Spark smart modem 2 on 4G

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silver565

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#300854 9-Oct-2022 13:31

Hi All,

Has anyone successfully taken the sim card out of this modem and used a different 4G modem with Spark? I'm unhappy with the reliability of the modem and I'm looking to use something else

Thanks!

--If at first you don't succeed call it version 1.0--

Linux

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#2979683 9-Oct-2022 13:53

SIM card will be TAC locked to the modem but you can get around this if you know what you are doing

Jiriteach

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#2979684 9-Oct-2022 13:55

Won’t work in another device as it’s locked to the device.
I’ve had no issues with my SSM2 on 4G. Has been very reliable.

-- opinions expressed by me are solely my own. ie - personal

theitman

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#2982336 13-Oct-2022 15:59

I bought a spark smart modem 2 and 4g broadband plan to cover us till we get fibre installed at our new place next month. It's terrible, constant drop outs all day, which is annoying for work.

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#2982337 13-Oct-2022 16:01

@theitmanDo you live in good Spark mobile coverage?

1024kb

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#2982419 13-Oct-2022 18:59

Go to your local library. Get a free Skinny Jump modem - they're handing out Spark Smart 2 modems recently. They're not locked & neither are the Skinny SIMs.

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RunningMan

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#2982434 13-Oct-2022 19:26

That's the second time recently I've seen Skinny Jump reccommended just to solve a modem issue. Bear in mind that product is specifically for those who cannot afford an internet connection, so don't take advantage unless you fit the criteria.

Skinny Jump is for those who don't have a broadband connection at home because cost is a barrier.

We specifically support those most at risk of digital exclusion, as identified in the government's digital inclusion blueprint.

https://www.skinny.co.nz/jump/about/

Quic Broadband

Move to New Zealand's best fibre broadband service (affiliate link). Free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE. Note that to use Quic Broadband you must be comfortable with configuring your own router.

theitman

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#2982440 13-Oct-2022 19:53

Linux: @theitmanDo you live in good Spark mobile coverage?

Yup, it's quite fast when it's working. It'll drop out for about 5 minutes. Everything stays connected to the modem, just no internet.

silver565

170 posts

Master Geek

#2991954 4-Nov-2022 17:47

Hi All,

Apologies for the delay.

The main issue is that this device has a lot of drop outs and is quite unreliable at maintaining sessions. I've tried a Spark SIM in a Huawei modem and it's a million times better.
I've added an outdoor antenna for the Spark modem, but it hasn't made too much of a difference.

I've seen a few other threads around about how bad this modem is, so I'm not too surprised to be posting this now.

Has anyone managed to get Spark to send them something else?

--If at first you don't succeed call it version 1.0--

Jiriteach

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#2991963 4-Nov-2022 18:33

silver565:

Hi All,

Apologies for the delay.

The main issue is that this device has a lot of drop outs and is quite unreliable at maintaining sessions. I've tried a Spark SIM in a Huawei modem and it's a million times better.
I've added an outdoor antenna for the Spark modem, but it hasn't made too much of a difference.

I've seen a few other threads around about how bad this modem is, so I'm not too surprised to be posting this now.

Has anyone managed to get Spark to send them something else?

This could be related to a firmware or coverage or specific hardware issue. Did Spark offer to swop it out?
I have a few of these devices and multiple sites around the country and I monitor my uptime and speeds and its solid. Great 4G coverage and no drops.

Would be worth chatting with Spark to swop out the hardware and try another device.

-- opinions expressed by me are solely my own. ie - personal