Huawei's UMG181 USB modem for T-Mobile in the wild

Huawei's UMG181 holds a special place in the hearts of loyal T-Mobile users -- after all, it's not everyday that you see a USB modem with AWS 3G support. The cool cats over at CellPhone signal managed to get their hands around one, and while it looks about exactly like we thought it would, we're told that the general public should be able to find one as early as next month. Got enough patience to make it?

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 17th 2009 5:32PM]

A tiny modem for a tiny 3G network. Perfect.

[SParklingCYaNide Posted Jan 17th 2009 8:00PM]

You're Retarded. At least its 3G Speeds are ALWAYS Lightning Fast unlike ATT and Verizon.

You tiny minded fellow I'm glad you're part of the ignorant mass of people.

Find some logic and Come back.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 17th 2009 8:33PM]

T-Mobile USA has good coverage in the major cities, so if that's where you expect to be, this modem should serve you well. Also consider the lightly-loaded T-Mobile USA's HSPA network (at least so far), which should ensure very high performance for the early adopter. T-Mobile USA likely has coverage maps on its web site, so you can check there before you buy. My suspicion is also that T-Mobile USA's pricing will compare favorably with that of Sprint, AT&T and Verizon Wireless. The bigger question is whether any of these four traditional will be able to compete -- at any price -- against Clearwire's WiMax network. Clearwire offers service in approximately 50 markets today with some 460,000 customers, and the performance of its network is vastly superior to any EV-DO or HSPA network. Download and upload speeds are higher, latency is much lower, network capacity is vastly greater, and the price is lower. If you have had a chance to test it, you will know why this feels a lot more like a cable modem or DSL, than these "3G" networks.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 30th 2009 4:35PM]

@Galen20K: AT&T would also be lightning fast if there were NO devices online using it like T-Mobile. Unfortunately, AT&T is burdened with many, many 3G devices besides the iPhone.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 17th 2009 8:47PM]

Looks like I hurt the T-Mobile employee's feelings. Awesome.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 17th 2009 8:57PM]

I am not employee
T-Mobile 3G performance is pretty good, if it's not better than Sprint
and I use GB after GB
tether TM506 with netbook to access 3G VPN is a dream!

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 18th 2009 2:04PM]

Sure it's good, if you live in the minscule 3G coverage area. I never commented on the performance, just the size of the network. Reading is your friend.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 19th 2009 6:04AM]

I can't wait, but I'll have to. :-)

T-Mobile may not have a massive network (yet) but that's because they'd rather have a robust network first and THEN work on building it out, which they are doing at a pretty fast pace from what I hear. That's why I've chosen T-Mobile for my wireless service for 3+ years and not switching any time soon. Way too many headaches, unreliable products/services with other carriers. Oh yeah, and they're more expensive too.

Plus I'm assuming that this puppy will automatically fall back on edge/gprs, so you're not up a creek if you are in an area that isn't (yet) 3g. I much prefer USB devices over cards anyway, so this will be a nice replacement for my GC89, even if I only get edge speeds at first. And when I get 3g in my area, the faster speed will just be icing on the (cup)cake :-D

(For those who didn't get the reference, yes I am a proud early adopter for the G1 as well)