Using own router for 5g broadband

[Cocat2517]

Hi,

Looking to get O2 5g home broadband, the router they have, the M6 nighthawk, doesn't appear to have any connections for an external antenna to boost signal.

Can I buy my own router and just get a SIM only type deal? Only options I can find involves paying for the M6 router on the plan.

Cheers

[Enlli]

Not sure, but have you tested O2 in your locality for real time data speeds. O2 is not the fastest of 5G networks. 

[MI5]

@Cocat2517 

You can use an O2 sim in any unlocked device but for a router you need a data only sim.

Phone sims will not work.

There are both PAYG and pay monthly options for data only sims.

https://www.o2.co.uk/shop/sim-cards/pay-as-you-go?cm_mmc=googleuk-_-PPC_Direct_-_-PAYG-GO-B-PAY_AS_Y...

https://www.o2.co.uk/shop/sim-cards/sim-only-deals?resetHtmlCache=legacy&cm_mmc=googleuk-_-PPC_Direc...

[Oxonian]

@Cocat2517 

You can buy your router from elsewhere - or direct from Netgear - and then try PAYG SIMs from different networks in it. Once you sort out what works best in your location, you then want a data SIM on contract. 

The various Nighthawk models are expensive to buy outright, but Netgear also sell spare batteries, external antenna etc. However, if you get the correct SIM, you might not need the latter - it depends on your location. 

If you are not in a rush, Netgear usually do decent Black Friday reductions. With both a Black Friday reduction and a new customer discount, I got roughly one-third off the mid-range 5g Nighthawk last November.    

[madasaf1sh]

@Cocat2517 

If you have a look at the photos it has 2 ports which are covered with covers these are TS9 RF ports, and Netgear will flog you them for £50

Full tech specs are here https://www.netgear.com/uk/home/mobile-wifi/hotspots/mr6150/ 

[Cocat2517]

Thanks for the replies. So the Netgear M6 can take an external antenna such as this mimi 4x4 type then...

https://www.forestrock.co.uk/product/qupanel-lte-hp-mimo-4x4-5g/