Choosing the best and fastest 4G Internet and modem

Criteria for choosing mobile Internet

Before you settle on any operator, there are a few things to consider that can help you make the right choice.
These include the following criteria: Cost has recently played a very minor role, since the price of mobile Internet for each operator is approximately the same, and even the cheapest tariff is quite a bit less expensive than the most expensive.

Particular attention must be paid to the speed and number of gigabytes provided. When choosing the Internet for a mobile device, you need to take into account how the owner of the smartphone will use the traffic. If you plan to watch movies on your phone, then the minimum connection speed should be at least 1 Mbit/sec. For video calls via Skype you need from 512 Kbps, and for online games – 128–256 Kbps. The volume of traffic also depends on the purposes for which the Internet will be used for the phone.

Internet from MTS

MTS is one of the most popular operators throughout Russia and neighboring countries. The provider's tariffs are distinguished by great variety, flexibility and differentiated offers for owners of different mobile devices. In the competition, all mobile operators are trying to improve their services, and MTS is no exception.

The company offers its customers a choice of the following tariff plans for smartphones:

The difference between the three tariffs is the cost and the number of megabytes provided per month. So, in Internet Mini, the client receives 3 GB of traffic for daily use and pays 350 rubles. Thus, the cost of 1 GB is 116 rubles 67 kopecks. “Internet Mini” provides 12 GB at night and 12 GB during the day for 700 rubles. This means that for 1 MB you will have to pay less than 6 kopecks, and for 1 GB – 58 rubles. “Internet VIP” allows unlimited use, and daily traffic is 30 GB at a price of 1,200 rubles – 40 rubles/GB. If a subscriber has the opportunity to pay 1,200 rubles per month, then the “Internet-VIP” package will be the most optimal solution.

The company also provides the opportunity to use unlimited mobile Internet from MTS on smartphones and tablets. To do this, you need to connect to the “Smart Unlimited” tariff plan, the cost of which is 12.90 rubles per day in almost all regions except Moscow and the Moscow region, where from the second month MTS subscribers will have to pay 19 rubles per day.

Megaphone

As part of the television system, unlimited 4G Internet from Megafon, for use on 4G modems, is presented in the following options:

• "Internet M";
• "Internet L";
• "Internet XL".

The M package offers users 16 GB of high-speed traffic. Moreover, 8 of which are allocated for use only at night. Night time is usually considered to be the period from 00.00 to 6.00 Moscow time. The monthly fee is 590 rubles/month. The option works throughout the country, with the exception of some server directions and the Crimea peninsula. After the quota is exhausted, the Internet for a computer or laptop will be provided at a speed of 64 KB/sec.

Package "L" is intended for more active users. The web speed here is also good. The monthly subscription fee is 890 rubles. For this money, the client gets 36 GB of traffic at his disposal. The web connection is distributed in equal shares for the night and day periods. That is, the subscriber is provided with 18 GB per month for use during the day, and the same number of GB for use at night. The function works throughout Russia with the exception of the Crimea peninsula and some northern regions.

The XL package is most suitable for clients who need maximum Web molasses. “XL” offers subscribers as much as 30 GB for use during the day and unlimited use at night. This volume is enough for any Web user needs. The monthly subscription fee is 1290 rubles. This Megafon 4G option also works throughout Russia, with the exception of some northern directions and Crimea.

To check the balance on any of the presented packages, you can use the system combination *558#. After sending the request, a notification will be sent to your phone with the information you are interested in in SMS format.

It must be said that all the above options will be most profitable to connect to the Megafon Online tariff without a subscription fee. However, if you wish, you can activate the functions on other free subscription plans.

Mobile Internet from Beeline

This cellular operator has four service packages:

1. 600 minutes + 300 SMS.
2. 1,100 minutes + 500 SMS.
3. 2,200 minutes + 1,000 SMS.
4. 3,300 minutes + 3,000 SMS.

The cost of each package is respectively 500, 800, 1,200 and 1,800 rubles per month. Each of them provides the ability to connect to unlimited Internet. Thus, the subscriber has a chance to use unlimited mobile Internet for 500 rubles per month. In addition, the user must have 500 rubles in his account. This amount will initially be frozen and will eventually be returned to the owner.

