Problems using Smart 3G - Internet connection
(This is quite a long post but I’m sure it will be very helpful for those who needs it)
I’m a big fan of 3G! Aside from video calling, it keeps me connected to the internet “on demand” - well, most of the time.. i mean when there’s an available 3G signal and when the network is in not in a bad mood.
I always use Smart when connecting to the internet via mobile phone - 3G. For me, It’s the cheapest and most reliable - tried and tested - way of connecting to the internet. I could even roam Davao City or Metro Manila and still be connected to the internet.
But sometimes, I encounter some errors when using this service. And since I’m a regular user, I’ve been able to analyze the problems and now I know why it happens and how to go about it.
Here are some problems/errors I’ve encountered when using my mobile phone as a modem and connecting to the internet via 3G.
Lest begin!
Problem 1: Error 663: This modem (or other connecting device) is already in use or is not configured properly
The problem here maybe one of the following:
- Your phone is not connected to your laptop.
- You’re already using 3G / you are already connecting and try to connect again.
- Mobile phone driver problems
- You are using a different port for your connection
Solution:
- Connect the mobile phone to your computer. For easier connection, use your PC suite (nokia and Sony Ericsson have them… i don’t know with other phone brands).
- After connecting your mobile phone to your pc, wait for at least 30 seconds before attempting to use 3G connection.
- Double check that the cables are connected properly and that you have properly enables PC suite (for nokia) connection on your mobile phone.
Problem 2: Error 678: The remote computer did not respond. For further assistance, click More Info or Searcg Help and Support Center for this error number.
- You phone is not connected.
- You don’t have load (call and text credits).
- No 3G/GSM connection
- Network problem
Solution:
- Whenever I encounter this problem, it only means I don’t have load anymore (hahhahaha). But sometimes, the problem is caused by difficulties in accessing the network (Smart Network). So just load up and make sure you have a network signal.
- If you are a prepaid user, and you ran out of load and loaded up again, i suggest you restart your mobile phone so that the load will quickly be recognized.Well that’s what i do with my 6233.
Problem 3: Not Authenticated: You have not been authenticated and/or authorized.
- There’s an authentication process being done by you mobile service provider. Its like the username and password verification if your using dial up connection. This error means that you got through / you got connected.. but you have not yet passed the authentication process.
Solution:
- Just disconnect and then connect again until you get authenticated. hahahha.. seriously.. that’s the only thing i do… Just try and try until you succeed.
Problem 4: Insufficient Balance: Sorry, but we are interrupting your GPRS session because of insufficient balance. Pls. reload your account and try again. Thank you.
- Some users stop using their 3G connection when they see this problem. Or some loads up again. Actually you still have load but its below the required amount - not always. You see, I also receive this error even if i have more than P40.00 load left.
Solution
- Disconnect and reconnect until this error disappears.
Problem 5: Packet data connection not available
already blogged about it here and here.
Note, you will only encounter problem 1 and 2 if you are using connecting to the internet using a computer or laptop via your mobile phone as modem.
Also, if you are using a desktop computer or laptop, It would be better for you if you ping a website, say yahoo.com, to see if you are still connected to the internet.
Like if the ping results says:
- “reply from yahoo.com (or IP address)…” - means your are still connected.
- “Request time out “- You are still connected but having some difficulties, if you see 10 lines of these - one after another, i suggest you disconnect and reconnect.
- Destination host unreachable - means you are totally not connected to the internet.
- Hope this post helps you big time! =p
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I also encountered some of the problems you had mentioned, and I guess it’s not normal when that happens. More so today I really don’t have a 3G signal from smart, way to go for a service right?