Internet t.v???
 

The community has told us to remove the sky dish and I’ve been issued the job of sorting internet uk tv for my elderly parents.Dont think they will be able to sort a fire stick,so was looking at the cheapest 3-4g internet and a box with a vpn(thinking it’s a must)
thst they can switch on and be up and running for normal English T.V.
seen a couple of forms that offer this kind of service but was thinking that your monthly payments would be higher because they are sorting something that,with a little bit of help I could go to the internet provider then get a box and not have to pay a high monthly fee when there not here all that much.
the flat is only used by myself for 2 weeks in high season but my brother comes as often as he can and he’ll be picking up the bill he says,but I’ve got to get it up and running b4 I leave in 13 days and if I can keep as much of my holiday money in my pocket as I can I’d be grateful for all your help.
Are the English speaking firms charging a premium for ease of use,as I don’t mind using Google translate to get me through.Thanks in advance for any help that you can give👍

Re: Internet t.v???
 

Do you have an internet connection, not mobile phone?

Where is the property?

Re: Internet t.v???
 

If you just want the basic UK channels and have an Internet connection, a Firestick with a VPN is the best option with only the VPN to pay for. Buy it in the UK and set it up on your Amazon account and it will work fine in Spain.OK-

A 4G MiFi box would work fine and the Spanish Telcos sell them.

Re: Internet t.v???
 

I brought my old fire stick out with me that’s got IPTV set up on it but it won’t connect to my iPhone.says it’s not in range and that was going to be a temp solution but we need 4g to the apartment and a box of some sort so it’s easy for my elderly parents and teko-fobe brother

Re: Internet t.v???
 

By te coś you mean telecommunication companies? How do I get in touch with them. Is there a shop or I’ve got to ring. by the way, I’m in Fuengirola

Re: Internet t.v???
 

Just Google MiFi Spain. Other forum members will give you personal recommendations.

Re: Internet t.v???
 

For 4G you can use a 4G modem or 'dongle' which will accept a regular SIM card as fitted in a mobile phone.

A fixed Internet line would be better but it needs to be stable and have a decent speed. Fibre is best of course.
(If the community insist on removal of Satellite dishes, they should also be ensuring the availability of decent Internet coverage for your area)..

For the Internet TV (or IPTV as it is correctly called) there are many options starting with the Amazon Firestick.

More recently very good devices from companies such as FORMULER (formuler.com) allow you to use IPTV relatively easily, and your settings for a VPN can be entered in the device itself. This eases the whole process and allows you to use it like any other TV box. They support modern TV's with HD etc.

Lots of information on YouTube about free IPTV channels to which you can use/ subscribe for free.

Re: Internet t.v???
 

Thanks for that answer.Im thinking the dongle will plug into the TV HDMI and hopefully there is another port for the fire stick and I’m laughing.
ive had my old fire stick working through my iPhone but getting it to connect is a nightmare!!
it sees the iPhone but keeps saying it’s not in range or no internet,I persevered but I cannot see my brother and especially my parents having a go.
It needs to be switch it on and watch eastenders😂

Re: Internet t.v???
 

Important when 'tethering' an iPhone to use it's internet connection is making sure Mobile data is also on and also the Bluetooth.

Re: Internet t.v???
 

You don't plug the WiFi dongle into the TV . It receives the cellular signal and creates a WiFi connection to the Internet. The Firestick plugs into the TV HDMI port and picks up the WiFi signal from the dongle.

Re: Internet t.v???
 

Some interesting suggestions however I repeat my question "where is the property"?

I ask because different solutions exist in different places so by knowing where you are is more likely to result in genuine recommendations.

The same goes really for many topic where local knowledge could come to the fore if we know which area we are talking about.

BTW calman the OP hasn't said that the community is insisting on removal of all dishes, it may well be that a communal system already exists but for Spanish TV while the OP has their own separate dish for Sky TV and it's that which is the problem.

If in my area (Alicante region) my suggestion would be to pay for an Internet connection, possibly a 'turn on/turn off' service, then use a company called DVBLabs who provide an IPTV service which can be installed on a dirt cheap MAG box and paid for only for the months required (€15/mth)
​​​​
Actually once set up, a MAG box can be used virtually anywhere in the world where you can get a decent WiFi signal, I took mine to Australia last year!

​​​​

Re: Internet t.v???
 

Good suggestion and I would echo this, but to add there isn't really a solution for IPTV that doesn't require some ongoing 'tinkering' from time to time. Also worth noting for anyone using an Apple TV you can get an app (Smart STB) that emulates a MAG box and therefore saves using 2 boxes.

As you say many of these solutions will work anywhere with a stable internet connection.

Re: Internet t.v???
 

Realistically that's not easy to achieve ..... everything will require some sort intervention from time to time.

Re: Internet t.v???
 

I use one of these
https://consumer.huawei.com/mx/routers/b310/specs/

Together with a PAYG Sim card and Firestick.

