Price : Too low to display
AT&T USBConnect Lightning is the latest addition to the diverse AT&T mobile broadband modems lineup. Produced by Sierra Wireless, it is also known as Sierra Wireless USB305, and is the first HSPA/HSUPA modem capable of lightning 7.2Mpbs downloads and 5.76 Mbps uploads (theoretical limits, real data rates tend to be slower) where the network supports it. The Lightning is quite small and attractive black glossy stick at 3.1"x1.4"x0.5" and weighting only 1.6 oz. With swivel "ultra-flexible" USB hinge, which impressively rotates over 2 axes, it should fit quite nicely in tight spaces and with closely located USB ports. It could be used in multiple orientations, allowing to optimize orientation to the best signal strength. USBConnect Lightning for AT&T is the latest slick HSPA USB stick with ulraflexible sviwel connector, capable of lightning speeds - 7.2Mbps download and 2Mbps upload, and integrated microSD slot for SDHC cards up to 32Gb. This card is will to work with AT&T Wireless and It will work with other GSM carriers since it is unlocked.
This review is from : Sierra Unlocked Wireless USB305 AT&T USBConnect Lightning Mobile Broadband Modem for AT&T Wireless and Other Carriers
Sierra Unlocked Wireless USB305 Lightning Mobile Broadband . Let me start by testifying as to the fact that this is an unlocked item. With that said, I am not utilizing ATT for my broadband, but rather T-Mobile. You simply place your SIM card in the modem and plug it into your laptop or pc. The software is built in and will load the communication manager and from there you can build your profile.
Here are the settings for T-Mobile SIM:
For network type, select UMTS 3.5
3G Access Point Settings: Manual
APN (Access Point Name): [...]
Nothing for username or password
Connection Method: Always Connected
Dial Number: *99***1#
SIM Pin: leave blank
This information might be helpful if you are installing a router as well. I have a router, but have not yet configured it to be coupled with the ATT branded item.
A word of caution:
A tiny tray will pull out of the modem that you place your SIM in. This is a very delicate piece of plastic and mine already broke when I was pulling the SIM out.
With that said, you may want to have a dedicated SIM installed. Otherwise, the plastic tray will break and it will be very hard to switch the SIM.
My speeds were about the same as my Sprint mobile broadband. Both are running 3G. I do not have 4G in my area and this modem is not compatible with the 4G network.
In addition, once I get my router configured, my modem might speed up a bit like my Sprint does when tethered to a router.
This is not your fastest option for internet access, but it is easy to travel with and good enough to have multiple browser pages up, shopping, and email. I did test the connection by streaming videos on youtube and that did not go so well. The bandwidth just could not keep up and it caused many stops while streaming.
My test occurred around peak usage time, so I may have better luck if I reposition the modem and use it at non-peak times.
I had this broadband modem installed and running a strong 3G signal in five minutes tops. It is that easy.
Sierra Unlocked Wireless USB305 Lightning Mobile Broadband . Let me start by testifying as to the fact that this is an unlocked item. With that said, I am not utilizing ATT for my broadband, but rather T-Mobile. You simply place your SIM card in the modem and plug it into your laptop or pc. The software is built in and will load the communication manager and from there you can build your profile.
Here are the settings for T-Mobile SIM:
For network type, select UMTS 3.5
3G Access Point Settings: Manual
APN (Access Point Name): [...]
Nothing for username or password
Connection Method: Always Connected
Dial Number: *99***1#
SIM Pin: leave blank
This information might be helpful if you are installing a router as well. I have a router, but have not yet configured it to be coupled with the ATT branded item.
A word of caution:
A tiny tray will pull out of the modem that you place your SIM in. This is a very delicate piece of plastic and mine already broke when I was pulling the SIM out.
With that said, you may want to have a dedicated SIM installed. Otherwise, the plastic tray will break and it will be very hard to switch the SIM.
My speeds were about the same as my Sprint mobile broadband. Both are running 3G. I do not have 4G in my area and this modem is not compatible with the 4G network.
In addition, once I get my router configured, my modem might speed up a bit like my Sprint does when tethered to a router.
This is not your fastest option for internet access, but it is easy to travel with and good enough to have multiple browser pages up, shopping, and email. I did test the connection by streaming videos on youtube and that did not go so well. The bandwidth just could not keep up and it caused many stops while streaming.
My test occurred around peak usage time, so I may have better luck if I reposition the modem and use it at non-peak times.
I had this broadband modem installed and running a strong 3G signal in five minutes tops. It is that easy.
Sierra Unlocked Wireless USB305 AT&T USBConnect Lightning Mobile Broadband Modem for AT&T Wireless and Other Carriers Reviews
Great modem big increase in speed compared to older 3G modems . It should not have been locked, however, you shouldn't use the AT&T software anyway, it stinks.
Anyone who uses one of these should update the firmware. I get almost 6Mbit download speed with AT&T 3G HSPA.
To update the firmware, go here
[...]
Download the firmware (Windows or Mac depending on your OS), and also download the generic "watcher" for your OS, and then connect the AT&T Lightning so it is ready to connect. Then run the firmware update.
I believe this also updates the TruInstall image on the device. But once this is complete (you may get some error once flashing is complete such as "unable to reset the device" but it's not a problem, the update completed.
Then install the generic watcher application and it will initialize the modem. But the best part is if you go into the preferences/settings in the watcher app, you can "enable Windows 7 broadband support"!
