class="eliadunit">

During this year I wrote several articles on the topic of unlocking and flashing 3G modems to work under different telecom operators - first I wrote about HUAWEI E160G , then about And ZTE MF180. It so happened that no more modems came into my hands; There was no accurate, verified information about this or that method of unlocking this or that modem, the topic with modems died down a little.

Recently, just the other day, one of the commentators on an article about unlocking a modem HUAWEI E1550(you can look at a review of the modem, for example, at mobile-review.com).

Previously, I did not talk about unlocking this modem, although I have such a modem from Megafon, it was lying idle, unlocked.

To celebrate, I promised to tell Ivan how to unlock this modem, and yesterday I started the actual unlocking. After some hand passes and minimal use of a tambourine, the modem was successfully unlocked! Now I am sharing this information with you, dear readers.

My goal was to simply unlock the previous modems, without any frills, just to work with Internet traffic, although as you know very well, through 3G modems you can send and receive SMS and MMS, make and receive both regular and video calls, in general this is full-fledged communication, comparable to communication via mobile phone(in terms of technology).

Therefore on HUAWEI E173 At the beginning of my search, I considered it necessary to find Connection Manager(in English - dashboard), supporting the Internet, SMS, MMS, voice calls and video calls.

By the way, I found such firmware. But!!! Not only did it turn out that if the telecom operator MTS-Khabarovsk supports video calls, then the telecom operator Megafon-Khabarovsk does not, but also NOT ONE firmware was found on the HUAWEI E173, guaranteed with SMS-MMS, voice calls, Russian and with Russian telecom operators.

As a result, at first I decided to give up on video calls and focus on all of the above functions, except for video calls, and then, after unsuccessful tests for sending MMS, I gave up on them too :)

As a result of tests and selections, one firmware was selected, which was actually installed.

Features of the selected Connection Manager(dashboard) : Russian interface, support for 4 Russian operators (MTS, Megafon, Beeline and TELE2) + the ability to manually add profiles of YOUR OWN telecom operators, the ability to make a voice call and receive a voice call (tested personally!) and the theoretical ability to send MMS (why do I use the word “theoretical?” - because not a single MMS could be sent from a 3G modem or received from a phone to a 3G modem - it never worked.

Dig into the firmware settings - maybe you will be luckier and be able to find a solution on how to make MMS work... Although whether this function is needed in a 3G modem is a big question...).

As usual, I want to note that information on unlocking HUAWEI E173 I dug up quite a lot, but unfortunately here is specific information, the procedure, from the series “screw nut A onto bolt B and tighten gently until it stops”(that is - step by step instructions how to unlock this modem) - I couldn’t find such information. Some pieces, scraps of thoughts and a sea of ​​links in which “the devil will break his leg”!

So, especially for you - how to flash HUAWEI E173(using the example of OPSOS Megafon Far East). I am writing in as much detail as possible about the procedure for unlocking and flashing, all windows are numbered in the order in which I saw and did them.

I’ll say right away that the unlocking operation is dangerous for the modem! There is a possibility that the modem will stop working. You unlock at your own peril and risk; the author is not responsible for your actions. You can ask me questions about unlocking, write in the comments, together we will think about how to unlock your modems.

In general, the principle of unlocking HUAWEI E173 no different from HUAWEI E1550 and other HUAWEI brand modems, except for the unlocking files used, but despite this I had to tinker to unlock my modem.

At first, when I tried to reflash the modem firmware, I saw a “fig”

This error was easily cured - I pulled out the modem, inserted it again and installed the Connection Manager (dashboard) from it.

In general, the procedure for installing a 3G modem is nothing unique, but you never know!- here it is in sequential pictures:

Advice: If you have not installed the built-in, “native” connection manager Megafon (or MTS, or Beeline), then I HIGHLY recommend that you install it!!! If you don’t install it, you’ll get an error that the modem was not found or you don’t have administrator rights (which is what happened to me)!

This is explained by the fact that the native connection manager (dashboard) installs drivers for the modem in the system, with the help of which the firmware can contact the modem and reflash it.

