Thread: newbie gyan needed on 3G USB modem and other broadband plans

Hi - I am looking for some information here. I recently purchased an Airtel 3G USB modem to be used for my laptop. But the speed is rather disappointing. So instead of investing another 2k, i searched on the net a bit and i got myself a Leoxsys USB modem(unlocked) on ebay that can take any SIM from any company (atleast so they claim, their "tech support" is non-existent, but i tried the airtel sim on it and t works.

I want to know if i can buy a prepaid sim card of Vodafone or Aircel or MTS etc. and if they do have any plans that do not require buying their datacard and can just buy their SIM.

The vodafone seller near my house was telling me that i can buy a regular vodafone prepaid phone sim and activate 3g on it later. Is this true? can it be done with MTS blaze or Tata Photon also?

Sorry if all this sounds ignorant, i am not a techie (am a school teacher) and would like to know more about this. Thanks

Just unlock your current airtel 3g usb modem, you can use any sim in it if you can unlock it.....

Thanks for your reply. Just want to clarify, any SIM would mean?

like aircel or vodafone or MTS? because when i go to the shop to ask for 3g sim prepaid, they say i have to get the datacard, especially for MTS (Mblaze)

You can insert any 2g/3g sim in it like vodafone, aircel, idea & others, your airtel 3g data card is gsm based 3g data card ......MTS mblaze is cdma based internet so it will work on cdma data cards.

@ joetuma

Mention Airtel data card model and make.

There are certain software which allows you to unlock data cards supplied by Airtel or other ISPs. You can either get it unlocked and use any prepaid 2G/3G SIM from BSNL, Airtel or any ISP who offer 3G prepaid plans.

Since you already have an unlock data card, you can use the SIM in that if you wish. Simply go to any shop, buy a 3G SIM and use it on your PC.

Hi Thanks for your replies, guys.

This leoxsys usb modem that i purchased from ebay says that you can use MTNL sim on it (alongwith vodafone, aircel, airtel etc.). So i do not have to buy anything special right? just a regular 2g phone sim and then activate 3g on it and insert in the modem?

another doubt is that. What is the difference between MTNL and MTS? are they different companies?

Thanks guys.

i just checked the back cover of the airtel datacard. Its says " Huawei E1731"

this is the link of the unlocked router i purchased.

leoxsys[dot]com/ln72a.php

MTNL is a government company where as MTS I think is owned by Russian FDI. As mdheeraj mentioned they might be using CDMA which is different from GSM technology MTNL / Airtel etc is offering for 3G.

Yes, if it supports, simply buy an MTNL SIM and use it in datacard.

I think huawei e1731 can be easily unlocked.

Few sellers have unlocked it and selling @ ebay.in

huawei e1731 | eBay

Originally Posted by joetuma

Hi Thanks for your replies, guys.
another doubt is that. What is the difference between MTNL and MTS? are they different companies?

MTNL - Indian PSU functioning in Delhi/NCR and Mumbai instead of BSNL. Has roaming arrangement with BSNL to cover All INDIA. Uses GSM 900/1800 mhz and UMTS 2100 mhz technology for providing service. with UMTS based 3G peak speeds may be high but average speed is lower and signal problem may be faced while indoors.

MTS - Pvt co. with majority stake held by Russian Govt Co. Operates is selected circles. Uses CDMA 1X/EVDO 800 mhz technology for providing service. with EVDO based 3G peak speeds may not be high but average speed is higher and signal reception while indoors is better.

UMTS and EVDO are as different as petrol and diesel engines. both has their plus and minus but needs separate equipments to work.

Hi guys - Thanks for your inputs. here's what i did. I managed to unlock the huawei e1731 modem (lovked to airtel) using DC unlocker, got myself a Vodafone 3g enabled SIM to run on it. and the speed is very very good. IMO, much better than airtel.

Thanks for your inputs. Its all good now.

Happy it is working for you

Well i am back here again.... I recently got myself an SMC wireless portable router (wifi) so that i can connect my Ipad to it, the Ipad i have is a wifi version only.

My question is that now i am interested in using a BSNL SIM onto my unlocked huawei modem, insert this USB modem into the wifi router. This helps me to keep this in my shirt pocket, while i can take out my Ipad (it reads the connection) so i can browse on the go.

Can i buy any regular SIM or do i need to ask for a specific 3G SIM.

thanks, will check it out and post back the findings.