3 Mobile Broadband Problem

An email from 3! -

3 Wrote:I’m sorry to hear about the problems you’re facing because of slow internet speed.

The upload and download speeds are fully dependent on the network the SIM has latched on to. This should either be 3G or HSDPA.

Ideally the download speed is supposed to be more than the upload however that is dependent on the system resources and the network its connected to at that specific location.

Use the steps below if you are facing frequent disconnections or slow speed when connected.

*As a first step, please check the modem dashboard/software for coverage. It will display either GPRS or 3G or HSDPA.

*If the dashboard shows GPRS, you will not be able to use the service as you are not in a 3G Turbo coverage area.

*Try selecting the network manually to latch on to the 3G network.

How to manually select a network on the ZTE modem on Windows and Mac OS?

1.Open the ZTE mobile connection software.
2.Click the “Settings” button.
3.Click “Network Settings”.
4.Select “Manual” and click on “Apply”.
5.The device will search for all available networks (including Non 3 networks).
6.Select the required network (usually 3(3G)) and click “Select”.
7.Once complete, click “OK”.

You can also use our online troubleshooter to get help sort this out, by clicking on the link below:
http://www.three.co.uk/Help_Support/Abou...bleshooter


If you need any more help, you can call us on 500 (free) from any Three mobile or on 08433 730 500 (5.1p/min from a BT landline, other networks may vary) between 8am to 10pm.

My connection is usually either 3G or HSDPA anyway, but I thought I'd try his manual search thing anyway.
So I followed his step by step quide (ZTE is the brand of Dongle I have) but got stuck, as he seems to have given me the wrong instructions.
I found how to manually search for 3 (3G) myself though. No difference, still slow. I've no idea what "3G Turbo" is. 3 (3G) is the only "3" option anyway. Tried selecting Orange 3G but it won't let me use it (makes sense.)
I then tried his Online troubleshooter out. Followed the step by step stuff, until it came to a choice of three different problems -

2: What is the issue?
I want to set up my handset to use as a modem.
I am unable to connect/Error while trying to connect
I have received an incorrect SMS stating "No free data allowance"

...There doesn't seem to be a "none of the above" option. So I'm stuck again now.
If I read his email right, my slow speed is basically down to 3 being busy in my area anyway. ("....is dependent on the system resources and the network its connected to at that specific location") This bears out, as I get an okay speed in the early hours.

I don't have a 3 mobile phone, so I'm not calling them back. I'll just have to get another network's dongle, and see if they're any better.

"The road to Good Intentions be paved with Hell"