Broadband module on Thinkpad x1

[Generaal]

I can't get my broadband to pick up my sim?

I installed the Sierra Wireless MC8355 - Gobi 3000 Software driver as the Ericson driver gave me errors.

Now I'm wondering if my device has a broadband module? I have a slot to insert a sim.

My device model number is 1293-cto

Thanks in advance

[ExJamJus]

Generaal,

Check BIOS -> I/O Ports -> WWAN in the list?

Check Device Manager and see if you have WWAN card in the list also do a Fn + F5 and see if you can enable WWAN?

Your machine is a CTO thus we can't see if it comes with a WWAN module.

See PSref http://www.lenovo.com/psref/pdf/tabook.pdf

[Generaal]

Thanks ExJamJus,

I cannot find any of the things you mentioned...

Also did some research and apparently one's x1 cannot have an extra hdd bay as well as the WWAN module?

As my x1 has an extra hdd bay i assume that there is no space for a WWAN module...

[ExJamJus]

@Generaal,

Note that mSata and WWAN module shares the same slot so if your X1 has mSata installed means you can't have WWAN module - vice versa.

Regarding the HDD bay you mention, is it the mSata or the Ultrabay? Sorry am a bit confuse there.

[Generaal]

I'm not to sure I think it is a msata as the hdd that is in there is a 2.5" (9mm) 320GB hdd.

[RedEd12 Support Specialist - Retired]

Generaal:

I'm new to the forum but was intrigued by your question, but I'm not sure I understand fully what you're saying. You said that you have a mSATA HDD, did you mean SSD? If that's true, as far as I'm aware, the SSD will take up the slot used for your mobile broadband (WWAN). If this is the case, your best bet for internet access is probably through a wifi hotspot or mobile hotspot available through many cellular carriers. Hopefully this helps a little.

[Mark_Lenovo Administrator]

Ed,

I think what ExJamJus was explaining is that the mSATA is a card that can go in the slot inside the machine in place of the WWAN card.  The 2.5" rotating media or SSD (if so equipped) hard drive is separate and externally accessed. 

General,

This short service training video might be helpful

http://lenovo.f.relayware.com/content/CourseWarePublic/6645/course%20files/index.html

Follow the link, and then select "CRU Removals" from the menu, and then WWAN removal.  This will show you where in the system the WWAN card is.  If your system was WWAN enabled, but not configured with the WWAN from the factory, it will have the red and blue wires in the system going to this location.  If there is an mSATA in the slot, the wires will not be connected.   You might check to see if the WWAN card is present and the red and blue wire attached.   If you take your system apart, be careful with those keyboard cables and the cam-lock connectors.  Ensure the cables are inserted squarely and securely when re-connecting.

If the WWAN card is present, I would explore downloading the correct drivers, and ensuring it is enabled via the FN + F5 menu as suggested.  If it isn't there, then I suppose you have a choice to rely on wifi as Ed suggests, or look for some external WWAN solution - perhaps tethering to a 3G / 4G phone via wifi, or ordering the WWAN card from Lenovo as an accessory.  

Note that 3rd party cards probably don't work here due the whitelist.. 

Best regards,

Mark