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  1. #1
    Mark BR
    Guest
    I've been to the major networks shops and am none the wiser!

    Are the USB mobile dongles locked to the provider or are the proprietary to
    the provider?

    If locked then presumable (a) they could be unlocked and (b) you can buy a
    dongle (where from???) to use on any network.

    I'm interested in using mobile broadband in two countries on a local network
    in each country - but I would prefer not to buy two dongles. In addition I
    would like the option to change networks if and when one gives a better
    offer than the other.

    --
    Mark BR





    See More: mobile broadband dongles




  2. #2

    Re: mobile broadband dongles

    On Sun, 27 Jul 2008 14:16:05 +0100, "Mark BR" <[email protected]>
    wrote:

    >I've been to the major networks shops and am none the wiser!
    >
    >Are the USB mobile dongles locked to the provider or are the proprietary to
    >the provider?
    >
    >If locked then presumable (a) they could be unlocked and (b) you can buy a
    >dongle (where from???) to use on any network.
    >
    >I'm interested in using mobile broadband in two countries on a local network
    >in each country - but I would prefer not to buy two dongles. In addition I
    >would like the option to change networks if and when one gives a better
    >offer than the other.
    >
    > --
    >Mark BR
    >


    I presume these are what you mean .
    http://mobile.broadbandgenie.co.uk/3g-broadband/dongle

    AFAIU you need to buy/sign up to one for each Network you want to use
    3,Vodaphone etc etc .



  3. #3
    Steve Terry
    Guest

    Re: mobile broadband dongles


    "Mark BR" <[email protected]> wrote in message
    news:[email protected]...
    > I've been to the major networks shops and am none the wiser!
    >
    > Are the USB mobile dongles locked to the provider or are the proprietary
    > to the provider?
    >
    > If locked then presumable (a) they could be unlocked and (b) you can buy a
    > dongle (where from???) to use on any network.
    >
    > I'm interested in using mobile broadband in two countries on a local
    > network in each country - but I would prefer not to buy two dongles. In
    > addition I would like the option to change networks if and when one gives
    > a better offer than the other.
    > Mark BR
    >
    >

    Most can be SP unlocked, depends on the model,
    try eBay to buy an unlock for your particular one.

    Or pay the network for the contract and ask to buy the code from them

    Vodafone now say they don't SPlock their phones anymore,
    so ask them if the lock their USB dongles?

    Steve Terry





  4. #4
    Mike
    Guest

    Re: mobile broadband dongles

    On Sun, 27 Jul 2008 14:16:05 +0100, "Mark BR" <[email protected]>
    wrote:

    >I've been to the major networks shops and am none the wiser!
    >
    >Are the USB mobile dongles locked to the provider or are the proprietary to
    >the provider?


    I have two Huawei E220s, one on Vodafone and one on Three. Each is
    locked to the respective provider.

    >If locked then presumable (a) they could be unlocked


    I've seen reports that they can be unlocked by downloading generic
    firmware from Huawei's Web site and reflashing the dongle with it, but
    I've not tried this. If you do this successfully, please report back.
    Doing this would lose the provider-specific software that's contained
    inside the device (they look like a disk drive when plugged in).

    >and (b) you can buy a
    >dongle (where from???) to use on any network.


    http://www.expansys.com/p.aspx?i=141528 (for example) but they're
    expensive unlocked.

    Mike.




  5. #5
    Iapetus
    Guest

    Re: mobile broadband dongles

    [email protected] wrote:
    > On Sun, 27 Jul 2008 14:16:05 +0100, "Mark BR" <[email protected]>
    > wrote:
    >
    >> I've been to the major networks shops and am none the wiser!
    >>
    >> Are the USB mobile dongles locked to the provider or are the proprietary to
    >> the provider?
    >>
    >> If locked then presumable (a) they could be unlocked and (b) you can buy a
    >> dongle (where from???) to use on any network.
    >>
    >> I'm interested in using mobile broadband in two countries on a local network
    >> in each country - but I would prefer not to buy two dongles. In addition I
    >> would like the option to change networks if and when one gives a better
    >> offer than the other.
    >>
    >> --
    >> Mark BR
    >>

