I purchased two Pay As You Go 3 USB Modems a few months ago from Sainsbury’s reduced from £49.99 to £12! I thought they would come in handy if I needed to go mobile with my notebook. My Orange High-speed circuit-switched data (HSCSD) data card is a little slow these days. I can surf the internet with a speed of 14.4kbit/s or if I use two time slots (bonded) can achieve a blistering speed of 28.8kbit/s, this is over the GSM network.
3 USB Modem Huawei E220 `
The 3 (http//www.three.co.uk) USB Modem is manufactured by Huawei. The model number I’ve purchased is the Huawei E220 HSDPA USB Modem. This model is often called the ‘pebble’, because it resembles a pebble, and is a small ‘dongle’ type device which connects to your computer using a USB cable. Some folk may be put off by this model in favour of the newer “chewing-gum type sticks” modems available.
The issue I have is that 3’s Pay As You Go data tariff involves “topping up” with £10, but this does not roll over to the next month, if a portion remains unused, you need to top-up again. For £10 you are given a data allowance of 1GB. I don’t find this suitable for my use, I’m only going to use this device . occasionally. A much better tariff for me is the ASDA Mobile Pay As You Go Tariff, Calls – 8p per minute, Texts – 4p per text, Data – 20p per 1MB. ASDA mobile phone tariffs are a steal. But unfortunately, you cannot just use an ASDA SIM Card in a mobile phone which is locked to the other vendors network! I tried the ASDA SIM Card in the 3 USB Modem, and although it recognises the PIN number, it states “invalid SIM”. This is because the 3 USB Modem is SIM Locked to the 3 Network.
Luckily there are software programs that can over-ride this lock. I’ve used the following procedure to over-ride the lock in a 3 USB Modem (Huawei E220) and replace the 3 SIM Card with an ASDA SIM Card. Your mileage may vary, and I will not be held responsible if this procedure fails, and turns your 3 USB Modem into a brick (breaks it!).
- Remove SIM Card from USB Modem.
- Connect USB Modem to computer.
- Download DC-Unlocker Client v1.00.0267 from authors-site or here.
- Install the above software on your computer where you have installed the 3 USB Modem.
- Start the DC-Unlocker Client on your computer.
- Click Buy Credits. You’ll need to register with the DC-Unlocker website, and purchase 15 credits. (15 Euros) to unlock the E220.
- Input your username and password into the DC-Unlocker Client, it should verify your details and confirm your credits.
- Do not change any other settings. Make sure select manufacturers – Huawei datacards is selected, and select model is set to automatic.
- Click the Magnifying glass.
- With no SIM card installed the following will appear
DC – Unlocker 2 Client 1.00.0267
Detecting card :
selection :
manufacturer – Huawei datacards
model – Huawei E220
application port – COM4
diagnostic port – COM5
Found modem : E220
Model : Huawei E220
IMEI : 35xxxxxxxxxxxx8
Firmware : 11.117.09.01.156
Dashboard version : HOST01.11.118.01.19.156_MAC11.201.05.00.156
Serial NR. : Exxxxxxxxxxxxxx6
SIM Lock status : Locked (Card Lock)
-
Click Unlocking, Unlock
-
The following output will confirm lock staus
-
Unlocking, please wait …
Card successfully unlocked ! -
Credits left : 0
-
Click the Magnify glass again, the following will appear
DC – Unlocker 2 Client 1.00.0267
Detecting card :
selection :
manufacturer – Huawei datacards
model – Huawei E220
application port – COM4
diagnostic port – COM5
Found modem : E220
Model : Huawei E220
IMEI : 3xxxxxxxxxxxxx8
Firmware : 11.117.09.01.156
Dashboard version : HOST01.11.118.01.19.156_MAC11.201.05.00.156
Serial NR. : Exxxxxxxxxxxxxx6
SIM Lock status : unlocked
-
The USB Modem is unlocked.
-
Exit DC-Unlocker.
-
Remove USB modem from computer.
-
DC-Unlocker client works for me with the above firmware.
-
If you re-insert your 3 SIM Card and connect to computer, the 3 software should still function.
-
To use another SIM to connect to internet requires the Uninstallation of the 3 software and the installation of generic Mobile Partner Software from here.
-
Install the Mobile Partner Software from above.
-
After installation, and only after a successful installation connect the USB Modem.
-
Plug ‘N’ Pray should install new drivers for the USB Modem.
-
Start Mobile Partner and create a new Profile for ASDA, ASDA uses the Vodafone network, but doesn’t use the Vodafone APN!
-
Open Mobile Partner application, choose Tools – Options – Profile Management – Click New
-
Create a new profile. e.g. ASDA or Vodafone
-
Select APN – Static – APN name is asdamobiles.co.uk
-
Authentication – Access number – *99#
-
username and password – web/web.
-
You could create a Three Profile, details are APN – APN
3internet. Username and password – leave blank. -
Hopefully you be able to click connect and use the Internet via ASDA mobile network.
-
I think the generic version of Mobile Partner is a much better application than the “noddy” 3 USB Modem application.
-
The above procedure may work with different providers.
Related Posts:
Tags: 3g, asda, asdamobile, broadband, computer, e220, gprs, gsm, hscsd, huawei, huawei e220, vodafone