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randomscot's avatar
randomscot
Aspirant
Nov 02, 2022
Solved

MR5200-100EUS - no 5G on UK Three Network

I've raised a support case on this, but hopefully someone here might be able to help. Recently upgraded from M1 to MR5200 for 5G. I have an unlimited Data SIM for the UK Three network that I know is 5G enabled. However, I can't seem to get the device to switch to 5G in an area I know with good coverage (central London, UK), only shows H or 4G.

 

Diagnostics 

 

* Running latest firmware

* iPhone 14 Pro Max has 5 bars 5G in same location (and speedtest shows service 500Mbps +) -> Good coverage

* SIM tried in another device (iPhone) -> SIM is 5G capable

* Tried a different carrier SIM (Vodafone) in MR5200 - works -> Device is working

* Confirmed APN settings are correct

* Saw on a different thread about checking bands using telnet, I did this and it looked like the 5G bands for three were in the mask (though in fairness I don't quite understand what the different columns in the output mean !)

 

Things I've tried

 

* Switching to LTE + 5G band only (as well as the other band selection options)

* Different locations (strangely I did get 5G come up at a different location but about 1Mbps data speed!)

* Tethered vs WiFI (just in case !)

* Lots of reboots

 

With the above, I'd normally conclude that there was some compatibility issue (not even sure if the network can disallow 5G on particular equipment). My M1 was rock solid out of the box, bit of disbelief the MR5200 at a very high price point (and some time after release) has an issue.

 

Thanks in advance for any thoughts..

  • JohnPeng's avatar
    JohnPeng
    Nov 04, 2022

    If the device works with other carrier's SIM, most likely, UK Three is blocking the service.

     

    Thanks

     

8 Replies

    • JohnPeng's avatar
      JohnPeng
      NETGEAR Expert
      Nov 03, 2022

      I checked the model.json file you provided. Looks like the device is working normally. But it can only get on 3G network, even not on LTE network.

       

      Could you please advise how did you get the 5G SIM card? Does it come with another 5G capable device, such as phone? It is common for the carrier to restrict the service to certain devices only. Just want to rule out this is not due to data plan restricted by the carrier.

       

      Thanks

      John

      • randomscot's avatar
        randomscot
        Aspirant
        Nov 03, 2022

        Thanks for the quick response. The card was supplied as a generic 5G data SIM and I have confirmed it works in Apple and Google mobile devices and provides good 5G coverage (including in the location I was at when I created the JSON and the device was online).

         

        Per my original post, I did note that at one location I could receive a 5G signal (albeit not at a decent data rate). I also note that the Three network haven't offered any mobile internet devices yet (which is unusual as they are pioneers in the UK on mobile wifi). I am wondering if they are disabling a class of devices (not sure if that's possible ?).

         

        Given you have checked the settings I will do a little more investigation on locations in London so see if there's any 5G coverage. I'm wondering if it is even certain base stations (hardware) that aren't allowing it.

         

        Thanks again !