8€ rural internet with a 4G+ SIM: savings fibre can't match
An unlimited 8€ SIM and a 4G+ router are replacing fibre in Spanish villages with no coverage. Savings of 200€ a year, but stability depends on the signal.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
8€ rural internet with a 4G+ SIM: savings fibre can't match
In villages where fibre costs at least 25€ a month, an unlimited 8€ SIM and a 4G+ router have become a real alternative. Annual savings exceed 200€, but the key lies in coverage and stability. A documented case in a town of 2,000 inhabitants shows speeds of 20 to 50 Mbps, enough for streaming and light remote work. The discussion reveals it is not a universal solution: it depends on the mobile signal and antenna congestion.
The real cost: 8€ versus 25€ fibre
Fibre optic doesn't reach every corner. In towns of 2,000 inhabitants, the rollout drags on and operators don't invest. Meanwhile, an unlimited Digi mobile plan for 8€ a month, combined with a Huawei 4G+ router, offers a connection good enough for films, YouTube and music. The savings are clear: more than 200€ a year compared with the 25€ monthly cost of the cheapest fibre. Speeds range from 20 to 50 Mbps, with 4G+ peaks reaching 50 Mbps. For basic use, it's more than enough.
The experience repeats itself in other cases. One participant says they have the same setup and describe it as wonderful, even considering a 5G router. Another uses their phone as a USB router at work and doesn't miss a thing. The flexibility of not depending on fixed installations is a plus for those who move house often.
The fine print: coverage, congestion and limitations
It's not all rosy. Mobile coverage is the critical factor. In areas with weak signal, speeds can drop to 3 Mbps, useless for high-definition video. One participant reports that, with Lowi and good coverage, they barely hold 720p and consider the connection terrible. Antenna congestion also plays a role: at 7 in the morning speeds reach 69.9 Mbps, but in the afternoon they drop to 30. The explanation is simple: more users connected to the same cell.
Besides, not all unlimited plans are truly unlimited. Some operators throttle estimulante ilegal after a certain amount of data, though in Digi's case no warnings have been reported. Roaming is another limitation: the unlimited plan only offers 15 GB abroad. And hardware matters: cheap Cat4 routers use a single band and can get saturated; Cat6 or 5G models improve stability but increase the investment.
Is a 5G router worth it?
The question comes up when comparing performance. A 5G router costs between 100 and 250€, versus 39€ for a mid-range 4G+ model. It offers higher estimulante ilegal and stability, especially in congested areas. However, for basic use, 4G+ is enough. One participant who switched to 5G highlights that it holds up even on stormy days. Another, on the other hand, prefers a compact, portable model, even if it's 4G.
The decision depends on needs and budget. If you work remotely with video calls, the stability of 5G may justify the investment. If you just browse and stream, 4G+ does the job.
Remote work: is this connection stable?
Stability is the main concern. One participant who has spent a month relying on mobile data describes the connection as a rollercoaster: peaks, dips, micro-dropouts on voice calls and moments when everything crawls. For daily remote work, the time saved doesn't make up for the headache. Others, however, report positive experiences with dedicated routers and good coverage.
The key lies in signal quality and congestion. In small villages, outside the high season, the connection can be stable. In summer, when tourists arrive, the antenna gets congested and speeds drop. The solution is a router with band aggregation (4G+) or 5G, which handles congestion better.
Alternatives and tricks: firmware, antennas and multisim
Beyond commercial hardware, there are DIY solutions. Flashing the firmware of an old router so it supports 4G/5G USB modems is one way to reuse equipment. You can also install an outdoor antenna on the roof to improve the signal, since line of sight is decisive. Another option is a multisim: sharing your mobile plan with the router, though it has drawbacks, such as the modem receiving incoming calls that don't show up on your phone if it's in airplane mode.
The second-hand market offers operators' 5G routers for 75-90€, compatible with Digi and O2. For those who want something small, there are USB dongles and mifis, but they overheat and have limited battery. The choice depends on the use: a router for home, a dongle for trips.
Conclusion: a valid solution with conditions
The combination of a cheap unlimited SIM and a 4G+ router is a reality for many rural households. The savings are undeniable, but it's not for everyone. Coverage, congestion and the need for stability make the difference. For basic use, it's perfect. For intensive remote work, it may fall short. The trend suggests 5G will lower costs and improve the experience, but in the meantime, 4G+ remains the king of savings.
