3G Option card flashing rapidly

[alfster]

I have a Vodafone Option 3 G card which is more than 2 years old. When I switch my laptop on, the lights on the card flash rapidly and when I try to opwn the Vodafone mobile connect software I get the message 'The SIM is not ready'.
Vodacare says the card is not reading the SIM and since it is more than 2 years old they will not repair it and I should buy a new one.

How can I resolve this problem?

 

[morkhans]

So have you booted the machine without the card inserted and once the OS has booted then insert it?

Have you tried a different SIM? SIMs sometimes break.

Otherwise shop around for a second hand E220, or check the forum classifieds someone is selling the new stick types modems for R800.

 

[alfster]

tried everything

Put in another SIM card, started machine without 3G card and then inserted card but still the same problem

Is there no way of repairing the 3G card

 

[morkhans]

tried everything

Put in another SIM card, started machine without 3G card and then inserted card but still the same problem

Is there no way of repairing the 3G card

Honestly? It's probably not worth it. The option cards are probably closer to 3, maybe 4 years old by now. Time to upgrade.

Theses are dirt cheap: http://mybroadband.co.za/classified.../usb-3g-modems-huawei-k3715-4-available/cat/3