⚡ Internet "by Monday": quick start and choice of optics
Moving is such an exciting adventure, and with so many tasks to complete, the internet is your best friend! The best approach is to find a temporary solution today (4G/5G router/eSIM/hotspot) and then switch to a permanent fibre optic/cable connection in a few weeks that suits your work schedule and video calls. Below are the step-by-step answers you've been waiting for: how to check coverage at your address, what minimum requirements Zoom/Meet needs, how to talk to your landlord about installation, what to include in the contract, and how to come up with a "plan B" so that everything is working smoothly by Monday – and you'll be amazed at how easy it is!
What temporary solutions are available (4G/5G router)?
The fastest option is a 4G/5G router: insert the SIM/eSIM, turn it on, and you're ready to go. This is convenient for 1–3 weeks until fibre is available. Alternatives: mobile modem/dongle for your laptop, hotspot from your smartphone (keep a power bank handy) or a temporary prepaid eSIM with tethering enabled. For important calls, always have a backup channel: a second eSIM/roaming, pre-checked Wi-Fi hotspots (co-working space/library). On the first day, place your router near a window — this will improve upload speed and stability.
How to check coverage/load at home?
Check the coverage maps and be sure to do three speed tests at home: in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Look at ping, jitter, losses, uplink/downlink. Test at by the window, at your workplace, and in the "deadest" corner of your apartment. If the speed drops in the evenings, keep a backup profile and find a quiet spot nearby (co-working space/café) for emergency calls. Record the results in a checklist — this will make it easier to choose an operator and a location for your router.
What are the minimum requirements for Zoom/Meet?
Guidelines for stable calls: uplink no lower than 3–5 Mbit/s for 720p (higher for 1080p), ping ≤ 80 ms, jitter ≤ 30 ms, loss ≤ 1–2%. Peak download speed is secondary: predictability and a clean upload without spikes are more important. Before an important meeting, disable background updates/cloud services, and at the first signs of degradation, disable HD and limit screen sharing. If the minimum requirements are not met, temporarily use a wired Ethernet connection or switch to a backup eSIM/hotspot.
How to choose optics/cable for remote work?
For daily video calls and large downloads, choose a symmetrical tariff (e.g. 300/300 Mbit/s and above): high upload speeds significantly improve call quality and downloads. Pay attention to latency, stability during prime time, router/ONT rental terms, IPv6 availability, and bridge mode support (if you have your own router/mesh). Providers often offer "basic" and "premium" Wi-Fi — compare antennas, 5 GHz/Wi-Fi 6 support, and equipment replacement policies.
How to communicate with the landlord about the connection?
Clarify in the contract who pays for installation and subscription fees, who owns the equipment, and what the installation deadlines are. Ask to check the technical readiness of the entrance/building and agree on access for technicians to the apartment. Offer a template letter: "I am ready to agree on an installation date and undertake to provide access. Please include the guest network/cable option to the workstation." Note where the fibre optic cable will be connected and where the router will be located, as this affects coverage throughout the apartment.
How to perform a ping/jitter test at home?
1) Connect to Wi-Fi near the router, then at your workstation. 2) Run a series of tests (morning/afternoon/evening) and record the ping/jitter/loss/up/down. 3) Make a video call (5–10 minutes) and note the sound/picture quality. 4) Repeat with an Ethernet cable — this is your "ideal" benchmark. If there is a big difference, consider mesh or moving your router. Keep the results — they will be useful when talking to your provider and landlord.
What to consider in contracts (speed/equipment)?
Check: the advertised minimum speed (not just "up to"), technical support terms and response times, installation/activation costs, equipment rental/purchase, termination and transfer penalties. Check whether you can use your own router ( ), whether there will be bridge mode or double NAT. Ask for the installation dates and responsibility for moving the cable inside the apartment to be specified. Make a list of device serial numbers — this will be useful in case of warranty claims.
How do I transfer my contract when I move?
Check with your provider about the relocation conditions: network availability in your new home, the cost of moving, the timing of dismantling/installation, and whether your tariff and "benefits" will remain the same. Keep a temporary 4G/5G router or eSIM for the duration of the break. Update your contact details and address in your personal account, take a photo of your current connections (router/ONT) so that you can easily restore the setup. Agree with your old and new landlords on access for technicians and a time window for the work — this will ensure a smooth move.
