Do You Know Why This Telstra Portable Wi-Fi Modem Will Not Work?

Hopscotchy on 08/06/2023 - 02:17
Last edited 09/06/2023 - 00:40

Hi,

I have a portable wifi device that has worked in the past, however in more recent times it does not work.
The device is Telstra branded ZTE MF65.

This device is unlocked and has previously worked with different networks. However, now when any SIM card is inserted (including Telstra) it will not connect.

Here is a link to the ZTE MF65: https://www.4gltemall.com/zte-mf65-3g-hspa-21mbps-mobile-hot…
Here is a link showing the Testra branded version I own: https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/personal/support…

I understand it's an old device that is only 3G! But occasionally it is still useful to carry around additional data.

Telstra continues to operate 3G services on its 850MHz spectrum until June 2024 (https://www.whistleout.com.au/MobilePhones/Guides/Australian…). This spectrum is compatible with the device according to the above link ("* HSPA+/HSUPA/HSDPA/UMTS 2100/1900/900 (850)MHz")

Tried visiting a couple of Telstra stores for info - of course they couldn't help!

Does anyone know why it wont work, and any ideas for getting to work again?
Hoping to understand the why, if nothing else!

Thanks!

UPDATE
Fixed by performing below steps from battler (thank you!) and an extra step to delete all the messages on the account.

Internet Mobile Broadband Modem

Comments

  • 87percent on 08/06/2023 - 06:57

    pm me the sim number and I can check, or the imei of the modem

    • Hopscotchy on 08/06/2023 - 06:59

      All SIMs will not work in this device. Will checking one SIM still be helpful? IMEI sent via PM, thanks.

  • Colin2905 on 08/06/2023 - 08:29
    +1

    There are some areas where there's already no Telstra 3G850; I get text messages whenever I drive through such an area. Even where there is still Telstra 3G850, I've found that in practice that the data flow is excruciatingly slow to non-existent. YMMV.

    The Telstra version only has 3G850 and 3G2100, so it's no longer going to work on Optus or Vodafone.

    Time to get a new Pocket Wi-Fi, and either e-waste your old one, or keep it as a curiosity piece.

  • JimmyF on 08/06/2023 - 10:02

    However, now when any SIM card is inserted (including Telstra) it will not connect.

    What are you seeing in the web interface?

    Getting any signal bars? And errors?

    • Davo1111 on 08/06/2023 - 10:07

      What are you seeing in the web interface?

      agreed, grab manual, connect to interface

    • Hopscotchy on 08/06/2023 - 11:02

      By web interface if you are referring to http//192.168.1.1, I am unable to connect as there is no connectivity.
      There are green signal bars indicating connection. Display is basic, no errors or red bars.

      • battler on 08/06/2023 - 12:48
        +1

        QUICK REFERENCES
        Browser home page http://192.168.0.1
        Administrator login password
        Default SSID TPPWF_xxxxxx. Supplied on your Security Card.
        Default Security Key 10 characters which are case sensitive. Supplied on your Security Card.

        Restore defaults From the powered up state: Press & hold the power key and the WPS key simultaneously, hold for about 10 seconds. All passwords and settings will be restored to defaults and the router will reboot.

        Can you see the SSID when scanning for Wifi?

        • Hopscotchy on 09/06/2023 - 00:36

          LEGEND! This issue is now Fixed!

          Went to http://192.168.0.1 and followed your instructions to press & hold the power key and the WPS key simultaneously. Once restored to default was able to login.

          Had to perform an extra step to delete all the messages on the account - I obtained this instruction from elsewhere. Then FINALLY the green network bars started flashing!!

          (YES I could always see the SSID on my computer and phone, but was using the incorrect address http//192.168.1.1 to attempt to login)

          THANKS so much for your help!

      • JimmyF on 08/06/2023 - 13:40

        I am unable to connect as there is no connectivity.

        Then you're doing something wrong. Try again, you can always access the web interface even when the device has no internet.

        If your phone is saying no internet, click the use anyhow option.

        • Hopscotchy on 09/06/2023 - 00:37

          Right you are! I was trying to access the wrong link http//192.168.1.1 when I should have been using http://192.168.0.1

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