Then I successfully flashed the Connection Manager (dashboard) to the one I needed, but to my great regret, when I inserted a SIM card from MTS, the modem wrote that it can only work with Megafon SIM cards.

This is what I struggled with for the longest time. I eventually found 2 treatments for this nasty thing, here they are:

Option 1 - Connection Manager firmware (dashboard) from helpower.narod.ru. Just install the firmware from it and voila, the first time you install the Connection Manager (dashboard), when you insert a non-native SIM card, a proud window pops up, see below:

We cure this by running an unlocker program(a program that generates a response NSK code based on your IMEI. In some places on the Internet they also ask for money for these codes, wow!), I got 2 different ones, in general, who will like which one))) Here they are, unlockers in action:

1) Huawei_Modem_Unlocker

Option 2 - unlocker + NSK code. Also quite an effective solution, I think. The procedure is simple.

A) Checking with the utility Huawei_Modem_Unlocker_v1.1_by_Micro-BOX_TEAM - is the modem unlocked?

b) If unlocked - OK. If not unlocked, then with the utility Huawei_Modem_Unlocker or Huawei_Modem_Unlocker_S920_VodaShit according to what is indicated on the modem under the top cover, we generate an NSK code, then go back to Huawei_Modem_Unlocker_v1.1_by_Micro-BOX_TEAM, enter the NSK code into the empty field (there is only one there, you won’t miss it!) and press the button UNLOCK.

V) All is ready, The modem was successfully unlocked .

You probably have the Megafon Internet program installed when working with your modem.(looks like this or similar)


Next is the classic procedure for flashing the modem, similar to the HUAWEI E1550 firmware, which I wrote about earlier:

Procedure for unlocking the HUAWEI E173 modem(tested on a modem from Megafon, as I personally did):

1) Download the necessary software and manuals: original firmware from HUAWEI - ,

program for generating FLASH and NCK codes from modem IMEI -,

Connection Manager software (dashboard) 1_huawei_e173_dashboard_utps_11.300.05.21.343_B416_v.3.17.00_by_helpower.narod.ru.exe + 2_huawei_e173_dashboard_utps_11.302.09.15.209_B416_3G Internet.exe and instructions for flashing the firmware and dashboard of the modem from Megafon - (download links - immediately after the instructions).

2) After everything you need has been downloaded, write off the IMEI code from the modem, launch the program huawei_unlocker_by_souhail_gsm_and_maverick_lp28.exe and enter the previously decommissioned IMEI, then click Unlock. Data like this will appear in a black window:

(This is an example, of course, in each specific case the numbers will be different!)

We need data for flashing Souhail_gsmNck: 58304566 , save it!

ATTENTION! ALWAYS exit all programs, turn off the antivirus and the Internet. FLASHING is necessary WITHOUT SIM CARD and memory card!!! We extract everything from the modem!!!

It is highly advisable to flash it on a laptop or netbook, or on a PC with a source uninterruptible power supply- otherwise, if there is a power outage, you risk losing your 3G modem!!!

3) Run the firmware file -huawei_e173_e173u-1_firmware_update_11.126.85.00.209_B427_win_mac.exe

If the firmware program does not immediately request an unlock code, then follow the program’s instructions, wait further (Next) and then, your entire path is sequentially shown in the screenshots below:

At the end of the installation a message will appear "Update Succeful! Your IMEI and current firmware model"

4) Disconnect the modem from the PC and reconnect. Flashing Connection Manager(dashboard) of our modem, so that when inserting a non-native SIM card, we will have a window for entering the lock code - run the dashboard firmware file - 1_huawei_e173_dashboard_utps_11.300.05.21.343_B416_v. 3.17.00_by_helpower.narod.ru.exe - The entire firmware process is shown below in the screenshots.

If someone doesn’t know or doesn’t understand how to flash it, here it is Guide to flashing modems from Megafon(using the example of a series of modems) - obnovlenie_po_v_modemax_huawei.101217.pdf ).

