Cell C ZTE MF190

[1geoff99]

I've just purchased the MF190 modem plus 3GB data bundle at R599 for a client. But this modem clearly does NOT support 900 MHz despite what is written on the box. MDMA does not report the presence of a 900 MHz band. A new Cell C tower has just been built right next door to me but only broadcasts on 900 MHz. All my modems get a strong 3G signal but the MF190 can only get a useless EDGE connection.

Anyone else get this problem?

 

[Viva]

I've just purchased the MF190 modem plus 3GB data bundle at R599 for a client. But this modem clearly does NOT support 900 MHz despite what is written on the box. MDMA does not report the presence of a 900 MHz band. A new Cell C tower has just been built right next door to me but only broadcasts on 900 MHz. All my modems get a strong 3G signal but the MF190 can only get a useless EDGE connection.

Anyone else get this problem?

You must be experiencing some other issue. The ZTE MF190 works perfectly fine with Cell C's network. I've used about three of those modems.

Take it back to Cell C and let them test it out in the store. Demand a replacement unit if they can't get it to work.

 

[1geoff99]

You must be experiencing some other issue.

I don't think so. With MDMA you can select a frequency band from a list of available bands which MDMA obtains by querying the modem. 3G bands 850 and 2100 are available for selection by MDMA, but not 900. And this is proven by the fact that the modem is unable to see a very nearby 900 MHz Cell C tower with band selection on automatic. More distant EDGE and 2100 MHz Cell C towers can be seen. I think Cell C sold me a MF190 with the wrong specification.

 

[ginggs]

I don't think so. With MDMA you can select a frequency band from a list of available bands which MDMA obtains by querying the modem.

This is only true for Sierra Wireless modems. With the Huawei and ZTE modems you are simply presented with a choice of the known band selection options.

3G bands 850 and 2100 are available for selection by MDMA, but not 900. And this is proven by the fact that the modem is unable to see a very nearby 900 MHz Cell C tower with band selection on automatic. More distant EDGE and 2100 MHz Cell C towers can be seen. I think Cell C sold me a MF190 with the wrong specification.

I hope you haven't already tried to set this ZTE modem to '2100 MHz Only', I posted the following warning in the MDMA Beta thread:

There have been reports that (some?) ZTE modems are rejecting the AT+ZBANDI=0 command to return the modem to automatic band selection. This could be a big problem for users of UMTS 900 networks. Please do not change the band selection on ZTE modems until further notice.

 

[1geoff99]

This is only true for Sierra Wireless modems. With the Huawei and ZTE modems you are simply presented with a choice of the known band selection options.


I hope you haven't already tried to set this ZTE modem to '2100 MHz Only', I posted the following warning in the MDMA Beta thread:

I tried many things to get this thing to work properly, maybe I did select '2100 MHz only', but I don't remember doing that.

 

[Viva]

I don't think so. With MDMA you can select a frequency band from a list of available bands which MDMA obtains by querying the modem. 3G bands 850 and 2100 are available for selection by MDMA, but not 900. And this is proven by the fact that the modem is unable to see a very nearby 900 MHz Cell C tower with band selection on automatic. More distant EDGE and 2100 MHz Cell C towers can be seen. I think Cell C sold me a MF190 with the wrong specification.

My point is that there must be some kind of issue with your unit, as MF190's work perfectly fine.

 

[1geoff99]

My point is that there must be some kind of issue with your unit, as MF190's work perfectly fine.

Thanks, I appreciate your input. At least now I know that under usual circumstances this modem does work properly.

 

[Cell_C]

Good Day 1geoff99

MF190 is 900MHz compatible.
Try taking your back to store to get tested.
All stick we have are compatible.

Regards
~AM~

 

[ginggs]

Try taking your back to store to get tested.

@1geoff99: Before you do this, I would like to have a look at the modem. I can loan you a Huawei E1820 in exchange.

All stick we have are compatible.

Despite what it says on your website:
http://www.cellc.co.za/dongles/zte/mf190

GSM Support GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900MH
3G UMTS/HSDPA/WCDMA 2100MHz

 

[Cell_C]

@1geoff99: Before you do this, I would like to have a look at the modem. I can loan you a Huawei E1820 in exchange.


Despite what it says on your website:
http://www.cellc.co.za/dongles/zte/mf190

Hi ginngs

was and error on the site.
if you look now its shows : 3G 900Mhz HSPA+ capable Click ME

Regards
~AM~

 

[ginggs]

was and error on the site.

I know, I notified you about it months ago.

if you look now its shows : 3G 900Mhz HSPA+ capable

Doesn't it do 2100MHz anymore?

 

[sajunky]

Doesn't it do 2100MHz anymore?

Well, this is a key question.

 

[Cell_C]

Well, this is a key question.

Yes it is lol.
But as we arr 900MHz we showing it compatible with our network.

REgards
~AM~