HSDPA Modems

[Guest]

[stuartguthrie]

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

Sorry, I misunderstood. I generally don't use the internet when walking around so this isn't a problem for me, but thanks for the pants pocket suggestion (that's a great idea!).

Stu

[rjoelshipp]

I use an AT&T 3G HSPDA usb adaptor on my OQO. Works great!

[debugy2k]

I use an AT&T 3G HSPDA usb adaptor on my OQO. Works great!

Yea I use that too.  But it is annoying to carry an extra thing around since the AT&T usb adaptor is like 1/4 the size of the oqo..lol

Sometimes I'm just too lazy to bring it along and use the built-in verizon modem for $15 per day usage charge.

[rjoelshipp]

That's true. It is big.

[newworld666]

I use an HSDPA HTC dual touch with BT shared internet WM6 function... it's perfect and doesn't drain the OQO battery .. it works in 5seconds like a charm...

[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.

True to my purpose outlined  in post 1 of this thread, I have purchased an iCON 225 HSDPA USB Stick for Wireless Broadband so I can explore the matter.

iCON 225 installs Globe Trotter Connect without the need to run any other software.

With a BigPond 3G SIM card registration to a Telstra EDGE network occurs. (Diagnostic report  below.)  As expected, attempts to connect fail as no account is established.
With a UK Vodafone SIM card nothing is detected.

The iCON site has some useful FAQ details that I am exploring.

Local ISP Telstra franchise shops are just hardware sales outlets and can provide no technical help whatsoever. I can see they are in denial that I am able to register to the Telstra network without any of their hardware or software. Telstra BigPond website is of no help. Other ISPs offer very limited WWAN. Vodafone is quite separate from their UK parent. Optus, controlled by Singtel, is a 'virtual' independent created as a 'sweetener' by the Australian government who sold Telstra for short term profit several years ago.

No local ISP offers prepaid blocks of wireless broadband download/upload capacity independent of time - most want contracts of up to 3 years - so any independent WWAN access method not obvious.

Investigation continues. Useful contributions appreciated.


Relevant Unedited Diagnostic Report follows:
Hardware Test
Card name: GlobeTrotter HSDPA Modem
Application port: COM3
Card serial number: DR2983S37E
Firmware version: 2.5.13Hd (Date: Feb 18 2008, Time: 18:32:40)
Hardware version: 2.0
IMEI number: 359741014696872
ICCID number: 98161015002920000069
Phone number(s)
Operational Test
PIN code status: Ready
Network name: Telstra
Network selection mode: Automatic
Signal strength: 8,0
Network settings
CS network registration: Registered
PS network registration: Registered
PS network attachment: Attached
APN(s)

[kyone]

Does the mode support the more unusual 850Mz signal of Telstra ?

Dick smith sell USB modems for $200 with 3G for $29/month with 'no contract' with the 3 network.  Some 3 stores allow you to walk in and get a SIM with 2G for $29 with no contract.

You should never need 3rd party software to run USB modems.  Plug in the modem.. let it do its full install then under phones and modems in the control panel you should see the new modem.  Then set up a new DUN connection and select this modem.. You will need to know the ISP phone number (for 3 it is *99#).  It has worked every time for me, with all different kind of modems and is a lot faster in making the connection.

[roger]

Does the mode support the more unusual 850Mz signal of Telstra ?

Dick smith sell USB modems for $200 with 3G for $29/month with 'no contract' with the 3 network.  Some 3 stores allow you to walk in and get a SIM with 2G for $29 with no contract.

You should never need 3rd party software to run USB modems.  Plug in the modem.. let it do its full install then under phones and modems in the control panel you should see the new modem.  Then set up a new DUN connection and select this modem.. You will need to know the ISP phone number (for 3 it is *99#).  It has worked every time for me, with all different kind of modems and is a lot faster in making the connection.

