Contributor
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2 Messages
Using Mobile Broadband Modem on Pre-paid
I am travelling to Atlanta from overseas.
I have got a 3G 2100/900 MHz modem will this modem work on AT&T pre-paid wirelss broadband on the 3G network and can I purchase a pre-paid SIM card from an AT&T store hen I arrive for this?
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OnlytheShadowKnows
Scholar
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182 Messages
12 years ago
No, prlloyd. AT&T UMTS/HSPA cellular-data bands are Band II (1900MHz) and Band V (850MHz). Not cvompatible with AT&T's air interface with your modem, regardless of brand.
The 2100MHz and 900 MHz bands on your modem only work in Europe/Asia/Oceania and some parts of Africa.
You can buy data-only metered service (but with a different compatible modem) for data-only devices on a monthly schedule without a contract on here: http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phone-plans/data-connect-plans.jsp
Hope that helps.
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jamileh
Former Community Manager
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5.2K Messages
12 years ago
Are you referring to a mi-fi device or an acutal modem? It would be great if you could provide the model/name of the device you're asking about.
AT&T doesn't offer pre-paid plans for mi-fi devices.
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prlloyd
Contributor
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2 Messages
12 years ago
It's just an Hauawei modem 900/2100 mhz not sure the model number I am guessing I can buy a pre-paid sim card and slot it into that provided that's the frequency's your network operares on?
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OnlytheShadowKnows
Scholar
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182 Messages
12 years ago
Thanks for the acknowledgment, prlloyd.
Your Huawei USB modem is in here http://www.3gmodem.com.hk/Huawei/E160E.html (or similar) It does not matter. It cannot be used on the AT&T network as a prepaid (no contract) device, even if the UMTS frequencies were correct,.
Instead, you can get a tablet that has UTMS/HSDPA 850/1900MHz cellular-data support. Then you can get a "no commitment" DataConnect Plan in here http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phone-plans/data-connect-plans.jsp
Although AT&T has 3G USB modems, they are only allowed onto the network with a two-year service commitment. You cannot have cellular-data on tethered modems without a contract. *sigh*
But tablets are a different ball of wax and do allow no-commitment cellular data.
This is the best you can do under AT&T.
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OnlytheShadowKnows
Scholar
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182 Messages
12 years ago
A final comment: I believe that you will do better with Verizon Wireless.
They do offer no-commitment cellular data on 3G/4G LTE USB modems in here http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/plans/?page=mobileBroadband
And you can shop for compatible 4G/LTE USB modems in here http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneOverviewByDevice&deviceCategoryId=15
There is no overriding reason to use GSM technology as the device will be throw-away once you leave the US. This holds true for either AT&T or Verizon. And AT&T simply does not have the no-commitment data-plan for broadband modems.
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hnzw_rui
Scholar
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346 Messages
12 years ago
A better option might be Sprint/Virgin Mobile's Broadband2Go. They have the following plans available:
Alas, you're going to need to buy a device. I believe the ZTE Peel 3200 ($29) can act as a wi-fi hotspot. Caveat, you can only use it with the $20/500MB plan.
It might be worth checking if T-Mobile supports 3G if you only have the 2100MHz band. I believe their 3G network works on 1700/2100.
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OnlytheShadowKnows
Scholar
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182 Messages
12 years ago
hnzw_rui,
Yes, you are right, I did not check on Sprint. It may be a good option as he is going to Atlanta. Regardless, Verizon or Sprint, my opinion is that he should buy a broadband modem retailed and supported by the carrier as an all-in-one package. No sense dickering with pieces and parts when you are only for a short visit.
And, T-Mobile cannot use his modem. Definitely, not with the "2100MHz" band (that is the IMT Band I)
T-Mobile uses Band IV AWS where 1700MHz is downstream and 2100 MHz is upstream. The 2100MHz band mentioned on the Huawei is entirely a different animal, although people confuse it with T-Mobile's AWS upstream just because it says "2100MHz".
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