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Sign up with GoogleHuawei E220
- Thread starter Fox1
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D1RTY D4WG
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Won't work on their network using the 900 whatever band. You have to get another modem that can.
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Cell-C does use 2100MHz in some areas in addition to 900MHz:
http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/343101
Fox1
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There's no 2100mhz 3G coverage in my area but I'm getting 900mhz HSDPA coverage on my phone.
Best deal I can find on a HSDPA USB modem is R599+3gb data at Cell C.
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Don't just buy the cheapest modem you can find, see what other users are recommending:
http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/504742-mobile-3g-speedstick-usb-modem-which-to-buy
Also have a look at the first post of this thread:
http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/264355
Rather get a 3G router like the Huawei B660. It's also got an external antenna connector. If your 3G connection is your primary internet then it's definitely worthwhile to get a proper 3G router with a good directional LPDA antenna mounted on your roof. Your latency and speeds will dramatically improve and your connection will be far more consistent plus of course you can share your connection with all the other devices in your house.
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I agree with getting a good directional antenna, but what's wrong with a good modem with an external antenna connector and a standalone broadband router?
You have a cheap and easy upgrade path when LTE beocomes more widespread, and if you have a laptop you can easily unplug the modem and take it with you.
The problem is I've yet to come across a 3G usb modem with a good external antenna connection. Either the connector isn't working, or it's a diversity antenna which can only transmit externally one way, or the modem tends to overheat when in the 3G router. I've never had any problems with the Huawei fully integrated routers like the B660 or the older B970B. They just get the job done and are very reliable.
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I've found the Huawei E272, K4605 (E372) and [-]K3276[/-] E3276 to have all been good. The E367 seems to be well regarded too.
The external connector on the E1820 was not so good, it worked better with an inductive coupler.
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Awesome, I'll have a look at those. I agree that using a USB modem definitely allows for easier upgrading in the future. If I can find a decent modem/router combo that works as well as the B660 with an external antenna that would be great.
The Huawei E220 does not support the Cell C 3G network unfortunately.
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Been there, done that. Please try and keep up.
E367 is more power hungry than E272, I found it stops responding on older computers at times. It works well of course when plugged-in to a good USB port.
I think we can safetly recommend fully integrated routers. Due to the size they don't overheat so easy, internal antenna's are larger (better sensitivity), good SMA connector don't breaks at times and an internal battery in some models keeps power-hungry 3G device at the full control. In my opinion there is no straight comparison with USB modems also because there are fully portable and here is no hassle with positioning such device in good reception area, which always gives good results.