Is there a 4G capable USB or MiFi device for Telecom?

Forums › Spark New Zealand (including Skinny and BigPipe) › Is there a 4G capable USB or MiFi device for Telecom?

technicaljoe

248 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#135098 13-Nov-2013 22:34

Hi everyone,

I've got a Sierra Wireless USB 308 on a Telecom prepaid mobile broadband at the moment, and I am thinking about upgrading to a 4G capable device. Is there such a thing?

Cheers

Joseph

1 | 2

222 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 45

Trusted

#933781 14-Nov-2013 11:55

Hi there,

We have in fact launched a new MiFi that runs 4G which can be found here

Cheers

Inphinity

2780 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1184

#933784 14-Nov-2013 12:01

Yyrael: Hi there,

We have in fact launched a new MiFi that runs 4G which can be found here

Cheers

Interestingly I note on that page it says

42Mbps download speed

as well as

4G compatible – faster downloads (CAT 4)

So is this device limited to 42Mbps (which I believe is simply HSDPA 3G?), or is it actually capable of 4G Cat4 speeds?

Yyrael

222 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 45

Trusted

#933831 14-Nov-2013 13:08

Inphinity:
Yyrael: Hi there,

We have in fact launched a new MiFi that runs 4G which can be found here

Cheers

Interestingly I note on that page it says

42Mbps download speed

as well as

4G compatible – faster downloads (CAT 4)

So is this device limited to 42Mbps (which I believe is simply HSDPA 3G?), or is it actually capable of 4G Cat4 speeds?

On investigation I believe it is both. 43.2 Mbps is the theoretical maximum for HSDPA+ (so performance on the 3G network) however the device has cat4 4G access as well which lets you download at up to 150 Mbps. I would imagine the idea behind it is so people don't complain when they aren't getting 150 Mbps everywhere although overall it is just confusing haha.

plambrechtsen

1948 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 459
Inactive user

#934044 14-Nov-2013 19:32

Here are a few links I found online:

http://www.huaweidevice.com/worldwide/productFeatures.do?pinfoId=3515&directoryId=5009&treeId=3619&tab=0

http://www.huawei.com/ecommunity/bbs/10157405.html

YMMV... But that's pretty smoking speeds IMHO.

technicaljoe

248 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#934157 15-Nov-2013 00:13

Thanks guys!

technicaljoe

248 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#943814 1-Dec-2013 19:53

Hi guys,

I've bought the E5776 this weekend. However, I'm a bit confused about the supplied SIM card.

I was given a Micro SIM Plus by the store along with the modem, but the manual says only use standard SIM, and made the diagram looks like micro SIM may not be compatible (i.e. a big cross on top of what looks like a micro SIM in an adapter).

What's the story?

Many thanks for everyone's help!

Joseph

Geekzone

Want to support Geekzone and browse the site without the ads? Subscribe to Geekzone now (monthly, annual and lifetime options).

NonprayingMantis

6434 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1528

#943816 1-Dec-2013 20:07

technicaljoe: Hi guys,

I've bought the E5776 this weekend. However, I'm a bit confused about the supplied SIM card.

I was given a Micro SIM Plus by the store along with the modem, but the manual says only use standard SIM, and made the diagram looks like micro SIM may not be compatible (i.e. a big cross on top of what looks like a micro SIM in an adapter).

What's the story?

Many thanks for everyone's help!

Joseph

i thought Telecom didn't do separte micro Sims? as in, they do nano sims separate, but Micro sims and mini sims are the same, you just pop the micro out from the mini if you need it

technicaljoe

248 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#943841 1-Dec-2013 21:48

Hi NonprayingMantis,

This is what I've received today:
https://twitter.com/technicaljoe/statuses/407041225204568064

A Micro SIM Plus...
http://help.telecom.co.nz/app/answers/detail/a_id/1634#devp_st_content_1

Which appears to be a Micro SIM within a Standard SIM body.

E5776 manual say "Use a standard SIM card compatible with the Mobile WiFi, otherwise you will damage your mobile WiFi".

So... My confusion is around, can I or can't I use this SIM?

I've already wasted 3 15 minutes+ wait on 0800 32 32 32 and only get a "we are having technical difficulty, try again later" message...