Internet from Tele2

This is another operator that needs to be mentioned. Tele2 offers its subscribers three tariffs:

1. 7 GB for 299 rub.
2. 15 GB for 599 rub.
3. 30 GB for 899 rub.

Thus, the price of 1 GB in these tariffs is 42.71 rubles, 40 rubles. and 30 rub. This is also a good offer. Of course, mobile Internet from Tele2 is not the most profitable, but the cost of 1 GB is cheaper than in tariffs from MTS.

The latest provider that provides its subscribers with unlimited mobile Internet is an operator called Yota. In addition to traffic, Yota offers unlimited messages and calls within the network, as well as 100, 300, 600, 900 or 1,200 minutes to numbers of other operators.

The not best thing is that a phone with a Yota card cannot be fully used as a modem. If you do this, 3G will not function fully. The speed will be limited to 128 Kbps, but for tasks that do not require a high-speed connection, it will be enough to ensure good performance.

Many believe that the quality of communication on Yota is not the best among all others, however, the services of this operator are available in all regions where Megafon has a connection.

Tele 2

If we talk about the Tele2 provider, then wireless Internet for USB modems is presented here with two options:

• briefcase;
• suitcase.

Both Internet options are suitable for a laptop, computer, tablet or smartphone. But before you connect unlimited Internet to your laptop or other cellular device, you need to understand that all the proposed options can be called unlimited only conditionally.

Each function has its own amount of traffic, however, if it is completely used up, additional Web packages can be connected to the SIM card. Now let's look at each proposal separately:

Package "Portfolio"

When this Web function is activated, the subscriber receives 15 GB of high-speed traffic. There is a monthly subscription fee of 350 rubles. You can activate the service in any corner of the country and on almost any Tele2 tariff.

Package "Suitcase"

This is another advantageous offer from the TV system. As part of the function, the user can get as much as 30 GB for only 450 rubles per month. Activation methods and conditions can be viewed on the official website of the mobile operator.

Internet for modems

A large number of subscribers are wondering which operator to choose to connect to the Internet via a modem. The first on the list is the MTS “Connect 4” tariff. This is one of the most favorable tariffs for a modem. To connect it, you need to purchase a modem from MTS. Any other company's device will not work. Data transfer speed is approximately 21 Mb/s. The activation cost is 699 rubles. After this, the subscriber must pay 600 rubles for each month.

Good internet for the modem is provided by Beeline and Megafon. The cost can be up to 1,000 rubles. depending on the region. Also, these two operators give their clients access to entertainment content (exchangers, game servers) without traffic charges.

Beeline

Almost all Beeline tariffs no longer work on the 3G platform. Modern Beeline modems now operate at 4G speeds. Unlimited Internet via a Beeline modem can also be called conditionally unlimited. However, there are special Internet tariffs that can reduce the cost of a high-speed connection, and which have the most volume of traffic.

The most favorable tariffs and options for Beeline modems will be discussed in today’s review.

In total, there are two tariff plans for USB devices in the television system, these are:

“Internet forever” with the connection of the “Highway” option

When activating the “Forever” tariff plan, the subscriber will be credited with 200 MB monthly. In addition, the user will receive unlimited access to such mail systems as mail.ru, Yandex and gmail. TP is provided free of charge.

And also when you purchase a USB device with this TP, one of the “Highway” functions will be activated on your SIM card. It is important to know that all offers work on a prepaid payment system. Therefore, for them to function correctly, you will first need to top up your account with the appropriate amount.

The mobile operator offers Highway packages of the following volumes for connection:

• 8GB for 600 rubles/month;
• 12GB for 700 rubles/month;
• 20GB for RUB 1,200/month.

Important! The indicated prices will be valid only for Muscovites and residents of the region. You can find out more about the cost of services for other regions on the main page of the mobile operator.

TP "Simple Internet"

This TP is the basic one for almost all Beeline USB devices. There is no charge for switching to this TP. A high-speed connection here assumes a fixed cost, that is, for 1 MB you will have to pay 2 rubles. This TP is valid even in the most remote corners of the country, but in this case the cost of MB increases. For example, for residents of the Far East, 1 MB will cost 4.95 rubles.

