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Originally Posted by siskiou
I picked up an unlocked usb stick (Novatel MC950D) and a couple of sim cards for the UK so far.
Have not received the modem yet, but wonder what kind of connection manager I should use, and how to go about activating the sim cards.
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Your 3G stick has an integrated flashmemory, on which there's a dashboard software and drivers, that will start installation automatically after plugging in. There's a guide at
Downloads: Novatel Wireless Ovation MC950D/MC930D USB Modem - HSHPA/HSDPA/UTMS
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Do I activate via cell phone (I have an old, unlocked one I'll be taking along), or can it be done via the netbook and software.
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I think both SIMs from T-Mobile UK and 3UK should come activated right out of the box. At least I can't remember having activated my SIMs from these two and also the 2 years old user guide from T-Mobile, I have in front me, doesn't mention any activation procedure.
Just remember to configure the correct access points (APN) in Novatel's dashboard "Mobilink-Lite" before you try to connect:
three.co.uk and
general.t-mobile.uk
Even registration, which can be done online for both SIMs, seems to be voluntary. T-Mobile just wanted my name, birthday and a postal code, which I took from a bag of chips, while my 3UK SIM is still unregistered.
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Same with adding more credit to the cards, if needed. Can that be done via software and credit card (US cc card)? Do I need to register with the company the cards are from?
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You can top up credit with both companies online through their websites, but both seem to do not accept foreign credit cards (except for T-Mobile, who accepted my German AmEx).
Check
http://www.prepaidgsm.net/forum/euro...html#post32582 for details on topping up UK SIMs, where I mentioned an online shop selling top up vouchers for all major UK operators even to foreigners.
Those top up vouchers can be redeemed online under
Pay as you go - Topping up online - T-Mobile and
https://my3.three.co.uk/myaccount/activateVoucher.done
Probably there's also an USSD-based method of submitting top up vouchers, but I don't know if Novatel's dashboard supports USSD and it's also unclear if
MDMA, a practical tool for data devices, will submit USSD commands properly, as
it doesn't support your stick fully. At least you won't get any feedback from MDMA.
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And what kind of a sim for t-mobile would I need to get the "buy your first day for two pounds, get 30 days of unlimited internet" payg deals.
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I think you just have to start using mobile broadband on the £2 tariff (which should be preactivated according to the following quote from
T-Mobile's website) and you'll get those 30 days automatically.
"Choose from £2 a day, £7 a week (roughly £1 a day) or £15 a month (roughly 50p a day) pricing options. Your USB modem stick will be set up to £2 a day when it arrives, but it's easy to change to one of the other pricing options. Simply log in to My T-Mobile and follow the simple steps."
But perhaps this promo is online valid for SIMs sold with 3G sticks, but not for regular voice SIMs.