    >
    > I presume these are what you mean .
    > http://mobile.broadbandgenie.co.uk/3g-broadband/dongle
    >


    Don't fall for the *unlimited* claims either, they're not... The £111.63
    per month from Vodafone should be at that silly price



  6. #6
    Alan Semple
    Guest

    Re: mobile broadband dongles


    "Mike" <[email protected]> wrote in message
    news:[email protected]...
    > On Sun, 27 Jul 2008 14:16:05 +0100, "Mark BR" <[email protected]>
    > wrote:
    >
    >>I've been to the major networks shops and am none the wiser!
    >>
    >>Are the USB mobile dongles locked to the provider or are the proprietary
    >>to
    >>the provider?


    The higher speed models on Vodafone might be described as "exclusive" to
    that provider.

    > I have two Huawei E220s, one on Vodafone and one on Three. Each is
    > locked to the respective provider.
    >
    >>If locked then presumable (a) they could be unlocked


    I paid £15 to Three for the unlock code, but there are cheaper solutions
    available.
    This was on PAYG, they may not supply the code if it's on a contract

    > I've seen reports that they can be unlocked by downloading generic
    > firmware from Huawei's Web site and reflashing the dongle with it, but
    > I've not tried this. If you do this successfully, please report back.
    > Doing this would lose the provider-specific software that's contained
    > inside the device (they look like a disk drive when plugged in).


    Install the software before you fiddle with it :-)

    Huawei's Web site probably has a connection utility.
    Three's branded version will install a connection utility which works OK
    when extra APN profiles are added.

    >>and (b) you can buy a
    >>dongle (where from???) to use on any network.

    >
    > http://www.expansys.com/p.aspx?i=141528 (for example) but they're
    > expensive unlocked.


    The Huawei E220 costs £39.99p at www.play.com.
    Add £15 to get the unlock code and unlocking program from Three.

    BTW
    You will need to register the modem with Three to get the unlock code.

    It appears (as far as PAYG is concerned) that the sim card which is
    registered at the time will be "paired" to the modem's IMEI number so any
    other "Three" sim cards does not work.

    Contract sim cards may behave differently.

    Alan





  7. #7
    steve
    Guest

    Re: mobile broadband dongles

    In article <[email protected]>,
    [email protected] says...
    > On Sun, 27 Jul 2008 14:16:05 +0100, "Mark BR" <[email protected]>
    > wrote:
    >
    > >If locked then presumable (a) they could be unlocked

    >
    > I've seen reports that they can be unlocked by downloading generic
    > firmware from Huawei's Web site and reflashing the dongle with it, but
    > I've not tried this. If you do this successfully, please report back.
    > Doing this would lose the provider-specific software that's contained
    > inside the device (they look like a disk drive when plugged in).
    >


    Some of the provider specific drivers only allow the standard APN to be
    used, reflashing allows multiple profiles with different APNs.

    Howver they are frequently SP locked as well and reflashing wont remove
    the lock. A few bits of software exist which will unlock but charge 15EU
    for each operation, I unlocked mine that way.

    Steve.



  8. #8
    Chris Blunt
    Guest

    Re: mobile broadband dongles

    On Sun, 27 Jul 2008 21:56:19 +0100, Mike <[email protected]> wrote:

    >On Sun, 27 Jul 2008 14:16:05 +0100, "Mark BR" <[email protected]>
    >wrote:
    >
    >>I've been to the major networks shops and am none the wiser!
    >>
    >>Are the USB mobile dongles locked to the provider or are the proprietary to
    >>the provider?

    >
    >I have two Huawei E220s, one on Vodafone and one on Three. Each is
    >locked to the respective provider.
    >
    >>If locked then presumable (a) they could be unlocked

    >
    >I've seen reports that they can be unlocked by downloading generic
    >firmware from Huawei's Web site and reflashing the dongle with it, but
    >I've not tried this. If you do this successfully, please report back.
    >Doing this would lose the provider-specific software that's contained
    >inside the device (they look like a disk drive when plugged in).



