LTE CPE B593 now on prepaid

[Azimuth]

I know a few people have already confirmed this but here's a an official thread for it. The TM shop also said that very soon, instead of 60+60GB, they will offer 120GB anytime. This is fantastic news for me and I can't wait for the official release.



Just to confirm, the B593 above is still the B593u-91 model, which doesn't support MTN, Vodacom and Cell C. Also the units being sold do come with 2 small white external antennas.



Edit: dedicated thread for the B593 is here http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showpost.php?p=11568167

 

[oomdomy]

I'm planning to get myself one, how is the performance?

 

[Azimuth]

It's a really nice unit. The mere fact that is has 2 external antenna ports for a fixed LTE installation makes it top of the log. So far it has been very robust (my first one, will have to see with the second one) with no major complaints.

The internal 802.11b/g/n wireless is not the best but is what one would expect from internal antennas...no more than 2*2dBi I imagine (can't find the spec on the net, strangely). If you have more than an apartment, you'll need a repeating product such as the Huawei WS320 or WS322 to extend the wireless range. I've tested the B593 with 3 * WS322 repeaters to get maximum wireless coverage in my house.

The max LTE/4G sync rate is 100Mbps down and 50Mbps up. Strangely the flagship E5776 MiFi syncs up to 150Mbps so I don't know why the B593 also can't sync to 150Mbps. However, unlike the E5776 MiFi which only supports 10 wireless clients, the B593 supports 32 wireless clients.

Then of course there's also the the 4 * 10/100 LAN ports and the VoiP and SIP support (I've yet to test this myself). There's also the USB support where the unit can act as a file server of sorts, complete with user rights management.

I don't know of a better LTE router out there.

 

[Romito]

Price? Also some speedtests would be nice.

 

[Azimuth]

Prices per the image I posted - which is from the December 2013 TM catalog.

If you can't see the image for whatever reason:

* R2649 once-off on prepaid with 5+5GB included (effective hardware cost is R2300.00)
* R3299 once-off on prepaid with 25+25GB included (same effective cost as above)
* R4099 once-off on prepaid with 60+60GB included (effective hardware cost is R2299.00)
* R399pm * 36 on contract with 10GB pm
* R499pm * 36 on contact with 15GB pm
* R699pm * 36 on contact with 20GB pm
* R1299pm * 36 on contact with 50GB pm

All my speedtests are here: http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showpost.php?p=11221395

 

[D tj]

Hi WW, I am hoping to use this: T-Mobile LTE sim'd, hard - wired to my Mac Time Capsule to feed my flat.
Do you think it will be a good move, as I currently use CellC...Telkom say Lte coverage ought to be available in my area shortly,map shows 500m- 1000m away, or ought I to look for another router?
Thanks!

 

[Azimuth]

Can't vouch for the T-Mobile. Try borrow a TM LTE dongle from someone to confirm coverage, then you can get the B593.

 

[D tj]

Not asking about the coverage, will test that shortly as you suggest.
It's the LTE router / Mac combination I'm questioning, and if there isn't a better Lte router to buy...a" take any network sim" model?

 

[Azimuth]

The Time Capsule would work but is a rather tacky solution if you have to hardwire anything but a short distance. You could probably just disable the AP, connect it to an open LAN port on the B593, then simply connect to the B593 WLAN.

There is an all-network device, think it's the U-12. It's not sold in SA though. For LTE, the B593 is currently the best hardware available.

Edit: corrected all-network model.

 

[D tj]

Thanks for that,

 

[Reelix]

The TM shop also said that very soon, instead of 60+60GB, they will offer 120GB anytime.

Holy hells - Seriously?!? Afrihost will have a heart attack if they keep the R1800 price (Or even up it a bit ;D)

I was thinking of just getting the E3276 as I'm the only one who will use it (Although will still need to scour Durban for a CRC9 antenna cable - Those things only seem to sell in JHB, and can't order since I have no official home address to due various complicated situations )

 

[D tj]

Had a gent from Blue Tech Telkom Mobile come and test: I have full signal LTE...B593 modem paid for, awaiting delivery!

 

[Azimuth]

Congrats, welcome to the club! Why not do a full write-up for us?

 

[D tj]

Thanks, I work with wood, this tech stuff is a bit out of my league, but will see what I can do.
LTE for me is a bit like giving an 80 year old a new Ferrari!

 

[Azimuth]

A story from different perspectives will always be interesting. Please do tell.

 

[D tj]

Update: I did the EFT last night @ 6.39pm, the gent phoned me this morning just after 8 am, arrived @ 9.30 up and running by 9.40, this included having taken the details of my 8ta 60/60 gig 3G sim which I purchased on Sunday.
He transferred the balance and converted it all to LTE on an LTE sim!!

It is a tad faster than my CellC 3G (50/150 Giga) which in itself was pretty good!

Overall I can honestly say that my dealings with the then 8ta now Telkom shop in Canal Walk and now this has been SUPERB!!!

I have the B593 feeding my Apple Time Capsule via an ethernet cable, and then running on the 5 Ghz for my Macs.

 

[Azimuth]

Awesome! Please post your speedtests here: http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?t=562231

 

[Hosehead]

I know a few people have already confirmed this but here's a an official thread for it. The TM shop also said that very soon, instead of 60+60GB, they will offer 120GB anytime. This is fantastic news for me and I can't wait for the official release.

View attachment 83017

Just to confirm, the B593 above is still the B593u-91 model, which doesn't support MTN, Vodacom and Cell C. Also the units being sold do come with 2 small white external antennas.



Edit: dedicated thread for the B593 is here http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showpost.php?p=11568167

WW are you saying that the LTE CPE B593 is actually better than upgraded versions? As far as I can tell the B593 is on it third incarnation overseas ? I don't know if the first version is still the best for futurebility?

Not so far fetched as vodacoms's old 272 dongle is still the gold standard of 3g in that it could be wired for external antenna or the base plate could have an antenna attached.

 

[Azimuth]

Upgraded versions? I'm not sure I follow? The B593 is a very new release worldwide. There are no upgraded versions, only sub models catering for different FDD or TDD bands (LTE bands). There isn't even any new firmware, just custom stuff floating around in Sweden - nothing official.

Edit: "very new" equals an October 2011 release:
http://pr.huawei.com/en/news/hw-093998-routerltetddwireless.htm#.Uo9HjX8aySM

 

[Hosehead]

I was reading an asian forum and i understood there was a firmware release last month but maybe i misinterpreted the sub models as new ones ah well we only get one here and thats the Cpe b593 in any colour you like as long as its white.