Unlocking [Vodafone UK] Huawei E220 modem

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dwinter

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Hi - does anyone know how to unlock a Huawei E220 modem?

I have a card that was bought in the UK and has been locked to the Vodafone network.

I have tried a Vodacom sim, but just get error messages saying that I need to insert a Vodafone sim (Apple Mac) or must be on the Vodafone network (PC).

I've asked various Vodacom people and none of them seem to know.

Any ideas?
 
dwinter said:
Hi - does anyone know how to unlock a Huawei E220 modem?

I have a card that was bought in the UK and has been locked to the Vodafone network.

I have tried a Vodacom sim, but just get error messages saying that I need to insert a Vodafone sim (Apple Mac) or must be on the Vodafone network (PC).

I've asked various Vodacom people and none of them seem to know.

Any ideas?
Click to expand...

As explained via PM, Vodacom don't have the software to unlock this modem for you.

Did you ask Vodafone as suggested? Or else maybe someone knows of a hack?
 
Ja, emailed Vodafone, but am not expecting a reply too soon...

There's a person in Spain who says they can unlock it - will cost 20 Euros - but there's also the risk of not getting it back etc...
 
FYI:

From Vodafone re unlocking the Huawei E220 Vodafone USB modem:

"I re-checked it with our USB modems specialist before getting back to you.
I’m afraid as far as Vodafone is concerned the USB modems can’t be unlocked."

Regards,

Shaz Arif
Data Support Advisor
Vodafone Technical Customer Support
Enterprise Business Unit
 
Yotch said:
Sent you some private mail ...
Click to expand...

Why don't you contact the local Huawei office. Maybe they can help you.
If you wan't to try, download the firmware from Vodacom's download page & then force flash the modem. I would guess that the lock is done via the firmware. And then use which ever Dashboard you prefer. See posts in E220 software thread.

Huawei JHB Office.
Leslie Emslie
Terminal Engineer
Huawei Technologies
Tel (011) 517-9800
Fax (011) 517-9801
Email : [email protected]
 
Hi,

If somebody can shed a light on my situation it will be greatly appreciated.

I have a network-locked Huawei E220 modem, which means I cannot use SIM card other than the one supplied by the network provider. If another card is inserted, the dashboard says "SIM/USIM card does not exist or unavailable".

Now I have searched this forum high and low, and have done following things:
1. Upgrade my firmware to Vista version 11.110.05.00.67 (I use XP but read that this firmware works fine with XP)
2. Upgrade my dashboard with Huawei's latest version (UTPS11.002.03.04.03) with Mobile Partner application.

After all is done, I tried using my provided sim card and it works fine as usual. But when I inserted different card (this card has been tested to be 3G ready and works in another environment), I still get the invalid card message.

Is my modem hardware-locked ?

Please help as I am really desperate right now.

Thanks,
Charles
 
indosatm2 said:
Hi,

If somebody can shed a light on my situation it will be greatly appreciated.

I have a network-locked Huawei E220 modem, which means I cannot use SIM card other than the one supplied by the network provider. If another card is inserted, the dashboard says "SIM/USIM card does not exist or unavailable".

Now I have searched this forum high and low, and have done following things:
1. Upgrade my firmware to Vista version 11.110.05.00.67 (I use XP but read that this firmware works fine with XP)
2. Upgrade my dashboard with Huawei's latest version (UTPS11.002.03.04.03) with Mobile Partner application.

After all is done, I tried using my provided sim card and it works fine as usual. But when I inserted different card (this card has been tested to be 3G ready and works in another environment), I still get the invalid card message.

Is my modem hardware-locked ?

Please help as I am really desperate right now.

Thanks,
Charles
Click to expand...

Which supplier sim are you trying to use.

What is the Firmware version of your E220 modem?

:cool:
 
E220 question>

wondering if i got a modem from the uk will it work here?
if it doesn't, what must i do to get it work?
 
The devices from outside South Africa are often network locked. So either you need to ensure it is unlocked or you will have to find someone who can unlock it for you.
 
Usually locked devices are cheaper than unlocked ones.

You might be able to get the unlock code free of charge from the network - always worth a try. Here is the procedure to request an unlock code from Vodafone UK.
http://www.3g.co.uk/3GForum/showthread.php?t=67901

Alternatively you could pay R120 to get an E220 unlocked in SA.
http://www.gumtree.co.za/capetown/01/18524601.html

This company can unlock an E220 over the internet without posting it to them (you may need to buy credits using a Paypal account).
http://www.kulankendi.com

Sometimes they offer free unlocking 'gifts'. If you check back regularly maybe they might have something for Easter?
http://forum.gsmhosting.net/vbb/showthread.php?t=481456
 
If you're in the UK the best place to go is "Carphone Warehouse" who have stores all over the place. They sell SIM free unlocked cellular products. Don't be tempted to buy on pre-pay (even if it looks like a great deal) as ALL networks lock their (3G) cards (and handsets for that matter) to their network. Vodafone in the UK not only lock their pre-pay handsets, they also use a sub-lock that allows only pre-pay SIM cards to be used!! Stick a Vodafone contract SIM in and it will not accept it!

In Europe networks must give you the unlock code for free at either the end of your contract or when you've used enough pre-pay airtime to cover any (so called) subsidy. That is a EU Directive and of course the network will give you the code for free... but sting you for an administration charger between 20 and 40 GBP.

The days of buying a cheap pre-pay handset in the UK and getting it unlocked here in SA have long since gone. Most modern handsets can not be unlocked without some rather expensive equipment and because no cellular handsets of any value are network locked here, not many cellular outlets have invested in such kit!

They can still be unlocked but usually only via server and a payment. I did a Nokia 6280 last week and it cost me 20 GBP trade! So, you'll be looking at R400 to R500 to unlock your "cheap UK handset" and your savings will have been lost!
 
Last edited:
Hey people,

I have a similar problem. I discovered that the e220 modem I bought 2nd hand, is network locked to the Vodafone UK network. I have flashed the firmware and updated the dashboard software but to no avail. I have been to several Vodafone/Vodacare shops and spent countless hours on the phone to Vodafone consultants but no-one can tell how to remove the network lock or if it's even possible. I need to know urgently because I have just 4 days left to return the product.

Thanks in advance.
 
thync said:
Hey people,

I have a similar problem. I discovered that the e220 modem I bought 2nd hand, is network locked to the Vodafone UK network. I have flashed the firmware and updated the dashboard software but to no avail. I have been to several Vodafone/Vodacare shops and spent countless hours on the phone to Vodafone consultants but no-one can tell how to remove the network lock or if it's even possible. I need to know urgently because I have just 4 days left to return the product.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

go look at bid or buy website under hsdpa and you will find someone that can help;)
i did and the guy is great. no it is not me
 
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