Does the 4GEE WiFi Mini EE71-2BE8GB3 work with other networks?

[ayuen100]

Hi,

I have unlocked this device using a code from eBay. 

All looks well but it does not seem to be able to get internet with an active O2/Vodafone monthly SIM.

I've tried manually entering APN settings to no avail.

Any ideas how to get internet to work from providers other than EE?

[Dupes]

Hi @EssexBoyEE 

Thanks - but the device does have Band 20. It is set to Band 20 mHz actually. I have had the very common issues with dropping of the wifi network on these devices (WiFi, not 4G signal) and one of the mitigations with this is to set the device to bandwidth 20mHz, so it defo has this - so not the issue.

EE customer care have been in touch - they are sending a replacement device, for me to try unlocking in any case.

We discussed and I suspect that the unlock code field has a firmware coding error that has set it as being a Mandatory 16 digits, rather than just a maximum 16 digits (it is indeed also limited to 16, but also mandaotry to enter 16 for the 'Apply' button to be enabled to click i.e. 16 digit is your only option.

I suspect the latest firmware update by Alcatel has this simple coding error setting the field to mandatory 16 digits when it should not be mandatory 16, as the unlock codes are all 10 digits they tell me.

[Dupes]

Hi @Christopher_B 

As of this morning I have been contacted by a lady in the 'Care Complex' team, so I now have a single point of contact who is managing this - it could be a firmware coding error, so they are sending a replcement device and I will send the old one back as they need to test it. Hopefully now this will get some traction toward resolution.

My feel is the latest Alcatel firmware update has a coding error making the field mandaotry 16 digits, when it should just be a field limit of maximum 16 but not be mandatory 16

[Leanne_T]

Thanks for the update @Dupes

Let us know how you get on. 

Leanne 🙂

[Dupes]

So to update -

After speaking to Charlotte in 'Care Complex' I received a replacement device today, GAve the IMEI and got an unlock code a few hours later.

Put in the (same) non-EE SIM as had been using before with the other device, and it connected straight away! So seems the replacment wasn't even locked!

Probably a good job, as the unlock code I was given was only 6 digits all the same, so didn't seem right.

Anyway, replacement was unlocked, and worked with EE and Non-EE sim.

I stopped short or running firmware update with a EE SIM in it, though did with the Non-EE SIM and none was required.

It works at least - took literally 30+hrs of emails and testing over days and days to get to someone who was able to resolve it in 24 hrs, but at least its solved.

Top marks to Charlotte.

Woud be interesting to know why the original device didnt work/had the 16 digit code thing....but I expect the unit will just get binned (recycled hopefully) back at EE HQ.

[Christopher_B]

Hi @Dupes

Thank you for keeping us in the loop on this, we really appreciate it.

Thanks

Chris