4g Second SIM for Hotspot Signal Boost in the Shed

[jonnydee]

Hi,

I'm working in the shed on a laptop > connected to personal hotspot from phone, which is taped to the ceiling to get a decent 4g signal for Zoom calls.

I think I'll get this 'hotspot router' and tape it to the ceiling instead, then connect laptop to it.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0CRH7X53V

Do I ask 02 for a second identical SIM?

Or what?

1. I only want to use and pay for my existing data allowance, obviously.
2. I don't want to have to switch SIMs round each time I enter or leave the shed!
3. There is no Wi-Fi in the house.

Cheers!

[MI5]

@jonnydee 

You will need a new data only sim from O2.

You cannot duplicate your phone sim.

https://www.o2.co.uk/shop/sim-cards

[jonnydee]

See point 1.

Paying more to get my data to reach a further 120cm isn't feasible or fair.

What other options are there?

[Enlli · Accepted solution]

Have you tried PAYG SIM cards on different network to see if you get a better signal?

If you are out of minimum contract you could then see what that network has to offer.

I have WiFi in my shed courteously of a Wi-Fi booster in an upstairs bedroom window. 

[MI5]

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@jonnydee wrote:

See point 1.

Paying more to get my data to reach a further 120cm isn't feasible or fair.

What other options are there?

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Strange how everyone wants to make up their own rules 😁

Unless you carry on using your phone as now, you will have to pay extra.

[jonnydee]

Thanks, it's nice to have other suggestions.

Anyone got other ideas?

Starting with a £20 hotspot machine seems to me like a conversation for creative tech?

[Oxonian]

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@jonnydee wrote:

Thanks, it's nice to have other suggestions.

Anyone got other ideas?

Starting with a £20 hotspot machine seems to me like a conversation for creative tech?

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@jonnydee 

The difficulty here is that you cannot do what you want to do. We can talk about 4G and 5G mobile routers and we can talk about data SIMs. However, you cannot share one SIM between two gadgets - a 'phone and a router - without physically keep moving the SIM from one to the other.

I suppose that could be the answer ; you physically move the SIM into your router in the morning and at the end of your working day, you put it back into your 'phone. 😀

[pgn]

Except the phone SIM won't work reliably in the router, as highlighted previously on this thread, @Oxonian and @jonnydee ⚠️

[Oxonian]

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@pgn wrote:

Except the phone SIM won't work reliably in the router, as highlighted previously on this thread, @Oxonian and @jonnydee ⚠️

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I agree @pgn, but OP asked for further suggestions so that is something that is maybe worth a try. You say "...the phone SIM won't work reliably in the router...", but will it work at all in it ?  

In my view, the bigger problem is that if you are switching the SIM morning and evening, it is only a matter of time before you damage or break the router, 'phone, SIM or any combination thereof. 👍