It was so cheap I couldn't resist!!
Prior to the purchase I knew that the current USB modem stick they were giving was the ZTE MF626 which after some online search I found how to unlock it. So I went to the shop, got the happy stick and headed back home.
The software used to unlock the modem can be found online under the name ZTE2.zip on rapidshare and elsewhere (additional Russian Page, translated). So I got it elsewhere (I dont remeber where from and cant seem to find at the moment) cause the rapidshare was not allowing any more free downloads of that file.
After downloading it and following the instructions it took about 20 minutes and a few seconds to flash/update/unlock the modem and now I will be able to use whatever network I like. (I tried an O2 simcard and works. Doesn't ask for an unlock code.)
I have to mention the update was done while having plugged in my USB a bluetooth dongle (cause I forgot it since it is hidden in an internal USB) and it didn't seem to affect the operation.
After the update, when the USB modem is plugged for the first time in, it tries to install a new connection manager Globe Visibility. However the instructions for the unlocking procedure was suggesting to use the Telstra connection software which came in the ZTE2.zip file.
So I did use the Telstra the first time, and although I could connect with the Telstra settings and the t-mobile sim card there was no internet access.
I could not connect to the Tmobile network neither using the details found online about APN etc etc. Every time I used the new connection it would not connect. "Connection timed out" was the message it returned.
Then I decided to use the new connection manager that came in internally. The Globe Visibility.
Again I could connect to the networks that were automatically set up within the Globe but not to the T-mobile network that I set up myself. By the way, in order to install any other network manager I had to un-install the previous one.
Then I installed the original T-mobile network manager and voilla! I could connect to the T-mobile network!!!
Which made me wonder. Why the heck that happens?!?!
A quick look at the settings revealed the problem.
All the suggestions about how to connect to the T-Mobile network dictated to use the correct APN: general.t-mobile.uk but had both the Username and password wrong (user, pass).
Also nobody mentioned anything about using the Dial number: *99#
If anyone knows the new password is welcomed to share it with us. I would imagine since it is two characters is TM (for t-mobile) but I dont have the time to check it out now. Later perhaps.
I also did a tear down of the USB, just to see what is there inside:
( a more thorough disassembly of the a similar dongle)
There are 2 screws that keep the dongle together with 2 black security stickers.
I used my nail to separate the top from the bottom part
The micro SD reader is visible, and the Sim reader too, along with the antenna and a bunch of connectors at the bottom as well as a plug for an external antenna (probably) too
the antenna connector on the PCB has two parts from which only one seems to actually be utilized from the current antenna.
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