News

Orange updates software for its 3G data card for PCs: free upgrade available

It really isn't the case that 3G PC card modems work well on mobile networks.  They don't. Part of the problem has been really, really poor software for the cards - hence the update for the Orange 3G Data Card Software.

The original software for the Orange card was really poor.

To be entirely fair to Orange, it wasn't noticeably worse than anybody else's. But it would disconnect without noticing, and refuse to reconnect on the grounds that it was already connected; when restarted, it would often simply not find a network. It was also prone to making a GPRS connection even when a 3G network was available, and also, required a lot of complete reboots of the PC system before these faults would be overcome.

Initial response from readers of NewsWireless suggests that this is a worthwhile new version. Features of the update show just how poor the original package was! - they include:

• Signal strength bars are now visible at all times, whether you're
  connected or not.
• 3G or GPRS indicator triangle shows which service is in use. If you
  switch from 3G to GPRS, the indicator will update to show the current
  service.
• Send and receive text messages whether you're connected or disconnected. 
• Option to automatically start either the datacard, software, or both,
  when you first boot up your laptop.
• Move between application buttons without having to disconnect.
• Improved international roaming network connection.
• Now supports Windows XP Service Pack 2.

The update page is
http://www.orange.co.uk/business/corporate/office/mocsoftware.html here.

For those who already have the card installed, it's only necessary to download the  upgrade or for those who haven't yet installed the card, you can download  the full suite.

Further help? - "For any assistance during installation, if you are a Business Solutions customer please contact us on 328 from your Orange phone or 0800 079 0328 from any other phone. If you are a Small Business or Personal customer, please contact us on 156 from your Orange phone or 07973 100 156 from any other phone."