HSDPA Modems

[Guest]

[roger]

The purpose of this thread is to explore the use of USB HSDPA modems with the OQO 02 or e2 independent of the software constraints of the supplying telcos.

As originator of this thread, I will consolidate answers received here in post #1 so a knowledgebase becomes available.

I see no reason why independent operators will not be able to contract use of existing networks and supply the kind of anywhere, anytime access OQO presages.

[roger]

Anyone know where I can buy a Huawei HSUPA USB Stick E170 ?  I want to use it with my OQO 02 for HSDPA use unfettered by ISP software.

[charlieboy]

Try these guys

+1 619 793 5055 UNITED STATES LANDLINE NUMBER
+353 (0) 1 443 3828 IRELAND LANDLINE NUMBER
+61 (0) 7 3102 5626 AUSTRALIA LANDLINE NUMBER
+ 358 (0)3 7411 8044 FINLAND LANDLINE NUMBER
+44870 879 4969 UNITED KINGDOM

E220 for £160 or $320 USD no one is selling the e170 as it is exclusive to Voda. You can buy it on Voda with an18 month contract and then pay £25 or $50 to these guys and they will unlock for you.

[roger]

Anyone know where I can buy a Huawei HSUPA USB Stick E170 ?  I want to use it with my OQO 02 for HSDPA use unfettered by ISP software.

Thought I'd share my emails to Huawei on the subject "Huawei Mobile Broadband Introduces Smallest HSUPA USB Stick". On  Sun 27/04/2008 12:25 PM I emailed 'support@huawei.com' "Where can I buy one ?"  to which they responded  on Monday, 28 April 2008 1:29 PM with "Dear Sir or Madam:
My I know if you want to buy a single piece or a batch ,if you want to buy a single piece you can contact your local operator .or else The minimum quantity for one purchase order should be more than one thousand (1000) pieces if the destination is overseas, please inform us the destination country, product model and contact details. We'll forward the information to our sales experts.They will contact you if they're interested in the purchase order. Thanks!"

I answered on Mon 28/04/2008 2:17 PM with "I want to buy one Huawei HSUPA USB Stick E170 as shown on your site http://www.huawei.com/mobileweb/en/products/view.do?id=940 ."

Who is my local operator ?

I live in New South Wales, Australia. "

They replied on Mon 28/04/2008 5:56 PM "Dear Sir or Madam
Thank you for your attention to our product!
The tone of the market and after service is different from each country. You are adviced to contact your local Operator which is Operating your local network to buy Best Regards  "

Inscrutable Chinese !  I am none the wiser for my enquiry.

OQO is in the wrong business. USB HSDPA modems for sale in batches of a thousand, but only if we like the colour of your money.

[stuartguthrie]

USB HSDPA modems for sale in batches of a thousand, but only if we like the colour of your money.

At least you'd have plenty of spares - lol. 

Rather frustrating I bet.    Have you tried eBay? I noticed they are selling brand new Huawei modems on there.

Stu

[kyone]

I want to use it with my OQO 02 for HSDPA use unfettered by ISP software.

What do you mean by this ?  You don't need to use ISP software to use these modems.

[roger]

I want to use it with my OQO 02 for HSDPA use unfettered by ISP software.

What do you mean by this ?  You don't need to use ISP software to use these modems.

From somewhere I have got the impression that the memory in these modems can be programmed to make them exclusive to one ISP. I have no knowledge of how they actually work so I am just trying to avoid any purchase linked to an associated ISP.

[DavidT.]

I want to use it with my OQO 02 for HSDPA use unfettered by ISP software.

What do you mean by this ?  You don't need to use ISP software to use these modems.

I think he means he's trying to find an unlocked HSDPA USB modem since HSDPA is all SIM cards. 

[roger]

I think he means he's trying to find an unlocked HSDPA USB modem since HSDPA is all SIM cards.

You are correct. Unlocking a Huawei E220 HSDPA USB Modem advice described here. Mind you, I still have no answer to my initial question: 'Anyone know where I can buy a Huawei HSUPA USB Stick E170 ?' Perhaps OQO should offer them for sale on their e2 site, but please, please not through either dynamism or eXpansys.

[stuartguthrie]

I think he means he's trying to find an unlocked HSDPA USB modem since HSDPA is all SIM cards.

You are correct. Unlocking a Huawei E220 HSDPA USB Modem advice described here. Mind you, I still have no answer to my initial question: 'Anyone know where I can buy a Huawei HSUPA USB Stick E170 ?' Perhaps OQO should offer them for sale on their e2 site, but please, please not through either dynamism or eXpansys.

Hey Rog,

Just incase it helps, there is a seller on eBay selling them brand new for $169. S/he has 99% positive feedback so it might be worth checking out.

Click here to find out more

Stu

[roger]

there is a seller on eBay selling them brand new for $169. S/he has 99% positive feedback so it might be worth checking out.

Click here to find out more

Wrong model!

[24hrs]

erm..ok let's say you all now have yr usb ext modem ie huawei e220 or 270..exactly how do you mount it on the oqo? with a dangling mini usb cord?

I am using a hsdpa oqo but here in hsdpa heaven singapore, i've  only managed to hit up to 1.8mbps (which doesn't exactly translate well with skype video calls) on the go...but funny using the same sim card  on my hsdpa everun with its builtin sierra wireless my everun could easily hit past 3.6mbps....go figure..

so when i used thr usb ext huawei e220 on the oqo..whoa I could easily hit way past 3.6mbps at peak hours..the downside is that the ext usb modem is ugly and although I had  it velcroed to the back of the oqo, it still looks ugly..


so what variations do you all have in using the ext usb hsdpa modem? pics would be nice...tks

[stuartguthrie]

erm..ok let's say you all now have yr usb ext modem ie huawei e220 or 270..exactly how do you mount it on the oqo? with a dangling mini usb cord?

I just use a USB extension cord for mine otherwise the dongle tends to get in the way.

Stu

[24hrs]

yes but where do you stow away yr usb ext modem since one end is pluuged into usb port of yr oqo? in yr pants pcoket? in yr shirt pocket? as in standing in line or say queing up at the bank or walking & surfing on the go as i do often?

it's ironic...my oqo e2 is hsdpa builtin but it is not passing the minimal 1.8mbps so at times (grr too often...) i have to use an ext usb modem that can reach faster speed up to 3.6mbps here in singapore...

so my setup is like with the help of velco...as you can see it does not interfere with my hand dispalcemnt when i type on the go while walking or standing

[kyone]

I use to have a 3G mobile with BT to my OQO.  But I wanted a GSM watch phone and OQO built in 3.5G.  My mobile dies so I got the watch phone but Im waiting for 2G Ram before I get a new OQO with HSDPA.  Dick Smith Electronics here in Aus is one of the few ways to get a 3.5G @ 3Gig/ month for $29 "without" a contract.  But you have to buy the HSDPA modem for $199.

-30% of time I use the USB modem connected to my OQO while sitting at my desk at home.
-50% of time I use it at work at my desk.
-20% when Im walking around I have to stop plug it in and stand around surfing the web with it just hanging off the OQO.  Its a compromise until I get the new OQO (hopefully by then they will also have a faster HSDPA modem)