Replies...
Yes.
iCON 225 Features:
Small USB stick form factor 63 x 26 x 13 mm, weight of only 40 g
Multimode HSDPA / UMTS / EDGE / GPRS / GSM
Worldwide coverage with quad-band EDGE / GPRS / GSM
HSDPA up to 7.2 Mbps
EDGE / GPRS / GSM data (up to 247 kbps) connectivity
Zero-CD Plug ‘n’ Play technology supported by 64 MB internal ‘nand’ memory

3 seems limited to capital cities.

Modem installed easily manually. Initially Diagnostics worked but now can't query modem as
COM3 hardware conflict reported.

(Subsequent note: This problem was of my own making - I had the modem unplugged and a Dekart SIM card reader plugged into the slot. Vista Configuration Manager (I hope that's what its called) reported the modem operating normally !)

Suspect Telstra WWAN code is #100# as this is listed on the BigPond 3G SIM card phone book. (Purchased earlier with an unusable on my then VAIO 3G PCMCIA modem for a non-refundable charge of $299.)
DUN setup requires an account which I do not have.

Suspect my rural location, Byron Bay, precludes anything but Telstra EDGE connection.

I am way out of my depth in technical understanding of how WWAN operates and what is really available. Lots of words on Telstras internet site carefully conceal costs and performance.

What is behind all this is my desire for a WWAN on my OQO 02 in UK for 7 weeks from mid August preferably set up before I go and at a reasonable cost say no more than £100 for 2GB of data.

Telstra BigPond WWAN published international roaming charge of $15 per MB ($15,000 per GB) plus flag fall is ridiculous.

None of this helped by congestion on my Telstra 8000/384 connection currently experiencing ever more frequent timeouts and internet drop outs while their help desks are in denial and just don't want to know.

[kyone]

I'm still not sure from your post if it supports 850 or not.  The rest use 2100 but Telstra uses 850.

You will have 3G coverage that is no dobut.  And you will also most likely receive 3.5G (HSDPA).  Telstra have blanketed Australia with it.

Telstra is also very expensive.  If you want a more broader coverage go for Vodafone.  They are covered everywhere and if not will fall back to GPRS.

Roaming internationally is useless.. they are all way too expensive.  You will be better off asking the question, how can you get a local 3.5G SIM package over in the UK for a few months (I think you have already posted that question... or someone has !)

[roger]

I'm still not sure from your post if it supports 850 or not.  The rest use 2100 but Telstra uses 850.

You will have 3G coverage that is no doubt.  And you will also most likely receive 3.5G (HSDPA).  Telstra have blanketed Australia with it.

Telstra is also very expensive.  If you want a more broader coverage go for Vodafone.  They are covered everywhere and if not will fall back to GPRS.

Roaming internationally is useless.. they are all way too expensive.  You will be better off asking the question, how can you get a local 3.5G SIM package over in the UK for a few months (I think you have already posted that question... or someone has !)

I am reasonably certain iCON 225 supports 850 but I don't pretend to understand what their specifications really mean.

iCON 225 Specs from the PDF download are:

 WCDMA
 • 2100 Mhz
 • Advanced Receiver with equalizer
 • HSDPA modes:
   - HSDPA 1.8: Categories 1-4, 11 and 12
   - HSDPA 3.6: Categories 5 and 6
   - HSDPA 7.2: Category 8
 • UE Power Class 3

 • E-GPRS
  • 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz
  • GSM Power Class 4 (2W) for 850 / 900 bands, GSM
  • Power Class 1 (1W) for 1800 / 1900 bands
  - EDGE / GPRS air interface
    • 3GPP Rel99 with selected Rel4 features
    • 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz
    • GSM Power Class 4 (2W) for 850 / 900 bands
    • GSM Power Class 1 (1W) for 1800 / 1900 bands
    • EDGE 8PSK class E2 (+27 dBm in 850 / 900 bands,
    +26 dBm in 1800 / 1900 bands)
    • GPRS / EGPRS Multislot Class 12 (4 slots Rx, 4 slots Tx)
    • GPRS / EDGE Class B Type 1 MT
    • GPRS CS1-CS4; EDGE MCS1-MCS9
    • EDGE data throughput (peak): 247 Kbps
    • EDGE data throughput (average): 215 Kbps downlink
      and 200 Kbps uplink
    • Circuit-switched data: 14.4 and 9.6 Kbps

