Many internet service providers in America focus on the urban areas , the rural areas don’t get enough network so they resort to using satellite internet which does not have enough of the required internet speed.
Ubifi is one of the best internet providers, sub rural dwellers can use it as it’s reliable. It is a mobile virtual network operator that provides wireless 4G LTE network using AT&T cell towers.
4G is fourth generation cellular technology but 4G LTE uses 4G technology but still working towards meeting speed requirements of 4G itself. Cell towers are required to convey signals to users, closeness to these cell towers if using Ubifi is important.
Why use Ubifi?
When it comes to internet speed, Ubifi offers high speed internet to rural areas with the use of AT&T towers. You can use it for gaming, streaming live videos, web surfing, remote work and many other things you need the internet for.
The internet speed it offers is based in the user’s proximity to the cell tower, amount of network coverage and amount of network coverage. If the user is not staying close to any tower it could be pretty difficult to get internet speed, Increase in traffic leads to slow connection if the tower is busy connection is slow.
However, Ubifi offers to do a preliminary check of the location of a customer to determine the approximate amount of speed they will get before they order. This checks are done by experts. If the user’s location does not meet the requirements, they offer antennas and signal boosters to help them enjoy premium service.
Ubifi is good for gaming because it offers latency response of below 100ms-75ms. Latency is the speed at which data is transferred from it’s source to the device. Ubifi offers up to 300mbps, but the speed is not guaranteed because of the factors mentioned.
With this latency rate, gamers are unlikely to experience frequent lags or gaming interruptions. But users are adviced to subscribe to MoFi Cloudlink service because 4G LTE network uses private IP address with a carrier grade NAT, using ubifi on game console will result in Strict NAT or NAT Type 3 error.
For streaming and other general applications, Ubifi loads pages faster. Allows users stream videos in standard resolution of 1080 pixels. It offers no data caps, meaning no data usage limitations while using it.
Some mobile virtual network operator might limit data usage or downgrade your network to 3G. You can stream Netflix shows, Hulu and any other streaming service you enjoy without lags or buffers.
The downside here is that, the user might not be able to stream local channels because they can’t get static IP address. Ubifi uses dynamic IP address which puts the user out of their local area. If luckily dynamic IP address is available in your area, then you are good to go.
Tip: Users are warned against excessive usage, because excessive usage attracts additional cost or account suspension.
Ubifi uses LTE band 2 with 1900MHz frequency for modems, also band 4 and 5 with 850MHz. Ubifi has up to 15mbps -25mbps internet speed according to customers reviews which is very impressive internet speed.
How much does Ubifi cost?
Ubifi offers a simple unlimited plan which costs about $89.99. Does this sound like huge money? Well it’s quite a fair price for a mobile virtual network operator. Compare the price to that of a satellite internet,you’ll see that ubifi helps you save more.
Apart form that they are no hidden fees or service charge. It’s a month to month based prepaid service with automatic renewal. You only pay the typical monthly fee. But if you are not satisfied with their service within 30days, you can return, a 15% restocking fee will be deducted.
If you are buying equipment to boost what comes with the kit, then you will definitely spend much as the equipment are quite expensive but reliable.
What equipment does Ubifi require?
Ubifi internet comes with MOFI SIM4 LTE gateway, which is pre-configured and activated for use. All you need do is attach the four antennas provided with the gateway and plug into the power outlet. Wait for it to boot and enjoy the service. The gateway features includes;
- 4 LAN ports together with Wi-Fi
- Supports up to 300mbps speed
- Supports up to 200 devices connected at the same time
- Ultra wide band 4G LTE antennas to boost power signal
It also offers antennas which should be mounted close to the towers(or directly) to ensure best signals are conveyed. They should be no obstruction like trees or hills.
They are two antennas offered by Ubifi; Wilson outdoor directional panel antenna and Wilson wide band Yagi antenna. They cost $84.99 one time charge, and can remit signal of up to 10.6dB. The latter is a directional antenna but aimed at those farther from the closest tower.
They offer two signal boosters; Surecall Flare Signal Booster and weBoost Home 4G signal boost. They both cost $399.99. The signal booster kit can remit signal of up to 60dB which improves upload and download speed . The kit comes with an outdoor antenna, cable, window mount amongst other things.
Installing signal boosters kit and antennas takes a lot if time because you have to choose the best location for AT$T towers. However, Ubifi’s customer support team can help you. You can live chat, email or call them; they are available on Mondays 9am-8pm CST and weekends 9am-3pm CST.
Pros and Cons of Ubifi
Pros
- No hidden fees
- No data caps
- Great service coverage
- Receivable monthly pricing
- Great latency speed
Cons
- Unguaranteed internet speed
- Local streaming not guaranteed because it uses dynamic IP address
- Hilly areas might get weak signals
- Hefty upfront cost
- Internet not as fast as those living in urban areas
Conclusion
These are the things you should know about Ubifi, the price might be expensive but it’s one if the best out there provided you are close to an AT&T tower. Additional equipment can also help you boost signal strength.
This article was first published on July 11, 2022 6:32 p.m. WAT