How to Change Huawei E220 Network Preferences on Mac: 3G or 2G

[ad#inline-single] I have Huawei E220 modem runs on my mac. By default this modem use automatic network detection for 3G or 2G, if there’s enough 3G (HSDPA/UMTS) signal the modem will works on 3G, otherwise if 3G network signal is poor it will detect 2G (GPRS).

Why it is so important? In my place, 3G network signal are weaker than 2G, so if the modem detect automatically, I can not use 3G instead.

Changing this network preferences on Windows is a simple things to do, Huawei have a nice software interface to change this modem network service preferences, but not (yet) for Macintosh user, Huawei give a poor support on Mac, altough they still developing on it.

For Vodafone users, Vodafone Mobile Connect (VMC) is the best solution for this, but unfortunately VMC was stricted, non-Vodafone SIM users can not use this software.

Months ago, when I was started to switch to a Macbook, I figured that there was a previous version of Vodafone Mobile Connect that works for non-vodafone users. I accidentaly download VMC that works for my current non-vodafone operator’s SIM. As you can see the image below:

Here is version of VMC that works for non-vodafone GSM:

You can download it Vodafone Mobile Connect 2.08.01 here.

Cheers,

13 Comments

  1. olah

    i can’t download it..but i really need it..someone help me plz..coz i live in 3g area..but my default setting is gprs prefered..i was using xp..

  2. rokas

    hey, i got that vodafone soft, but when i try to launch it, it’s just bouncing and doing nothing. Can someone tell where is the problem?

  3. Salam dari Jakarta!!
    I just buy the new 15″ mbp unibody and my E220 gives me a headache …. it even makes me switch back to use my ‘workhorse’ powerbook G4 for the internet! But now I found the answer and I want to share this with you … but the problem is that I CAN NOT connect from mac mobile connect, and can not connect from Internect Connect, I have to go straight to System Preferences!!! If you are okay with this – follow this steps:

    1. Open System Preferences, Network
    2. Make a new location (very top of interface)
    3 Now, on left side of interface you will see a white box … on the bottom of the box there is + and there is -, click the +
    4. From choices pick HUAWEI mobile
    5. Now in the telephone type *99#
    6. IF YOU HAVE IT – type in username and password
    7. Click Advance … now in modems first box find “GENERIC”
    8. In next box find “GPRS (GSM/3G)”
    9. click “OK”
    10. Click APPLY
    11. Click CONNECT

    you should be connect now!!!

    cheers

    jakartaguy

  4. Meikie

    Hi Pupung,
    Thank you for your advice. However it seems that the download you supplied does block my sim – it says that vodaphone does not recognize it. I am with Maxis in Malaysia. Do you have any other solutions. I would be eternally greatfull.
    Thanks,
    M

  5. Zain Kenya Connection for the Mac PPC. After setting the Mobile Partner application (best working location for old modems users to download: http://www.comcen.com.au/products/wireless/downloads)

    If you go to the system pref – network. Set New Location Call it Zain or x. Under show option select HUAWEI Mobile. Service Provider you can put Zain Kenya. Telephone you must put *99#*(all Huawei international 3G modems). Click on apply now. From finder Search for internet connect app., on top menu select the Huawei Mobile, under configuration – Edit configuration, from the pop click on the plus option, Description: Zain Kenya, Telephone Number: *99# Note: Where you see Modem, click on that combo and look for HUAWEI Mobile connect – 3G Modem, select that option – click ok. You will be able to now use the internet connect app on a mac. Why? coz it shows you the ip address you are using start time remaining time to verify if it is unlimited, plus Mac had figured that out long before HUAWEI, so you dont have to use that application that they give. hope it helped!

    If anyone gets an sms app like the PC one Please post starting with SMS APPLICATION FOR MAC. thanks!
    L8az!

  6. sonelta

    The link you posted is NOT 2.08.01.04 but ends with 00, as stated previously – any chance of providing the correct download – been a long time since you posted this!

  7. Luca

    Sorry, the version you posted on rapidshare seems to be 2.08.01.00 instead of 2.08.01.04. It checks the sim and quit. Here in kenya there’s non vodafone… :-/

  8. PupungBP

    @Paula: I have no idea, but in my country there’s no Vodafone networks and it just works. Are you sure that you downloaded version 2.08.01.04 ?

  9. Paula

    The version which you published, is not working for non- Vodafone users :

  10. PupungBP

    @Adi Chandra: Bisa… kan yang penting USB

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