Bell U950 Turbo Stick Getting Started Manual

Getting started guide

3.5G Turbo Stick

Novatel Wireless U950

Welcome

Thank you for purchasing a 3.5G Turbo Stick from Bell. This Turbo Stick
will enable you to connect to the Internet on Canada’s largest high

1

speed network.
Stick and details on how to configure your computer for use with this
Turbo Stick.

Getting started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

System requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Inserting the Bell SIM card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Preparing your computer for installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Windows Vista Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

This guide provides an overview of your new Turbo

Installing Mobile Connect Basic software for Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Installing Mobile Connect for Macintosh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Unlocking a SIM card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Using your Turbo Stick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Hardware overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Inserting and removing the Turbo Stick from your computer . . . . . . . . 15

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Getting started

Before installing your Turbo Stick, please ensure you
have the following:

• A Bell wireless account with a Mobile Internet plan. (If you don’t

have an account or a Mobile Internet plan, speak with a Bell account
representative to get set up.)

• An active Bell SIM card.

• Your Mobile Directory Number (MDN),

or phone number

__________________________________ .

2

System Requirements

To install and operate your Turbo Stick, ensure your computer has the
following system resources:

WINDOWS

Microsoft® Windows XP Home or Professional

Operating system

Card slot
COM ports
I/O Resources
Memory
Disk space

MACINTOSH

Operating system
Card slot
COM ports
I/O Resources

(SP 1-3) or Windows Vista™ (SP1, 32-bit
500MHz Intel CPU

1 Type A USB port

2 free COM ports

1 IRQ, 4096 bytes of I/O space
128 MB (XP) or 512 MB (Vista)

20 MB

Macintosh OS 10.4.2 or later with 300MHz Intel CPU

1 Type A USB port
N/A
N/A

*

) with

Memory
Disk space

* For Windows Vista 64-bit support, visit bell.ca/mobileconnect for the

latest version of Mobile Connect Basic.

256 MB
14 MB

3

Inserting the Bell SIM Card

Your Turbo Stick requires an activated Bell SIM card to function. If the

SIM card was not inserted at the time of purchase please insert it now,
as described below.

• Insert the SIM card into the SIM slot as shown, noting the location of

the corner notch on the card.

• Push the SIM card completely into the slot, do not force it – the card

should slide in firmly but easily.

4

Preparing Your Computer for Installation

Mobile Connect from Bell is a software application that allows you to
set up and manage your wireless connections over the Bell network.

Mobile Connect Basic software is preloaded onto your Turbo Stick and

can be installed directly from it to your computer – no CD required.
Ensure that you have Administrator Rights and the login user name

and password before attempting to install.
If you are already using Mobile Connect or have it installed on the

computer, you must uninstall and reinstall the version preloaded on
your Turbo Stick.

5

Windows Vista Users:

Ensure that “User Account Controls” (UAC) is disabled.

Windows Vista includes a security component called User Account
Control (UAC). UAC prevents malicious software from installing silently

and infecting your computer.

The UAC setting is found in the User Accounts section of the Control

Panel under the Start Menu. Check your Windows Vista help files for
more information about using this Windows Vista feature.

You may need to restart your computer after changing this setting.
If you do not disable User Account Controls before inserting your

Turbo Stick, Mobile Connect Basic will indicate that no device is
attached. To correct this problem:

• Remove the Turbo Stick from your computer

• Go to Start > Programs > Bell > Mobile Connect Basic and select

Uninstall, if the program appears in the menu

• Follow the instructions above to disable User Account Controls (UAC)

if you have not already disabled

• Restart your computer

• After the restart, ensure UAC is disabled before continuing with the

installation

User Account Controls can be re-enabled after installation is complete

and your Turbo Stick is working.

6

Installing Mobile Connect Basic software
for Windows

Insert your Turbo Stick into an available USB port on your computer.
Do not forcibly insert the device as this may damage both the device

and the port. Your Turbo Stick powers on when inserted, and your

computer may beep.

Note: Windows Vista may display a security warning stating that

Mobile Connect Basic is not a trusted application. You may safely

dismiss this warning and continue with the installation.

Installation should automatically begin, however you may be
prompted to install Mobile Connect Basic. Select Install/Run Mobile
Connect Basic.

