Huawei 5G CPE Pro 2 - Mobile Network Searching

[Flavio]

Hi All.

I bought the new Huawei 5G CPE Pro 2 router with the intention to use it in my house with 5G network.

According to the websit and the store, the area I live in has full 5G coverage, however my modem does not show any 5G signal, only 4G.

I tried twice to solve the problem with the instant messaging customer service, but without any luck.

In the last session yesterday night, the Three agent told me to change the Mobile Network Searching of my modem from "Auto" to "Manual", however this is not possible in my modem. Below there is a snipshot of what is shown on my modem.

As you can see, "Preferred Network Mode" and "Network Search Mode" are both set to Auto and cannot be modified.

The agent found this strange and told me to check in some other device. I did (I tried iPhone, iPad, my work laptop). I also tried with other browsers (Safari, Chrome, Edge, Internet Explorer), with no differende.

Finally the Three representative told me to try a new sim card, which I ordered and I'm awaiting delivery.

In the meanwhile, can someone explain what is happening? Is the network search dependant from the sim card?

Thanks.

[billbond4]

ok, use an app called opensignal to find your nearest 5g three mast,

Put the router in a high location and in a window and see if you can get a signal

[Flavio]

I downloaded opensignal on my iPhone but the coverage map only includes 4G.

Anyway, I moved the modem everywhere in the house, including the highest window at the first floor but nothing.

Speed test, even with opensignal is embarassing... less than 1 Mbps this morning.

[Flavio]

Anybody have any idea on why is not possible to change the Network Searching from Auto to Manual?

[LauraH]

@Flavio Hi there, thanks for checking what @billbond4 suggested 👍 Tell me, how old is the SIM card you are using at the minute? It's great that you've ordered a new one as this will rule out a SIM fault. Has your router picked up 5G since you got it or is it constantly on 4G? Let me know 👍

[Flavio]

So far the modem never picked up a 5G signal, even when I tried to do the "Optimise Location" test.

I'm not sure how old is the SIM card, but it is definetly more than two years.

[Flavio]

I checked the old bills, I think the SIM card I'm using is about 5/6 years old.

[LauraH]

@Flavio It was definitely a good idea to replace it so. Let me know once it arrives and you've activated it, check outAll about: SIM Replacements for instructions on doing this 👌

[Flavio]

I replaced the old SIM card with the new one arrived this morning.

After activation of the SIM card I plugged it into the modem and reset the modem.

No change whatsoever.

Still only 4G signal and in the modem settings is not possible to change the network search from Auto to Manual.

[Bren32]

Flavio, I had the exact same problem with this router. Like you, they told me to get a new SIM card, then they replaced the router (problem same), eventually, the second time they send the issue to the three technical team they did something and it partially resolved the issue. I say partially because the router will now connect to 5g and I have excellent signal and speed but after about 24/48 hours the 5g signal is dropped and it reverts to 4g and will not connect to 5g again until I reboot the router. Three support (via twitter) have told me today there is no more troubleshooting they can do and they will cancel the contract if I wish.

My advice would be to contact support again as they did something behind the scenes to get it to connect to 5g. I'd be interested to hear when you get it connected to 5g if you have the connecting dropping issue I now have.