1800mhz gsm modem with O2sim

jimmycrackcorm

I ordered a gsm modem without realizing that though it was triband it was american style triband and not european i.e. 850mhz and 1800mhz as opposed to the normal 900mhz and 1800mhz. Of course it doesn't pick up a network using my o2 simcard, however seeing as the operators here use 1800mhz on their networks I was wondering if there is any way of forcing the modem to pickup an 1800mhz network. Is it down to the sim? This problem is similar to bringing a U.S. triband phone over here. In principal it should default to the 1800mhz cell broadcasts. Anyone shed any light?

The Doktor

Dual band or triband?? you only give 2 bands it works on.
In the states they use 850 and 1900 (not 1800). Are ya sure its 1800Mhz?

Urban Weigl

While both 900 and 1800 MHz are used here in Ireland, I've found that in practice, only 900 MHz gets used -- at least in rural areas. So basically, outside of densely populated areas, you'll be incommunicado with no 900 MHz band.

Out of interest, what brand/model is it? Your best bet would probably be to put it back up on eBay.

jimmycrackcorm

They are 1900mhz also but I reckon that Urban is right and there is basically very little 1800mhz coverage. I bought them from expansys so I should be able to return them.

The Doktor

Its not true about the 1800Mhz being only in urban areas. Just about every area has 1800Mhz. In fact priority is given to 1800 i.e. you will mainly be on 1800, unless for various reasons, you are handed over to 900.
Where abouts on the country are you?