If the auto install fails to start, remove your Turbo Stick and use an
alternate Internet connection to download and install the software

from our website at bell.ca/mobileconnect before inserting your Turbo

Stick, or you can manually install the software from your Turbo Stick by:

1. Selecting Start > Run > Browse...

2. Look in “My Computer” to find the Turbo Stick disk drive

3. Run the file “carrier.exe”

Note: The drive letter assigned to the Turbo Stick by the
computer’s operating system will be the next available drive

letter (e:\, f:\, g:\, etc.).

7

Follow the InstallShield® Wizard,
it will guide you through
the process of installing
the Mobile Connect Basic
application starting with the
language selection.

Use the Next and Back
buttons to navigate through
the installation steps.

To continue the installation,
you must read and click
Agree to accept the terms
of the License Agreement.

The installation process may take
several minutes to complete with no
progress shown on the progress

bar – please be patient.

Select Restart or Finish to complete
the installation.

8

Once the installation procedure is complete, you may
be required to restart your computer. If a restart is
not required, Mobile Connect will launch automatically.
If your computer restarts, launch the Mobile Connect
application by double-clicking on the Mobile
Connect icon.

Mobile Connect Basic will

initialize, scan for your device,

and the main program window
will appear.

When Mobile Connect Basic runs,
it will check if your Turbo Stick

and account have been activated on the Bell network. Your Turbo Stick

must be activated and in an area with network coverage to operate
on the Bell Mobility high speed data network.

9

Installing Mobile Connect for Macintosh

Insert your Turbo Stick into an available USB port on your computer.
Do not forcibly insert the device as this may damage both the device

and the port. Your Turbo Stick powers on when inserted.

Your Turbo Stick will appear as a CD-ROM drive on your desktop.

• Double-click the CD-ROM icon

• Find and drag the MobileConnect.dmg installation file from the Turbo

Stick to your desktop

• Double-click to open the .dmg file from your desktop

• Drag the Mobile Connect icon to a suitable location on your hard drive

• Double-click the Mobile Connect icon to launch the program.
You may need to remove the Turbo Stick.

10

When you start Mobile Connect
for the first time you will need
to enter your name and
password and click OK.

To continue the installation,
you must read and click
Agree to accept the terms

of the License Agreement.

Follow the step-by-step

instructions to install the
software drivers for the U950 Turbo Stick. You may need to enter
your name and password, and restart your computer during the

installation process. Double-click the Mobile Connect icon to continue

after restarting.

Once the installation procedure is complete, you will be
prompted to insert your Turbo Stick. Do not forcibly insert
the device as this may damage both the device and the

USB port. Mobile Connect will initialize, scan for your Turbo

Stick, and the main program window will appear.

When Mobile Connect runs,
it will check if your Turbo Stick
and account have been activated

on the Bell network. Your Turbo

Stick must be activated and in an
area with network coverage to operate on the Bell Mobility high speed
data network.

11

Unlocking a SIM Card

Some SIM cards will be provisioned with a Personal Identification

Number (PIN) which locks user access to the device. When using a
locked SIM card, you may be asked to enter the PIN number.

Service providers frequently limit the number of incorrect PIN entry
attempts. If you fail to enter a correct PIN within the number of
permitted attempts, the SIM card may become blocked. You will see

a warning message on your last attempt.

In the event that the card becomes blocked, you have the ability to

re-enable the PIN mechanism by entering a Personal Unblocking Key
(PUK). You will be prompted to enter a new PIN in combination with
the PUK code to unblock and reset the PIN lock.

IMPORTANT: You will have a limited number of attempts to enter

the correct PUK code. If you fail to enter the correct code within the
allowed number of attempts it will be necessary to replace the
SIM card.

The PUK code is available through eCare or by calling client care.

12

Using your Turbo Stick

From the Mobile Connect main program window you can establish a
network connection and view the connection status. Some of the key
indicators and buttons include:

WINDOWS MACINTOSH

A. Connect/Disconnect

button

B. Signal strength

indicator

C. Status display

D. Usage counters

E. Minimize button Minimize Mobile Connect to the System Tray

F. Tools menu

G. Roaming indicator

Connect or disconnect from the network

Graphically illustrated network signal status

Indicates the availability of the network and
status of current network connection

An overview of the data you have transmitted and

received

Select various configuration options and set
preferences

Notication that your network connection is
with a Bell partner network (additional roaming

charges will apply)

To connect to the Internet, click the Connect button on the Mobile Connect
main program window. To disconnect, click the Disconnect button.