5) After flashing the firmware, remove the modem from the PC/laptop and reinsert it. A window like this will pop up:

Enter NSK code, which we generated earlier.

Voila, the modem is unlocked! All that remains is to install a convenient and pleasant Connection Manager!

6) Disconnect the modem from the PC and reconnect. Flashing Connection Manager(dashboard) of our modem AGAIN, but with DIFFERENT firmware, more successful!

For this - run the Connection Manager firmware file(dashboard) - 2_huawei_e173_dashboard_utps_11.302.09.15.209_B416_3G Internet.exe - and we do the same thing as in step 4, the whole firmware process is identical.

7) READY! Your The modem was successfully unlocked to work with any operators+you can add your own, local or new telecom operators!

In the comments to previous articles about unlocking and flashing I was asked - But how would you flash your 3G modem for local telecom operators?

Let's say for the settings of Tajikistan, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Ukraine (Utel, Kyivstar, Beeline, Life) or for example, take a modem with you on a trip to another country, Finland for example, and use it there with a local SIM card?

I answer. Eat least 3 ways:

1) Find a connection manager (dashboard) with local telecom operator profiles and flash the modem. The advantages of this method are that when you change Windows or computer, you will not need to re-enter data about access points. Cons - there are very few such dashboards. At least for HUAWEI E173 I couldn’t find one...

2) Find firmware that allows you to add your own operator profiles and enter it manually. Pros - you can enter any telecom operator in a couple of minutes. Disadvantages - you need to know the Internet access point settings of each operator you need, and after reinstalling the OS, all settings will of course be lost, and if the modem is transferred to another PC, they will also have to be entered again. But overall the method is not bad.

For myself personally (although I haven’t had such a problem yet) I would choose path No. 2 (especially since the current firmware I recommend supports this option) - would have driven in new profile in 2 minutes and that’s it, voila, the new telecom operator WORKS! :)

Below you can see in the screenshots how easy it is!

All necessary files for successful firmware flashing of the HUAWEI E173 3G modem:

Firmware, Connection Manager (2 pcs.), Unlocker and firmware instructions - for HUAWEI E173 - download all files WHOLESALE from SMS4FILE.RU

class="eliadunit">

During this year I wrote several articles on the topic of unlocking and flashing 3G modems to work under different telecom operators - first I wrote about HUAWEI E160G , then about And ZTE MF180. It so happened that no more modems came into my hands; There was no accurate, verified information about this or that method of unlocking this or that modem, the topic with modems died down a little.

Recently, just the other day, one of the commentators on an article about unlocking a modem HUAWEI E1550(you can look at a review of the modem, for example, at mobile-review.com).

Previously, I did not talk about unlocking this modem, although I have such a modem from Megafon, it was lying idle, unlocked.

To celebrate, I promised to tell Ivan how to unlock this modem, and yesterday I started the actual unlocking. After some hand passes and minimal use of a tambourine, the modem was successfully unlocked! Now I am sharing this information with you, dear readers.

My goal was to simply unlock the previous modems, without any frills, just to work with Internet traffic, although, as you well know, through 3G modems you can send and receive SMS and MMS, make and receive both regular and video calls, in general this is full-fledged communication, comparable to communication on a mobile phone (in terms of technology).

Therefore on HUAWEI E173 At the beginning of my search, I considered it necessary to find Connection Manager(in English - dashboard), supporting the Internet, SMS, MMS, voice calls and video calls.

By the way, I found such firmware. But!!! Not only did it turn out that if the telecom operator MTS-Khabarovsk supports video calls, then the telecom operator Megafon-Khabarovsk does not, but also NOT ONE firmware was found on the HUAWEI E173, guaranteed with SMS-MMS, voice calls, Russian and with Russian telecom operators.

As a result, at first I decided to give up on video calls and focus on all of the above functions, except for video calls, and then, after unsuccessful tests for sending MMS, I gave up on them too :)

As a result of tests and selections, one firmware was selected, which was actually installed.

