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Question

Packet loss on 5G

  • August 3, 2026
  • 6 replies
  • 24 views

I have tried 3x  5G routers (2x used, 1x new).

The first one was a used Vodafone gigacube, which I had been told was unlocked. It failed to connect at all to either the ID network, or the Vodafone network (using a talk mobile SIM). I was refunded, happily. 

The second one was a new, cheap Chinese unbranded model, BZ50N1.It connected to the ID network, but I was getting 30%+ packet loss and it was unusable. Again, I was refunded.

My 3rd one is a used BZ50N1. It connects, and works perfectly on 4G, but I get 5-10% packet loss on 5G.

At this stage, I am unable to identify if the issue is with the router or the mobile network. The 5G signal is strong (3 out of 4 bars). I ran traceroutes on the 5G and 4G networks. The 4G data is routed through Three's network and works fine. I suspect (but am not sure) that the 5G data is routed via Vodafone, none of the mobile network routers responded to the Traceroute ICMP packets (only 2 did on the 4G Three network). On both networks, it looks like they exit the mobile network into a GTT backbone network in Germany.

I will take my router ti a different location in a few days to see if it is an issue with my local tower. I will also try it with the Talkmobile SIM if thhe problem is still evident at the other location.

Can anyone suggest something else I can try to establish whete the problem lies?

6 replies

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  • iD Mobile Employee
  • August 4, 2026

Hi ​@Korkin.

 

Thank you for reaching out and sharing the detailed troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken, that is really helpful context.

 

I do want to sincerely apologize for the frustration and hassle you’ve experienced while trying to get your setup working.

 

To help clarify what might be going on, please note that our SIM cards are specifically designed for mobile phones, rather than routers or hotspot devices. Because of this, we do not officially support or guarantee compatibility when our SIMs are used in routers.

 

Thanks,

Marquerita

The iD Mobile Team


  • Author
  • Active Contributor
  • August 4, 2026

 please note that our SIM cards are specifically designed for mobile phones, rather than routers or hotspot devices. Because of this, we do not officially support or guarantee compatibility when our SIMs are used in routers.

 

Thanks,

Marquerita

The iD Mobile Team

Data is data, it makes no difference whether a handset or a router generates it. If the problem turns out to be the local tower,  I expect to see the same issue on a 5G handset.


Anneline M
iD Mobile Employee
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  • iD Mobile Employee
  • August 6, 2026

Hi ​@Korkin

 

Thank you for your response. Could you kindly confirm if you have tried the iD Mobile SIM in a mobile phone? 

 

Thanks, 

Anneline


  • Author
  • Active Contributor
  • August 6, 2026

Not yet, but I will try it if the results are inconclusive at the alternate location. Thanks for the suggestion.


  • Author
  • Active Contributor
  • August 7, 2026

Thanks to Marquerita and Anneline.

This is definitely an issue with the router, I am now trying to get a refund (for the 3rd time!).


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  • iD Mobile Employee
  • August 9, 2026

Hi ​@Korkin.

 

Thank you for the update.

 

Please contact us directly via the following channels;

Live Chat: https://www.idmobile.co.uk/live-chat
Social media (Facebook or Instagram)
Email: socialqueries@idmobile.co.uk

 

Our team will then review the contract and provide you with the next steps.

 

Thanks,

Marquerita

The iD Mobile Team