    I unlocked my (Vodafone) Huawai E220 3G modem from this site, and I'm
    now able to use the device with various SIM cards when I travel
    overseas.

    http://www.kulankendi.com/index2.php

    It cost EUR15.00.

    Chris



  9. #9
    Mark BR
    Guest

    Re: mobile broadband dongles

    steve wrote:
    > In article <[email protected]>,
    > [email protected] says...
    >> On Sun, 27 Jul 2008 14:16:05 +0100, "Mark BR" <[email protected]>
    >> wrote:
    >>
    >>> If locked then presumable (a) they could be unlocked

    >>
    >> I've seen reports that they can be unlocked by downloading generic
    >> firmware from Huawei's Web site and reflashing the dongle with it,
    >> but I've not tried this. If you do this successfully, please report
    >> back. Doing this would lose the provider-specific software that's
    >> contained inside the device (they look like a disk drive when
    >> plugged in).
    >>

    >
    > Some of the provider specific drivers only allow the standard APN to
    > be used, reflashing allows multiple profiles with different APNs.
    >
    > Howver they are frequently SP locked as well and reflashing wont
    > remove the lock. A few bits of software exist which will unlock but
    > charge 15EU for each operation, I unlocked mine that way.
    >
    > Steve.


    Why do the firms make things so complicated and then complain of the slow
    take-up of new products?

    Thanks to all, I think I'll wait a bit before I jump.

    --
    Mark BR





  10. #10
    R. Mark Clayton
    Guest

    Re: mobile broadband dongles


    "Mark BR" <[email protected]> wrote in message
    news:[email protected]...
    > I've been to the major networks shops and am none the wiser!
    >
    > Are the USB mobile dongles locked to the provider or are the proprietary
    > to the provider?
    >
    > If locked then presumable (a) they could be unlocked and (b) you can buy a
    > dongle (where from???) to use on any network.
    >
    > I'm interested in using mobile broadband in two countries on a local
    > network in each country - but I would prefer not to buy two dongles. In
    > addition I would like the option to change networks if and when one gives
    > a better offer than the other.
    >
    > --
    > Mark BR
    >
    >


    You can buy them "loose" ~£150 e.g.

    http://www.clove.co.uk





  11. #11
    Jon
    Guest

    Re: mobile broadband dongles

    In article <[email protected]>, briley@x-
    privat.org says...
    > Why do the firms make things so complicated and then complain of the slow
    > take-up of new products?


    Slow take-up?

    Mobile broadband dongles are probably the fastest growing segment of the
    market!

    It's only complicated when people want to make it complicated. If you
    want your device unlocked contact your network.
    --
    Regards
    Jon



  12. #12
    Brian A
    Guest

    Re: mobile broadband dongles

    On Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:35:42 +0100, "R. Mark Clayton"
    <[email protected]> wrote:

    >
    >"Mark BR" <[email protected]> wrote in message
    >news:[email protected]...
    >> I've been to the major networks shops and am none the wiser!
    >>
    >> Are the USB mobile dongles locked to the provider or are the proprietary
    >> to the provider?
    >>
    >> If locked then presumable (a) they could be unlocked and (b) you can buy a
    >> dongle (where from???) to use on any network.
    >>
    >> I'm interested in using mobile broadband in two countries on a local
    >> network in each country - but I would prefer not to buy two dongles. In
    >> addition I would like the option to change networks if and when one gives
    >> a better offer than the other.
    >>
    >> --
    >> Mark BR
    >>
    >>

    >
    >You can buy them "loose" ~£150 e.g.
    >
    >http://www.clove.co.uk
    >

    I read somewhere that it was possible to use a Three PAYG phone SIM in
    a Three dongle but at a reduced speed. Can anyone confirm this?

    Whilst I am sure that Three might object to this they have to
    recognise that they are not necessarily losing £5/month by this but
    gaining £5/month in that I, for one, would not pay £10/month for 1GB
    of data via the standard dongle SIM.

    ..

    ---
    Remove 'no_spam_' from email address.
    ---



  13. #13
    Alan Semple
    Guest

    Re: mobile broadband dongles


    "Brian A" <[email protected]> wrote in message
    news:[email protected]...

