Recommended modem for Telkom Mobile (and possibly other networks)

E

ebendl

Expert Member
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Sep 27, 2004
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Can anybody recommend a modem and an external antenna for use with Telkom Mobile?

I'm looking at getting the 10+10GB deal, but I'm on the edge of coverage. I've tested with a pre-paid SIM and it works (with my Cell C modem) but I want to see if a modem with an antenna will make a difference. My signal strength (inside) is -93 dbM at the moment.

Currently I'm looking at something like this: http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/1181...able_antenna_booster_combo_FREE_SHIPPING.html

I am planning on running both Cell C and Telkom Mobile through a Mikrotik router, so I'm not too keen on using a HiLink Huawei modem (the ZTE MF668 that I got from CellC also tends to hang with the router so I'd rather get something more reliable).

Last question: can you use LTE with the 10+10GB contract and would it be worthwhile to go for an LTE dongle? I don't have LTE coverage according to TM's site but I guess that could change in the future.
 
K

kingrob

Guest
See if you can get the Huawei B683 router.

Works on Telkom Mobile, Vodacom and MTN & I have been using it for more than a year with the TM 10GB + 10GB promo.

It can go upto 21Mbps on HSPA+, which is more than enough. :)
 
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ebendl

Expert Member
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Sep 27, 2004
Messages
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While I like the idea, I already have a router and don't really want to connect one router to another - unless you tell me it is *much* more reliable than the dongles?
 
K

kingrob

Guest
ebendl said:
While I like the idea, I already have a router and don't really want to connect one router to another - unless you tell me it is *much* more reliable than the dongles?
Click to expand...

You kidding me? There's no compare.
 
E

ebendl

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Sep 27, 2004
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4,892
Meaning? Much more reliable? Better signal? Much more configurable?
 
E

ebendl

Expert Member
Joined
Sep 27, 2004
Messages
4,892
kingrob said:
Better everything and you don't have an annoying dashboard to have to connect to.
Click to expand...

...except that I won't be using it in a PC in any case. Will be plugged into my Mikrotik router with automatic failover to CellC and Afrihost mobile. So no dashboard software.

Thus unless the reception on it is much better than a dongle I don't really see the point spending R800-R1000 more.
 
F

FireTelkom

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 7, 2006
Messages
485
ebendl said:
...except that I won't be using it in a PC in any case. Will be plugged into my Mikrotik router with automatic failover to CellC and Afrihost mobile. So no dashboard software.

Thus unless the reception on it is much better than a dongle I don't really see the point spending R800-R1000 more.
Click to expand...
Last year Telkom shop only charged about R1000 for a B683
 
K

kingrob

Guest
ebendl said:
...except that I won't be using it in a PC in any case. Will be plugged into my Mikrotik router with automatic failover to CellC and Afrihost mobile. So no dashboard software.

Thus unless the reception on it is much better than a dongle I don't really see the point spending R800-R1000 more.
Click to expand...

Sorry, only read half of it! :(

Any Huawei stick modems will do the trick, I have a K4505, which can do 21Mbps and is da bomb. :)

The ZTE modems looks like crappy quality, as my brother's one did not even last three months before falling apart.
 
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