GigaCube ZTE MF289F - no internet

[a1exandros]

I own a GigaCube ZTE MF289F. This is the version that Vodafone Germany sells/provides for the 4G internet access at home.

Despite not being explicitly listed by Vodafone CZ as supported modem, according to the datasheet it fulfills all requirement.

I have a contract and SIM from Vodafone CZ. In January 2024 the modem could connect to 2G and LTE network and had internet access. Now, the modem can detect the network, but cannot connect to the network anymore. If I swap to a SIM from Vodafone DE, the modem detects the network (Vodafone CZ via Roaming) and can connect without any problem.

To avoid that the SIM is defect, I went to a Vodafone store and they exchanged the SIM. The issue is still present.

Vodafone (technical) support is already informed. I am waiting now for 1.5weeks without any visible progress.

Can you recommend any further steps? What could be the root cause?

Thanks and Cheers!

Maybe the Type Allocation Code (TAC) of the GigaCube ZTE MF289F is of interest. In case there is any block or allow list implemented.

TAC 86478105

[Ondra - Vodafone]

Hi @a1exandros , we also need to know information about your mobile data plan. Do I understand correctly that you have "Připojení bez kabelu" or "Připojení bez kabelu Naplno 5G"? Did your SIM card and connection work in the same modem before?

[tomus]

Do you have the correct settings in the modem for connecting to the Vodafone network (APN..) ?

Try inserting a different SIM card from a Czech operator (T-mobile, O2) into the modem.

[a1exandros]

4 hours ago, Ondra - Vodafone said:

Hi @a1exandros , we also need to know information about your mobile data plan. Do I understand correctly that you have "Připojení bez kabelu" or "Připojení bez kabelu Naplno 5G"? Did your SIM card and connection work in the same modem before?

I have "Připojení bez kabelu Naplno 5G".

Yes. My SIM card and connection worked correctly in my modem. This was in January 2024.

3 hours ago, tomus said:

Do you have the correct settings in the modem for connecting to the Vodafone network (APN..) ?

Try inserting a different SIM card from a Czech operator (T-mobile, O2) into the modem.

The APN settings are correct. I have the same settings (default). It worked in January 2024. Now it does not work.

I have not changed any configuration.

I don't have any other czech SIM to try.  What is the idea behind your suggestions? Maybe it is worth theeffort.

[Ondra - Vodafone]

@a1exandros

Thanks for the clarification. If your SIM card and modem worked fine before, I recommend you check if the tariff is active on the SIM card. 
You can call us at 800770077 or email us at https://www.vodafone.cz/pece/en/form-social/techforum/ to check the SIM status. 

[a1exandros]

I have called the support now several times. The tarif shall be active on the SIM. Unfortunately, the modem still can't connect to the network.

Several times I was promised by technical support that they will work on the issue and call me back. Sadly, they don't call me back. Next deadline is tomorrow 🤞

[a1exandros]

I called the support several times. They always asked for the same: restart, reset, ... No technician was able to find the root cause. They always promised to call me back the next day. No one called me back. That's sad, disappointing and frustrating.

Finally, we cancelled the contract.

[a1exandros]

My hypothesis:

For the "Připojení bez kabelu" tarif, vodafone does a TAC based blocking. All supported modems (see list) are allowed. Anything else is blocked. Even if the modem fulfills the requirements.

Proof me wrong!

(What puzzles me: Early this year my modem was able to connect. Weirdly it could connect to 2G straight away and took approx. 20 minutes to switch to 4G.)

[tomus]

Yes, I also think that is a possibility.