Deutsche Telekom is launching its 5G mobile modem, which was announced a year ago, on February 1. This allows DSL connections, on which the Telekom router Speedport Smart 4 is operated, to be accelerated via the additional mobile network path.
Telekom customers in particular on long DS lines can expect significantly more speed depending on the location of the next 5G base station. In addition, the extension also increases the reliability of Internet access, which makes it interesting for connections used for business purposes.
Common routers that control an internal or external cellular modem also increase reliability, but unlike Fritz boxes or DrayTek routers, the Speedport router from Telekom bundles both branches via a VPN tunnel and thus increases the total data rate of individual IP sessions up to the maximum capacity of both lines. Conventional routers can only send the data packets of an IP session to the destination via one branch. Transmission also breaks off with these routers if the currently active branch fails.
Fast and weatherproof
So far, Telekom has only offered combination routers for DSL and LTE for its hybrid connections (Speedport Pro Plus, formerly also Speedport Hybrid). According to the manufacturer, the new 5G extension gets up to 300 Mbit/s (downstream direction) from the Internet and is housed in a weatherproof housing. In order to facilitate optimal connection to 5G base stations, Telekom has given the device a bracket for outdoor installation. Alternatively, you can stick it to the window pane. The power supply runs via Power-over-Ethernet via a particularly flat, 10-metre-long network cable, which, according to the provider, is suitable for simple window ducts.
In order to be able to use the hardware, you have to book either the “Magenta Home Hybrid” tariff or the “Hybrid 5G” tariff in addition to the DSL tariff. Both are available from February 1, reports Telekom.
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The Speedport Smart 4 automatically recognizes the modem and adds it to the landline connection without outside help, so that customers can install the device themselves. Telekom will take care of the installation for a surcharge.
Telekom makes the Speedport Smart 4 available for a monthly rent of EUR 6.95 or sells it for EUR 190. The 5G modem (“5G receiver” in Telekom parlance) costs EUR 7.95 per month or EUR 360 once. The rent for the bundle of both devices is 12.95 euros per month. Alternatively, you can buy both for 530 euros.
Free tariff for long DSL lines
Telekom customers with low DSL data rates (Magenta at home XS and S with a maximum of 16 Mbit/s) receive the Hybrid 5G tariff option free of charge. For all other Magenta home tariffs, the option costs EUR 4.95 per month. The Magenta Home Hybrid tariff costs EUR 34.95 a month for the first two years, after which it costs EUR 39.95 a month.
The technical solution and the pricing should make many interested parties sit up and take notice, because Telekom at least accommodates those users in terms of price who are disadvantaged by the DSL infrastructure, which is poorly developed at the edges.
(dz)
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