Optus E173 USB mobile broadband modem

Optus E173 USB modem review: A simple USB modem with plug-and-play support, an external antenna port and a microSD card slot

Good Gear Guide

  • Expert Rating

    3.50 / 5

  • User Rating

    3.50 / 5 (of 2 Reviews)

  • Price

    $ 79.00 (AUD)

User Reviews:

1

steveWed 21/09/2011 - 14:38

  • Pros
    the sun
  • Cons
    my fridge

ive had good speeds from this 3g modem up to 5.2 mbps i got no complaints for it

Rated this product:
4.5
2

ralphWed 25/05/2011 - 19:50

  • Pros
    Easy to set up
  • Cons
    Wasn't able to use reliably for Skype

I bought this to use in North Sydney during a recent business trip from overseas. Even though high signal strength and HSPA was indicated, the protocol regularly dropped to HSDPA and WCMDA.

Although some peak speed were in the 1-2+ Mbps range, it was impossible to conduct skype conversations with video, and even audio only, the quality was poor.

Even moving to the balcony didn't improve the connection speed/reliabilty.

If the DODO 3G modem I bought last year is 'average' (it worked well), this modem is 'below average'. (I left this modem with a relative in Melbourne, since I was leaving Oz - perhaps I should have kept it!) Most odd given DODO uses the Optus network.

I don't think the higher price for the higher speed Optus modem was worth it since I was just visiting. Can't wait until it becomes unlocked!

Rated this product:
2.0

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