USB modem work internationally?

Question

Hi

I'm looking at buying a USB modem for my laptop, although the ones which come with contracts bought through internet providers are rather expensive. Will one bought from overseas work here (South Africa)?

What specs should I look for to see if another one will?

Here's the specs of one I can get here:
Advinne EDGE USB Modem (SAMBA 75)
Specifications

* USB interface
* Quad-Band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
* EDGE (E-GPRS) Multislot class 12
o Download and uplink speeds of up to 237 kb/s
o Modulation and coding scheme MCS 1– 9
o Mobile station class B
* GPRS Multislot class 12
o Download and uplink speeds of up to 85 kb/s
o Full PBCCH support
o Mobile station class B
o Coding scheme 1– 4
* GSM release 99
* SMS via GSM or GPRS
* GSM 07.05 and GSM 07.07 AT commands
* CE, FCC and ICASA certified

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Since it's reciever is a Quad-band receiver, you will be able to use it worldwide, if there's a signal.
Yes, the USB modem will work internationally, but the contract doesn't work internationally. If it does, check your bills. Don't be surprised to see a thousand dollar debt.
You can use the USB modem with another carrier(Verizon wireless, at&t etc), but make sure that the USB modem is unlocked! Otherwise you can't use it! And if it's locked to a carrier, just pay a fee to unlock it.

Hope i helped,
Jonas

Answer 2

The specs you have to match are the spec of the NETWORK you will use the modem to connect to. Networks all over the world do not use the same protocol to connect.

You should contact the Service Provider you plan to use to access the internet - verizon, nortel, etc because they will tell you what capabilities the modem USB/PCI/whatever should have. My USB modem uses 1xEVDO - and it may not work in other countries or parts of USA