Anyone using HSDPA usb modem or Card with Virgin on a Mac?

[majikins]

Hi

I'm just having problems using a Virgin sim on my Mac. Whereas I could surf successfully before, I now can't. Would like to know if anyone else has a similar setup and their experience?

12" powerbook G4
Hauwei E220 usb modem

I've loaded the vodafone software for the Mac so that the drivers for the card could be loaded - used the script from www.taniwha.org.uk for generic 3g access which WORKED for the first 2 days but then problem. Also hacked the modem script from the vodafone software to change the apn only. Still problems.

Hopefully someone else out there can work with me on this?

[majikins]

Managed to get my vodacom sim on GPRS only(vodafone software allows you to specify rate before activating settings) - works fine.

Then tried telneting, and ftp with the virgin sim - that works.
Tried https but that also has the same symtoms as http.

I'm extremely puzzled here - I would expect vodacom's gprs to give the same symtoms if the problem is with me ie my powerbook. But the same modem script gives me full access whereas the script replaced with the virgin apn does not.

My friend has an mtn sim which I'm going to try today-would also need to try a cell c sim as virgin piggy backs on it.

Anyone with the same problem????

[pkid]

Hey

Where did you get the USB modem from and how much was it? I am using the CellC USB modem but the reliability and speed are going downhill every day. So I would like to get a non-network locked USB HSDPA modem so that I am not locked in to any network again. Thanks

[majikins]

Vodaworld - R2598
U using a powerbook too?

[pkid]

Unfortunately I am not using a macbook so I can't help you. Thanks for the info and I hope you manage to get it to work!

[majikins]

well I tested mtn sim - no problems there

tested a cell c sim - same symtoms as virgin!!!

This indicates network related except for the fact that the same modem and sim works fine on a winbugs system - no transmission problem.

Don't understand how the platform(apple OSX) differs to WinXP to give this symtom-once you are logged on networking should be transparent. Even more puzzling is that Vodacom and Mtn don't give me any hassles.

I need to laise with a Virgin Data fundi to get to the bottom of this. Not even sure if this department exists as a call was logged last week and yet to be contacted!

Wouldn't it be great if they started off with a bang and had a representative here? Hope they get to that soon!

[majikins]

Got a perfunctory call on Monday with some standard questions. Was told that my problem would be discussed with another colleague and they may post a reponse here. Still waiting.......

C'mon Virgin, you need to show a face here or all that advertising and brand reputation is all for naught.

[majikins]

Hi All

Well they never did get back to me

Couple o things:

VM GPRS still does not work except on a winbugs system.
BUT - does work on Vodacom 3G!!

After reading thread on getting 3G on a VM sim(roam onto Vodacom Network), I did this on the winbugs system and managed to get this speed.
Then for the heck of it connected the modem directly to my MAC. Somehow it remembers to get onto Vodcom and now I'm happily surfing via 3G. There are times it will only see GPRS(If I'm on the road or a funny part of the room) and then the same symtoms, but if I'm on 3G, its hunky dory.

Which presents some interesting conclusions. As I cannot see using any software what network I'm on, signal strenght etc, I can only assume that I'm on 3G on Vodacom(Virgin 3G?? ) and if in poor coverage, on Virgin GPRS. But then how does it switch? Should switch between GPRS and 3G on the same network I would think! Unless the taniwha script I am using has something to do with it.

Ah well it works.

Another thing is I don't seem to have any problems with reliability for the past month since I have been roaming on Vodacom.Maybe others should try this to confirm?

Well hope this helps other Applemac users.