Can I use a USB modem without a 3G signal?

Question

I had '3s' USB modem, but got no signal - so it is on its' way back to them.
I have asked most of the mobile ISPs this question, but they seem unable to aswer in plain English!
Can anyone advise me?

Thanks Casey - I was really getting into your answer until you got a little snappy with me. I don't claim to have a CLUE what I'm talking about, but, just so we're clear, the USB modem which I had from a mobile / wireless provider was from a company called, simply, '3', which is why I referred to it as '3s', as in, 'belonging too'. Sorry if that punctuation was incorrect - that isn't my strong point either! lol
If it is any help to you, or anyone else, I am in Scotland, and this technology only appears to have 'gone live' here last week.

*Kasey, sorry x

Answer 1

The problem is... you are using the wrong terminology and it means to me something else entirely that doesn't make any sense.

USB modem, to me, means a modem connected via USB port instead of serial port. It'll still attach to a phone line (POTS, plain old telephone system). In fact, I am using a USB modem right now to send faxes and such.

However, you then mentioned 3G signal, and mobile ISP, which leads me to think that you are talking about those Mobile Broadband Modems, which are transceivers for 2.5 G or 3G signals. Those can be in PC Card, ExpressCard, or even just USB format. The last are usually called Wireless Modems (w/ USB port). They'd be specific to the wireless carrier.

Here's an example:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=planFirst&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=2849

"3s USB modem" doesn't tell me anything, as there's no wireless carrier called 3s.

Perhaps you'd be better off explaining what you are trying to do instead of what you *think* the solution is.

EDIT: Ah, much better, 'mate. :) Ye see, I do ken. ;) It helps mention your locality, as we Yanks do have a bit of assuming everything is in the US unless mentioned otherwise!

Now that makes sense. Ye mean this one, don't cha?

http://www.three.co.uk/personal/products_services_/mobile_broadband_/index.omp

According to this, your modem only works within this map area:

http://www.three.co.uk/personal/products_services_/mobile_broadband_/rollout_map.omp

So I am guessing ye are out o' luck, 'mate. :)

Answer 2

once you're going the direction of the sprint 3G/4G card, you will the two have 5 GB each and each month or limitless cellular broadband. which you will get relies upon on what insurance is supplied on your section. For limitless, you will would desire to be in a 4G section. If no longer, you would be in a 3G section and limited to 5 GB (your U300 will immediately swap between the two). because of the fact sprint now is composed of 4G insurance at no greater desirable charge ($60) you could no longer lose. Use the source to be sure insurance for 3G and 4G on your section.