Goodbye Xfinity, Hello MINTernet :-)

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We’ve had Comcast Xfinity Internet service for as long as we can remember. Every year or two, though, we had to “argue” with a customer rep and threaten to switch to another service, because Comcast’s prices kept going up for their long-time customers while they offered “intro deals” for “new” customers.

It got tiring, canceling our service so that we could sign on as a “new” customer with a different credit card, just to get their “introductory” rates. Again.

We’d finally had enough! When the 5G MINTernet offer showed up in our inbox, instead of deleting the email solicitation like we typically did, we signed up instead.

Meet 5G

5G is the fifth generation of cellular network technology. It’s better than 4G LTE because it provides faster speeds, lower latency, and greater reliability. 5G uses a new radio interface and supports more connected devices, enabling advanced applications like autonomous vehicles, virtual reality, and the Internet of Things (IoT) by processing data “closer” to the user (it’s called edge computing). 

5G can achieve peak download speeds up to 20 Gbps, compared to 1 Gbps for 4G. Unlike 4G, which requires large standalone towers, 5G uses smaller transmitters that can be placed on buildings and other existing infrastructure.

MINTernet

The “best” 5G networks depend on priorities like speed or coverage, but independent reports frequently name Verizon as the fastest and most reliable, while T-Mobile is often cited for the widest 5G coverage.

So when Mint Mobile, our mobile service provider, offered us 5G Home Internet service at $30/month, we jumped at it….especially since they included a state-of-the-art gateway for free along with the deal. With Xfinity, we had to provide our own gear if we didn’t want to pay an additional monthly equipment rental charge!

Once we placed the order, we got lots of updates on when to expect the package, where the shipment was, and what we would need to do once it arrived. The MINTernet package came via FedEx in three days. 

In the package:

• 5G Gateway
• AC adapter/power cord
• Windowsill bracket

5 Minute Setup?

Steps:

• Plug in the power cable to the box,
• Plug in the AC adapter to the wall outlet, then
• Find the new service on the WiFi list and enter the password.

Placement near a window was the suggested location. Fortunately for us, we had an outlet near one on the second floor that was clear of any obstructions.

The 5G gateway had a screen that showed its status, signal strength, and other tech info. It was much more informative than the status lights on our old gear. We were able to easily see when we had successfully connected.

Finding the new WiFi on our devices was just as easy. In no time, we were up and running on all of our laptops and phones. This was absolutely the most painless Internet setup experience, ever.

What didn’t work

All of our old laptops, iPhones, and Wi-Fi-enabled laser printers connected to the 5G gateway without any issues. However, there is ONE device that, no matter what we tried (reset, reboot, etc.), didn’t want to connect to the new service: our Skylight digital photo frame.

We will reach out to Skylight to see if they have any thoughts, but we are not hopeful based on past interactions. We’ll post an update if we manage to solve the problem. 

FinalThoughts

The 5G gateway replaced a bunch of equipment we had connected up in the basement. They were in the basement because that was where the cable came into the house from the street. It was always a pain in the @ss to have to go down there to reset things, but no longer!!! The new 5G gateway is now on the second floor, making it easily accessible should we need to do anything involving it.

The fact that Mint supplied the 5G gateway for FREE is something we didn’t expect, but really appreciated.

We KNOW our cable modem/ WiFi router combo is OLD. We never upgraded because we subscribed to the least expensive service Xfinity had to offer. The combo of our old gear and Xfinity’s slowest service made it such that when MINT came in with a less expensive offer for a faster service, it was a no-brainer to switch.