Migs Mobile Network

(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:

1. Your phone is not connected to your laptop.
2. You’re already using 3G / you are already connecting and try to connect again.
3. Mobile phone driver problems
4. You are using a different port for your connection

Solution:

1. 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).
2. After connecting your mobile phone to your pc, wait for at least 30 seconds before attempting to use 3G connection.
3. 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.

1. You phone is not connected.
2. You don’t have load (call and text credits).
3. No 3G/GSM connection
4. Network problem

Solution:

1. 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.
2. 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.

1. 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:

1. 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.

1. 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

1. 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