If you enable this, then once your machine installs any needed drivers you will need to reboot, and then you won't need to use watcher. Your network/wifi icon in the system tray will now have an option for AT&T Broadband (this will be different if your carrier is different) and when you click on it, there will be just a "connect" button. And you can click to connect with the device, and in the same menu you can disconnect and connect to a WiFi network. Sometimes if you boot up and connect the modem afterwards, it may not be initialized so you can just run the watcher app, and it will initialize the modem and you can then close watcher and it will be available as a network to connect to in your WiFi network menu. Or if you want you can also just use the watcher app which is simple and has the basic features you need such as tracking how much data you transfer (ongoing, it doesn't reset when you reboot) and you can indicate what day your plan renews so it will zero out your data calculation for the month.
I've had the best performance by enabling Win7 mode, but using the watcher app. But both work fine so you can decide for yourself.
All along a great device for a great price. I switched from and older AT&T Mercury and the difference was amazing as I would max out at about 2Mbit with the Mercury. To get 6Mbit with the Lightning was great.
Don't forget this depends where you are. If you are in a metro area, expect to see 4-6Mbit. More rural areas might be slower, and could even drop to 2G/Edge if you're in the boonies.
There is also an external antenna connector, so if you need it you can get an external antenna from Wilson Electronics, and an adapter so you can plug the antenna which uses a common connector for mobile devices into the type of plug on the lightning (hidden behind a small rubber door).
No complaints, the twisting USB plug is great. The design makes it easy to plug into any USB plug no matter where it is without it blocking something else such as another USB port.
Great modem big increase in speed compared to older 3G modems . It should not have been locked, however, you shouldn't use the AT&T software anyway, it stinks.
Anyone who uses one of these should update the firmware. I get almost 6Mbit download speed with AT&T 3G HSPA.
To update the firmware, go here
[...]
Download the firmware (Windows or Mac depending on your OS), and also download the generic "watcher" for your OS, and then connect the AT&T Lightning so it is ready to connect. Then run the firmware update.
I believe this also updates the TruInstall image on the device. But once this is complete (you may get some error once flashing is complete such as "unable to reset the device" but it's not a problem, the update completed.
Then install the generic watcher application and it will initialize the modem. But the best part is if you go into the preferences/settings in the watcher app, you can "enable Windows 7 broadband support"!
If you enable this, then once your machine installs any needed drivers you will need to reboot, and then you won't need to use watcher. Your network/wifi icon in the system tray will now have an option for AT&T Broadband (this will be different if your carrier is different) and when you click on it, there will be just a "connect" button. And you can click to connect with the device, and in the same menu you can disconnect and connect to a WiFi network. Sometimes if you boot up and connect the modem afterwards, it may not be initialized so you can just run the watcher app, and it will initialize the modem and you can then close watcher and it will be available as a network to connect to in your WiFi network menu. Or if you want you can also just use the watcher app which is simple and has the basic features you need such as tracking how much data you transfer (ongoing, it doesn't reset when you reboot) and you can indicate what day your plan renews so it will zero out your data calculation for the month.
I've had the best performance by enabling Win7 mode, but using the watcher app. But both work fine so you can decide for yourself.
All along a great device for a great price. I switched from and older AT&T Mercury and the difference was amazing as I would max out at about 2Mbit with the Mercury. To get 6Mbit with the Lightning was great.
Don't forget this depends where you are. If you are in a metro area, expect to see 4-6Mbit. More rural areas might be slower, and could even drop to 2G/Edge if you're in the boonies.
There is also an external antenna connector, so if you need it you can get an external antenna from Wilson Electronics, and an adapter so you can plug the antenna which uses a common connector for mobile devices into the type of plug on the lightning (hidden behind a small rubber door).
No complaints, the twisting USB plug is great. The design makes it easy to plug into any USB plug no matter where it is without it blocking something else such as another USB port.
Cons Review
Not Unlocked . I received this item, and it is not unlocked in any way. You have to call up AT&T and deal with their issues to get it unlocked. You also have to use their poorly programmed, constantly crashing AT&T Communication Manager.
Feature Sierra Unlocked Wireless USB305 AT&T USBConnect Lightning Mobile Broadband Modem for AT&T Wireless and Other Carriers
- Windows 7, Vista, XP, Mac OS v10.4 or later compatible
- Integrated microSD slot, connectivity software, LED status indicators, built-in GPS
- GSM/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900 MHz Certified for 7.2 Mbps on 3G networks
- INCLUDES: Modem, Quick Start Guide
- small and attractive black glossy stick at 3.1"x1.4"x0.5" and weighting only 1.6 oz. With swivel "ultra-flexible" USB hinge
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Product Details
EAN : 0880630034510UPC : 880630034510
Brand : Sierra Wireless
Weight : 2 pounds
Height : 3 inches
Length : 8 inches
Width : 6 inches
Binding : Wireless Phone Accessory
Manufacturer : Sierra
Model : SIERRA 305 LIGHTNING
Publisher : Sierra
SKU : SIERRAWI-305-UNL-BULK a
Studio : Sierra
Where To Buy
You can buy Sierra Unlocked Wireless USB305 AT&T USBConnect Lightning Mobile Broadband Modem for AT&T Wireless and Other Carriers on Amazon . Click here to Read More
