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Zyxel NR5103E - Unlocked?

Sip

Pro Member
Hi

Have seen the Zyxel NR5103E at CEX for £140. I have just been told that EE have now switched on 5G in my area, and I wondered if anyone knows if this router from CEX comes unlocked, as it says that it is a 3 branded router. I’m just out of coverage range for 3 5G, but thought I could use Lycamobile (EE) in it, if unlocked.

Thanks
 
Hi

Have seen the Zyxel NR5103E at CEX for £140. I have just been told that EE have now switched on 5G in my area, and I wondered if anyone knows if this router from CEX comes unlocked, as it says that it is a 3 branded router. I’m just out of coverage range for 3 5G, but thought I could use Lycamobile (EE) in it, if unlocked.

Thanks
20230228_100238.jpg

Hi Sip, yes even though it's 3 branded they are unlocked for use on any network.

I'm using one on each network, all 4 routers are 3 branded. :)
 
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Thanks Wee Bear for confirming that they’re unlocked. Great photo! 👍🏼
Cheers Sip, everyone's fed up looking at it, but I still sneak it in now and again just to annoy all the regulars. :devilish:
 
Hi

Have seen the Zyxel NR5103E at CEX for £140. I have just been told that EE have now switched on 5G in my area, and I wondered if anyone knows if this router from CEX comes unlocked, as it says that it is a 3 branded router. I’m just out of coverage range for 3 5G, but thought I could use Lycamobile (EE) in it, if unlocked.

Thanks
They are all unlocked.

Just one small thing to think about : these are all secondhand routers, there was a batch around from Three in late 2022/early 2023 which had hardware problems and wouldn't connect to 5G, there's a small chance that one bought on CEX might have this problem, and support from them in case of issues like this has been reported to be poor by some people.

You'll probably be fine buying from CEX (most people are), but if you're worried about this ones tested to work on 5G are available for £149 from a reputable ebay supplier, who many on here have used (including me):

 
They are all unlocked.

Just one small thing to think about : these are all secondhand routers, there was a batch around from Three in late 2022/early 2023 which had hardware problems and wouldn't connect to 5G, there's a small chance that one bought on CEX might have this problem, and support from them in case of issues like this has been reported to be poor by some people.

You'll probably be fine buying from CEX (most people are), but if you're worried about this ones tested to work on 5G are available for £149 from a reputable ebay supplier, who many on here have used (including me):

Thanks for the info IJD. That’s really helpful to know and was something I wasn’t aware of. I’ll look at the ebay listing.
 
Just to add to what ijd said. I ordered one of cex, it turned up was far from new. It also did not connect to 5G at all or 4g very well, when compared to my old router. I sent it back via their prepaid, and royal mail have lost it. I'm now out £140 for a broken dirty product, and unlikely to see my money back. Just avoid CeX.
 
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I think @Natchi has been unlucky there. Sometimes you can't legislate for a rubbish post service.

I ordered a router from cex, it arrived next day in great condition.
The correct postage service level must be selected according to the value of the contents. A minimum of proof of postage (piece of printed paper given by attendant on request, equivalent of a receipt) is probably required.

 
I think @Natchi has been unlucky there. Sometimes you can't legislate for a rubbish post service.

I ordered a router from cex, it arrived next day in great condition.
Like I said, *some* people have had bad experiences with CEX, there's no way to be 100% sure that the router you'll get will work on 5G (even though yours did).

In my view, to remove this (small?) risk it's better to go with a vendor who actually tests them on EE 5G before dispatch, for literally a few pounds extra.
 
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I only commented to add my perspective as a cex buyers as others had. I had read the entire Nr5103 thread, where others had described receiving as new models, and thought it prudent to warn you may not. My unit was dirty, scratched, missing leaflets, and in only a white cardboard box. It clearly was not tested, as I didn't work. The next one I buy, if any, be tested working.

Postage wise CeX provide a prepaid tracked return service. I live in Hemel Hempstead, CeX Return address is in Watford. Hemel is about 7 miles north of Watford, served by the same delivery centre. I have never had Royal mail lose a package, so short of hand delivering it, I thought my risk was very small.

I have emailed CeX, but they take about 3 days to reply, based on my initial contact.

Of course many people have had a very good experience, I have not, part of the reason I ordered from them was the positive resorts
 
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