e172 mobile usb - device error?

[adk14]

Since Wednesday 19 May my vodafone mobile internet connection has been very problematic. It frequenty disconnects itself; I can only connect once via the VMC lite program as the 'connect' button is greyed out. These problems occur on 2 different computers - one running XP and the other Vista.
On XP, when I make the connection direct (bypassing the VMC lite program) I get "error 619" and an error about connection to the remote computer.
On Vista, when I try to make the direct connection, I get "error 678" AND "remote computer did not respond." I have had this device for 2 years.
VMC lite frequently shows "network name unavailable", especially when 3G or 3G preferred is selected.
I have tried all the following:
1. unistalled & reinstalled the VMC lite program on both computers.
2. removed SIM from device, placed in vodafone phone, manually selected vodafone network, put SIM back in E172.
3. changed connection to 2G only, 3G only, 3G preferred.

Often the connection light will be showing as 'on' but the status in the taskbar will say 'local' instead of 'internet.' This often changes repeatedly. At other times VMC lite will show 'connected' but the light on the device will blink, then go back to steady, etc. Throughout this, I will be unable to browse the internet.

Please let me know what else I should try before I take this back to the shop. I am a 'pay monthly' customer.

[Retired-Jon_V]

Hi adk14,

The issues you describe indicate a localised cell site fault. I've checked the postcode listed in your profile, and there does appear to be a high rate of congestion and disconnections from your serving cell which is probably having an impact on your service.

So that we can get this looked into, I've sent an email to your registered address. Please reply with your details and we'll get a case raised to our Faults Team for further investigation

Jon

eForum Team