3G/HSPA/LTE Modems

[325i]

Is there anyway I can flash my Cell C ZTE MF190 to be UMTS 900 or do I have to get a new SpeedStick?

 

[ajax]

If you obtained the modem from Cell C then it is definitely UMTS 900.
Why are you asking?

 

[325i]

If you obtained the modem from Cell C then it is definitely UMTS 900.
Why are you asking?

The reason is because I get better consistent Download and Upload speeds from my 384kb line, When using a UMTS 900 enabled modem(Using my HTC Wildfire) I get way better Download and Upload speeds, I got my Speedstick with my laptop from Makro. I've seen though that this particular modem doesn't support UMTS 900.

 

[Jola]

Not all modems are created equal, I have three different 900MHz UMTS modems with vastly different performances (vastly different prices too).

But I can't comment on yours, I have never used one like that.

IMHO the best value-for-money for Cell C is the E1820. Probably for all other ISP's as well.

 

[ajax]

I've seen though that this particular modem doesn't support UMTS 900.

It most certainly does support UMTS 900. It is on Cell C's website too. Maybe there is a problem with the tower in your area? I am not familiar with the ZTE's dash, but can you set the modem to 3G/WCDMA only and check if you get signal, maybe by a window?

 

[ajax]

IMHO the best value-for-money for Cell C is the E1820. Probably for all other ISP's as well.

The E1820 is fine as long as you don't need to connect an external antenna. Then a modem with proper external antenna support (where the modem actually shows the signal strength on the external antenna) is more desirable.

 

[Jola]

The E1820 is fine as long as you don't need to connect an external antenna. Then a modem with proper external antenna support (where the modem actually shows the signal strength on the external antenna) is more desirable.

Yip, I agree with that. But better modems cost a lot more. I am using the K4605 now (for the benefit of other readers, ajax knows what I am using).

Edit : The K4605 is fast, and has proper antenna support, but it is expensive, and few routers support it.

 

[ajax]

I think we need to get a list going of which modems have pseudo-external connectors and which have proper.

EDIT: I think it was very shortsighted of Cell C to release the E1820 knowing very well that many subscribers will need to use external antennas. A friend of mine down the street still can't properly point his antenna cause the modem doesn't report the signal of the external connection.

 

[Bundu]

I think we need to get a list going of which modems have pseudo-external connectors and which have proper.

+1

 

[325i]

It most certainly does support UMTS 900. It is on Cell C's website too. Maybe there is a problem with the tower in your area? I am not familiar with the ZTE's dash, but can you set the modem to 3G/WCDMA only and check if you get signal, maybe by a window?

Modem Specs

Supports up to 4GB Micro-SD cards (not included)
3G Operating Frequency: UMTS/HSDPA/WCDMA 2100MHz
2G Operating Frequency: GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900MHz
HSUPA up to 2Mbps
HSDPA up to 7.2Mbps
Storage
Weight: 21 grams
Dimensions: 76mm × 26mm × 11 mm (without cap)

From Cell C website

 

[Jola]

I see. But the printed specs on Cell C's website are not always correct.

I can't believe that they would sell a modem that does not support 900MHz UMTS !

 

[325i]

I see. But the printed specs on Cell C's website are not always correct.

I can't believe that they would sell a modem that does not support 900MHz UMTS !

My point exactly...have to get a new modem by the looks of it.

 

[Jola]

My point exactly...have to get a new modem by the looks of it.

Don't be over-hasty - maybe someone who has used that modem can comment.

Or send a PM to "Cell C", the rep for Cell C.

 

[ajax]

This site says the MF190 has UMTS 900. Echo Jola, don't believe everything you read on Cell C's site. And surely calling it a "speed stick" would be grounds for a serious ASA complaint...

The E1820 is also reported to be UMTS 2100 only but I have one and it certainly does do UMTS 900.

@325i, maybe first try the modem in an area where you know there is for sure strong UMTS 900 coverage before making any hasty decisions.

 

[ginggs]

I think we need to get a list going of which modems have pseudo-external connectors and which have proper.

I've updated the list in the first post. PM me if you have anything to add.

 

[325i]

@325i, maybe first try the modem in an area where you know there is for sure strong UMTS 900 coverage before making any hasty decisions.

Thats the reason I dont know if I am connecting to a UMTS 900 or UMTS 2100 tower, though why when I use my HTC as a Wi-Fi connection I get better speeds that with the cell c modem, and its a huge improvement over the modem, ave dl: 40KB/s, HTC ave dl: 165KB/s

 

[ajax]

Thats the reason I dont know if I am connecting to a UMTS 900 or UMTS 2100 tower, though why when I use my HTC as a Wi-Fi connection I get better speeds that with the cell c modem, and its a huge improvement over the modem, ave dl: 40KB/s, HTC ave dl: 165KB/s

That is strange. Both devices are UTMS 900/2100 and 7.2 meg. Have you tested both devices in exactly the same location downloading from the same site?

 

[325i]

That is strange. Both devices are UTMS 900/2100 and 7.2 meg. Have you tested both devices in exactly the same location downloading from the same site?

Cell C ZTE MF190 modem(HSDPA):

HTC Wildfire Wi-Fi Connection(HSDPA):

 

[ginggs]

That is strange. Both devices are UTMS 900/2100 and 7.2 meg. Have you tested both devices in exactly the same location downloading from the same site?

Cell C ZTE MF190 modem(HSDPA):
HTC Wildfire Wi-Fi Connection(HSDPA):

Try repeating your tests choosing the Johanneburg server each time, see here.

 

[325i]

Try repeating your tests choosing the Johanneburg server each time, see here.

Ahh thank you will do