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How to Unlock and Rebrand Huawei E160E HSDPA Modem

Why unlock?

This modem was distributed by an operator who restricted it. Mobile partner the official dashboard of Huawei devices was therefore customized to that operator and several other restrictions were included that undeniably clipped the powers of the device especially in the area of bandwidth.

The steps am going to describe center around updating the firmware and installation of a non branded dashboard that accepts Sim cards from any network

Requirements needed


NB. The software (firmware and dashboard) mentioned here is for model E160E only. Other models may need their own versions that can be found here http://www.dc-files.com/index.html

1- Unlock and flash codes for the modem, these can be found here

http://a-zgsm.com/huawei.php

IMEI number is normally written on the body of the modem.Alternatively go to this url-

http://www.bb5.at/huawei.php?imei=************
Note that you have to first replace the asterisks with IMEI number of the Modem

2- Modem unlock software, download it here 

http://www.4shared.com/file/xEPhcUQv/huawei-code-writer.html

3- Firmware update and non branded dashboard (Mobile partner), both can be downloaded from here.

Firmare -
http://www.4shared.com/file/Sm7BdX_f/Firmware_Update_116091002432B4.html

Dashboard -  
http://www.4shared.com/file/bRKaA_OR/dashboard_UTPS11300051474_MAC1.html


Let's roll

  Make sure the original drivers that came with the modem are installed properly then run the modem unlock software you downloaded and click Detect, after COM port has been detected click accept.

You will be prompted for the unlock code, enter the 8 digit unlock code you got in (1) above and click ok, you will then receive a confirmation message whether the modem has been unlocked.

Time to update firmware and Dash board.

Now this is the most critical process make sure you don't interrupt it otherwise you might end up with a useless modem. Before installing the Huawei software, stop all programs which may be running in the background, especially such involved in communication with your modem, i suggest restarting the whole system before you start the update.

Run the firmware update first and follow the screen instructions. It will prompt you for a password, just enter the flash code (not unlock code) you got in (1) above.You can now install the Unbranded Dashboard from Mobile Partner

Provided everything went well, your desktop should have an icon labeled "Wireless Broadband". Double click it and enter the particular configuration of your preferred network, you will be prompted for the SP code - for my case I just entered "broadband". The SP (Service Provider) Code identifies to the mobile network what provider you are using. Things to change while setting up the modem are mainly APN settings. For Ugandan Networks enter the following as the APN

Orange - orange.ug
MTN - yellopix.mtn.co.ug
UTL - utweb / utwap.3g / utwap
Airtel - airtelgprs.com
Warid -  web.waridtel.co.ug


Enjoy web surfing , the thing I noted with mine was the improvement in bandwidth. I used to surf at around 60 kbps with the original Dashboard but the speed dramatically shot up to 200 kbps during peak hours and 1 mbps off peak with the new dashboard, the operator was definitely restricting me.


Modem Specifications
 manufacturer: Huawei
model: E160
interface: USB 2.0 (A plug)
GSM frequency bands: 850, 900, 1800, 1900
UMTS frequency bands: 850, 1900, 2100
HSDPA: 3,6 MBit/s
EDGE: 236,8 KBit/s
GPRS: 57,6 KBit//s
connector for ext. antenna: +
connector type: CRC9
internal antenna diversity: +
voice telephony: -
NAND-flashmemory: +
microSD-drive: + (up to 8GB)