I think this link will help you with the E173
http://3g-modem.wetpaint.com/page/Huawei+E173

You need to open the back cover, check near the imei for the suffix on the E173, it will then tell you if there are bands 900/2100 or just 2100.

173u-2 is good enough man.
Have you even tried it yet?

Are you using the modem on its on via computer USB or via a 3G router?

better modem = better performance,

i personally have huawei, zte, dlink, csl, and option icon,

among so many modem i try before,. option icon get me the highest consistency , and lowest PING and also faster speed at day time even,..

if u dont believe me, u could ask those who use option icon 505 before,. see how's their response
i try icon 505 on digi, celcom, u mobile and maxis, all seems to be have huge improve,.. just my experience,..

one Highspeed modem tat nobody pay any attention to , it is ZTE MF691, a 21Mbps modem
online gamers will love the "ping"



[attachmentid=2639619]

[attachmentid=2639620]

i ady mentioned Maxis users should get this UMG 

now we hav 2 UMG users, sooner much more users, i believe we hav to start a UMG thread soon,
MYstombox, i pass you the honour to do it although i am the second user of this UMG here, the first being TaiKor Chuah