    > I read somewhere that it was possible to use a Three PAYG phone SIM in
    > a Three dongle but at a reduced speed. Can anyone confirm this?


    In the "3 Mobile internet options" thread posted on 13/07/2008,
    Steve Terry said:

    "It's less than half the speed of Broadband with a normal modem/phone,
    and 1/6 the speed of Broadband with a HSDPA turbo modem/phone
    on a 3.5G cell"

    One thing which was not clear was how he was connecting, USB or Bluetooth ?

    > Whilst I am sure that Three might object to this they have to
    > recognise that they are not necessarily losing £5/month by this but
    > gaining £5/month in that I, for one, would not pay £10/month for 1GB
    > of data via the standard dongle SIM.


    Why do Three have to recognise this ?
    If the market did not like their prices it would be reflected in the sales
    figures.

    The subscriber/user agrees to adhere to Three's "Terms and Conditions" when
    they join up.
    If everyone goes for the cheapest option then Three will enforce their "T's
    and C's" by blocking more ports and throwing more people off the system.

    Earlier in this thread I posted this:
    "It appears (as far as PAYG is concerned) that the sim card which is
    registered at the time will be "paired" to the modem's IMEI number so any
    other "Three" sim cards does not work.

    Contract sim cards may behave differently."

    FWIW
    All of the 3 sim cards that I have do work in a 3.5G handset as a USB modem.
    They all run on 3.5G when downloading and drop back to 3G when dormant.
    Both APN's work with the modem but not the handset.
    (The log shows up as "failed to authenticate")

    Anyway
    I would be interested to know if others have managed to do this with a
    contract sim card.

    No offence intended here
    If you are not happy with the current rates you could always call 3 "Direct
    Sales", they might be keen to hit a sales target and offer you 1GByte a
    month for £5 on a contract.

    Alan





  14. #14
    R. Mark Clayton
    Guest

    Re: mobile broadband dongles


    "Steve Terry" <[email protected]> wrote in message
    news:[email protected]...
    >
    > "Alan Semple" <[email protected]> wrote in message
    > news:[email protected]...
    >> "Brian A" <[email protected]> wrote in message
    >> news:[email protected]...

    > <snip>
    >> No offence intended here
    >> If you are not happy with the current rates you could always call 3
    >> "Direct Sales", they might be keen to hit a sales target and offer you
    >> 1GByte a month for £5 on a contract.
    >> Alan

    > Anyone have the number for Three Customer Retentions?
    >
    > Steve Terry
    >


    0906 3825633
    you will be entertained with the Eagle's "Hotel California"
    "you check out any time you like, but you can never leave"





  15. #15
    John
    Guest

    Re: mobile broadband dongles


    "Chris Blunt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
    news[email protected]...
    > On Sun, 27 Jul 2008 21:56:19 +0100, Mike <[email protected]> wrote:
    >
    >>On Sun, 27 Jul 2008 14:16:05 +0100, "Mark BR" <[email protected]>
    >>wrote:
    >>
    >>>I've been to the major networks shops and am none the wiser!
    >>>
    >>>Are the USB mobile dongles locked to the provider or are the proprietary
    >>>to
    >>>the provider?

    >>
    >>I have two Huawei E220s, one on Vodafone and one on Three. Each is
    >>locked to the respective provider.
    >>
    >>>If locked then presumable (a) they could be unlocked

    >>
    >>I've seen reports that they can be unlocked by downloading generic
    >>firmware from Huawei's Web site and reflashing the dongle with it, but
    >>I've not tried this. If you do this successfully, please report back.
    >>Doing this would lose the provider-specific software that's contained
    >>inside the device (they look like a disk drive when plugged in).

    >
    >
    > I unlocked my (Vodafone) Huawai E220 3G modem from this site, and I'm
    > now able to use the device with various SIM cards when I travel
    > overseas.
    >
    > http://www.kulankendi.com/index2.php
    >
    > It cost EUR15.00.
    >
    > Chris


    Chris, is it easy to get SIM with chaep data when you travel?





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