Cell C USB Modem - Having Problems

[DBrasco]

I got a Cell C USB modem a while ago and it worked fine, but I've been having problems over the past month or so.

I connect fine, but after a few seconds, the connection drops and then the modem disappears from Windows (like it's been unplugged) and then re-appears.

The sim card works fine in my phone, and so it's not a network issue, but seems to be a hardware issue with the modem.

Anyone had similar problems? Any advice?

 

[C for yourself]

Hi DBrasco

Please check on the voltage of the USB modem's internal battery. If your modem is displaying a red light, the battery needs charging. Also on the software dashboard there is a voltage field. This field should display approx 4200mv.

To charge your modem please leave it plugged into your computer, preferably on the USB extension cable, for a hour or two. The red light will turn green after a while. Leave it charging though until the voltage field reads approx 4200mv.

Cheers

C for yourself

 

[DBrasco]

I charged it up - took about 4 hours - and it seems much better. I'll test it out for a while and see what happens.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Mobility]

Will I need to charge my modem everytime I do not use it for a day or two? Does CellC not have a modem that connects immediately without charging?

 

[WireFree]

Will I need to charge my modem everytime I do not use it for a day or two? Does CellC not have a modem that connects immediately without charging?

You have a few options:
1. Buy a cellphone with GPRS/EDGE support. If the phone battery is completely discharged you can connect it to the charger and to your computer at the same time. You can connect to the Internet while the battery is charging - no need to wait 4 hours.
2. Buy the SAMBA 75 modem. It connects immediately and does NOT have a battery that needs to be charged.

WireFree

 

[C for yourself]

Hi Mobility

Cell C offers two branded modems; 1) the Cell C mobile USB modem and 2) the Cell C mobile data card.

The data card is an Novatel U740 PCMCIA card which draws all of its power directly from the PCMCIA port.

The USB modem has a battery which supplements the antenna which sometimes requires more power than what is provided by the USB port. We are looking into a new device which will replace the current one once our current stock is depleted.

Hope this answers your question

Kind Regards

C for yourself

 

[Mobility]

We are looking into a new device which will replace the current one once our current stock is depleted.

C for yourself

Hi,

I'm C-ing for myself,

Will I get my modem replaced when Cell C has a proper modem available? I am having AC power problems in my area and the battery does not work well. I need to wait at least an hour before connecting.

 

[C for yourself]

Hi Mobility

The modem carries a full warrenty and repairs can be arranged through all Cell C stores.

Cheers

C for yourself

 

[DBrasco]

Network Locked

I have noticed that the modem is network locked - I thought they werent allowed to do this anymore.

How do I go about unlocking it?

 

[stvfry]

If you ever find out how to unlock this stupid piece of equipment (what a waste of money - it is so sloowww) please post details.

 

[DBrasco]

Well, the Cell C rep has been VERY quiet lately - Where are you 'C for yourself'?

I'll call a store or the help desk & see what they say........