As part of this review material, the MTS 3G modem will be considered. This device is universal and is able to work with both 2G and 3G cellular networks. When connected directly to a personal computer, it turns into a regular wireless modem. But if it functions separately, then this is a portable access point to the Global Web. It is this universal and at the same time affordable technical solution that our material is dedicated to.
Package
The mobile 3G modem "MTS Connect" considered in the framework of this short review has the following configuration:
- Mobile hotspot with battery installed.
- Warranty card.
- Complete paper user manual.
- Proprietary interface cord with which this device can be synchronized with a PC system unit or charged via a power adapter.
- Tray for installing a SIM card from a mobile operator.
- Starter pack.
- Power adapter.
Must be noted in the list aboveno CD. But the need to supply it automatically disappeared for the reason that the drivers, the control software of the cellular operator and the documentation are recorded on the memory chip integrated into the modem. As a result, there is no need to duplicate the same information on a separate medium. In addition, most modern computers are no longer equipped with CD-ROM drives.
Specifications
The MTS 3G modem with an integrated Wi-Fi transmitter, considered within the framework of this review material, can boast of the following technical specifications:
- The USB wired port is for charging the integrated battery. It can also be used to synchronize the device with any personal computer and thereby turn it into a regular Internet access point.
- The list of supported cellular standards includes 2G and 3G. In the first situation, the highest speed can be 500 kbps and the device successfully operates both in GPRS and EDGE modes. In the second case, the peak exchange of information can already be 7.2 Mbps for download and 5.76 Mbps for upload, and UMTS technology is supported.
- Built-in Wi-Fi transmitter allows you to connect up to 5 mobile devices to this modem.
- Type of installed SIM card - micro (standard). If necessary, you can put a USIM card with 4G support in the tray, but this will not give much benefit for the reason that in the list of specifications of this mobiledevice does not have LTE technology.
- The battery life on a single battery charge is 6 hours.
Modem functionality
Essentially, this solution can work in one of two modes. The main one is the mobile hotspot. In this case, the portable router turns into a kind of gateway. On the one hand, it is connected to a cellular network and already with its help exchanges information with the Internet. Moreover, the choice of one or another signal occurs automatically. On the other hand, up to 5 mobile subscribers can be connected to it, and the traffic consumed between them is distributed depending on their needs and capabilities.
An alternative use case is a fixed access point directly connected to a computer system. In this case, the hero of this review is communicating with the cellular network, and the Wi-Fi transmitter is deactivated.
Internet tariffs for MTS 3G modems currently include a fairly large amount of traffic, but their monthly subscription fee is quite democratic. That is, such devices are excellent for widespread use. And both at home and in the office.
Setting order
Configuring the MTS 3G modem is as follows:
- Unpack the box and remove the device from it. Then you need to get the tray out of it.
- Next, we extract the SIM card from the starter pack. We install it in the tray and return it to its place.
- Turn on mobile hotspotaccess and wait for the completion of the process of its initialization.
- With the use of WPS technology, we synchronize consumers and this model of a portable stand-alone modem. After that, the mobile network is configured and ready for operation.
In case of switching from a PC, it is necessary to install an additional set of drivers and diagnostic software. Then, using the latter, a connection to the Global Web is established.
Checking the performance of a mobile hotspot to the Global Web
Unlimited Internet, MTS 3G-modem and the presence of a cellular network signal allow you to access the Internet almost anywhere. After the previous settings, you need to check the operability of the created Wi-Fi coverage. To do this, on any connected device, simply launch the browser and go to any information resource. Previously, the Wi-Fi transmitter must be activated on the latter and synchronization is performed using special WPS technology. As experience shows, to date, the operator has minimized human participation in the process of setting up the router. Therefore, the probability of an error in this case is minimal, there should certainly not be any problems.
Tariff plans
The following MTS tariffs for a 3G modem are currently relevant:
- Basic is "Internet Mini". In this case, the subscriber receives 7 GB of traffic per calendar month for a maximumpossible speed. The subscription fee is 500 rubles per month. Upon the exhaustion of the previously given limit, 150 rubles will be debited from the account, in return for which 1 GB of traffic will be provided.
- The middle-level segment is occupied by the "Internet Maxi" tariff. In this case, the subscription fee increases to 800 rubles, but in return, the user already receives 15 GB of traffic for the same calendar month. In this case, from 00:00 to 07:00 the amount of transmitted information is not taken into account. That is, 15 GB are used only during the remaining time of the day. If the limit is exceeded, 1 GB, as before, will cost 150 rubles.
- The Internet V. I. P. tariff plan provides the greatest opportunities in terms of the amount of transmitted data and information. When activated, the user receives 30 GB for a monthly fee of 1200 rubles. Accounting, as before, is conducted from 7:00 to 00:00. In the remaining time, the amount of information is not limited. If the volume is exceeded, each additional gigabyte will cost the same 150 rubles, which are automatically debited from the subscriber's account.
Cost
You can still buy a 3G modem MTS. And even in new condition. Its price will be only 1500 rubles. But again, it is no longer possible to purchase it in a company store, but only from third-party companies or individuals. In a used form, its cost will decrease even more and will amount to 500-900 rubles, depending on the condition and degree of wear.
Device relevance
Although you can still find an unlimited 3G MTS modem indifferent users, but now it has been forced out of the shelves by new devices that are aimed at functioning as part of 4G networks and support LTE technology. In this case, the maximum speed can increase to 100-150 Mbps. At the same time, the price is practically the same. Also, these new mobile routers are backward compatible with 3G and even 2G standards. That is, they are able to completely and completely replace the models of the previous generation.
Therefore, those who use MTS 3G will still use them until they become obsolete or fail. But when choosing a new access point, experts recommend paying attention to those solutions that can operate in 4G mode.
Owner Reviews
The MTS 3G modem can boast of a number of significant advantages, according to user reviews. The Internet, in the presence of high-quality coverage, has a fairly high speed - this is the first plus of this device. Also, the advantages include autonomy and cost. In addition, the setup procedure is as simple as possible and requires minimal user interaction.
The disadvantages of the owners in this situation include the lack of 4G / LTE support and strict binding to the network and the SIM card of the MTS company.
Conclusion
As part of this review, an MTS 3G modem with support for Wi-Fi wireless technology and the ability to create portable Internet access points was considered. Low costmakes this device very, very affordable. At the same time, the process of setting it up is as simple as possible. Essentially, its only drawback is that the software can only work with MTS equipment. The most optimal way to use such a portable solution is at home or in a small office to implement the main or backup Wi-Fi network.