Often this tariff is connected automatically, immediately after connecting the modem to the device. If you encounter any difficulties activating the product, please call 611.

We evaluate the quality of communication

Not even the best tariff plan for mobile Internet can guarantee high access speed. This often happens - a subscriber buys a SIM card or modem, comes home and discovers that the connection quality is below the maximum. This is due to uneven network coverage. Remember that it is impossible to create perfect coverage - there will definitely be places where the coverage will be very weak.

Before looking for the best tariff, you should decide which operators are available in your home. It is expensive to purchase SIM cards from all operators at once. But you probably know whose signal is received best in your home. In general, the most important task is to test the quality of communication and speed of access to the mobile Internet. After this, you can start choosing a tariff plan.

Operator tariff plans

Let's go through the tariff plans of all major telecom operators in Russia - these are Tinkoff Mobile, MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2 and Yota. Here we will try to find the best internet rates.

Mobile Internet Tinkoff Mobile

Tinkoff Mobile has one favorable tariff plan. Let's consider the advantages of mobile Internet from Tinkoff Mobile:

• Large 4G coverage area throughout Russia, which provides high speed access to network resources. The Tele2 operator, with which Tinkoff cooperates, is actively building fourth generation networks, increasing the number of base stations for greater coverage;
• Independent choice of traffic packages – from 2 GB to unlimited. Select your preferred volume in your personal account or mobile application. If you have used up all your traffic, connect an additional gigabyte for 99 rubles or choose a larger package;
• Possibility of distributing an unlimited package for 399 rubles (in modem mode). Connect to the service through the application or personal account. Limited internet packages are distributed free of charge;
• Unlimited packages for popular social networks, instant messengers, music services and video hosting - no traffic limits when using official applications;
• Possibility to connect unlimited data without the main Internet package. Connect only social networks and instant messengers if you do not need other services, surfing and mail. An excellent opportunity to save on communication services;
• Mobile Internet Tinkoff Mobile operates throughout Russia without additional payments (with the exception of Crimea and Sevastopol);
• Low tariffs in international roaming - traffic from 149 rubles per 100 MB, messengers from 49 rubles per day.

Connect to Tinkoff Mobile and get high-speed Internet access. The first month of service is free in the form of a maximum traffic package and all unlimited services as a gift.

MTS tariffs

The most favorable tariff for mobile Internet from MTS is the “For Laptop” tariff plan. It provides subscribers with real unlimited speeds of up to 4 Mbit/sec. The subscription fee is 800 rubles/month. Tariff advantages:

• The absence of paid subscriptions is happiness, gentlemen;
• There are no unnecessary services - no packages of minutes or SMS;
• Optimal speed for any need – including for watching video with a resolution of up to 720 p.

If at some point you want to “pump up the gas,” we recommend using the “Unlimited for 3 hours” turbo buttons for 95 rubles or “Unlimited for 6 hours” for 150 rubles. Torrents on the plan work, but with a speed limit of up to 512 kbit/sec (you can try to bypass it via VPN or traffic encryption).

We have found the best tariff for unlimited mobile Internet via a modem, now we will consider the best offer for a mobile phone. This is the “Hype” tariff, which appeared in 2021. It includes 7 GB of Internet for any resources, as well as unlimited for YouTube, Apple Music, Google Music, Yandex.Music, Skype, popular social networks and instant messengers, gaming resources and the Twitch video streaming service. In other words, this is the best tariff for those who actively use social and gaming services. Subscription fee – only 500 rubles/month.

If you need regular traffic, connect to the MTS Connect-4 tariff and add to it the Internet-VIP option with 30 GB of traffic for 1,200 rubles/month. For a tablet PC, the “For Tablet” tariff with 10 GB of Internet for 550 rubles/month is suitable. You can also choose from unlimited YouTube, traffic for TV, social networks and video calls.

Beeline tariffs

The best tariff for mobile Internet from Beeline is “Internet for Computer”. It provides 25 GB of traffic for 1200 rubles/month. From the fourth month, the amount of traffic grows to 30 GB. Once the package is exhausted, the speed is limited to 64 kbit/sec; it is also possible to activate the “Auto-renewal speed” option. The available modifier option is “#EVERYTHING is possible,” which opens up unlimited access to social networks and music services. There is a similar tariff for tablet PCs “Internet for Tablet” - 10 GB for 550 rubles/month (15 GB from the fourth month).

