Huawei E173 3g Modem

The Huawei E173 is currently positioned as a legacy industrial device in the 2026 market. While it remains a staple for SMS gateways and legacy industrial automation due to its high compatibility, the global 3G sunset has shifted mainstream demand toward 4G LTE Cat 4 and 5G industrial dongles.

Market Trends & Pricing

* Huawei E173 (3G): Primarily available as refurbished or "New Old Stock" (NOS). Wholesale prices range from $9.00 to $18.70, depending on the order volume and specific sub-variant (e.g., E173u-1, E173s-2). AlibabaAlibaba

* 4G LTE Successors: The market has largely moved to models like the Huawei E3372 or generic Cat 4 USB dongles, which offer 150Mbps download speeds (vs. E173's 7.2Mbps). Prices for industrial-grade 4G dongles are competitive, starting at approximately $13.00 to $45.00. AlibabaAlibaba

* 5G Industrial Shift: For high-throughput requirements, 5G USB dongles (e.g., Cat 20/Sub-6G) have emerged, though at a higher price point of $142.00 to $185.00. AlibabaAlibaba

Technical Insights

* Legacy Value: The E173's primary value in 2026 is its SMS performance; it is known for high stability in M2M (Machine-to-Machine) communication and is often preferred for Linux-based servers and Android 4.0.x integrations. 4GltemallDiafaan

* Sunset Risk: As carriers worldwide deactivate 3G bands to repurpose spectrum for 5G, the E173 faces significant connectivity risks. Industrial buyers are increasingly adopting LTE Cat 1 or Cat 4 modules to ensure long-term operational viability. Alibaba

Detailed product lists with current B2B pricing and supplier information for the E173 and its modern alternatives are provided in the files below.