To download the full Mobile Connect user manual or software updates,

please visit bell.ca/mobileconnect

13

Hardware overview

SIM Card
Slot

LED

LED – The LED provides connections status. See the Troubleshooting
page for a detailed list of the colours and their defined states.
SIM Card Slot – The SIM card is inserted here.

Your new Turbo Stick must be handled with care to ensure reliable

operation. The following handling guidelines are recommended:

• Do not apply adhesive labels to the device; they may cause the

device to overheat and may alter the performance of the antenna

• Do not force the SIM card into the SIM card slot

• The USB connector should plug easily into your computer’s Type A

USB port. Forcing the Turbo Stick into a port may damage
the connector

• Protect the Turbo Stick from liquids, dust and excessive heat

• Store the Turbo Stick in a safe place, with the protective cap on,

when not in use

• Do not apply force to the top or bottom of your Turbo Stick

• Remove your Turbo Stick from the USB port before

transporting your laptop

14

Inserting and removing the Turbo Stick from
your computer

Now that the Mobile Connect Basic software is installed on your

computer, your Turbo Stick can be inserted or removed at any time.

As an external device, your Turbo Stick is vulnerable to damage during

transport. It is recommended that you remove and securely store the
device when transporting your computer.

To insert your Turbo Stick:

1. Insert your Turbo Stick into the USB port. Do not forcibly insert the

device as this may damage both the device and the USB port.

2. Your computer may beep.

3. Start Mobile Connect from the desktop or from the

AutoPlay prompt.

4. Your Turbo Stick powers on when inserted.

To remove your Turbo Stick:

1. Disconnect from the network and Exit or Quit Mobile Connect from

the Tools menu.

2. Carefully remove your Turbo Stick from the USB port.

3. The computer may beep.

Using your Turbo Stick on another computer:

Your Turbo Stick can be used on multiple computers. Simply install
the Mobile Connect software on each new computer you wish to
use. Please note that data network usage is tied to the device
itself and that usage between computers is cumulative and will be
billed together.

15

Troubleshooting

Below is a list of indicator lights and common error messages and
possible solutions regarding the use of your Turbo Stick.

LED COLOUR DESCRIPTIONLED STATE

Blue Flashing

Solid*

Yellow

Cyan

Red

Green

Violet

Solid* HSDPA HSDPA service is available and is being

Solid* HSUPA HSUPA service is available and is being

Flashing

Solid

Flashing
Solid

Flashing
Solid

UMTS UMTS service is available

Connected to a network using UMTS

used during the download

used during the upload

SIM Error

No Service

GPRS

EDGE

SIM card may be missing or inserted
incorrectly

Service is currently not available

GPRS service is available
Connected to a network using GPRS

EDGE service is available
Connected to a network using EDGE

* The LED may appear to flash blue and then yellow or cyan as the

service transitions between UMTS and HSDPA/HSUPA.

16

Troubleshooting continued

Below is a list of common error messages and possible solutions
regarding the use of your Turbo Stick.

SYMPTOMS SOLUTION

Intermittent connectivity

and/or low throughput

Bell core network or Bell high
speed network does not show
in the status display

and/or The LED indicator on

the Turbo Stick glows red

When clicking Connect, the

message “Your connection

attempt to the network failed”
is displayed

• Relocate the entire computer to a different area.
Coverage maps are available at bell.ca/coverage

• Service may not be available in your location. Relocate

the computer to a different area. Coverage maps are

available at bell.ca/coverage

• The network may be unavailable due to maintenance.

Try the connection again at a later time.

• The Turbo Stick may not be inserted properly. Remove

and reinsert the Turbo Stick into the USB port.

• Your computer may not have the correct hardware

drivers for the Turbo Stick. Remove the Stick, uninstall
the software, and reinstall.

• Service may not be available in your location. Relocate

the computer to a different area. Coverage maps are

available at bell.ca/coverage

• The network may be unavailable due to maintenance.

Try the connection again at a later time.