For the phone, you can offer tariff plans “All 3” – 10 GB for 900 rubles/month, “All 4” – 15 GB for 1500 rubles/month and “All 5” – 15 GB for 2500 rubles/month. This also includes impressive amounts of minutes and SMS.

MegaFon tariffs

This operator has literally every tariff that is beneficial. We recommend that you carefully familiarize yourself with the tariff plans of the “Turn On!” line. for smartphones - here are traffic packages from 2 to 20 GB, as well as included unlimited options for social networks and instant messengers. Subscription fee – from 400 to 3000 rubles/month. The most powerful offer is the “Turn On! Premium". It includes 20 GB of total traffic, unlimited traffic for social networks, instant messengers, video hosting and music services, as well as over a hundred TV channels and 4 movies. The same line is suitable for tablet PCs.

For modems, we recommend connecting to the MegaFon Online tariff and adding one of the options to it:

• “Internet M” – 16 GB for 590 rubles/month.
• “Internet L” – 36 GB for 590 rubles/month.
• “Internet XL” – 30 GB and unlimited at night for 1290 rubles/month.

In the first two options, traffic is divided equally into day and night. Daytime is available from 7:00 to 00:59, night - from 01:00 to 06:59. This was probably done to prevent subscribers from consuming all the traffic.

Tele2 tariff plans

Let's highlight the three most advanced tariffs:

• For a smartphone, the “My Online+” tariff for 30 GB for 799 rubles/month is suitable. The 1500 minutes included in it can be exchanged for traffic and get another 15 GB (total 45 GB - in our review the leader of pseudo-unlimited ones emerged).
• For a tablet – “Internet to Tablet”, including 15 GB of traffic, night unlimited, free traffic for social networks, movies, navigation and TV for 499 rubles/month.
• For a modem – “50 GB” with night unlimited for 999 rubles/month.

Please note that the last two points are not tariffs, but options available on the Internet for Devices tariff plan.

Test purchase of mobile Internet: what to choose for games?

The mobile gaming industry is growing at an incredible pace. If just a few years ago the word “games” was associated with PCs and consoles, now more and more players prefer smartphones and tablets: they are portable, convenient and easy to learn. And most importantly, they do not need to be constantly connected to a home access point: with mobile Internet, you can play online mobile games from almost anywhere in the world.

But which operator is best for mobile gaming? Who has better coverage, speed and stability? Who won't let you down in the final battle? We decided to look into the issue and conducted our own independent examination - a “test purchase”, so to speak: we tested the mobile Internet of three Russian federal operators for gaming “endurance” and identified the best one.

You probably already guessed what kind of operators they will be: MTS, Beeline and Megafon. The adventure began even before the SIM cards were in the device - first it was necessary to decide on the type and tariff.

With the type of SIM card, everything turned out to be simple: since we decided to test the mobile Internet in games on the iPhone 6 Plus (it’s not for nothing that Apple increased the screen to 5.5 inches, we need to implement it somehow), we need to buy a nano-SIM. All three operators provide corresponding SIM cards free of charge. MTS and Megafon issue nano cards. And in Beeline - a regular SIM card with the ability to quickly reduce it to micro or nano. This is very convenient, because there are often cases when a buyer begins to get confused about the types of SIM cards, and as a result he has to come to the communication store again.

As for tariffs, in this direction the choice fell on package tariffs with a subscription fee, which already includes calls, minutes, SMS and several gigabytes of mobile Internet. What you need if you not only play all day long, but also communicate with relatives, friends or colleagues. We tried to choose the most similar tariffs for ease of comparison and to place all operators on equal terms.