Features of the selected Connection Manager(dashboard) : Russian interface, support for 4 Russian operators (MTS, Megafon, Beeline and TELE2) + the ability to manually add profiles of YOUR OWN telecom operators, the ability to make a voice call and receive a voice call (tested personally!) and the theoretical ability to send MMS (why do I use the word “theoretical?” - because not a single MMS could be sent from a 3G modem or received from a phone to a 3G modem - it never worked.

Dig into the firmware settings - maybe you will be luckier and be able to find a solution on how to make MMS work... Although whether this function is needed in a 3G modem is a big question...).

As usual, I want to note that information on unlocking HUAWEI E173 I dug up quite a lot, but unfortunately here is specific information, the procedure, from the series “screw nut A onto bolt B and tighten gently until it stops”(that is, step-by-step instructions on how to unlock this modem) - I could not find such information. Some pieces, scraps of thoughts and a sea of ​​links in which “the devil will break his leg”!

So, especially for you - how to flash HUAWEI E173(using the example of OPSOS Megafon Far East). I am writing in as much detail as possible about the procedure for unlocking and flashing, all windows are numbered in the order in which I saw and did them.

I’ll say right away that the unlocking operation is dangerous for the modem! There is a possibility that the modem will stop working. You unlock at your own peril and risk; the author is not responsible for your actions. You can ask me questions about unlocking, write in the comments, together we will think about how to unlock your modems.

In general, the principle of unlocking HUAWEI E173 no different from HUAWEI E1550 and other HUAWEI brand modems, except for the unlocking files used, but despite this I had to tinker to unlock my modem.

At first, when I tried to reflash the modem firmware, I saw a “fig”

This error was easily cured - I pulled out the modem, inserted it again and installed the Connection Manager (dashboard) from it.

In general, the procedure for installing a 3G modem is nothing unique, but you never know!- here it is in sequential pictures:

Advice: If you have not installed the built-in, “native” connection manager Megafon (or MTS, or Beeline), then I HIGHLY recommend that you install it!!! If you don’t install it, you’ll get an error that the modem was not found or you don’t have administrator rights (which is what happened to me)!

This is explained by the fact that the native connection manager (dashboard) installs drivers for the modem in the system, with the help of which the firmware can contact the modem and reflash it.

Then I successfully flashed the Connection Manager (dashboard) to the one I needed, but to my great regret, when I inserted a SIM card from MTS, the modem wrote that it can only work with Megafon SIM cards.

This is what I struggled with for the longest time. I eventually found 2 treatments for this nasty thing, here they are:

Option 1 - Connection Manager firmware (dashboard) from helpower.narod.ru. Just install the firmware from it and voila, the first time you install the Connection Manager (dashboard), when you insert a non-native SIM card, a proud window pops up, see below:

We cure this by running an unlocker program(a program that generates a response NSK code based on your IMEI. In some places on the Internet they also ask for money for these codes, wow!), I got 2 different ones, in general, who will like which one))) Here they are, unlockers in action:

1) Huawei_Modem_Unlocker

Option 2 - unlocker + NSK code. Also quite an effective solution, I think. The procedure is simple.

A) Checking with the utility Huawei_Modem_Unlocker_v1.1_by_Micro-BOX_TEAM - is the modem unlocked?

b) If unlocked - OK. If not unlocked, then with the utility Huawei_Modem_Unlocker or Huawei_Modem_Unlocker_S920_VodaShit according to what is indicated on the modem under the top cover, we generate an NSK code, then go back to Huawei_Modem_Unlocker_v1.1_by_Micro-BOX_TEAM, enter the NSK code into the empty field (there is only one there, you won’t miss it!) and press the button UNLOCK.

V) All is ready, The modem was successfully unlocked .

