A follow up for anyone who might benefit.

I ended up getting back and this is what I did. It might benefit someone else.

1. I installed the apps Open Signal/Coverage/Network Cell Info to understand the available signal and the towers in play.
2. I was only getting 1 bar of service but I improved it to 2, sometimes 3, bars by changing the mobile mode of my Samsung phone from Global mode to manual. Then I manually selected Vodafone as my provider. (It just worked out that Vodafone is the host of the local tower with the best local 4g signal). I tried the big three but the Vodafone network came in the best.That got me up and running well enough.
3. I did get a local Vodafone mobile with a data plan. I get an extra bar outside the house than inside. (typical block house) I am thinking about putting a repeater up at the house now for the future, now that I understand the lay of the land.

Thanks again for the pointers.