Loaded on the Firestick are IPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, Channel 5 and various others. Also is an app called Streamlocator, this automatically connects to the required UK TV app wherever you are in the world.
Cost
Purchase of router (mine was second hand)
Purchase of Firestick
Subscription for Streamlocator $4.99 per month
Sim card, I pay £12.90 per month, unlimited data and only when used

Re: Internet t.v???
 

Interesting to read about streamlocator ! Thanks for posting ...... they also offer their own router/hub which looks to be a good solution :)

Re: Internet t.v???
 

That stream locator looks like a good investment.thanks.
what is angering me now is you can get a mi-fi box for peanuts from Amazon in the u.k,but out here there non existent for a reasonable price.
ive found one for €80 with a SIM card for the month but it will have expired by the time my parents arrive!!
why are they not a ting in Spain or an I looking in the wrong places

Re: Internet t.v???
 

Sorry I don’t know how to reply to the specific post but we are in torre blanca Fuengirola in a community complex

Re: Internet t.v???
 

There are a lot on Amazon.es without a SIM. then just buy a local SIM, I used a MiFi device previously with Simyo Sim card and it worked well.

This is the one I used 4G Router

Re: Internet t.v???
 

Ive just ordered a StreamLocator Hub will be testing in a couple of weeks and report back.

Re: Internet t.v???
 

I e followed the link but for the life of me I cannot get a price or even get it in my basket!!!

Re: Internet t.v???
 

Fuengirola

Re: Internet t.v???
 

Hi
I’m in Los pacos, I use Avatel, for my internet which is brilliant for 20 odd euros a month and runs 4 k tv with no issues.

i then take my mag 426 box with me which I use in both the uk and Spain, I need a vpn in the uk as I use BT but with Avatel there is no need. The tv costs about £70 for the year and has been really good for years but does drop occasionally.

Avatel used 5o be Vozplus a private company…..

this I find great !

regards
Al

Re: Internet t.v???
 

Thanks for the info I’ll look into the internet.
Its surprising how hard it is to find a mi-fi box for sale that’s not double the amount you can get one in the uk.Amazon is cheap but I’d have to remain in the apartment for collection,as there’s no way into the gated complex.saw a Amazon cardboard box thrown outside the main doors to the complex!!!

Re: Internet t.v???
 

A mag box is easily found on eBay, they MAY send them overseas (ask them) but Amazon in my area have the post boxes with key codes, ours is at the petrol station i think you can designate a pick up point…..…..mag boxes are great I started with a 250 but now I’m using a 426a or something like that, I think they are improving all the time….

my tv in Spain is great…..

Re: Internet t.v???
 

No option to collect from Amazon locker or collection point? Usually works well as sometimes delivery drivers don’t appear to have the ability to search using Google Maps etc.

Re: Internet t.v???
 

Do you have Media Markt near you
https://www.mediamarkt.es/es/list/router-4g

If not, check the likes of Carrefour

https://www.carrefour.es/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwwO20BhCJARIsAAnTIVTtAk lvQdSbmG6mzXh9NtNXq5IGCnuG_Dzc_VWbLvoHdrQpkJGT4IUa AnBfEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&q=4g+router&scroll=VC4A-10575846

Re: Internet t.v???
 

i find mag boxes a bit old these days.
firestick with tivimate added and iptv about £45 a year.
i can't think of a box that will just plug and play,
you will have to youtube and learn how to set up.

Re: Internet t.v???
 

Hi thanks for all the answers,I finally got one today from media mart.The mi-fi box keeps getting the signal dropped when updating but I think it’s the card I was sold with the mi-fi box.As in England I suppose it’s the same here where some providers have better coverage.the box shows 4 out of 5 lines at all times but the Amazon box kept saying lost connection.
To say it’s a top of the range stick,it wouldn’t even find my iPhone signal!!
prehaps a hard line internet connection would have been better but less hassle and more expensive.!!

Re: Internet t.v???
 

That can be the case but if you choose a reliable provider there should be no 'tinkering' required.

I've been with the same service for six years now (DVBLabs and IPTV only) and apart from when I upgraded from a MAG256 to a MAG324 I haven't had to touch anything whatsoever. I'm resident so pay €150/pa for the service which has very rarely faulted in that time but I could if I chose pay €15/mth just for the months I wanted or needed it.

I'm not convinced the Streamlocator is the panacea it's touted as and is not necessarily the plug and play solution being suggested because it says this in the description:

"Your laptop, PC and phone don’t need any app or software to work, but select devices such as Fire TV and Android TV do have apps that you’ll need to download for full access."

If you have to do that then you might just as well go for a VPN which will cost less than the Streamlocator and with no capital outlay. For my Firestick I use SmartDNDProxy which cost's around €25/year.

Re: Internet t.v???
 

I do think you are quite fortunate in doing nothing for 6 years which is great. I did say from time to time based on the fact that there are so many dependencies and variables involved in IPTV any of which can suffer a glitch. It's not just about a single provider however good they maybe.