You probably have the Megafon Internet program installed when working with your modem.(looks like this or similar)


Next is the classic procedure for flashing the modem, similar to the HUAWEI E1550 firmware, which I wrote about earlier:

Procedure for unlocking the HUAWEI E173 modem(tested on a modem from Megafon, as I personally did):

1) Download the necessary software and manuals: original firmware from HUAWEI - ,

program for generating FLASH and NCK codes from modem IMEI -,

Connection Manager software (dashboard) 1_huawei_e173_dashboard_utps_11.300.05.21.343_B416_v.3.17.00_by_helpower.narod.ru.exe + 2_huawei_e173_dashboard_utps_11.302.09.15.209_B416_3G Internet.exe and instructions for flashing the firmware and dashboard of the modem from Megafon - (download links - immediately after the instructions).

2) After everything you need has been downloaded, write off the IMEI code from the modem, launch the program huawei_unlocker_by_souhail_gsm_and_maverick_lp28.exe and enter the previously decommissioned IMEI, then click Unlock. Data like this will appear in a black window:

(This is an example, of course, in each specific case the numbers will be different!)

We need data for flashing Souhail_gsmNck: 58304566 , save it!

ATTENTION! ALWAYS exit all programs, turn off the antivirus and the Internet. FLASHING is necessary WITHOUT SIM CARD and memory card!!! We extract everything from the modem!!!

It is highly advisable to flash the firmware on a laptop or netbook, or on a PC with an uninterruptible power supply - otherwise, in the event of a power outage, you risk losing your 3G modem!!!

3) Run the firmware file -huawei_e173_e173u-1_firmware_update_11.126.85.00.209_B427_win_mac.exe

If the firmware program does not immediately request an unlock code, then follow the program’s instructions, wait further (Next) and then, your entire path is sequentially shown in the screenshots below:

At the end of the installation a message will appear "Update Succeful! Your IMEI and current firmware model"

4) Disconnect the modem from the PC and reconnect. Flashing Connection Manager(dashboard) of our modem, so that when inserting a non-native SIM card, we will have a window for entering the lock code - run the dashboard firmware file - 1_huawei_e173_dashboard_utps_11.300.05.21.343_B416_v. 3.17.00_by_helpower.narod.ru.exe - The entire firmware process is shown below in the screenshots.

If someone doesn’t know or doesn’t understand how to flash it, here it is Guide to flashing modems from Megafon(using the example of a series of modems) - obnovlenie_po_v_modemax_huawei.101217.pdf ).

5) After flashing the firmware, remove the modem from the PC/laptop and reinsert it. A window like this will pop up:

Enter NSK code, which we generated earlier.

Voila, the modem is unlocked! All that remains is to install a convenient and pleasant Connection Manager!

6) Disconnect the modem from the PC and reconnect. Flashing Connection Manager(dashboard) of our modem AGAIN, but with DIFFERENT firmware, more successful!

For this - run the Connection Manager firmware file(dashboard) - 2_huawei_e173_dashboard_utps_11.302.09.15.209_B416_3G Internet.exe - and we do the same thing as in step 4, the whole firmware process is identical.

7) READY! Your The modem was successfully unlocked to work with any operators+you can add your own, local or new telecom operators!

In the comments to previous articles about unlocking and flashing I was asked - But how would you flash your 3G modem for local telecom operators?

Let's say for the settings of Tajikistan, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Ukraine (Utel, Kyivstar, Beeline, Life) or for example, take a modem with you on a trip to another country, Finland for example, and use it there with a local SIM card?

I answer. Eat least 3 ways:

1) Find a connection manager (dashboard) with local telecom operator profiles and flash the modem. The advantages of this method are that when you change Windows or computer, you will not need to re-enter data about access points. Cons - there are very few such dashboards. At least for HUAWEI E173 I couldn’t find one...

2) Find firmware that allows you to add your own operator profiles and enter it manually. Pros - you can enter any telecom operator in a couple of minutes. Disadvantages - you need to know the Internet access point settings of each operator you need, and after reinstalling the OS, all settings will of course be lost, and if the modem is transferred to another PC, they will also have to be entered again. But overall the method is not bad.

For myself personally (although I haven’t had such a problem yet) I would choose path No. 2 (especially since the current firmware I recommend supports this option) - I would enter a new profile in 2 minutes and that’s it, voila, the new telecom operator WORKS! :)

Below you can see in the screenshots how easy it is!