Globe Trotter Connect 2.3.0.630 indicates 'Registered to Telstra' and 'EDGE' with the 5 bar signal strength indicator. Signal is 2 or 3 bars, described as Low to Good and typical of what my mobile phone shows locally. This would suggest from my reading of the iCON 225 specifications that 215Kbps average downlink speed would be all I could expect. Demographically this area is classified as a 'poor' ie low socioeconomic group area so I suspect Telstra would give it low priority as profit potential would be poor. The service standard I receive bears this out. Wikipedia states 'EDGE is generally classified as 2.75G, although it is part of ITU's 3G definition' so this would tally with my assessment.  The only Telstra WWAN plan I would be interested in is their 1GB plan but I can't justify another $84.95 each month for the next 12 months just to try it out and their published plans appear inflexible. Technical reports of performance must exist but Telstra doesn't publish them as far as I can determine.

I tried to email Vodafone UK to arrange a 2 month plan but their email contact proforma will only accept UK phone numbers. You are correct that this is the best way to go. It would be nice to experience how it all works before I go and Vodafone looks the best option to try this.

Just shows that a private monopoly business treats potential customers much the same as a public monopoly does and can charge what they like because there is no equivalent alternative service.

And of course if you want to push the envelope you really are on your own.

Thanks very much for being my sounding board. The information you have provided is much appreciated.

[kyone]

WCDMA
 • 2100 Mhz

Roger that is the standard 2100 that most carriers use (Three, Vodafone, Virgin/Optus), not the Telstra 850 so it won't work with Telstras 3.5G network. 

Not many carriers support GPRS edge.  I think Telstra might but that's about it.

[roger]

WCDMA
 • 2100 Mhz

Roger that is the standard 2100 that most carriers use (Three, Vodafone, Virgin/Optus), not the Telstra 850 so it won't work with Telstras 3.5G network. 

Not many carriers support GPRS edge.  I think Telstra might but that's about it.

Seems like I have locked myself out of Telstra's WWAN by selecting the modem I did.

Come to think of it that's probably not such a bad thing after all.

PS I have looked through a lot of the Wikipedia entries on this subject and have got a much better idea of all of the WWAN background as a result. With all the networks installed worldwide it should be easy to find someone to sell me a SIM and 2 months UK use at a reasonable price - 3 and Vodafone seem the obvious candidates.

[charlieboy]

Roger

Voda will not do a prepay deal in the UK. I have an external HSDPA voda modem, the Huawei  one, as Voda would not even sell me the contract sim as a sim only deal. \The only thing Voda do in the UK is 7.2Mbps with the USB dongle and a 3Gb or 5Gb monthly package.

I permanently keep the Voda sim in my HSDPA enabled OQO. So I wanted to get a prepay Voda sim to use in the USB dongle in case I need to use it with my lap top or my 2nd OQO but Voda do not offer it any prepay data options. So I have to go and get the VODA HSDPA 7.2Mbps modem unlocked and use the T-MOBILE or Three prepay deals.

Charlie

[roger]

Here I am in Sydney with just my OQO and my Icon i225 modem at  my daughter's place on her WiFi.
Tried to buy a 3 3G SIM card and month by month data use but failed. Globe Trotter Connect with a 3 SIM reported registered to 3 UMTS BUT the 3 store  did not know how to give me an APN (Access Point Name). Their mobile broadband support could not help.
Just shows what happens when you try to push the envelope.
Apparently the 3 software sorts this out.

[kyone]

You don't need an APN.  Just set up a dialup connection and leave the user name and password blank.  Dial using the number *99#.  And connect.

Guys at 3 don't know anything about mobile phones just what the brochure tells them.

You are better off calling support and getting through to India. They know what they are talking about.