MTN fixed LTE allowed routers

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sn0bl1nd

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I need to move away from Webafrica and their non-existent customer support.

I currently have the 50mbps fixed lte package with them which is as slow af in the evenings but that's most likely a saturated tower.

Now, I want to get the 50mbps package at Openweb but they refuse to sell it to me because my router, a TP-Link Archer MR600, isn't one of MTN's allowed routers (Huawei B525, Huawei B612, Huawei B618, ZTE MF286, Huawei B535-932, Huawei B818-263, VIDA CPE4000-PRO and Billion BiPAC 8206 AZ, and ZTE 5G CPE MC801A.)

Someone please ELI5. Why would Webafrica, Afrihost and Axxess sell the TP-Link router and have it work with the MTN package but Openweb can't?
 
I will agree. This is silly considering one cant make use of Mikrotik LHG outdoor routers which would be perfect for remote & rural customers.
 
I can answer this one - The routers are tested in the lab, with minimum requirements looked at before bringing the device to market, if a device fails then it's not added.
When you sign up for a new package, you should get a new router that can handle it, or are you just trying to get the sim-only package?
One last thing - it doesn't matter what ISP you have, they should still be running off of the same tower, so you're not really making things better by porting to a different one.
 
Thanks for the insight Voldemort.

Could you elaborate on those minimum requirements and perhaps lab test requirements?
 
sn0bl1nd said:
Someone please ELI5. Why would Webafrica, Afrihost and Axxess sell the TP-Link router and have it work with the MTN package but Openweb can't?
Click to expand...
Did you ask Openweb to confirm with MTN that the Archer MR600 (EU) is not approved. It's possible that they have an outdated list of approved routers.

This is the list of approved routers for the Afrihost Pure LTE service.

BILLION: BiPAC 8206 AZ • HUAWEI: 5G CPE PRO 2, B2368 (-22, -57, -66), B525S (-23A,65A, -95A), B535-932, B612 (-233, -533), B612S (-25D, -51D, -52D), B618S (-22D, -65D, -66D), B818-263 • MIKROTIK: Chateu LTE12 • TP-LINK: Archer MR600 (EU) 2.0 • VIDA: CPE4000-PLUS, CPE4000-PRO • ZTE: 5G CPE MC801A, MF286 (A, C, C1, D, R) • ZYXEL: LTE7460, LTE7480-M804
 
Peon said:
Thanks for the insight Voldemort.

Could you elaborate on those minimum requirements and perhaps lab test requirements?
Click to expand...
I can't go into too many specifics, but it generally revolves around carrier aggregation/ downlink uplink config or a list of bands that correspond to the network, even how it idles when not in use.
If a router fails any of these parameters then it's not considered on the list of approved devices.
 
I had a suspicion carrier aggregation capabilities would be important. What aroused my suspicion was Afrihost's approval of the Mikrotik Chateau LTE12.

Appreciating you can not divulge specifics, why would the MikroTik ATL18 LTE18 Wide Band Outdoor CPE not be meeting criteria as an example? Would a topic like TR-069 facilities be relevant or would that be specifics?
 
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Voldemort said:
I can answer this one - The routers are tested in the lab, with minimum requirements looked at before bringing the device to market, if a device fails then it's not added.
When you sign up for a new package, you should get a new router that can handle it, or are you just trying to get the sim-only package?
One last thing - it doesn't matter what ISP you have, they should still be running off of the same tower, so you're not really making things better by porting to a different one.
Click to expand...
That does make sense yes. If what you're saying is correct, then my current router should be adequate and they shouldn't deny selling me their product. Either that or those ISPs shouldn't be selling the TP-Link router.

I just want the SIM-only package.

I'm trying to move away from the bad customer service as well, not to mention the better T's and C's.
 
Jake45 said:
Did you ask Openweb to confirm with MTN that the Archer MR600 (EU) is not approved. It's possible that they have an outdated list of approved routers.

This is the list of approved routers for the Afrihost Pure LTE service.

BILLION: BiPAC 8206 AZ • HUAWEI: 5G CPE PRO 2, B2368 (-22, -57, -66), B525S (-23A,65A, -95A), B535-932, B612 (-233, -533), B612S (-25D, -51D, -52D), B618S (-22D, -65D, -66D), B818-263 • MIKROTIK: Chateu LTE12 • TP-LINK: Archer MR600 (EU) 2.0 • VIDA: CPE4000-PLUS, CPE4000-PRO • ZTE: 5G CPE MC801A, MF286 (A, C, C1, D, R) • ZYXEL: LTE7460, LTE7480-M804
Click to expand...

I did in fact.

This was their first response.