All necessary files for successful firmware flashing of the HUAWEI E173 3G modem:

Firmware, Connection Manager (2 pcs.), Unlocker and firmware instructions - for HUAWEI E173 - download all files WHOLESALE from SMS4FILE.RU

Many people do not understand life without the Internet. But in order to access the Internet you need only 2 things: a PC (laptop, tablet) and a USB device. Today, one of the popular USB devices is the Megafon E173 modem.

A USB modem will be very useful in cases where you need to connect the Internet not to a desktop computer, but to a laptop and use it online outside the home. The device has a beautiful stylish and convenient design. Its advantage is that the e173 modem device program is already equipped with all the necessary components for operation.

If something is missing, a driver for the Megafon e173 modem can always be found on our website.

• download the application for Megafon modem e173 and instructions for its installation;
• carefully study and install on your computer;
• start searching for information or work on the Internet.

Main characteristics of the device

1. System requirements: Windows XP, Windows 2000 SP2, OS Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, Windows Vista, Mac OS X.
2. GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA 5.7 Mbit/s, HSDPA 7.2 Mbit/s.
3. UMTS 2100, GSM 850, GSM 1900, GSM 1800, GSM 900.
4. Balance request, SMS work.
5. Automatic installation Plug-n-Play.
6. Wireless system 3G with Megafon e173 is possible under the Megafon network.
7. Space for using a Micro SD memory card.
8. Voice call capability

Programs and drivers

Instructions for e173 and updates software and download drivers from the links below:

• (22.001.18.30.209)
• (11.126.85.00.209)

A consistent, necessary update will allow:

• improve the quality of wireless USB devices;
• provide new functions;
• increase data transfer speed;
• correct defects, malfunctions, etc.

Firmware for Megafon modem e173 for all operators

Using programs for megaphone modem e173, you can flash or unlock the device. This operation is carried out without a SIM card.

Option 1. To unlock the e173 and e173u modem:

1. Rar archive with utilities and firmware - ;
2. Remove the cover from the modem and connect the E173 without a SIM card and a flash card;
3. We close all programs running on the computer;
4. Open the file v4mpire_unlocker from the archive and enter the IMEI found under the modem cover into the program and click Calc;
5. We save the issued Flashing and Unlocking codes in .txt document;
6. Open the program huawei_e173_e173u 1_firmware_update_11.126.85.00.209_B427;
7. Enter Flashing code and wait until the program finishes what it started;
8. We remove the modem from the USB port and restart the computer;
9. Re-insert the modem into the USB;
10. Find and install from the archive huawei_e173_dashboard_utps11.300.05.21.343_B416_v. 3.17.00.exe, when the program asks you to enter flashing parameter, find it in the saved file and install it;
11. Remove the modem again and reboot the computer;
12. And finally, after rebooting, insert your modem into USB port, wait until the e173 shell starts automatically, reinstall the Huawei program from the device;
13. Install a SIM card from any operator and start connecting to the Internet. If the operator you need is not there, add it Options > Edit Profile. All information for filling out forms is located on the official website of your telecom operator.
14. Enjoy and stay tuned!

The Huawei_e173р driver, just in case something goes wrong, you can download.

You consciously accept responsibility for your actions with your equipment. Think carefully before proceeding to point 1.

Option 2. Another way to unlock the e173 modem from Megafon

Watch the video and repeat. Archive with software - !

You consciously accept responsibility for your actions with your equipment. Think carefully before you take action.

It has become widespread among buyers. The owners remembered it for its interesting box in which it was delivered. The device is considered good, works without failures or any other shortcomings. More details about it later in the article.

General characteristics

The described modem is often used by residents of large cities. It so happened that even in the capital with an actively working third-generation network, a weak signal appears. Therefore, quite often there are situations in which 3G works terribly poorly. The E173 modem is an excellent device. It allows you to catch even a weak network signal and ensure its stable operation. The device is in demand, at least because many buyers still pay more attention to characteristics and indicators, rather than to external design.