• The Turbo Stick may not be activated. First, remove the

Turbo Stick, uninstall the software, and reinstall. If this
does not resolve the problem, contact Bell Client Care.

The LED indicator on the
Turbo Stick is not lit or
flashes red

Before contacting
Bell Client Care:

• The Turbo Stick may not be inserted properly. Remove

and firmly reinsert the Turbo Stick into the USB port.

• The SIM card may be missing or incorrectly inserted.

Remove the Turbo Stick and SIM and carefully reinsert.

• Your computer may not have the correct hardware

drivers for the Turbo Stick. Remove the Turbo Stick,
uninstall the software, and reinstall.

• Shut down your computer and remove the Turbo Stick.

• Firmly reinsert the Turbo Stick into the USB port and

restart the computer.

• If the above actions do not resolve this problem,

contact Bell Client Care.

17

Speeds may vary with your technical configuration, Internet traffic, server, environmental conditions or other factors. Novatel Images:
©2009. Novatel Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved. Ovation, Novatel Wireless and the Novatel Wireless logo are trademarks of Novatel Wireless,
Inc. Designed in the United States of America. Microsoft, Windows and Windows Vista are registered trademarks and/or trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. InstallShield is a registered trademark or trademark of Macrovision Corporation in the
United States of America and/or other countries. All other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective holders. (1) Based on total
square kms of the 1xEVDO vs HSPA coverage as of July 6, 2009.

System requirements for laptops: Microsoft Windows XP or Vista 32-bit operating system, 1 Type A USB port, 2 free COM ports; I/O resources:
1 IRQ, 4096 bytes of I/O space, memory: 128 MB (XP) or 512 MB (Vista) and disk space: 10 MB. Macintosh OS X 10.4.2 and above, 1 Type A USB
port, memory: 256MB and disk space: 14MB.

You may also contact Bell Wireless Data Support at:

1 877 DATA-123 (1 877 328-2123)

18

Copyright © 2009 Bell, Inc.

All rights reserved.

The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The statements, configurations,
technical data, and recommendations in this document are believed to be accurate and reliable,
but are presented without express or implied warranty. Users must take full responsibility for their
applications of any products specified in this document.

The information in this document is proprietary to Bell.

The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement and may only be
used in accordance with the terms of that license.

Third-Party Trademarks

Product trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Statement of Conditions

In the interest of improving internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, Bell reserves the
right to make changes to the products described in this document without notice.

Bell does not assume any liability that may occur due to the use or application of the product(s) or
circuit layout(s) described herein.

In addition, the program and information contained herein are licensed only pursuant to a license
agreement that contains restrictions on use and disclosure (that may incorporate by reference
certain limitations and notices imposed by third parties).

PER-KILOBYTE DATA TRANSPORT CHARGES USING YOUR HANDHELD DEVICE FOR “TETHERED” DATA
TRANSMISSION (E.G. USING YOUR DEVICE AS A MODEM FOR YOUR PC), INCLUDING TO DOWNLOAD
APPLICATIONS OR CONTENT, OR FOR GAMING, WILL RESULT IN PER-KILOBYTE DATA TRANSPORT
CHARGES AT BELL MOBILITY’S THEN CURRENT RATES.

You will be charged for data transmissions from or to your PC or other device through your Bell
Mobility handheld device. Data transmissions include automated security updates to your PC,
Internet gaming, sending and receiving emails including attachments, and downloading music or
other content. If you subscribe to a data plan, you will be charged additional per-kilobyte rates
as set out in the plan, for any data transport usage in excess of the data transport included in the
monthly data plan fee.

Data roaming charges may also apply if you are transmitting data through your device on one of
Bell Mobility’s roaming partners’ networks.

Note to subscribers of Bell Mobility’s Unlimited Mobile Browser

TM

: in tethering your Bell Mobility

handheld device to your PC or other device, data transmission does NOT occur through the
Unlimited Mobile Browser. You will be charged for data transport usage in addition to the monthly
charge for the browser.

We encourage you to minimize these charges by subscribing to an appropriate price plan or feature.
Visit www.bell.ca or call 1-888-4-MOBILE to subscribe. Be sure to check the Connection Details and
Session Log in Mobile Connect to keep track of your data usage.

19