How do I set up a backup channel (modem/eSIM)?
The best backup is a second channel from an independent network: another operator's eSIM, a mobile modem, or a neighbouring Wi-Fi network (with permission and according to the rules). Set up a quick switch plan: a shortcut on your smartphone/router where you can change your internet source in two or three clicks. Rehearse — make a short video call on your backup. If you work in a room with poor reception, keep a USB modem or second router near a window and run an Ethernet cable to your workspace.
Do I need to run an Ethernet cable through my apartment?
Yes, if you often have critical calls, editing sessions or streams. Wired Ethernet provides the lowest latency and stable upload speeds. At a minimum, you need one cable to your desk (Cat6/Cat6a). If it is difficult to run a cable, consider Powerline adapters (with good wiring) or an optical patch under the baseboard. Even with perfect Wi-Fi 6, a wired port is a "safety net" that you can instantly fall back on if there are problems with the airwaves.
How to optimise Wi-Fi: placement/bandwidth/channels?
Place the router higher and closer to the centre of the apartment, away from thick walls/metal. For work calls, use 5 GHz (less interference), leaving 2.4 GHz for IoT. Set unique SSIDs for each band, select a free channel (auto is not always the best), enable WPA3, and disable WPS/UPnP. Rename your networks to something meaningful (e.g., Home-5G / Home-2G). If the signal drops in distant rooms, add a mesh node instead of old-style repeaters.
Mesh or amplifier: which to choose for a large apartment?
A mesh system is preferable: it manages a single network, automatically switches devices between nodes, maintains a common SSID and optimal channels. Old "amplifiers" often create a second network and add latency. Place the nodes in line of sight and not too far apart; one node at the optical fibre/router input, the second closer to the "problem" area (study/bedroom). If Ethernet is available, connect the nodes via cable (backhaul) for ideal stability.
How to plan the installation window and a "seamless move"?
Book the installation immediately after signing the lease agreement. Confirm the "time range" of the technician's visit and their contact number. The day before, prepare the installation site (socket, free space, access to the riser/channel), temporarily remove carpets/furniture. Keep your passport, contract and apartment number handy. On the day of the work, have temporary internet access (modem/hotspot) so that you don't miss the appointment if the window is extended.
What to check after connection (basic diagnostics)?
1) Speed/ping/jitter (morning/evening) via cable and Wi-Fi. 2) VoWiFi/VoLTE and messengers. 3) Zoom/Meet stability (5–10 minutes of "live" calls). 4) Correctness of two bands (2.4/5 GHz), guest network, passwords. 5) Router/ONT updates and WPA3 enabled. 6) Installation location: if necessary, relocation/mesh. Record the "baseline" — this will make it easier to argue with your provider if the quality drops.
How to control internet costs and subscriptions?
Make a note of the end dates of promotional periods, equipment rental costs, and any fees for transfer/cancellation. Keep a single file with your login details for your personal account, contract number, support details, and device serial numbers. Review your tariff once a quarter based on actual usage: if you don't use upload, you can downgrade; if you're using more data, it's better to switch to a symmetrical tariff or add mesh instead of a "megabit race".
Get ready for the future of internet connectivity! Imagine a world where you have a cutting-edge mobile 4G/5G router today and the ultra-fast speeds of fibre optic internet in just a few weeks. Check coverage, set minimum requirements for calls, arrange installation, optimise Wi-Fi and keep a backup channel. This is the best way to make sure your first working week in your new flat is absolutely perfect — with crystal clear sound and super-stable video!
We would love to hear from you if you have found an inaccuracy or update regarding terms, processes or tariffs. We would absolutely love to hear from you! If there's anything you need to let us know about, just pop us an email using the feedback form in the catalogue. We'll get back to you as soon as we can. And don't hold back - share your experience in the comments! You'll be helping other people who are moving, which is a great feeling.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on your home and any promotions: factor in installation/activation and, if renting, the cost of the router.
Usually from a few days to a couple of weeks, so book in advance.
Yes, often via bridge mode; check with your provider.
Rarely for normal use; for servers/VPN — as needed.
