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My brother told me to always book a place with a backup internet option
I laughed it off until I got to Medellin last month and the main fiber line for my whole building got cut. The Airbnb host swore the 4G router was fine, but it dropped every two hours like clockwork. Missed a client call and had to explain why I was at a cafe at 3 AM. Anyone else have a backup plan that actually works when the main one fails?
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robert2751mo ago
Yeah, that "backup internet option" line is key. It's not just about having two things, it's about making sure they're actually separate. A 4G router using the same local cell tower your phone does isn't a real backup. I always check coverage maps for a different provider than my main mobile plan. So if my main internet dies, my backup hotspot is on a totally different network. It costs a bit more but it has saved me more than once.
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wyatt_chen861mo ago
Totally agree about checking coverage maps for a different provider. I take it a step further and actually do a quick speed test on my backup hotspot the second I check into a place. That way I know for sure it's not just the same weak signal on a different name. I've even started carrying a cheap prepaid SIM from a local carrier as a third option, because sometimes both major networks can have issues in the same area. It sounds like overkill but when you're stuck, having that extra card to pop in a hotspot is a lifesaver.
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