Modem 3g Huawei E172

The Huawei E172 (also branded as the Vodafone E172) is a legacy 3G HSUPA USB modem that has largely transitioned from a mainstream consumer product to a niche or surplus item due to the global phase-out of 3G networks SincereonetechScribd.

Product Insights

The E172 was recognized at its launch as one of the world's slimmest 3G dongles, offering a blend of portability and then-competitive speeds Sincereonetech.

* Performance: It supports download speeds up to 7.2 Mbps and upload speeds up to 1 Mbps Sincereonetech.

* Connectivity: Operates on 2100/900 MHz (3G) and quad-band GSM (2G) SincereonetechGlobalvalidity.

* Key Features: Includes a MicroSD slot (up to 32GB) for storage and a plug-and-play interface compatible with older Windows and Mac OS versions Sincereonetech.

Market Trends & 2026 Outlook

The market for 3G modems like the E172 is currently in a state of terminal decline as telecommunications infrastructure shifts toward 4G, 5G, and Narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT) Hologram.

* 3G Sunsetting: By 2026, approximately 39 global operators are scheduled to retire their 3G networks Hologram. Notable upcoming shutdowns in 2026 include Andorra Telecom (October) and major migration milestones in South Africa and Vietnam GlobalvalidityHologram.

* Geographic Availability: The device is effectively obsolete in North America and most of Europe, where 3G shutdowns are largely complete Globalvalidity. Active demand remains concentrated in developing markets where 3G remains a primary secondary-access technology.

* Inventory Status: B2B platforms primarily offer newer iterations like the Huawei E173 or K3765, with bulk prices ranging from $9 to $18 AlibabaAlibabaAlibaba. Original E172 units are rare and often found as refurbished or stock-clearance items.

Market Potential Assessment

Entering the 3G modem market in 2026 presents high risks. The Cellular Router Market report indicates 3G device usage will drop to 18% of the market share as network sunsets continue Businessresearchinsights. Businesses are advised to migrate to 4G LTE or 5G dongles to ensure long-term connectivity and compatibility with modern network standards.