Seems like lack of power.

Have a e173u-2
7.2mb HSPA modem.

Constantly providing me with the following at my deployment area

Ping: 50-70ms
DL: 3-4mbps
UL: 2-2.5mbps

It's a celcom branded modem that was 'instantnet' with TENTEN warranty. Shop unlocked.

I would refrain from getting UMG1831 to be honest.
Try to get E352, E372 if you can find/afford those 2 instead.

At that time, anything 3G is expensive.

e353, u need to get the right version.
Not all versions support UMTS900/2100. Some only 2100.
This is denoted by the u-1, u-2, s-1 or s-2 suffix on the modem.
-1 = 1 band
-2 = 2 band
But whether which -2 modem is 900/2100 or 850/2100 or 1900/2100 i have no idea.

The e352 is standard UMTS900/2100 no need to guess.

Thats why i recommend e352

The UMG1831 I won't recommend because the stable firmware is the original version that came with the dongle.
T mobile released newer firmwares that were not as stable.

As are some people have flashed some other modem's firmware in it to boost speed to 28.8mbps, which is almost irreversible to the original without problems.

So to save the hassle, I won't recommend the UMG1831. I had it for a while and it gave me more headaches than anything.

Alternatively, you can get the E182e which has the same specifications as the UMG1831.

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Added on February 3, 2012, 8:31 amIf you want a cheap & good modem you can look for the following:

E173u-2 -> this is UMTS900/2100 I have tested, note the suffix
E1762 -> But this seems to be not available new from maxis anymore, forums and lelong has a lot

These are typically around MYR130-150 new, or RM80-100 used/demo

But the thing with huawei modems in msia is that the budget and the high end price gap is extremely high.

The E352 is supposed to be mid-high range, but it is elusive at the moment.

The E372 is obtainable but at a price point of RM450 with 1 year warranty
And E182 is RM300 with 1 year warranty.

So the gap is quite big, as the E352 and the E182 are same class modems, but you really get what you pay for to be honest.

**Note, I do not sell modems, the prices were quoted to be by a forum seller and I've posted here for the convenience of everyone shopping for a modem.

This post has been edited by MYstombox: Feb 3 2012, 08:31 AM

I have huawei E173U-2 and icon 505

I505 will still give u good ping and consistent speed with low signal ~40%

E173 however is reliable if signal strength is above 65%.