The modem sells for 1190 rubles. When connecting to the “Maximum” package, the owner will receive unlimited Internet(the first three months of use are free). The largest traffic size is 16 GB, as is already clear, without a speed limit. Next, we’ll talk in detail about the technical equipment of the device.

Equipment and design

Buyers have no complaints about the configuration. The manufacturer even included a green cord. It will be needed if the owner wants to place the E173 USB modem on his wrist. Of course, few people have the desire to wear a model as decoration. The cord is necessary so that the cover of the device does not get lost. The accessory is useful and many people use it. The kit also includes documentation. Among it you can find a special brochure that describes all the available tariff plans, as well as additional commands for controlling the device.

The appearance of the modem satisfied all buyers and owners. Non-marking black plastic is used. Due to the dark neutral tone, the device goes well with laptops and computers. White versions are also available in smaller quantities.

Design

Consumers have only one complaint about the design of the Huawei E173 device. They don't like the thickness of the modem. The extra two millimeters will be invisible when using the device with a laptop, but when using a netbook they will be very noticeable. The port does not become loose, but appearance spoils. A rotator joint would be appropriate. It would obviously be useful for such a modem.

Thin netbooks will sit unsteadily on a solid surface, resting on the device you're using. Of course, such PCs are now rarely used, but they have a drawback.

Design

The E173 modem, whose characteristics suit everyone, has received a standard appearance. Users don't say anything about it in reviews. The only thing that can be said is that the design is clearly better than its predecessor. The design is excellent, there is no play or squeaks, the assembly is tight. The design is neat. You can’t expect anything more solid in design from a budget model.

The developers abandoned the card cover, which constantly fell off and got lost. In order to replace an external drive or SIM, you need to remove half of the case. Such a solution is a definite plus.

The manufacturer uses special slots for subscriber cards in phones. Accordingly, they must be inserted with a wide part. In modems, this option was abandoned. Standard unified blocks for the card and external storage are used. Unfortunately, this is one of the reasons for the thick case. But users note that the main thing is fast functionality.

Functionality

The E173 modem firmware allows you to work with several networks at once. The device allows you to easily connect to the signal. It should be noted right away: the device fully complies with the declared characteristics from the manufacturer. The 3G network works without interruptions, signal loss and other problems. The connection stability is noticeable after the first hour of use. Of course, sometimes there is a decrease in speed, but in general the device allows you to work with the Internet as quickly and comfortably as possible. If you compare the model with other devices, you can confidently say that it is one of the best. This advantage is based on working with the device without any speed or megabyte restrictions from the operator. All this depends on the tariff price, which is discussed in this review there is no question.

Working with mobile communications

E173 is a modem that receives positive reviews for good reason. It should be noted that it picks up the Beeline signal in places where phones and tablets cannot do this, and other similar devices connect every other time.

What can you say about 3G from Megafon? The fact is that the coverage of this operator is quite poor - some people are not aware of the operation of the third generation network. It should be noted that the modem coped with this situation perfectly. The data transfer speed is a little behind, but the reliability and sensitivity are at the highest level. “Freezing” and other failures are completely absent. The connection is smooth and stable.

Modem features

E173 is a modem whose data transfer speed is quite rare, but can either drop or increase sharply. But the upload is stable and does not show such nuances. It must be said that radio signal reception does not depend in any way on the quality of the build, so this problem is practically not the result of poor work by the developers.

When you connect to a tariff that will allow you to watch online videos as comfortably as possible, the modem behaves perfectly. “Brakes” are eliminated, videos load quickly. The information transfer rate is 512 Kbps. In order to comfortably work with video on the Internet, the consumer needs to choose a tariff in which there is either no or minimal data restriction. It is desirable that the average speed be no higher than 450 Kbps. This will allow you to watch videos even in the most inaccessible places in the city. At 128 Kbps, downloading videos will be quite problematic. Only small videos are viewed normally.

