DStv Fixed LTE routers

CipheredMind

CipheredMind

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Does anyone know if DStv SIM locks / carrier locks their ZTE fixed LTE routers?
And if they allow customers who are paid up to change SIMs. Can't find any info in their preferred channels nor would customer care answer me.
 
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Solved - it seems like the first of these routers are end of life (ZTE MF285) but newer ones don't have unreasonable locking so if the router is still good, and you own it, you can switch providers without too much complexity.
 
I have one of their MF286C routers that I've flashed with OpenWRT but can't seem to connect to other networks. I want to test a theory someone suggested - do you happen to have the APN for Dstv FLTE still? I just want to see if it's maybe APN locked.
 
camsaway said:
I have one of their MF286C routers that I've flashed with OpenWRT but can't seem to connect to other networks. I want to test a theory someone suggested - do you happen to have the APN for Dstv FLTE still? I just want to see if it's maybe APN locked.
Click to expand...
The ISP normally locks these devices onto a network for a reason; tampering with their firmware isn't allowed for reasons you probably know already.

And yes, the sim profile loaded by DSTV is APN locked.
 
Thanks for the confirmation!
So seeing as I've paid for my router and finished the contract I'll need to ask them to unlock it then.

This'll be fun!
 
camsaway said:
Thanks for the confirmation!
So seeing as I've paid for my router and finished the contract I'll need to ask them to unlock it then.

This'll be fun
Click to expand...
You've piqued my curiosity, though. The packages have a fixed amount, then you get FUP? If that's the case, then you might have some issues, as flashing these devices should have an option to relieve bandwidth throttling, but I'm hoping you can message me with how things go?
 
Will do. I've mailed them to unlock the device.

Nudge me if I don't post their answer in the next 2 weeks (they are very slow with odd requests in my experience)
 
Voldemort said:
The ISP normally locks these devices onto a network for a reason; tampering with their firmware isn't allowed for reasons you probably know already.

And yes, the sim profile loaded by DSTV is APN locked.
Click to expand...

Interesting that flashing OpenWRT can't get around this
 
Hey Guys,

Anyone got one of these to hand with the DSTV firmware on it still?
I think they are talking garbage, but they said to go into the website listed on the sticker on the bottom of the router (which is just the admin interface of the router), with the password on the sticker and you can unlock it. And I guess I need to at least try but can't on my own unit.

The first 3 agents all said no, before a 4th one said sorry for inconvenience and wrong info - just do this.

@Segg - there are multiple sets of firmware in the devices. OpenWRT runs off NAND from the main processor and DRAM. It communicates to the modem which is actually a mini-PCIe card modem - there is more firmware on the card modem and that's where this locking has been implemented - similar to mobile networks locking a mobile handset.

Cheers
 
Hi, Just FYI - Win/Loss.

The did confirm that they can unlock the devices through an escalation to their back-office IT support (they generate an unlock key). However, there has to be the original DSTV SIM card present and active in the device for them to do so. I no longer have such SIM card and apparently I can't get a replacement - the SIM cards are paired with the device in their systems.

Not sure if I completely believe that, but if anyone has a device, has completed their contract and wants to try giving it a go, please let me know how you go. (Nmthandazo from [email protected] was the one who gave me that info. DM me if you get stuck and I'll share the enquiry reference number)
 
I believe they are running an MVNO setup, currently with MTN (though an MVNO can move). An MTN SIM doesn't work and it would also explain why you need a DSTv SIM card for them to unlock (the device needs to be active on their network)
 
I'm curious, can one not take the modem out, chuck it into a mini-PCIe slot in their computer and flash original firmware onto it that way?
 
I'm sure you could but I couldn't find any stock firmware. ZTE wouldn't supply it. It's a carrier only not retail device model.
 
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