New 3G Data Card

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lokinz

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#7389 11-Apr-2006 13:22

Vodafone will be releasing the Huawei E618 3G data card soon.

[Edit: Main Features

UMTS 2100MHz and GSM/GPRS 900/1800MHz
UMTS mode up to 384kbps downlink and 128kbps uplink
Support voice service based on GSM and UMTS
Support data service based on GSM, GPRS and UMTS
Support concurrent voice and data service based on UMTS
Support SMS service based on GSM, GPRS and UMTS, supporting group transmission of messages
PC card (PCMCIA) type Ⅱ
Supports Windows 2000 and XP operating systems

Specifications

Protocol
UMTS: 3GPP R’99 2002/09
GSM/GPRS: 3GPP R'99 2002/06

Working frequency
UMTS: 1920 ~ 1980MHz(Uplink); 2110 ~ 2170MHz(Downlink)
GSM/GPRS 900MHz: 880 ~ 915 MHz(Uplink);925 ~ 960MHz(Downlink)
GSM/GPRS 1800MHz: 1710 ~ 1785MHz(Uplink); 1805 ~ 1880MHz(Downlink)

Dimensions
120 mm(D) x 54 mm(W) x 12 mm(H)

Weight
About 50 g

The Huawei E600 the Vodafone E618 is the same card just Vodafone branded.]

[Moderator edit: moved to Vodafone forum]

johnr

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#32796 11-Apr-2006 13:55

I am quite sure it does not support HSDPA

lokinz

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#32798 11-Apr-2006 14:05

johnr: I am quite sure it does not support HSDPA

I don't see the point in releasing it then.

johnr

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#32800 11-Apr-2006 14:14

More choice for our customers I guess

Lipex666

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#32819 11-Apr-2006 19:46

Over at Vodacom SA FAQ

They have launched HSDPA some interesting reading and a insight in Vodafone NZ HSDPA later this year.

What is 3G HSDPA?
High-Speed Downlink Packet Access or HSDPA is a new mobile data protocol and is sometimes referred to as a 3.5G (or "3½G") technology.

The absolute maximum theoretical speeds are:

Downlink: 1.8 Mbps
Uplink: 128 Kbps

What is needed to access the 3G HSDPA Broadband network?
The latest HSDPA data card that can be used with a Vodacom 3G contract or with a 3G/MyMeg Bolt-on.

Vodacom is currently introducing the new HSDPA enabled Vodafone Mobile Connect Card - the Option Nozomi. The Novatel U740 and Huawei E620 data cards have also been approved on the Vodacom network, but are not currently being distributed by Vodacom.

How much does it cost?
Utilising HSDPA will cost exactly the same as 3G during the launch phase. Customers may however experience increased usage if moving from 3G as reduced download time means customers tend to download more.

Are the current 3G Vodafone Mobile Connect Cards compatible with HSDPA?
No, unfortunately the current cards cannot be upgraded to support HSDPA. Customers will need to purchase the new HSDPA enabled Vodafone Mobile Connect cards.

Why can the current Vodafone Mobile Connect cards not be upgraded?
All current Mobile Connect cards do not have the physical capability to be used on the higher speed, so upgrading the software won't help.

Can customers trade their 3G cards for a 3G HSDPA card?
No, unfortunately improvement and upgrading of technology are a global reality. Standard upgrade business processes will apply or for those not willing to wait, cash deals are available.

Now that we will be supplying 3G HSDPA cards, will the 3G cards still be available?
Yes, the 3G Vodafone Mobile Connect cards will still be available. Different deals will be structured between 3G and 3G HSDPA cards. The 3G HSDPA cards will obviously be more expensive than the 3G cards when purchased for cash.

Can any handsets make use of the 3G HSDPA Network?
Current 3G handsets are not compatible however new HSDPA enabled handsets are likely to only become available later this year.

Are the 3G Routers compatible with the 3G HSDPA cards?
Yes the existing Linksys Routers are compatible however a firmware upgrade to the router will have to be done. The upgraded firmware will be available by the 1st of June 2006 on www.vodacom.co.za

Where can the 3G HSDPA Broadband Network be accessed?
All 3G enabled base stations have been upgraded to also support HSDPA, however the coverage is not identical as the HSDPA network is more sensitive to external influences such as indoor coverage, topography and weather conditions.

Can customers roam with 3G HSDPA?
Yes, roaming will be available initially in Germany, Austria and Portugal. It must be noted however that it is very costly and potentially more so than 3G due to the increased ability to download more data. Current 3G data roaming rates apply.