Unlocking the E173 modem

Many owners are concerned about the question: how to use the services of others mobile operators? Below are three ways to solve the problem. But you should immediately understand that this manipulation instantly voids the warranty on the device.

Bottom line

This is not to say that the E173 is a modem that is different from all others in its price category. But it still stands out from the “gray mass” with some advantages. The characteristics are excellent, the Internet speed is good and, most importantly, stable. The modem is able to catch even a hard-to-reach signal that powerful gadgets cannot see. This model is most suitable for those who are faced with purchasing such a device for the first time. But there is no need to rush to purchase it. If a person is still satisfied with the work of the old modem, and he is cool about three months of free use, then it is better to look for a powerful option at a high cost. Now there is a huge range of updated devices on the market, which are clearly much better equipped. E173 is a modem that can be used as a spare or purchased as a gift.

Mobile service operator Megafon offers users convenient and compact modems for access to high-speed Internet. All such devices are designed for use with SIM cards only from this operator, but more or less experienced users know that they can be unlocked.

Let's find out how to flash a Megafon modem for all SIM cards in several ways, consider each of them so that you can choose the most suitable and understandable one for yourself.

Paid methods for replacing firmware

Megafon modem firmware is performed in the following ways:

• Through online services. We classified them as a paid category because a large number of they actually provide services for money. How it works? You indicate the device manufacturer, IMEI number (it is indicated on the back of the case), and the service looks for the unlock code.

After you receive it, you should launch the Megafon Internet program on your computer (first connect a modem to it, but without a SIM card) and enter the specified code. After this, the device will be reflashed, and you can insert any card from other operators into it.

• DC-Unlocker application. Before downloading a program that is available on a separate website of the same name, check whether it is suitable for your device. If yes, install the service and run it. After that you should select the language, indicate the manufacturer network equipment and model - E173 or another. If you do not know this data, then leave the automatic detection.

Then do the following:

1. Click on the icon with a magnifying glass, after which you will find out whether the modem is locked and how many attempts are left to unlock it.

Note. On all Beeline devices, by default, 10 attempts are given to remove the lock. If you get a lower number, it means that you have already tried to reflash the equipment before.

1. Return again to the site where you downloaded the program, select the Buy Credits menu - here you will have to pay for the unlocking service and at the same time register on the portal.
2. To find out how many “credits” you need to buy, click on the website “How much do I need?”
3. After payment, a window will appear in front of you indicating your login and password in the program.
4. Transfer the received data to DC-Unlocker, “Server” tab.
5. Next, select the “Unlock” section, check “Enter the code automatically.”
6. Click Run.
7. After some time, a message indicating the successful completion of the operation will appear in the application window.

Free unlock options

In principle, they are worth trying first, but if such methods do not help, you will have to turn to paid options.

So, you can reflash the Megafon modem for any SIM card for free like this:

• Using specialized forums. For example, the most popular forum on this topic is 4pda. If you register and ask a question about flashing in the appropriate topic, specify the modem parameters correctly, they will probably find you a code to unlock the device. It is best to indicate the maximum useful information - IMEI, model - e173 or another, firmware version.
• If you have a device from the HUAWEI brand, you can find out the required code through the Unlock code calculator program - just run it and you will receive v1 and v2 codes, one of them will certainly be suitable for flashing the firmware of your model.

In both cases, the resulting combinations of numbers should be used in the Megafon Internet application.

What should I do if the code entry window does not appear?

In some situations, the control program does not display the window for entering the unlock code. Then you should download a universal program for the equipment from the manufacturer’s website, where, after automatically detecting the model, you will be asked to enter the treasured code.

How to use the modem after unlocking?

It is not enough to simply reflash it - you also need to configure it for another operator. To do this you should do the following:

• Open the control program.
• Create a new profile.
• Specify the dial-up number *99#.
• Enter the access point data, user name and password (depending on the operator).

That's all - now you know how to reflash the Megafon modem for all SIM cards, and you can use it to access the Internet with other operators mobile communications. The main thing is to be careful in your actions and take into account the limited number of unlocking attempts, so as not to turn the device into a “brick”.