Forum Discussion
Thoughts on buying a backup gateway
I know T-Mobile doesn't sell gateways for the home internet, how that's been said let's go on.
I found a seller on ebay selling, new Nok 5G21 for $90. They look like a respectable dealer, they are new with a clean IMEI, not sure if I can put a link on the board so for now I will wait.
I have had the home internet since Nov 21 and for the most part have been happy with it. I have been worried about the gateway going down and having to wait days or longer for a replacement. My understanding is that we can’t go to the local T-M store and just swap it out. Also I have had good speed without adding any exterior antennas on my Trash Can, and it just seems to be getting better with time today for the first time I got over 500Mbps download but slowed up (Go figure).
I know others have bought gateways off eBay for back ups, I would like to know if any of you have used the gateway you bought? Or any thoughts from anyone.
I was thinking as long as it has a clean IMEI I could just remove the card and put it in the new gateway and everything would work, just like swapping the SIM in your phone.
Am I overthinking this? Thanks for your input.
I have not done so myself but I believe that should work. I saw another community post where a user had done the same thing and he had no issue with the SIM swap. There are different sites you can use to confirm the IMEI. Such as: https://www.imei.info
It could be completely legitimate. The router could have been reconditioned and that is why it is being offered up for sale.I would assume T-Mobile has a third party that handles that aspect of the business. Given it is a Nokia it could well that one had no affiliation to T-Mobile. I really can’t say.
Having a backup router would be nice. I really prefer the Nokia over the Arcadyan gateway as the software is more mature. So far my Nokia has been rock solid since I got it back in early January 2021.
Thank you, for the info, I have purchased it always so I can check when it gets here.next week. I believe the seller is trustworthy. Do you know if you can just swap the sims out and it works?
Before you buy one on eBay you need to confirm the IMEI is not blacklisted for some reason. CheckMend.com can be used to verify there is not a problem with an IMEI. The seller should be willing to verify the IMEI number is not compromised. If they can’t or will not then it may be buyer beware.
