unloock 3 Broadband dongle

nulabert

I have a 3 broadband dongle for the last 2 years and finally i'm calling time.

I got an iphone and a 1mb ISP internat add on with vodafone so i'm just wondering if i unlock the 3 mobile dongle, can i use by vodafone sim in the dongle?


(ya, i know i can use the iphone for tethering, but the speeds aren't upo to much!)

Thanks

Amalgam

You'll have to replace the software on the dongle if 3 have locked settings to their service. Depends on the dongle you have. If you're using a Huawei modem, a good few of the recent dongles only have software available for use by 3, not the public. After this, you will be able to set up profiles etc, but your dongle will still be SIM locked.

You can unlock it using the likes of: http://www.dc-unlocker.com/

I haven't used them myself, didn't like the idea of handing over payment details. Not sure if there are any resellers in Dublin.

Once you're unlocked, you'll be free to use any SIM.

nulabert

Thanks for that Amalgam, i'll give it a go. Their site is confusing - buying credits etc, but they take paypal so i'll chance it!

jor el

Be careful doing what you're trying to do. If you've signed up for this
http://www.vodafone.ie/vlive/internetmobile/
that's only for Internet on your mobile, and I don't think Vodafone allow you to use that in a modem connected to a PC. Make sure that what you're buying allows you to do this, otherwise Vodafone may well hit you with a massive bill.

Amalgam

nulabert wrote: »

Their site is confusing - buying credits etc, but they take paypal so i'll chance it!

That's why I never warmed to them. Sites like JKKmobile endorse DC-Unlocker, but I still was never comfortable with the lack of clarity in payment options.

Browse YouTube, there's a lot of DC-Unlocker related video too, just to give yourself an idea of what is involved on your part.

culabula

No need to replace software etc.

Just go here: http://www.nextgenserver.com/broadband_dongle_unlock.htm

And you'll have it done in no time. Just follow the instructions to the letter and of course, pay them.

Amalgam

For users on 3 and possibly Vodafone, you do have to replace the software, this can be done by the user\owner, in most cases.

To give you an example why, your access provider will often have tailored software with a locked profile, on the USB dongle. There's not much use unlocking the USB dongle to other SIM cards & networks, if you cannot set up a new profile\SMS settings etc.

The SIM\network lock and the loading\install software are two entirely separate elements. In my case, I have a Huawei E169 with the generic Huawei E169 software (replaced by myself), yet the USB modem is still network\SIM locked.

Marlow

Amalgam wrote: »

For users on 3 and possibly Vodafone, you do have to replace the software, this can be done by the user\owner, in most cases.

Actually not quite right. I've never looked at the 3 software, but the Vodafone and O2 software will let you create a seperate profile with new APN etc. to use with other providers no hassle. I believe, that's possible with the 3 software, too.

Unlocking with DC-unlocker is unproblematic really. The credits you purchase are only taken, if it's successfully unlocked. I've unlocked a 3 PCMCIA card and two Sierra (internal) mini-express cards with no issues whatsoever. Those 15 eur's are well worth not having to deal with their support, which will be more expensive in phone bill and time used.

If you're not happy with the software provided, you can always try a search for the generic dialers from for example Huawei etc.

/M

culabula

Amalgam wrote: »

For users on 3 and possibly Vodafone, you do have to replace the software, this can be done by the user\owner, in most cases.

To give you an example why, your access provider will often have tailored software with a locked profile, on the USB dongle. There's not much use unlocking the USB dongle to other SIM cards & networks, if you cannot set up a new profile\SMS settings etc.

The SIM\network lock and the loading\install software are two entirely separate elements. In my case, I have a Huawei E169 with the generic Huawei E169 software (replaced by myself), yet the USB modem is still network\SIM locked.

Have never had any need to change my software and have on occasion used Vodafone Mobile Connect with 3 Ireland.

Now I have Mobile connect as supplied by 3 and I use this with my unlocked 3 datamodem as I flit between a dozen SIMs -and therefore profiles, all stored on the same programme.

Marlow

culabula wrote: »

Have never had any need to change my software and have on occasion used Vodafone Mobile Connect with 3 Ireland.

Now I have Mobile connect as supplied by 3 and I use this with my unlocked 3 datamodem as I flit between a dozen SIMs -and therefore profiles, all stored on the same programme.

Exactly my point. The software supplied by vodafone, o2, three etc. is just the standard software from the manufacturer customized with a skin. It'll do any SIM really once the modem is unlocked.

/M

malbona

If you buy a mobile phone you have a right to get the unlock code after 6 months. Is this not also the case with a broadband dongle? It is basically just a mobile phone.

jay93

malbona wrote: »

If you buy a mobile phone you have a right to get the unlock code after 6 months. Is this not also the case with a broadband dongle? It is basically just a mobile phone.

the 6 months unlock is vodafone policy and thats for mobiles not dongles.
3 won't give anyone a code for a mobile BB dongle dont know why.they charge 27euro admin fee for mobile unlock codes best way to do it is with an online unlock service!

malbona

jay93 wrote: »

the 6 months unlock is vodafone policy and thats for mobiles not dongles.
3 won't give anyone a code for a mobile BB dongle dont know why.they charge 27euro admin fee for mobile unlock codes best way to do it is with an online unlock service!

That's strange. I was pretty certain there was a law that after 6 months they had to unlock it for you. I've gotten unlock codes from O2 and Meteor at different times without any difficulty. I can't imagine them giving them out unless they were obliged to.

Does anybody know what the law is in this regard?

Amalgam

Marlow wrote: »

Exactly my point. The software supplied by vodafone, o2, three etc. is just the standard software from the manufacturer customized with a skin. It'll do any SIM really once the modem is unlocked.

/M

Just to add, I am since a DC-Unlocker user.. If you browse their forums, it seems certain Huawei sticks used by *Vodafone* and other service providers abroad, have had their security enhanced, hardware locked and profile locked. Browse their forums and site for an overview.

DC-Unlocker cannot unlock certain budget Huawei sticks, at this time. This is a recent phenomenon.

William Powell

OP didn't mention the model # of the modem?

Why pay DC-unlocker if its one that can be unlocked for free?

jor el

This thread is over a year old, and has no need to be brought up.