In villages where fibre costs at least 25€ a month, an unlimited 8€ SIM and a 4G+ router have become a real alternative. Annual savings exceed 200€, but the key lies in coverage and stability. A documented case in a town of 2,000 inhabitants shows speeds of 20 to 50 Mbps, enough for streaming and light remote work. The discussion reveals it is not a universal solution: it depends on the mobile signal and antenna congestion.
The real cost: 8€ versus 25€ fibre
Fibre optic doesn't reach every corner. In towns of 2,000 inhabitants, the rollout drags on and operators don't invest. Meanwhile, an unlimited Digi mobile plan for 8€ a month, combined with a Huawei 4G+ router, offers a connection good enough for films, YouTube and music. The savings are clear: more than 200€ a year compared with the 25€ monthly cost of the cheapest fibre. Speeds range from 20 to 50 Mbps, with 4G+ peaks reaching 50 Mbps. For basic use, it's more than enough.
The experience repeats itself in other cases. One participant says they have the same setup and describe it as wonderful, even considering a 5G router. Another uses their phone as a USB router at work and doesn't miss a thing. The flexibility of not depending on fixed installations is a plus for those who move house often.
The fine print: coverage, congestion and limitations
It's not all rosy. Mobile coverage is the critical factor. In areas with weak signal, speeds can drop to 3 Mbps, useless for high-definition video. One participant reports that, with Lowi and good coverage, they barely hold 720p and consider the connection terrible. Antenna congestion also plays a role: at 7 in the morning speeds reach 69.9 Mbps, but in the afternoon they drop to 30. The explanation is simple: more users connected to the same cell.
Besides, not all unlimited plans are truly unlimited. Some operators throttle estimulante ilegal after a certain amount of data, though in Digi's case no warnings have been reported. Roaming is another limitation: the unlimited plan only offers 15 GB abroad. And hardware matters: cheap Cat4 routers use a single band and can get saturated; Cat6 or 5G models improve stability but increase the investment.
Is a 5G router worth it?
The question comes up when comparing performance. A 5G router costs between 100 and 250€, versus 39€ for a mid-range 4G+ model. It offers higher estimulante ilegal and stability, especially in congested areas. However, for basic use, 4G+ is enough. One participant who switched to 5G highlights that it holds up even on stormy days. Another, on the other hand, prefers a compact, portable model, even if it's 4G.
The decision depends on needs and budget. If you work remotely with video calls, the stability of 5G may justify the investment. If you just browse and stream, 4G+ does the job.
Remote work: is this connection stable?
Stability is the main concern. One participant who has spent a month relying on mobile data describes the connection as a rollercoaster: peaks, dips, micro-dropouts on voice calls and moments when everything crawls. For daily remote work, the time saved doesn't make up for the headache. Others, however, report positive experiences with dedicated routers and good coverage.
The key lies in signal quality and congestion. In small villages, outside the high season, the connection can be stable. In summer, when tourists arrive, the antenna gets congested and speeds drop. The solution is a router with band aggregation (4G+) or 5G, which handles congestion better.
Alternatives and tricks: firmware, antennas and multisim
Beyond commercial hardware, there are DIY solutions. Flashing the firmware of an old router so it supports 4G/5G USB modems is one way to reuse equipment. You can also install an outdoor antenna on the roof to improve the signal, since line of sight is decisive. Another option is a multisim: sharing your mobile plan with the router, though it has drawbacks, such as the modem receiving incoming calls that don't show up on your phone if it's in airplane mode.
The second-hand market offers operators' 5G routers for 75-90€, compatible with Digi and O2. For those who want something small, there are USB dongles and mifis, but they overheat and have limited battery. The choice depends on the use: a router for home, a dongle for trips.
Conclusion: a valid solution with conditions
The combination of a cheap unlimited SIM and a 4G+ router is a reality for many rural households. The savings are undeniable, but it's not for everyone. Coverage, congestion and the need for stability make the difference. For basic use, it's perfect. For intensive remote work, it may fall short. The trend suggests 5G will lower costs and improve the experience, but in the meantime, 4G+ remains the king of savings.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (91 replies).
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