You can stream over LTE in South Africa when the local signal holds enough upload with low packet loss. The data adds up fast. At 3,000kbps, two hours of video alone is about 2.7GB in decimal units. Audio, protocol overhead, dropped-packet recovery and any other traffic push the real total higher.

Quick Answer

Run a long upload and packet-loss test at the place and time you stream. Start with a conservative bitrate that leaves headroom below the worst sustained result. Record a private session and compare the network counter before and after. Use the measured total, not 2.7GB, for your data planning.

Evetech's streaming essentials help you keep the camera and audio path simple. The webcam selection lets you choose a source that does not demand more resolution than the LTE stream can carry.

The Data Formula

Multiply bitrate in kilobits per second by total seconds, divide by eight for kilobytes, then convert using the unit your provider reports.

For 3,000kbps over 7,200 seconds, the video payload is about 2.7GB decimal. Add audio and overhead.

OBS bitrate is the outgoing stream. Watching your own return feed adds download data too.

LTE Speed Can Move

Signal strength, cell load, weather, placement and network management can change upload through the day. A morning speed test cannot promise evening performance.

Use Ethernet from a fixed LTE router to the PC where possible. Place the router for stable signal and test before changing external antennas.

A phone hotspot adds battery, heat and Wi-Fi as extra failure points.

Keep a recovery plan for a cell handover or signal drop. OBS reconnection can save a brief interruption, while repeated outages mean the location or network is not ready for a scheduled live show.

Reduce Data and Instability

Lower video bitrate, resolution or frame rate in measured steps. Pause cloud sync, updates and other uploads.

Use CBR according to the streaming platform's guidance. Leave headroom for audio and network variation.

Keep a local recording at a quality the SSD can handle when you need an archive, rather than downloading the finished stream again.

LTE, 5G or Fixed Fibre

5G can provide more capacity and still vary with signal and cell load. LTE can be more stable at a strong location. Test the actual service.

Fixed fibre can offer a more repeatable upload for regular streaming, though package symmetry, routing and provider performance vary.

Choose from sustained upload, loss, jitter and the data arrangement, not the network label alone.

FAQ

How much data does two hours use at 3,000kbps?

About 2.7GB for video payload, before audio, protocol overhead and other traffic.

Is LTE upload stable enough?

It can be at a good location and time. Prove it with a long private stream and packet-loss test.

Will lowering resolution save data?

Bitrate controls outgoing data more directly. Lower resolution can let you use a lower bitrate while keeping acceptable image quality.

Measure one full LTE test stream at the intended bitrate and use the router's real data total and packet loss before scheduling regular broadcasts.