So, here are the tariffs that were ultimately purchased:

MTS - "Smart"

• 500 minutes to all networks in your home region and MTS Russia at home and when traveling around Russia
• 500 SMS to home region subscribers at home and while traveling around Russia
• 3 GB Internet at home and while traveling around Russia
• Subscription fee: 450 rubles per month

Beeline - “All for 600”

• 600 minutes for calls to Beeline in Russia and numbers of other operators in Moscow and the region
• 300 SMS for sending throughout Moscow and the region
• 5 GB of mobile Internet, which is available without additional payments anywhere in Russia
• Subscription fee: 20 rubles per day (600 rubles per month)

Megafon - “All inclusive M”

• 600 minutes for calls to MegaFon numbers throughout Russia and all numbers in your home region
• 600 SMS to all mobile numbers in your home region
• 4 GB of mobile Internet throughout Russia
• Subscription fee: 590 rubles per month

Why did we choose a cheaper tariff at MTS and with lower performance? The fact is that the range of tariffs of this operator is not flexible enough compared to others: for 5 GB of mobile Internet and 1100 minutes of calls, MTS asks as much as 900 rubles, and this is clearly not included in our price range. We tried to choose the most similar tariffs without harming the subscriber’s wallet.

The first thing that catches a gamer’s eye is the “mobile Internet” column. Beeline has a good offer - 5 GB versus 4 GB and 3 GB per month, respectively, but Megafon wins due to SMS. On the other hand, are they really necessary for mobile gaming? No. Moreover, the difference between the cost of “All for 600” and “All inclusive M” is 10 rubles. The “Smart” tariff from MTS will cost you less, but the gigabyte will be half as much.

We insert the Megafon SIM card and measure the speed of the LTE connection. What do we see? 11.5 Mbit/s for receiving and 2.2 Mbit/s for transmission. In general, this is an average figure, and in fairness it is worth noting that in the city center Megafon was able to demonstrate much better reception speeds - at the level of 15 Mbit/s.

As a test subject, we took the game World of Tanks Blitz (hello to the guys from Wargaming) - one of the most popular among players on smartphones and tablets. We see that the ping has settled at a level of 40 - very worthy. Despite this, the game is already starting to falter a little. Nevertheless, the quality of the connection is not satisfactory, the network does not disappear. However, through team efforts we were still able to win and undermine all enemy equipment. Victory! The second participant is Beeline. We activate the starting amount in the account, and you can use it! The device finds the LTE network already indoors, but for a more accurate study, we decided to go outside and drive around Moscow a little. The result is very good - almost 17 Mbit/s for receiving and 5.2 Mbit/s for transmission. How will this affect the gameplay?

We can't wait to once again engage in a fierce battle with an army of enemy tanks. The Ping icon is green - it looks like you can play. Well, let's begin! Throughout the entire battle, the ping, however, was rather high - from 30 to 55, depending on the area of ​​the city. However, during the entire game we did not notice a single lag or freeze - the connection worked stably, and we were even able to destroy one of the enemy tanks. The enemy is defeated - and this is the main thing. We had a different story with MTS. It turned out that instead of the “Smart” tariff, they sold us the “Super-MTS” tariff, fortunately the transition turned out to be free and took no more than two minutes. True, in order to catch the LTE network, I had to cross several areas.

At the same time, at the maximum level of the 3G signal, MTS managed to produce indicators close to Megafon’s LTE - 11.8 Mbit/s and 3 Mbit/s.

However, with the ping in the game itself, MTS turned out to be noticeably weaker - more than 2.5 (!) thousand. And this despite the fact that the measurements were made while connected to the LTE network. The result was so deplorable that we are even ashamed to show it. We barely finished this fight, which can be a real disaster for a professional WoT Blitz player.

What do we end up with? The mobile Internet of Megafon and Beeline is excellent for gaming purposes, however, at almost the same cost, Beeline offers one gigabyte more traffic. MTS, despite the low cost of the package, cannot boast of impressive results in the gaming area. And they clearly need to do something with the coverage - 4G doesn’t always “catch” outdoors, let alone indoors.

The best 4G modems

Huawei E5577

It is considered the best choice for laptops, one of the most modern and fast 4G devices. Supports USB reader function. This allows you to install MicrosSD memory cards.

Description of the main characteristics:

1. Support for Windows operating systems (all versions starting from XP) Ubuntu, OpenSUSE, Red Flag, Mac OS X.
2. Total weight up to 50 grams.
3. Data transfer at a speed of 50 Mbit/s.
4. Reception – 100 Mbit/s.
5. USB interface.
6. External block .

