I have a CAT CDMA modem MC727 USB stick type. The software for it suggests any service can work with it by setting up a new profile with ISP account details. So can I use Hutch with it when I am out of CAT area, by opening a Hutch account or does Hutch force you to buy yet another modem?

Good question let's see what someone says here.

I have the Hutch Huawei EC 325. My "guess" would be Hutch or Cat will not open an account without selling the package of modem and sim card. But lets see what others think or better yet what they have experienced.

Hi.

Is the device programmed or does it take a SIM card? If SIM card best is to take it to the shop and give it a try. Because i have the experience with phones that Hutch phones will not take a CAT SIM card and vice versa, both providers verified with me that their phones are locked in such a way. Which is pure idiocy because Hutch IS CAT!!

For me, i have to use a CAT phone if i want to use it as a modem because Hutch users can't get data while on CAT's area and vice versa. So i have phones for both.

It is likely the same with the modems, i.e. if it takes a SIM card you probably need an additional one for Hutch.

Or, alternatively, buy an unlocked one from abroad. I have one CDMA phone from Indonesia (and there are also several from China available meantime) that takes bot CAT and Hutch SIM cards and works flawlessly. Sadly that phone doesn't support data at all.

Best regards....

Thanh

Hi.

Is the device programmed or does it take a SIM card?

It must be programmed as it doesn't have any SIM card. The software it comes with has a profile manager that allows multiple profiles where one can enter a logon [email protected] and password. Not sure the purpose of multiple ids?? I guess it is programmed also with some account number (mobile #) so that the bill can be assigned to me. Therefore I am thinking it will be difficult to use it with another CDMA provider? Someone else said Hutch costs 17000B / yr? This is about the same as CAT so will be a big bill if I need to travel in and out of coverage areas. Another case of the customer loosing out perhaps?

Hi.

Yeah if it's programmed to your number then i'd say "no chance"... as either provider will likely refuse to activate it for their network if it's from the competition. Plus you'd have to re-program it once again when you're back on CAT etc......

Depending on where you are most often (i.e. CAT or Hutch area) you could get the respective other's device on a pre-paid basis..... you'd still need to buy the device (modem) though which, on pre-paid, is more expensive initially.

Or, if you travel only some times and don't need the EV-DO speed, you could also get a pre-paid mobile phone of the respective other provider - they can be used as modems but offer only CDMA2000-1x speed (153 kbps max). It's what i do, using said CAT phone when i'm in Chiang Mai (far out where there is hardly any GSM coverage, hence no EDGE/GPRS, but full CDMA coverage). This works quite well. Hutch's pre-paid also allows for data, i.e. internet access, and most of their phones support it, even the cheap ones.

Best regards.....

Thanh

My Hutch modem uses a sim card. It is a data modem only not a phone. I can connect a headset and make calls but my plan adds any phone calls as an extra charge.