Tech Notes
3G Card Status
Comrex is constantly testing and receiving new information from customers regarding 3G PC cards for use on various networks. Here’s the current list of cards known to work successfully and the networks they’ve been tested on.
Besides the proper card, it’s essential that you have the proper service in your area to be successful using these cards with ACCESS. For example, Cingular/AT&T is currently rolling out UMTS/HSDPA in many major markets, but smaller markets will continued to be served by their inferior EDGE service, which is not recommended for ACCESS.
Please note that you may need to update your ACCESS Firmware if a listed card is not working. For files and instructions, click here.
North America
Verizon Wireless-EVDO
Note: Verizon Wireless is in the process of upgrading their EVDO network to Rev. A. Our testing has shown a dramatic improvement in network stability and delay when Rev. A is used. A Rev. A compatible card is required to take advantage of these enhancements.
To use Verizon Wireless the following information must be input to
Configure->3G WWAN info
Phone number: #777 (should be automatically applied)
Username: phone_number@vzw3g.com (should be automatically applied)
Cards Tested:
Kyocera KPC650
Novatel Merlin V620
AudioVox PC5750*
Sierra Aircard 595*
Sierra Aircard 595U USB*
Novatel Merlin U720 USB*
Novatel Merlin U727 USB*
Novatel Merlin USB760 USB*
Pantech/UTStarcom UM100*
Pantech/UTStarcom UM150*
Pantech/UTStarcom UM175*
* Rev. A capable
Note: Some USB devices may require a small USB extension cable to properly connect to the ACCESS Portable.
Sprint-EVDO
Note: Sprint is in the process of upgrading their EVDO network to Rev A. Our testing has shown a dramatic improvement in network stability and delay when Rev. A is used. A Rev. A compatible card is required to take advantage of these enhancements.
To use Sprint the following information must be input to
Configure->3G WWAN info
Phone number: #777 (should be automatically applied)
Username: phone_number@sprintpcs.com (should be automatically applied)
Cards Tested:
Novatel Merlin S720*
Novatel Merlin U720 USB*
Novatel Merlin U727 USB*
Novatel U760 USB*
Novatel Merlin C777 (Note: may not work with all ExpressCard adapters)
Sierra Wireless 595U USB*
Sierra Wireless 595*
Sierra Wireless 597E (Note: may not work with all ExpressCard adapters)
Franklin Wireless U300 (Note: 3G only)
* Rev. A capable
Note: Some USB devices may require a small USB extension cable to properly connect to the ACCESS Portable.
Bell Canada-EVDO
Note: Bell Canada's deployment of their EVDO network is entirely Rev.A compliant. However, EVDO service is limited to major metropolitan areas at this time.
To use Bell Canada the following information must be input to
Configure->3G WWAN info
Phone number: #777 (should be automatically applied)
Username: phone_number@mip.1x.bell.ca (should be automatically applied)
Cards Tested:
Novatel Merlin P720*
Novatel Merlin U720 USB*
* Rev. A capable
Note: Some USB devices may require a small USB extension cable to properly connect to the ACCESS Portable.
AT&T/Cingular-UMTS/HSDPA
Note: AT&T/Cingular is in the process of upgrading their network to UMTS/HSDPA service. Our testing has shown that their legacy service, EDGE, gives poor performance on ACCESS.
To use AT&T/Cingular the following information must be input to
Configure->WWAN info
Phone Number: *99#
AT&T/Cingular sometimes delivers voice and data services on a single SIM card. In this case, you must program in a command to the ACCESS to configure your card for internet data services.
The command is programmed into the Configure->WWAN->modem init command field in the ACCESS. The command is as follows:
at+cgdcont=1,"IP","isp.cingular"
Input the command exactly as shown, including the quotes
Cards Tested:
Option GT MAX 3.6 (7.2)
Option GT Ultra
Sierra Aircard 875
Sierra Aircard 875U USB modem
Sierra Aircard 881
Option Quicksilver
International
Most International GSM providers now support some form of UMTS/HSDPA networking. ACCESS does not work on older GPRS networks, and use on EDGE networks is not recommended.
Use of UMTS/HSDPA requires a phone number be entered in the Configure->WWAN info entry field on the ACCESS. We have found the phone number to be almost universally *99#
Many International GSM providers deliver voice and data services on a single SIM card. For this reason, you must program in a command to the ACCESS to configure your card for certain data services. This information is available from your GSM carrier (although often it’s hard to get!).
The command is programmed into the Configure->WWAN->modem init command field in the ACCESS. The form is as follows:
at+cgdcont=1,"IP","APN"
Where the letters APN are replaced by the specific APN string provided by your carrier.
Input the command exactly as shown, including the quotes.
Here are some we’ve found to be accurate so far:
Ireland:
Vodafone UMTS: isp.vodafone.ie
Vodafone HSDPA: hs.vodafone.ie
UK:
Vodafone: internet
Orange: orangeinternet
O2: mobile.o2.mobile.uk
T-mobile: general.t-mobile.co.uk
3: 3internet
Cards Tested:
Option GT Max 3.6 (7.2)
Option GT 3G Quad
Option Globetrotter
Huawei 3G E620
Huawei E156G
Huawei E169
Huawei E220
Novatel U630
Option Icon 431
Many newer cards utilize backward compatible drivers so it’s worth trying a card that isn’t listed here.
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