Among the advantages, the following parameters are noted:

• work with high-grade compound ;
• many operating ranges ;
• universal purpose.

Disadvantages include appearance and large dimensions.

Huawei E8372

Supports the WiFi router function and allows the connection of external antennas . The latter allow you to work at maximum speed. Manual switching between several standards .

The characteristics look like this:

• 43.3 Mbit/s – transfer on 3G;
• in the case of 4G, the figure increases to 100 Mbit/second ;
• USB connection
• dimensions in millimeters: 30 by 14 by 94;
• total weight 40 grams.

Among the advantages, they note support for SIM cards of any operators. A high-speed connection will be guaranteed regardless of the type of data being transferred.

Huawei E3372

Allows connection of antennas , work with all operators, including foreign ones. Suitable for any 3G, 4G standards. Transmission and reception assume support for speeds ranging from 50 to 100 Mbit/second . Supports a large number of operating systems. Additional features include the ability to connect a MicroSD card .

Huawei E3276

The best option for connecting to the Internet. Connection to computer equipment is carried out using USB. After this, the system automatically starts the software update.

two types of connectors available for connecting antennas . Operation is supported in many frequency bands, but only with Russian operators . The swivel mechanism makes installation easy.

ZTE MF823

Modem for modern laptops, supporting 2G, 4G standards. It can also be used as a router . If there is no connection to the 4G network, the device automatically switches to other communication standards. Connecting external antennas helps increase operating speeds.

Huawei E3272

Allows the connection of memory cards with a maximum capacity of up to 32 GB. Works with LTE, 2G, 3G standards. Equipped with a modern USB interface.

Yota LU156

Compared to previous analogues, it has the lowest cost . Supports 3GPP E-ULTRA Rel 8 communication standards.

The transmission speed in this case reaches 100 Mbit/second.

Here is a summary table with characteristics where you can determine for yourself which USB modem is better.

Which modem is best for the Internet for a laptop?

Modern laptops are still not equipped with their own cellular modules (with rare exceptions). Therefore, you can access the Internet from them only with the help of special equipment. In urban areas, these are most often stationary Wi-Fi routers. But for mobile use, it is better to get a modem that allows you to connect to a cellular Internet network. Which modem is better for the Internet, for a laptop or a desktop PC?

Let's look at what types of modems there are, which operators and communication standards they are compatible with, as well as ways to improve communication.

External modems and their types

The first USB modems for cellular networks only supported EDGE, but they were quite large in size and connected, for example, to a PC Card slot. Now they look like some kind of nightmare. Modern modems fall into two main categories:

USB modems

They, as the name suggests, connect directly to a USB port. This solution has its advantages:

• USB modems are compact
• Insensitive to interference between device and laptop
• Works with models that have a faulty Wi-Fi module
• May have additional functions (built-in slot for MicroSD, output for external antenna)
• Does not require separate power supply
• As a rule, it is noticeably cheaper (one and a half to two times, or even 4-5)

However, such modems also have disadvantages:

• The physical connection is unreliable. If you move awkwardly, you can damage both the modem itself and the laptop’s USB port.
• Only one device can be connected to the Internet. To distribute the Internet from a laptop with such a modem, you need special programs. If your own Wi-Fi module is faulty (an external modem is often purchased for this very reason), you won’t be able to share the Internet at all.
• Many models require specific drivers that are not easy to find. Sometimes the manual on how to connect a modem to a laptop includes a number of complex procedures.

Many such modems were imported from countries where other communication standards are popular (for example, from the USA, Japan, China). Flashing them for operators can take time and cost money. Models from domestic operators are often locked and will not work in competitors’ networks. However, this does not apply to all USB modems.

