Anybody using USB551L 4G LTE modem by Novatel
Jim_Kirk
Enthusiast - Level 3

I have a VL600 4G modem now and it works well for me in the Fort Lauderdale, FL area [33305].

 

The modem is a bit bulky and I wonder if anyone has tried out the new Novatel modem which is supposed to be avalable now?

 

Thanks.

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14 Replies
AjP
Newbie

I ordered mine as soon as I saw it pop up in the system on Thursday (31-Apr).  It will be here monday and I'll be able to report on how it works then.

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VL600_Boston
Contributor - Level 1

Jim,

Looking forward to your report.   Please see my post of today and tell me what you see in the task manager for  the VZAccessManager.exe.   Have you noticed slow increase in memory use?  How long do you run the VZAM without shut down or exit?  Thanks.   BTW,  I see you are a month ahead of us.  This is helpful. 

--dave

Jim_Kirk
Enthusiast - Level 3

AjP,

Here's a screenshot of VZAM for my VL600.  See if you can post one for your new modem when you get it.  Try a speakeasy.net speedtest and let us know what you get.

http://www.fareinc.com/VL600/VZAM_1.png

 

AjP and VL600_Boston,

Some data for both of you in this thread.

http://community.vzw.com/t5/4G-Discussion/VZAM-Memory-Use-Issue-in-ver-7-6-3-1/td-p/492746

 

-Jim

 

 

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AjP
Newbie

Got the modem today.  Speakeasy.net speedtest reports 21.03Mbps/3.97Mbps.  VZAccess Manager.exe memory is not leaking over here.  I'm very impressed in the first moments here.

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Jim_Kirk
Enthusiast - Level 3

Those are very impressive DN but UP is a bit low.  Maybe it will improve.  I found if I used the USB extension cable that came with my VL600 and relocated the modem away from the computer the signal strength improved and the test speeds went up accordingly.

 

What is you Signal Strength in db?  What area are you in for 4G?

 

-Jim

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dsram
Enthusiast - Level 1

I have been trying to use one for a few months, I want my old 3G back!!! This modem is worthless, can't stay connected, if I can get connected at all. On the occasion I can get connected, it's slower then my 3G was.

Jo-Jo
Enthusiast - Level 1

I have a year left on my contract but I am going to check today to see what it will cost me to get out of the contract.  I am not sure if it is the modem or just the service, but this is worthless.  In fact, the little pop up just popped up telling me that I am disconnected now.  It has been this way all morning and nearly everyday for weeks.  Tech support is useless.  Also, just wondered if you are using over your limit for the month.  I went over almost 2gb last month and headed that way again this time.  Not doing anything different, just having more and more trouble staying connected and everything loading so slow.  But you can not get Verizon to admit anything.  They are making all sorts of excuses.  Well, let me reconnect so I can send this, if it will stay connected long enough to send.

KEV815PAN
Contributor - Level 1

I am using it in Algonquin, IL, 60102 (About 50 Miles North West of Chicago O-Hare International Airport) and I do get 4G LTE. The one annoyance I have with it, however is that I am still having trouble getting it to work on Mac OSX. It also Drops the Internet on me at times, and I am still a little bit unhappy that I already have Windows 8 RTM (through Microsoft Tech Net Subscriber Downloads), but there still is no Windows 8 Device Driver Yet. Just FYI.

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KEV815PAN
Contributor - Level 1

Update: A couple weeks ago I got a Brand New Apple IPhone 5 on my other Line (Which still has Unlimited Data on it due to Purchasing it Month to Month), so I recently decided to Pay the $150 Early Termination Fee (From the amount of time that was left on its 2 Year Contract) due to the following Reasons: 1. Unlimited Internet with my Brand New Apple IPhone 5, 2. 4G LTE, and Last but NOT Least 3. Unlimited Personal Hotspot at 4G LTE!

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MyVer
Enthusiast - Level 2

I've been using one for about a year and a half and I absolutely HATE IT! I "upgraded" from a 3G UM175 that performed very well but when 4G came to my area I switched to the 551L. BIG MISTAKE! Constantly dropped connection from day one to today. I've done everything Verizon tech support suggested: upgraded software and firmware, purchased Verizon external antenna, changed settings to 3G only, moved it all around the house, nothing helps. I am not in a fringe area, my signal average is about -70 but the 551L is an UNSTABLE PIECE OF JUNK! I asked Verizon if I can go back to my (3G) UM175 and was told only after my 2year contract for the 551L expires and it will cost $10.00 more per month for the 3G unit. I am VERY unhappy with Verizon and with thier 551L junk

vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

I feel your pain MyVer,

I'd like to explore options to resolve your service concerns. Does your connection drop after specific actions? Do you see a led color pattern on the device led status indicator when your connection drop?

Please ensure that you are using the USB Modem Extension Cable that came with your device as this optimizes the performance of your Modem. Keep us posted.

AntonioC_VZWSupport
Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/VZWSupport

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John_from_Lawrencevil
Enthusiast - Level 1

I doubt that its the modem, MyVer.  My 551L works perfectly from my home, and from lots of locations on the road. But there are other places that I go, places with a good strong signal, that the thing cannot hold the network for any usable length of time.  Drive 5 miles down the road to a different tower, and the problem goes away.  Very clear to me, Verizon has some pretty significant network issues, and a strong tendency to ignore their own issues and blow a lot of smoke about the details of the customers connection when you try to get them to resolve this kind of issue.  So, for what its worth, there is an excellent chance that if you move to the other side of town, your connection will be great!

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Orchidlady
Newbie

Just installed the new USB551L yesterday and it is working fine.  Yes, it is thinner and slimmer but a bit taller.  Had the old Pantech for 2 years with no problems what so ever in my local (8000 feet high in the Rocky Mtns.) and since installing the new device, seems to work just as well here.  Would definitely recommend.  Do not have 4G here yet but is scheduled for early 2013.  So for now the device is working at 3G. which it will search for if no 4G available.  I do not need to use the cable as my reception at computer is great.

Message was edited by: Cate Ferrelll

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OldManArk
Newbie

I recently had trouble with my UBSUSB551L. they said it was the SIM card. Sent me a new one, for the 1st 4 or 5 days it kept dropping my connection, big time. I live in an area where 4G is not available. I finally did what I did when I 1st got it. Locked it in 3G mode. the instructions are on this site.

http://www.proxicast.com/absolutefm/afmviewfaq.aspx?faqid=225

Since doing this it has not dropped a connection a single time.

Oh, I was quite surprised that the SIM card fixed the problem, props to them.

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