Its still the internet connection series and in this guide, we’ll be discussing how to setup / install and configure a USB modem (ie MTN, Airtel, GLO, Etisalat etc) on your Windows PC. If you choose to use Wi-Fi then consider reading these guides @ https://blog.hovatek.com/how-to-tether-share-an-internet-connection-on-an-android-phone-using-wi-fi-bluetooth-and-usb-cord/ and https://blog.hovatek.com/how-to-share-an-internet-connection-data-plan-megabytes-between-android-and-pc/
What are the problems commonly associated with USB modems?
- This is how I unlock my newly bought Mtn fast link modem without stress. When you buy a new 3G internet modem from a service provider, the modem will be locked i.e other networks won’t work when you insert another Sim card different from the carrier network you will be asked to provide your unlock code because it has been locked by the network provider.
- MTN F@stLink is a Shareware software in the category Miscellaneous developed by Huawei Tech. It was checked for updates 94 times by the users of our client application UpdateStar during the last month. The latest version of MTN F@stLink is 21.5.11.2.200, released on. It was initially added to our database on.
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Some issues you might encounter are:
- Overheating: The modem (and sometimes the PC) might overheat. Ensure the modem is connected to a good port when in use then disconnected and removed when not in use. You could also employ some PC cooling techniques (see https://blog.hovatek.com/how-to-resolve-the-problem-of-an-overheating-laptop-pc/ )
- No / Low signal: If the signal is weak, try changing ports and location. If the modem says Invalid SIM then its locked to another network and needs to be unlocked (see https://blog.hovatek.com/how-to-unlock-a-modem/ )
- Modem not detected: This might be a hardware (port / modem) or driver issue. Try uninstalling the modem driver (under Device manager and then Programs) and manually installing (using a DVD, installer or another modem). Also, try other ports and the modem on another PC.
- Frequent disconnection: This if often associated with the network but might also be due to a loose port / moving the modem while connected to the PC
How do I setup / install a USB modem on a Windows PC?
We’ll be using an unlocked GLO BOLT modem for this guide so the technique should apply for many other such USB modems
1. Go to My Computer
2. Connect the modem to the PC and wait for it to get detected (appear under My Computer)
3. Double-click the Modem name to begin installation
Fastlink Pc
4. If prompted for permission to run autorun.exe on your PC, select Yes
5. The installer wizard should appear, click Next
6. Leave the install location as default if you don’t know what this is and click Next
7. Installation should begin, wait till its complete
8. Click Finish
9. The modem’s dashboard should automatically pop up. If it doesn’t, launch it from your Desktop
How do I configure the modem to surf the internet with my SIM?
As earlier mentioned, we’re using an unlocked GLO BOLT modem for this guide so the exact steps might vary with USB modems but its the same principle. You however need to know your network’s APN details. for example:
Note: If you’re using a modem that doesn’t support SIM cards or using the networks’s SIM card on the Network’s branded modem then you shouldn’t need to configure. just click Connect to start surfing the internet.
Network | APN | Username | Password |
MTN | web.gprs.mtnnigeria.net | web | web |
Airtel | internet.ng.zain.com | not required | not required |
GLO | gloflat | flat | flat |
Etisalat | etisalat.com.ng | not required | not required |
Procedure
1. Launch the modem’s Dashboard
2. Click on the Tools tab
3. Select Options..
4. Click on Profile Management
5. Click Add
6. Enter the network’s APN details (don’t tick username and password if not required ) then click Yes or Save
7. You could select the network by the left and click Set default to make it your default APN or just close the box
8. Select the APN from the dropdown menu then click Connect
Hovatek….just a button away!
Normally when you buy a new 3G internet modem from a service provider the modem will be locked to the network in order not to support or work on any other network. If you insert another network Sim card on it you would be asked to provide your unlock code all because it has been locked by the service provider. The unlock code allows you to bypass the modem in order to be able make use of another network Sim card on it.
How to get started
Firstly, you need to generate the unlock code. And how do I generate the unlock code?
You can generate the unlock code using a software called Master Unlocker.
The Master Unlocker is just like a calculator, it calculates your modem serial number and then generate an UNLOCK code which you can input on an Huawei modem to bypass it locked Network/Sim.
Download Master Unlocker Software HERE
Unzip the folder (if it come in Zip form) and then extract or double click the application named “Universal Mastercode”
Immediately you extract or double click the “Universal Mastercode”, it run itself just like your pc calculator
Bring out your Huawei modem, at the back of the modem there is a IMEI number Locate the IMEI number
On your Universal MasterCode application, Click on 'Huawei' tab, then erase the IMEI existing on the application and type in the IMEI number you found at the back of your modem And then click on “Calculate”
Immediately a result displays, copy the code/number in the “UNLOCK CODE” roll field to your notepad or write it some where.
Remove the Sim card on your Fastlink/3G Huawei internet modem and replace it with another network provider Sim card. That’s is, if your modem is MTN fastlink, remove the MTN sim card and insert Airtel, Glo or Etisalat.
Install Mtn Fastlink Modem Software Download Windows 7
Plug the modem to your PC, A message displays asking for your unlock code, Paste the code generated from you “Universal Mastercode” ( UNLOCK CODE) to the unlock code field and click on 'OK'.
You have successfully unlocked your modem!
RELATED TOPIC: CONFIGURING YOUR APN
HOW TO UNLOCK YOUR MTN, GLO, AIRTEL, ETISALAT WIFI/MIFI MODEM DEVICE
How do I configure my modem settings to make it work with all networks?
Go to your modem platform, select 'Tools' and then 'Options'. Click on 'Profile Management' and then 'New'.
After creating your APN (use the below configuration settings) then Click 'OK'
Set the settings below for your preferred network
GLO PROFILE SETTINGS
Profile Name: Glo Web
Tick on Static
APN: Gloflat
Leave others unchanged
MTN PROFILE SETTINGS
Profile Name: MTN
Tick on Static
APN: web.gprs.mtnningeria.net
Leave others unchanged
AIRTEL PROFILE SETTINGS
Profile Name: AIRTEL
Tick on Static
APN: internet.ng.airtel.com
Leave others unchanged
ETISALAT PROFILE SETTINGS
Profile Name: ETISALAT
Tick on Static
APN: Etisalat
Leave others unchanged
That’s all and you are good to go and surf the net using any of the Mobile service provider in Nigeria…
If you find it difficult unlocking your Huawei modem, feel free to drop your modem IMEI number and it model number (e.g E156G) using the comment box or via email to toyotheophilus@gmail.com and I'll generate your unlock code for you freely.
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