Wireless routers

Such devices do not require a physical connection to the laptop. They work as an access point using the standard Wi-Fi protocol, connecting to the Internet via a cellular network. Such devices look more modern, and, in addition, have a number of other advantages:

• You can connect several devices at once (laptops, tablets, phones, etc.)
• No need to install special drivers
• Risk of physical damage is minimal
• The functionality is more advanced (often it has its own display, traffic statistics, memory card slot, built-in storage and other additional functions)
• Compatible with almost any operator and communication standard thanks to a standard SIM slot (if not intentionally locked)
• Does not occupy a USB port (important if you have an ultrabook or convertible with a small number of ports)
• More modern and effective design

With all these advantages, mobile Wi-Fi routers also have disadvantages:

• Need additional nutrition. It is advisable to connect them to an external charger for the duration of the session.
• Sensitive to interference. For example, the speed may drop critically if a Bluetooth connection is established nearby.
• Typically more expensive.
• Useless if your laptop's Wi-Fi module is faulty.

Choosing a router or modem for a laptop depends on your use case. However, routers

Unlimited for USB and PC, other options

Tariffs and options that include unlimited traffic flow are available in almost any television system. For example, cellular companies MTS, Beeline and Megafon can boast of such tariffs. Through such TPs, subscribers can not only use Web services without limiting the limit, but can also make inexpensive calls both within Russia and anywhere in the world.

But the problem is that, despite the progressive growth in the quality of cellular communications, many TPs are intended exclusively for phones, smartphones and tablets. While there are practically no unlimited TPs for routers and modems.

Many operators also impose restrictions on the use of a smartphone as an access point for distributing WI-FI. But, despite this, some advanced users still manage to connect mobile plans to their laptop or personal computer.

Probably the most popular one for use on a PC is the TP from the MTS “Smart Unlimited” television system. This TP does not imply a limitation on the speed of Internet distribution and it can be used as a modem for distributing free Internet.

It follows from this that you can easily connect this TP to your PC and enjoy the unlimited Web stream. If your computer or laptop does not have a Wi-Fi function, then you can activate the modem mode on your smartphone and distribute the Internet via the USB port.

This distribution method has been tested by a considerable number of users and so far it has not caused any complaints. Although, of course, it happens that the system blocks the distribution flow to another device. However, this does not mean at all that the same problem will happen with your gadget; in any case, it’s worth trying this connection method.

There are also unlimited TPs that you can use on your PC, but you cannot share the Internet through them. Such TPs include “Mega Unlimited” from MegaFon and “EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE” from Beeline. As mentioned above, it is not possible to conduct web distribution using these tariffs, but they are quite suitable for private use on your PC or laptop. But here, too, there are some tricks, and we’ll talk about them below.

Operators and communication standards

One of the key characteristics of a mobile modem or router is compatibility with operators. To do this you need to match:

1. Communication standard
2. Frequencies on which this communication is provided.

In the case of operator modems or routers, compatibility issues are resolved from the beginning. The main operators in Russia - MTS, Megafon and Beeline - offer their own sets of modem/router and tariff plan. They also contain instructions on how to connect the Internet on a laptop via a modem, and the necessary codes for service.

If you buy a device externally, make sure it supports:

• WCDMA/HSPA (GSM networks upgraded to third generation). Unlike 3G networks based on CDMA, common abroad, Russian and most post-Soviet operators use this particular standard.
• LTE. This is the generally accepted fourth generation (4G) network standard for 2021. Some models and routers use a 4G WiMAX module, but this standard has not withstood the competition and is practically not used today. Such devices can be purchased only for the sake of working in 3G networks.

If you are interested in working on an LTE network, then check which bands the device supports and check with the bands in which your operator’s network operates.

Also pay attention to the device’s reception and distribution capacity. The higher it is, the more comfortable the connection will be. To use a 3G network, a capacity of 15-30 megabits per second is sufficient. But the potential of 4G will only be revealed on routers capable of receiving speeds of up to 150 megabits per second. If the router’s connection with the cellular network depends primarily on the operator’s capabilities, then its connection with recipient devices (laptops, tablets, etc.) should be no less. Otherwise, it will become a bottleneck and limit the communication speed.

Internet 4G Megafon

Mobile operator Megafon is a three-time winner of the Speedtest Awards by Ookla, awarded for the highest Internet connection speed (according to repeated user measurements).

More than 98,000 LTE stations have been installed in 87 regions of the Russian Federation. In 43 regions, the guaranteed speed in the LTE network coverage area is 300 Mb/s.

4G Internet tariffs from megaphone are divided into limited and unlimited.

