Im not too sure about this...but I think if you are a student, then you'll get a free modem. if not student and wanna get free modem, maybe try talking to the agents lor.
Yes the mode is from China. ZTE brand..its a router+modem.I've been using it since Oct, no probs at all.
If you are on free modem and it is faulty one day, just call up the centre and make a report, and they will replace it with a new on the next day.