Basically, there's a logging issue with 3's 3Connect software, that

• Slows your computer down.
• Potentially shortens the life span of your hard disk.
• Drains the battery of your computer when on the road.

This is 3Connect

I've been in contact with representatives from both 3 and Birdstep Technology, who's the supplier of the software. As of writing this (which means including 3Connect up to version 2.0), there's still no upgrade of the software, that takes care of this problem.

However, they were very forthcoming in providing me with more or less technical workarounds, that turns off the logging. That means, unfortunately, that all 3Connect users have to shut the logging off themselves.

The problem was originally described over several blog posts. I hereby supply you with direct links to the original problem description and the solutions I ended up with:

• Problem

  • 3Connect software writes to log file every second...
    I suggest you read the whole article to get an understanding of the problem and how it affects your computer. There's a Youtube video too, all hip and down with web 2.0 ;-) ... and yes, I was very frustrated at the time :-) 

• Help

  • Mobile Broadband Logging Monitor
    Download our free tool and see if you are affected by the excessive logging problem.

• Solutions

  • 3Connect logging: A solution for those of us without computer skills
    This is the solution for people, who want to turn of the logging, but haven't got the technical background or simply don't want to mess around in the Windows system. Basically it means downloading a small program I made, where you can turn of the excessive logging.

  • 3Connect logging: A solution for those of us with computer skills...
    This is the solution for Windows users, described in detail for the technical DIY people out there. The software mentioned previously does exactly what this article describes.

  • 3Connect logging: A solution for those of us with computer skills for Mac
    The logging problem is present on the Mac edition of 3Connect as well. Here's how you can turn it off.

  • Go online without using 3Connect
    This is also for the technical DIY people out there.

  • Get personal assistance
    Yes, we help you personally!

If you want to read the whole list of blog postings that lead to the solutions mentioned, go here. There are posts about mobile broadband client software alternatives and an example of the content of the log file and more. you should know, that the native HUAWEI client Mobile Connect logs every second as well.

I hope you find the postings useful. Please do spread the word about this issue and this page. The statistics from this web site gives me the notion that there's a lot of 3Connect users out there, and I think they should know how they're affected.

Learn more about mobile broadband and data usage. 

Christer