The E398 Stick is one of the few on the market that already support LTE. In the UMTS network (3G) provides the drive DC-HSPA +, HSPA + and HSDPA (UMTS accelerated download) up to 43.2 Mbit / s and HSUPA (accelerated UMTS upload) up to 5.76 Mbit / s. In LTE network (4G) of the stick works with up to 100 Mbit / s downstream and 50 Mbit / s upstream. This course is theoretical values, which can only be achieved in the laboratory. In addition, the usable speed also depends on the chosen tariff and the expansion of the state within range mobile phone masts.
In LTE network, it is particularly problematic that sticks do not support all frequencies used. This issue reached through the "new iPad" notoriety, as it unfortunately does not support the LTE frequencies used in Germany. The branded Vodafone Stick supports frequencies of 800 and 2600 MHz. In Germany, the frequency of 800 MHz and 2600 MHz in rural areas in urban areas of the Telekom, Vodafone and O2 is used. The Telekom also used in metropolitan areas also 1800MHz. This band seems to have Vodafone disabled in the firmware of the stick, so that customers can not easily use at Telekom Vodafone stick.
The stick has no SIM lock and is therefore free for all networks. A microSD slot also allows you to use as a card reader. Two small antenna connectors also allow the connection of directional antennas, which can be particularly useful in rural areas. The stick itself is larger than most UMTS sticks but has a joint at the USB port, which reduces this shortcoming somewhat.
For dial-up software from Vodafone called "Mobile Broadband" is used. Who cares branding, the place on the side of DC-Files, the original version of Huawei called "Mobile Partner" for download. The software is sleek and functional, which is why I do not want to recommend the use of alternative dialing programs under Windows. The software is stored on the stick and can be easily installed. With the software you can adjust the stick firmly on GSM, UMTS or LTE, otherwise it will automatically use the best of what is available. The stick can also be used to Fritz boxes into the USB port and makes the Fritz box then to a UMTS or LTE router.
The transfer rates are good. Without an expensive laboratory can unfortunately not make any reliable statements in numbers at this point. I can compare the stick only with other sticks that are available to me and I can say that the performance is excellent with both UMTS and LTE. Overall, the stick is therefore highly recommended. If you want to surf the network of Telekom, one should because of Vodafone chicane with the deactivated band but the original Huawei E398 or grab the Speed Stick LTE Telekom, which both dominate all common in Germany frequency bands.