Limited Connectivity with Telecom MF636 USB Modem

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infinite

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#62388 5-Jun-2010 19:36

Hi

I have a MF636 USB Modem for my Compaq Presario V6500 laptop.

In the past couple of days something strange has happened in that when I try to connect using the modem on Telecom's XT network from my home, I can only connect with LIMITED CONNECTIVITY (i.e. I cannot actually access anything on the internet and there is a yellow explanation mark on the network connection icon in the taskbar).

I thought for a short period that it may be some issue with a cell site in my area so I tested connecting from a different location and it worked without any issues.

This lead me to the conclusion that there must be an issue locally HOWEVER the thing is that I have a mobile phone which I also have a separate XT mobile broadband plan and that works without any issues. So that kind of indicates that it is not that simple.

I can connect on my wireless LAN at home without issue.

After talking to Telecom:

I have changed the Network Preferred Mode to UMTS only but no luck.

I have removed the SIM card and replaced in the modem.

I have shut down computer and tested over a period of 3 days and same result every time.

Does anyone have any other bright ideas as to what might be causing the issue?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Aaron

infinite

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#338614 5-Jun-2010 19:39

I should probably have mentioned that the Telecom Connection software shows me as "connected" but I am definitely not able to access the internet from home - I can from other locations though.

Signal strength is full when "connecting" from home.

It seems simply that there must be an issue locally but the only reason I am uncertain of this is because I am able to access the net from my mobile phone from the exact same spot at home.

Aaron

ericm

1 post

Wannabe Geek

#341001 12-Jun-2010 18:31

I had one of these and it had similar issues a while ago. I kept track of the bad connections, and did heaps of phoning them and talking with their IT people. They then got me to take it to Telecom shop so they could send it away and have a look. They let me borrow a loner during that time and it had the same issue! So I thought it was a lousy device. But...

When mine came back, Telecom ended up reimbursing me for my GBs because it had a fault. The fault was apparently in the software in the stick. All they did was re-flash the software on it. When I got it back it worked fine...been fine since. They said some of the first ones that came out had this issue?

So give that a go.

Also, I found that Telecom messes with its towers. Was in Raglan the other day and lost all reception on my phone and my stick...drove to Hamilton and had nothing until central Hamilton where they have a 2100mhz tower (850 in most other places). When I crossed the Waikato I lost it again. Did this twice...same behvaiour. Then it came right.

Telecom confirmed a fault outside of Htown...also confiremd they were working on the tower in Raglan. But I really had to push to get the info out of them. So maybe ring and ask directly if they can confirm local tower issues. That Scottish guy needs to do more arse kickin and less fly fishing...

infinite

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#341059 12-Jun-2010 20:57

Thanks heaps for the advice. I will definitely give it a try.

I don't use my mobile connection much from home but occasionally I HAVE to and it's been a pain not being able to use it when I want to. Subsequently I have found no other issues anywhere else except from my home so it really MUST be an issue with a local tower... only thing is my phone still connects to internet from home but then again - that seems to have a much better reception in general.

Thanks again for the help!

Best regards,

Aaron

nzbnw

2374 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Spark NZ

#341060 12-Jun-2010 21:13

Try downloading the Telecom Connection Manager from http://zte.co.nz/main/Product_Downloads/MF636_downloads.htm

Then uninstall the current Telecom Connection Manager from your PC, restart and install the downloaded version, restart again and then plug in you're MF636.

nzbnw

infinite

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#341063 12-Jun-2010 21:27

Will do! Thanks for the suggestion. I REALLY appreciate it.

Aaron

mort

29 posts

Geek

#377814 8-Sep-2010 11:28

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Hi there. The other thing to try and improve reception is to use the USB extension cable and elevate the T-Stick.

are you still having trouble? if not what resolved this for you?

Cheers