Having zero luck with T-Mobile tablet plan SIM in GL-AP1300

[cmc99]

I have a T-Mobile business tablet plan. The SIM was activated in an iPad and works as expected. I want to swap the SIM to a GL-iNet AP1300 but everything I've tried has resulted in a "SIM cannot be registered" error.

Set APN to fast.t-mobile.com
Enabled IPv6 in GL-iNet default admin interface
Spoofed IMEI to match iPad
Set TTL via GL-iNet default admin interface to 64,65,66
Used custom firewall rules to set TTL/HL to 64,65,66 using iptables and ip6tables commands
Flashed to latest OpenWRT firmware
Flashed to latest Rooter/Goldenorb firmware

Tweaked settings under the custom firmwares but nothing allowed the device to connect to the cellular network. This device definitely works with T-Mobile per specs. I also took a different SIM from a T-Mobile issued Inseego router and tried it in this GL-AP1300 (after a factory reset) and it connected with no problems, without any tweaks. Note that that SIM is linked to a business internet plan and not a tablet plan.

I also took the tablet SIM and popped it in a Samsung S8 phone and it connected.

There's lots of documentation online of people getting a tablet plan to work in a router such as this, usually by just modifying the IMEI (although not always necessary) and the TTL. I've tried everything I can think of but I'm not having any luck whatsoever. looking for any other suggestions.

[Didneywhorl]

It may just be a janky SIM card. I know you got it working in other devices, but it might just be a tad off. Order a new SIM for that line and try again.

Shoot us a screenshot of the error you are seeing, as well.

[cmc99]

After trying everything imaginable, I turned focus to a hardware issue. I disassembled the router and removed the modem from the Mini PCIe slot. Cleaned the leads with some contact cleaner and reconnected. Low and behold the SIM registered. It's been running this morning with no issues so far.

[Didneywhorl]

lol, that sucks. Glad you found it!

[ginger2]

I am on the T-mobile tablet plan and was thinking about getting the GL-AP1300-LTE as well. What type of speeds are you getting? Thanks.

[BillA]

I am on the T-mobile tablet plan and was thinking about getting the GL-AP1300-LTE as well. What type of speeds are you getting? Thanks.

Depends on the modem. With an older Quectel-EC25-AF CAT4 you'll get around 20Mbps, with an EM06 CAT-6 around 50Mbps (average).
With a more modern EM160 CAT-16 you can get around 100 Mbps, it also depends on the router, WiFi, and carrier.
But newer M2 modems won't fit in that router unless you use a PCIE to M2 adapter.
Tmobile has some of highest speeds followed by ATT, then Verizon (poop speeds lol).
Gosh... I remember those days.... lol

[ginger2]

I am on the T-mobile tablet plan and was thinking about getting the GL-AP1300-LTE as well. What type of speeds are you getting? Thanks.

Depends on the modem. With an older Quectel-EC25-AF CAT4 you'll get around 20Mbps, with an EM06 CAT-6 around 50Mbps (average).
With a more modern EM160 CAT-16 you can get around 100 Mbps, it also depends on the router, WiFi, and carrier.
But newer M2 modems won't fit in that router unless you use a PCIE to M2 adapter.
Tmobile has some of highest speeds followed by ATT, then Verizon (poop speeds lol).
Gosh... I remember those days.... lol

Thank you for the info. I am just using a T-mobile hotspot (TMOHS1) now and can only get 5Mbps (I know, super slow). It is fine for just watching youtube but am wanting to get a security wi-fi camera so want to get router to handle more speed. I speedtest my iphone 12 and could get over 100Mbps with 5G. Was thinking about 5G router but researched and find 5G router to be too pricey, so found this AP1300 for about $130.

I also wanted something with GUI that can change settings easily and it seems like the GL-inet routers have this ability. In going thru the posts, I was thinking of putting together a router like so many have but it seems difficult with so many command lines, firmware, etc. vs. a router with GUI.

[BillA]

Thank you for the info. I am just using a T-mobile hotspot (TMOHS1) now and can only get 5Mbps (I know, super slow). It is fine for just watching youtube but am wanting to get a security wi-fi camera so want to get router to handle more speed. I speedtest my iphone 12 and could get over 100Mbps with 5G. Was thinking about 5G router but researched and find 5G router to be too pricey, so found this AP1300 for about $130.

I also wanted something with GUI that can change settings easily and it seems like the GL-inet routers have this ability. In going thru the posts, I was thinking of putting together a router like so many have but it seems difficult with so many command lines, firmware, etc. vs. a router with GUI.

Or you could get a ready-built and tested router/modem setup with full support at Wireless Haven.
The support alone is worth paying a little extra, the last thing you want is your router to go down.
https://thewirelesshaven.com/product-ca ... d-bundles/