BajaNomad

TelCel Internet Connection

Floatflyer - 9-16-2013 at 03:26 PM

We are trying to find somebody that is using the TelCel "stick, dongle, etc" that plugs into a computer's USB port for internet service.

Specifically, somebody that has a weak cell signal and MUST use a signal booster. We get 1 bar signal strength on a cell phone so the need for a stronger signal is mandatory. We would like to know what success you have and what exactly you are using for a signal booster and where you bought it. Our need is for internet only.

Thanks for any help. FF

greengoes - 9-16-2013 at 03:45 PM

Here is your USB wifi signal booster. The bonus is it's home made and works like a charm.

Link to tutorial......

If you are down here more than 4 months a year get telnor DSL.

My experience with 2 bars was the DL speed was .8 to 1.4 mbs on a consistent basis. If you do more than browse forums and news the 3 GB data limit will cut he speed down to an old 56kbs telephone modem.

bajajudy - 9-16-2013 at 07:00 PM

We use one.
The only problem we have had is when we are not near a cell tower.

Floatflyer - 9-16-2013 at 07:29 PM

Bajajudy: Not sure what you mean by "we use one"? One what, a signal booster? Problem when not near a cell tower, hmmm, if you are near a cell tower why would you need a signal booster?

We are going to be using this at our place, not a mobile application, and again, we have a weak signal because of a hill between us and the cell tower.

Antenna

bajaguy - 9-16-2013 at 07:42 PM

Sounds like you need a directional antenna aimed at the tower and a signal booster........no, I'm not an electrical engineer, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night

Floatflyer - 9-17-2013 at 07:26 AM

Bajaguy, yep, you got it. The problem is trying to decide on which antenna and signal booster would give me the strongest signal. AND I am hoping to find somebody that is currently using this type of equipment and is happy with the results.

We aren't going to give up our Hughes Net system until a reliable alternative is available. I am still hearing comments about the TelCel system being somewhat inconsistent.

bajajudy - 9-17-2013 at 07:38 AM

I dont know the name of it...you seem to call it a stick, dongle
That is all we use.

bajabuddha - 9-17-2013 at 08:42 AM

I have used the Telcel "steek" for two seasons now, and have found it works fine IF you're near a large enough city to have a cellphone tower; however, living near Sta. Rosalia 'they' say it is the only tower area in Baja that hasn't gone high speed digital, so it's just straight dial-up speed and slower than a sea cucumber in that specific area. I've used it near San Quintin, Ensenada, Loreto, etc. and had very fast and dependable service. I don't know the 'puter-speak' numbers of just how fast, but the difference was definitely notable. And i wasn't even NEAR a holiday Inn.

Cost-wise on what i have is $500 pesos/30 days, and it's good enough for who and what's needed. I'd like to learn more about the booster though, the "Telnor DSL thingy. Is that purchased at a Telcel store? And if so, cost?
Thx, bb.

willardguy - 9-17-2013 at 09:02 AM

where's Riom when we need him? maybe u2u him?

cabobaja - 9-17-2013 at 09:28 AM

The stick you are referring to is: Telcel Banda Ancha