Fixed MTN can only allow devices which have been network approved by MTN. This range of Cat6 devices includes: Huawei B525, Huawei B612, Huawei B618, ZTE MF286, Huawei B535-932, Huawei B818-263, VIDA CPE4000-PRO and Billion BiPAC 8206 AZ, and ZTE 5G CPE MC801A

Regrettably, the solution will not work with any other router.
And their second one.
Yes, with our Fixed MTN products, MTN requires only those above routers and sadly do not support other router options I am afraid :(

I even directed them to the LTE signup pages of Webafrica, Afrihost and Axxess.

It feels like they're just being purposely obtuse, anything that doesn't fit their script gets denied.
 
sn0bl1nd said:
Regrettably, the solution will not work with any other router.
And their second one.
Yes, with our Fixed MTN products, MTN requires only those above routers and sadly do not support other router options I am afraid :(

I even directed them to the LTE signup pages of Webafrica, Afrihost and Axxess.

It feels like they're just being purposely obtuse, anything that doesn't fit their script gets denied.
Click to expand...
Can you ask them to give you a trial SIM card with a few GBs of data for testing purposes. It might work with the TP-Link router even though Openweb says it won't. Alternatively you should be able to find an approved cheap secondhand router from Cash Crusaders or Gumtree etc. (~R500) or you could consider switching to Afrihost or Axxess.
 
Jake45 said:
Can you ask them to give you a trial SIM card with a few GBs of data for testing purposes. It might work with the TP-Link router even though Openweb says it won't. Alternatively you should be able to find an approved cheap secondhand router from Cash Crusaders or Gumtree etc. (~R500) or you could consider switching to Afrihost or Axxess.
Click to expand...
I'll see if they'll let me test it, but I doubt it. I'm trying to not buy another another router though. Strongly thinking of alternatives.

Thanks!
 
Voldemort said:
I can't go into too many specifics, but it generally revolves around carrier aggregation/ downlink uplink config or a list of bands that correspond to the network, even how it idles when not in use.
If a router fails any of these parameters then it's not considered on the list of approved devices.
Click to expand...
I use a TP Link 6400 with MTN...works great...until there is no activity and then I lose conenction...Especially at night.

Not too much of a big deal except for my CCTV when I go out but now I just leave an old phone on using internet radio and its fine...I will upgrade the router though when I have some spare cash.
 
sn0bl1nd said:
I'll see if they'll let me test it, but I doubt it. I'm trying to not buy another another router though. Strongly thinking of alternatives.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I installed some CCTV cameras for a friend a few weeks ago, she has the MR600....So far no issues and thats using a prepaid MTN SIM card and the Super Data packages.
 
Any LTE router will work. You are not trying to squeeze the last 1% of throughput. I fitted a MTN SIM to my neighbours old Huawei router and it works 100%
 
chrisc said:
Any LTE router will work. You are not trying to squeeze the last 1% of throughput. I fitted a MTN SIM to my neighbours old Huawei router and it works 100%
Click to expand...
Did they not say they will block a fixed MTN sim card if used in the wrong router
 
Jake45 said:
Did you ask Openweb to confirm with MTN that the Archer MR600 (EU) is not approved. It's possible that they have an outdated list of approved routers.

This is the list of approved routers for the Afrihost Pure LTE service.

BILLION: BiPAC 8206 AZ • HUAWEI: 5G CPE PRO 2, B2368 (-22, -57, -66), B525S (-23A,65A, -95A), B535-932, B612 (-233, -533), B612S (-25D, -51D, -52D), B618S (-22D, -65D, -66D), B818-263 • MIKROTIK: Chateu LTE12 • TP-LINK: Archer MR600 (EU) 2.0 • VIDA: CPE4000-PLUS, CPE4000-PRO • ZTE: 5G CPE MC801A, MF286 (A, C, C1, D, R) • ZYXEL: LTE7460, LTE7480-M804
Click to expand...
Do you mind send me link four all the routers? can't find it on their page. Want to forward it to a friend
 
chrisc said:
Any LTE router will work. You are not trying to squeeze the last 1% of throughput. I fitted a MTN SIM to my neighbours old Huawei router and it works 100%
Click to expand...
Thats a negative Chris, they don't like my perfectly adequate for other ISP TP-Link MR6400




Zzzz, cancelled


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Anthro said:
Thats a negative Chris, they don't like my perfectly adequate for other ISP TP-Link MR6400




Zzzz, cancelled


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Click to expand...
Did your 6400 work OK then before the SIM was blocked? For me while there is constant activity I have no issues but if it idles for a few minutes then I have to reset my router....
 
Jam Sandwich said:
Did your 6400 work OK then before the SIM was blocked? For me while there is constant activity I have no issues but if it idles for a few minutes then I have to reset my router....
Click to expand...
Yes, I have been using my RAIN, Telkom, Vodacom SIM and even Native MTN SIM in that device for quite some time now - no issues
It was my failover / loadbalance connection
 
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