Regular readers(!) will remember a post I made about getting a 3 mobile broadband dongle for a fiver. Well it turns out that you can unlock the dongle - a ZTE MF627 - for free.
Basically it involves reflashing the broadband modem - which although it sounds scary is actually straightforward if lengthy process (took around 20 minutes).
First off - plug in your modem and install all of the drivers.
Remove the SIM card and then plug back into a USB port on your computer.
Then download the firmware upgrade
http://web.portal.globe.com.ph/visibility/MF626UpdateTool_GLOBE_PHV1.2.exe
and also the instructions:
http://www1.globe.com.ph/img/documents/Operation_Instruction_for_GLOBE_MF626_Modem_upgrade_software.pdf
And for a connection manager I've been using this one:
http://www.dc-unlocker.com/downloads/open/46
NB: You may need to uninstall any existing connection manager before installing this.
Finally there's a massive list of APN settings arranged by country and operator:
http://www.vysoo.com/apn.php#419
Please note that updating the firmware in your ZTE MF627 involves some risk -including bricking the dongle - particularly if you don't follow the instructions to the letter. The firmware installer specifically mentions Vista as having potential problems.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Post a Comment 11 comments:
Hi,
Thanks for posting this. The pdf manual mentions a patch to be installed first. You don't mention this step. have you omitted this bit ?
2:12 PM
Hi Anonymous - you don't need the patch.
5:19 PM
I've flashed my dongle but can't connect to the web using the ZTE software. I've entered the settings required but it won't connect.
I've tried Voda & Orange SIMs but both come back with 'connection timed out'.
Any ideas?
11:03 PM
Thanks so much for this!
mif: get your settings from here; http://www.jhangra.com/blog/2009/07/how-to-unlock-your-3-zte-mf627-usb-mobile-broadband-dongle/
It helped me out big time for using my vodafone sim card.
12:58 AM
thanks for posting all details for unlocking my zte mf627 dongle.the update was successful,my mf627 now mf626.will update later if i can get connected using my globe prepaid sim.
More power!!
6:55 PM
Hi there....one quick question if you don't mind - if i have a flashed dongle but haven't installed the drivers, will this cause me any probs? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks
10:53 AM
I did NOT install anymore the DC unlocker. Just used Globe Visibility's default connection manager and added the SMARTBRO profile: Dial: *99#, APN: SMARTBRO.
6:39 AM
it helps a lot. im using a smart bro modem, my sim is a postpaid sun, and mobile connection manager is globe visibility. this is a total innovation. no need to buy a new modem.. i set my apn to automatic all the philippines internet provider works
8:35 PM
Hi,
Thanks for the valuable piece of information. Keep up the good work... :)
5:13 AM
Hey men, i can't download the pdf file (instructions)....
can you email it to me... loubs_king@yahoo.com
tnx bro....
1:35 AM
Thanks for the GLOBE software updater. It works! My SmatrBro Broadband stick is now openline.
7:57 PM