Like many things its horses for courses, it may not be a solution for you but may well be for someone else. Not everyone uses FireTV but if that is all you use then there isn't any capital outlay, you just use their app at a cost similar to a regular VPN. The advantage of the StreamLocator Hub is that you can use multiple devices at the same time, typically in our house we use an Apple TV and /or iPads and so assuming it works its a good solution for us and others that I know who have multi devices in a household.

Ive used SmartDNSproxy for many years and it's superb the only downside in my experience is that you have to refresh the IP address in your account whenever your home IP address changes. Again horses for courses some are happy with that others find it a nuisance.

Re: Internet t.v???
 

Have you tried your mifi in different locations to see if you get better reception.
what card did you get with the box?
you will need unlimited data sim.

Re: Internet t.v???
 

I think I’ve got the thing sorted out in my head now.
i was sold a cheap mi-fi box that I’ve found online for as little as £10.I paid €60 euros and the person in the shop was rude when I went back in to saw the instructions were missing,the reason being he opened the box and sold me the data sim and put it in.Tried to say I didn’t need it.funny how people are different when your not spending money and have a honest request.i needed to change the obvious password.
He sold me a 100 gig data sim for €15 and he assured me it works everywhere in Fuengirola!!
I now noticed that the best reception is Movistar as I’m seeing 5 bars from all the apartments around me and my iPhone works better in the apartment if I change to that.
ive got my mi-fi box on the balcony less than a meter from the fire stick top of the range brand new and you can do a speed test on them.
It won’t even do one it’s that weak!!
Any recommendations for where to buy a Movistar sim data only.50 gig will get me through or like my phone where you can change provider for better service.ive seen a online company offering this but wouldn’t know how that would work but your network provider seems to be in some sort of arrangement 🤔
mas A side note can I say thank you for all the help I’ve received from this forum on this holiday.
I only come for two weeks a year to the family apartment and always have something to sort out, maybe the ITV for the car and now repairs or the T.V.
for my parents.Thank you all👍

Re: Internet t.v???
 

My experience, which I am not exaggerating, suggests otherwise![/quote]

As you can with SmartDNSProxy because it's setup in the WiFi settings of the device you wish to use so theoretically there is no limit to the number of devices you can use.

True however unlike old copper connections where a short power glitch could result in a router picking up a new IP address I find with fibre it's actually quite persistent and even with router downtimes of several minutes it comes back with the same address as before, possibly a function of my fibre provider. In any case it's a very quick and simple process to refresh it in the app or on the website.

Re: Internet t.v???
 

Ive never suggested you were exaggerating but the experiences of one person is not always reflective of everyone. It's great though that you have had such amazing service.

Absolutely, and if a family use 4 devices its has to be setup 4 times over. Great if it works for you as it has for me but not everyone has the patience or knowledge to do it, thats all I was trying to say.

Thats how yours works, trust me it's not like that with every service provider.

Exactly the kind of 'tinkering' I was referring to in my first post, great for you and me but for others not so simple. my elderly mother when she was alive couldn't do it and neither can my wife.

Re: Internet t.v???
 

Have you tried a Movistar store ..... Im not sure if they will do a SIM only for non residents, if you have any way of testing Vodafone coverage they will do a PAYG sim to non residents and you can recharge it online or via the app.

Re: Internet t.v???
 

wow that Vodafone sounds like a good option.
looks like there more forward thinking than the rest. Thanks for sharing
I think the only people who know if coverage is good for the area is the pro’s who come and set your internet TV !!

Re: Internet t.v???
 

If you do have a Vodafone store near you then you can pick up a free SIM and test it out by adding a few euros and then let it die if it's no good.

Re: Internet t.v???
 

This option if it’s a good combination is brilliant.
why can the competition look how the good ones are doing it and give maximum options.
Movestar seems to have the place locked down and as such are expensive.
I went in the shop about a hard line and was given a book this the 3-4 price ranges.The lowest gets you TV internet and a phone line on virgin although it’s only the basic pakage

Re: Internet t.v???
 

Does Vodafone allow you to adjust the tariff? If there are periods when no one is using the data then you could be paying when you don’t need to.

Simyo for example allow you to adjust online/app from €1 (100MB) to €17 (150GB) also unused allowance accumulates for three months. Worked well in TP-Link router while I waited for fibre to become available.

No fibre available in your area for fast unlimited data? Some providers allow a holiday mode to reduced cost e.g. Axarfusion

Re: Internet t.v???
 

You can adjust with Vodafone but admittedly not as low as Simyo (which I have also used), the only reason I mentioned Vodafone was because the OP wanted a fast and easy solution and Voda you can walk in whereas Simyo send out by post etc. Unless anything has changed Simyo also only offer 4G (on Orange) with Vodafone its 5G (although for a static router a good 4G signal is usually fine).