Joseph

BigPipeNZ

1170 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 778

Trusted

BigPipe

#943842 1-Dec-2013 21:50

technicaljoe: Hi NonprayingMantis,

This is what I've received today:
https://twitter.com/technicaljoe/statuses/407041225204568064

A Micro SIM Plus...
http://help.telecom.co.nz/app/answers/detail/a_id/1634#devp_st_content_1

Which appears to be a Micro SIM within a Standard SIM body.

E5776 manual say "Use a standard SIM card compatible with the Mobile WiFi, otherwise you will damage your mobile WiFi".

So... My confusion is around, can I or can't I use this SIM?

I've already wasted 3 15 minutes+ wait on 0800 32 32 32 and only get a "we are having technical difficulty, try again later" message...

Joseph

you can use that one.
I have the same device. And got the same SIM. It works fine.

ETA: Just dont pop the micro out from the standard SIM, that might mess it up

bigpipe.co.nz
https://www.facebook.com/BigPipeNZ
https://twitter.com/BigPipeNZ

coffeebaron

6304 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3566

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#943843 1-Dec-2013 21:52

Yes it's all good to use that SIM, obviously just don't pop it out

Rural IT and Broadband support.

Broadband troubleshooting and master filter installs.
Starlink installer - one month free: https://www.starlink.com/?referral=RC-32845-88860-71
Wi-Fi and networking
Cel-Fi supply and installer - boost your mobile phone coverage legally

Need help in Auckland, Waikato or BoP? Click my email button, or email me direct: [my user name] at geekzonemail dot com

technicaljoe

248 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#943846 1-Dec-2013 21:56

Thanks everyone! Really appreciate your help!

Am I just not adventurous enough or the online help could be a bit clearer?

I felt statement like this from Telecom website just wasn't particularly helpful... :|
"If you get a Micro SIM Plus - take care to make sure you snap out your new SIM in the right size. Don't snap out the small bit if you need the bigger one! Some devices require a Standard SIM size and do not allow adapters so double check before you get snapping."

AliExpress

Shop now on AliExpress (affiliate link).

plambrechtsen

1948 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 459
Inactive user

#944092 2-Dec-2013 13:33

technicaljoe: Thanks everyone! Really appreciate your help!

Am I just not adventurous enough or the online help could be a bit clearer?

I felt statement like this from Telecom website just wasn't particularly helpful... :|
"If you get a Micro SIM Plus - take care to make sure you snap out your new SIM in the right size. Don't snap out the small bit if you need the bigger one! Some devices require a Standard SIM size and do not allow adapters so double check before you get snapping."

I'm fairly sure we only manufactured 4G Microsim's not regular sized ones. That's because almost all 4G devices take a Micro sim (or a Nano sim if it's an iPhone) so there is no point getting 10k sims manufactured just for the current breed of 4G wifi routers that take a standard sim.

It just means you need to be careful when snapping out the sim to snap out the Standard sized one, not the Microsim. If you are really un-sure I would take it in store and get one of the folks in there to put the sim in for you.

technicaljoe

248 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#944425 2-Dec-2013 22:32

Thanks, I've managed to get it to work now.

Although this is largely due to my unfamiliarity with the variety of SIM cards. However, between those big warning sticker and manual plus the statement on Telecom website, I do wonder how many users felt confused or intimidated?

By the way, is it normal to get 2.5-6 Mbps in West Auckland? Seems a bit slow for a fancy 4G modem? :|

richms

29098 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10207

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#944443 2-Dec-2013 23:25

Are any of these devices providing dual band wifi on the output yet?

Only ask because I get about half the speed on my dual carrier wifi accesspoint over wifi vs a cable when I am sitting out in public somewhere, whereas when at home there is virtually no difference in speed between the wifi and cable. Seems shortsited to put a 150 meg uplink on a device that is serving to devices thru wifi which can only deliver 16 on a good day.

Richard rich.ms

old3eyes

9158 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1364

Subscriber

#944528 3-Dec-2013 09:05

technicaljoe: Thanks, I've managed to get it to work now.

Although this is largely due to my unfamiliarity with the variety of SIM cards. However, between those big warning sticker and manual plus the statement on Telecom website, I do wonder how many users felt confused or intimidated?

By the way, is it normal to get 2.5-6 Mbps in West Auckland? Seems a bit slow for a fancy 4G modem? :|

Sounds a bit like you are using 3G not 4G..

Regards,

Old3eyes

1 | 2