router.
Apparently EE’s geographic network coverage in Devon is already at 94% and Somerset isn’t far behind, which is well above the operator’s overall UK geographic coverage of 75%. In other words, there may be a lot of areas where 4G Mobile can reach that faster fixed line solutions have yet to tackle.
However sometimes a basic Tethered USB Modem (Dongle) or Smartphone won’t be good enough to secure a viable 4G Mobile signal and thus Exmoor Technology appears to have setup its own solution, which is supported by vouchers from the regional Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) project. Sadly this is due to end in March 2017 and has been paused for new applications, but it should re-open from April 2017.
The CDS programme offers vouchers worth up to £500 per property, which is intended to help those stuck on sub-2Mbps fixed line broadband speeds to get a 10Mbps or faster connection installed. Exmoor Technology claims that, out of the 200 installations conducted so far, an average download speed of 32Mbps (15.8Mbps upload) has been achieved; well above the 1-2Mbps that many of the properties previously suffered.
Councillor David Hall, CDS, said:
“The success of the scheme highlights developments within the industry that present innovative and exciting opportunities in the delivery of broadband services. The success of the scheme was recognised in September by the Prime Minister and I’m happy Exmoor Technology are able to share in this success.
The delivery of 200 4G connections makes up a high proportion of the 700 total connections made to date, and I am extremely pleased that a local business is making such a significant contribution, ensuring residents and businesses have access to best possible broadband speeds.”
Jim Weir, Exmoor Technology, said:
“This technology provides faster internet to those who need it, we can deploy within days & EE’s 4G network is available almost everywhere using the correct equipment. Having carried out 4G surveys across Devon & Somerset, we have only found 4 locations we couldn’t obtain a 4G signal and a speed in excess of 10Mbps to comply with the voucher conditions.
We’ll shortly be able to broaden the appeal of 4G Internet further with a selection of exclusive 4G EE data offers for our customers in Devon & Somerset.”
The provider, which normally specialises in Smart Home and Audio / Visual solutions, notes that its service is also available outside of the Voucher Scheme and can be requested across the South West of England from their offices in Plymouth, Exeter and Bristol. Monthly pricing typically starts from £30 for 64GB of usage and a 200GB option is also available (more here).
It’s worth pointing out that EE have their own 4G “Home Broadband” product, which combines a reasonable Mobile WiFi router device with various plans from £25 per month for 10GB, £50 for 50GB or £75 for 100GB on a 12 month contract (details here). However this doesn’t include a site survey and the professional installation of an external antenna that can pick-up much weaker 4G signals.
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