Does the 3G HSDPA card look different to the current 3G data cards?
No, the Option Nozomi, HSDPA card is identical to the Option Quad lite and Option Fusion cards. To identify your card, look at the serial number on the back of the card. These are the prefixes to the various cards.

Card Name	Serial Prefix	HSDPA Enabled
Option Colt	CL	No
Option Quad-lite	QL	No
Option Fusion	RC	No
Option Nozomi	NZ	Yes

With regards to the Novatel U740, it too is identical to the Novatel U630 but the main sticker on the top of the card will denote that it is an HSDPA card

Both the Option and Novatel HSDPA cards will have the 3G Broadband logo on the top of the card.

What speeds can be attained on the 3G HSDPA Broadband Network?
Under perfect conditions one would get speeds of up to 1.8 Mbps, but expect to see speeds of between 400 Kbps and 800 Kbps with peaks of approximately 1.2 Mbps.

If there is no HSDPA signal will I be able to use 3G and GPRS?
Yes, when the signal drops off you will be able to access the 3G, Edge and GPRS network in the same manner as with the 3G Data cards.

When I am connected, how will I know that I am on 3G HSDPA and not 3G?
When you are connected via 3G HSDPA, you will seamlessly move between HSDPA and 3G, as they use the same network infrastructure. The flashing lights will however indicate which bearer you are using - 1 flash for GPRS, 2 for 3G and 3 for HSDPA. (This applies to the Option Nozome card only).

Why am I getting 3G like speeds whilst "connected" to HSDPA?
The HSDPA/3G network has the intelligence to supply you with increased bandwidth, where available, only as you require it thereby providing a far more efficient utilisation of bandwidth. For instance, searching for a Web site on Google would not require large bandwidth, yet downloading a large video clip would require a lot more bandwidth and thus will allocate you more bandwidth only when you start downloading.

"The only way to learn some- thing is to do it"

mike

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#32837 11-Apr-2006 23:05

Any word on ExpressCard/34 data card availability?

Lipex666

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#32840 12-Apr-2006 06:12

My understanding is that the Huawei E618 is just Vodafone branded and its exactly the same as the Huawei 600

Not a HSDPA card
- UMTS: 1920 ~ 1980MHz(Uplink); 2110 ~ 2170MHz(Downlink)
GSM/GPRS 900MHz: 880 ~ 915 MHz(Uplink);925 ~ 960MHz(Downlink)
GSM/GPRS 1800MHz: 1710 ~ 1785MHz(Uplink); 1805 ~ 1880MHz(Downlink)

As johnr said more choice and maybe lower cost as they Huawei did a global supply deal with Vodafone and this may help them roll out Broadband at a lower cost for Vodafone and you and I as Vodafones latest deal on Broadband they are giving away the data cards.

"The only way to learn some- thing is to do it"

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Jama

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#32844 12-Apr-2006 08:19

HSDPA speeds explained:

Max: 1.8Mbps down and 384Kbps up

Speed steps: down/up - 1.8/384, 384/128, 384/64, 128/64, 64/64, 32/8
Latency: around 100ms

HSDPA uses 5MHz carriers and has to share a channel with circuit-switched voice. This means on a loaded network the data rate will be less than UMTS.

bradstewart

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#32845 12-Apr-2006 08:48

Jama: HSDPA uses 5MHz carriers and has to share a channel with circuit-switched voice. This means on a loaded network the data rate will be less than UMTS.

So if one wanted to start something of a war they could say that in some ways Vodafone were downgrading their network

BrentR

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#32892 12-Apr-2006 21:01

mike: Any word on ExpressCard/34 data card availability?

Not much at this stage.

Lipex666

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#33335 18-Apr-2006 23:08

Vodafone now have the Huawei 3G E618 card on their website (see link below)

Also they have updated the software dashboard for the Novatel 3G U630

Software

Firmware

Version: 7.00.0015.0

This latest version of the software offers increased functionality, including:

Customisable dashboard (add your own custom programs)
One click connection, from anywhere and over any compatible data network
Type TXTs and send and receive them direct on your laptop
Monitors 3G, GPRS and roaming data usage

Version: 12.16.01G

The latest firmware for your Mobile Connect Card

latest software

"The only way to learn some- thing is to do it"

Torque

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#33535 21-Apr-2006 02:04

Can one use any internet programs with the VMC, or is it quite limited - e.g, is it possible to use IRC applications, firefox, update AV scanners etc?