3G/HSPA/LTE Modems

morkhans

morkhans

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I'm going to try and collect all modem information here about what people have got working. If you get a modem working please post the model, firmware and any tricks you needed to make things work.

Cell C's official list of supported modems can be found here: http://www.cellc.co.za/packages/datapromotion_bundles/modem-compatibility
Cell C branded modem details: http://www.cellc.co.za/internet/page/support/modem-types/2
Cell C drivers can be found here: http://www.cellc.co.za/internet/page/support/drivers/2

Notes:
1) All cellular devices in South Africa, by law, are unlocked. This means you can use any providers device on any network (if it supports the correct frequencies)
2) While you can use a Vodafone or MTN branded modem on the Cell C network, the branded dash will most likely not detect your Cell C SIM. In this case you need to load a generic dash for the device. Huawei uses Mobile Partner. ZTE uses Join Air. Better yet; support local and use MDMA.
3) If your device does not support HSPA/UMTS/WCDMA 900MHz you will still be able to use it, but it will only connect at EDGE speeds. This is a hardware limitation, the only way around this is to upgrade your device.
More Information: 3g-modem.wetpaint.com & www.dc-files.com

Cell C Branded Modems
Huawei
E1820 (Black) DL: 21.6Mbps / UL: 5.76Mbps (CRC-9 Antenna Connector - does not work as expected)
E1752 (White) DL: 7.2Mbps / UL: 5.76Mbps
ZTE
MF668 (Black) DL: 21.6Mbps / UL: 5.76Mbps
MF190 (White) DL: 7.2Mbps / UL: 5.76Mbps (has compatibility issues with some routers, see here for details)

Other UMTS 900 Capable Devices
Huawei
E160 DL: 3.6Mbps / UL: 384kbps (CRC-9 Antenna Connector)
E169 DL: 7.2Mbps / UL: 384kbps
E180
E2010
E230
E5
Huawei E367 DL: 28.8Mbps / UL: 5.76Mbps (CRC-9 Antenna Connector)
Vodafone K3520 (E169) DL: 7.2Mbps / UL: 384kbps
Vodafone K3565 (E160) DL: 3.6Mbps / UL: 384kbps
Vodafone K3715 DL: (E180?) 7.2Mbps / UL: 5.76Mbps
Vodafone K3765-HV (updated E160?) DL : 7.2Mbps / UL: 5.76MBps
Vodafone K4505 (E1820) DL: 21.6Mbps / UL: 5.76Mbps (DL: 28.8Mbps with MIMO firmware) (CRC-9 Antenna Connector - does not work as expected)
Vodafone K4605 (E372) (CRC-9 Antenna Connector) (3G connection requires RNC software upgrade) **
- Theoretical Peak Rate DL: 42.2Mbps / UL: 5.76Mbps, Practical Peak Rate DL: 31.6Mbps *
Vodafone B970b DL: 7.2Mbps / UL: 5.76Mbps

Sierra Wireless
AirCard USB 307 DL: 21.6Mbps / UL: 5.76Mbps (SMK TS-9 Antenna Connector)

ZTE
Vodafone K3520-Z (MF628) DL: 7.2Mbps / UL: 384kbps
Vodafone K3765-Z DL: 7.2Mbps / UL: 5.76Mbps
Vodafone K3772-Z DL: 7.2Mbps / UL: 5.76Mbps (Post)
Vodafone K3805-Z (MF651?) (Antenna Connector)
- Theoretical Peak Rate DL: 14.4Mbps / UL: 5.76Mbps, Practical Peak Rate DL: 10.8Mbps *
Vodafone K4505-Z (MF668?) (Antenna Connector)
- Theoretical Peak Rate DL: 21.6Mbps / UL: 5.76Mbps, Practical Peak Rate DL: 16.2Mbps *
MF 190 DL: 7.2Mbps / UL: 5.76Mbps
MF 610
MF 633
MF 636
MF 662
MF 668

Devices known not to be UMTS 900 capable
Huawei
E220
Vodafone K3770

ZTE
Vodafone K3570-Z

* As per Vodafone packaging.

** Huawei E372 / Vodafone K4605 Cell-C 3G compatibility status:
Johannesburg, Durban, Richards Bay: working
Bloemfontein: working since 2011/11/19
Cape Town: working since 2011/05/01
Port Elizabeth: working since 2011/04/20
Mafikeng: working since 2011/11/18
 
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Devices supporting WCDMA @ 900MHz

Hi Guys,
i am wondering if some body can provide the list of data modems which supports WCDMA 900Mhz.
This is basically to use the new cell c HSPA network with out buying the modem from them.
Thanks
 
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And my novatel mc950d is not also there on the list.
Is there a way i can still use it for cell c 3G? i mean with firmware upgrade or something?
 
I have a vodafone huawei K3565 rev 2 usb modem. I see on the link that BBSA supplied that this modem is supposed to work. 2 Questions : Seeing as its a vodafone branded modem will it work on cellc network?
Where can i download the cellc software if my modem supports cellc.

Thanks in advance.
 
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Even if it's branded should work. I use every network sim on my brother's K3565, no hacking, dashboard alterations etc. Just use conventional dial-up or MDMA.
 
I tried that but once the app starts it does not pick up my usb modem k3565. I must be doing something wrong :(
 
Hi Jarrod

we've discovered that the drivers will only work with the huawei e1752 and e1820 which they are designed for. You can use the Cell C SIM in your device with the vodafone software - as long as the device is not network locked.
 
I am not sure how the dashboard of VodaFone USB modem looks like but it is possible to use on every network - as USB modems like Cell C can be used on other networks all of them(Cell C dashboard)... Just click connect on the vodafone dashboard and see if you're able to connect to Cell C network..

I will see if I can find a modem and write a tutorial for you and do a youtube video.
 
RichardG said:
I am not sure how the dashboard of VodaFone USB modem looks like but it is possible to use on every network - as USB modems like Cell C can be used on other networks all of them(Cell C dashboard)... Just click connect on the vodafone dashboard and see if you're able to connect to Cell C network..

I will see if I can find a modem and write a tutorial for you and do a youtube video.
Click to expand...

Thank you :)
 
typer said:
Huawei E220 and E170 does work.No Problem.
Click to expand...

Can anyone else confirm this? Dont think i 900Mhz is on E220 datasheet.
Anyone else have laptop with onboard HSDPA & have tested?
 
typer said:
Huawei E220 and E170 does work.No Problem.
Click to expand...

Can anyone confirm that the E170 works ? According to the specs that I have seen it does not support UMTS 900MHz.

Unfortunately I have two E170's and one E272 - none of them seem to support UMTS 900MHz.
 
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cell c and a cracked vodaCON dongle

title says it all really. the dongle is a e220 with its firmware upgraded to be able to handle 14.4mb.

Im wondering if I murder the vodaCON software on it
a: would I need to install the original firmware again?
b: would the cell c story work on it?
c: is there anyone doing/done this already that can say if it does/doent work?

ok, thanks

bye vodaCON you thieving b*stards
 
I heard u need the latest hsdpa card for the cellc contract. not 100% or even 50% sure Lol

I sympathise with you about vodacon. They bastirds
 
For those that have Cell C 3G, how do I check if my laptop will be compatible with the new facility?
Thanks.
 
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