There are special offers for tablets, modems, routers and laptops.

There is a promotion: when purchasing a 4G modem or router, you will receive 14 days of free unlimited Internet and TV as a gift.

Limited 4G tariff for Megafon modems:

1. Basic subscription fee per month is 1150 rubles (50 GB of traffic included);
2. Enabling the option “Extend Internet 1 GB” - 170 rubles;
3. Enabling the option “Extend Internet 3 GB” - 330 rubles;
4. Enabling the option “Extend Internet 5 GB” - 350 rubles;
5. Enabling the option “Extend Internet 10 GB” - 550 rubles.

Unlimited 4G tariffs enabling the “Extend Internet 1 GB” option Megafon for modem, tablet and smartphone:

Initially, the Internet for a laptop from Megafon is connected using the 4G “Megafon-Online” tariff. It does not require a subscription fee. Connection is free.

The cost of each MB of traffic is 2 rubles 50 kopecks. Later, after connecting, you can choose any of the tariff plans presented in the table.

Assistive devices

To fully use a modem or router, you may need auxiliary devices that either make the work more comfortable or are absolutely necessary for it.

• Charger or power bank. For a wireless router, this is a necessary accessory if you use it away from power outlets. As a rule, routers are equipped with a standard power connector
• External antenna. Today there is a huge selection of external antennas for different communication standards. Some router models have two antenna inputs - for 3G and 4G. Therefore, be careful when purchasing an external antenna.
• Memory card. If the modem is equipped with a card slot, you can save data downloaded from the Internet on it and, if necessary, use the same modem on another computer, without having to carry a laptop with you. It is best to install special software on both computers to synchronize your favorite folders.

The best modems for laptops

In recent years, the Chinese company Huawei has become the leader in the production of consumer devices, which also produces telecommunications equipment for the telecom operators themselves. Often branded modems and routers from telecom operators are actually also produced by Huawei (although the MTS or Sprint logo on the case is more noticeable).

ZTE, another Chinese telecommunications giant, is not far behind. Their devices are almost as widespread as Huawei's. There are chances to come across modems and routers from Samsung, Alcatel and other companies known for smartphones.

Specific manufacturers like Franklin, Sierra (no, this is not just tequila), Novatel and some others produce products of decent quality. But, since their equipment is offered under the brands of foreign telecom operators and is modified to suit their conditions, using them in domestic conditions requires complex steps (flashing, registering a virtual SIM or RUIM card). There may also be problems with communication ranges. Therefore, other things being equal, we recommend choosing more well-known manufacturers.

Yota

Currently, only the Yota television system can offer its users truly unlimited Internet for modems and routers. Other cellular operators in Russia only have nightly without a limit.

The Yota company not only provides the opportunity to use unlimited Web access, but also allows the client to independently choose the connection speed and the amount of the subscription fee. Also, the size of the monthly fee will largely depend on the home region and in which the USB device from Yota will be used.

For Muscovites and residents of the region, unlimited Web communication will cost 1,400 rubles per month. Users of these settlements can adjust the monthly fee by reducing or increasing the traffic speed. For example, with a high-speed flow of 5 Mbit/s, the monthly payment will be 900 rubles, and with 512 Kb/s. – 400 rub.

Also, any subscriber can activate the Internet for a day or for 2 hours. The cost of the service is 150 rubles and 50 rubles, respectively.

To become the owner of unlimited money from Yota, you first need to purchase a USB device from the official store. By the way, it can be both mobile and stationary. A standard 4G modem costs approximately 1,900 rubles, with its help you can perform any web manipulation, but you will not be able to distribute the Internet. If you want to purchase a USB with Wi-Fi distribution function, such a device will cost you 2900 rubles.

You can also find prices for stationary gadgets on the mobile operator’s website.

As part of the unlimited Internet for the modem from Yota, there is no limitation on the speed flow. That is, the user can easily exchange files of any size. Nevertheless, there are user reviews floating around the Internet, from which you can find out that when uploading or downloading heavy files, a network failure occurs.

This phenomenon can be explained by temporary network congestion, due to which downloaded protocols are disrupted. However, even despite this, no other mobile operator today can offer its customers complete unlimited service; only the Yota television system can boast of this.