Where can I get a 3G USB dongle for internet access?

[serfty]

As above,

I don't want a contract, just want to purchase one where I can insert an existing SIM card.

Also how much would I expect to pay?

 

[NM]

EBay ... anything from $40 to $100 plus shipping.

 

[equus]

As above,

I don't want a contract, just want to purchase one where I can insert an existing SIM card.

Also how much would I expect to pay?

Google returns Wireless 1 Online - HUAWEI E220 USB MODEM

That is $129 plus delivery - no idea how good or otherwise it is. I know you said you dind't want a contract, but Internode will sell the modems for a price "on a 1 month contract" (the cheapest of which is $15), so it may be economic to consider the $15 extra as throw away.

 

[Mal]

Ebay is probably the best bet. Most will be screenprinted (branded on the case) to a carrier, but not actually locked (or if it was locked, will be reflashed/unlocked to be all carriers). You have to ensure that they are both unlocked, and come with generic software, as branded software is often locked to a carrier.

I used to be able to get them free, but that's now changed to costing me £10-£15, and I'm not sure if the new models on offer can be reflashed.

Do you have a particular model in mind? Also depending on the sim cards you are planning to use with it, the telco may actually have in the T&C's that you can't use them in certain speed modems. Whether enforced is another matter...

 

[serfty]

I alternate 24/7 support on a weekly basis and have been supplied with an HP laptop. The 3G modem that I have to use requires a PCMCIA port.

I recently purchased a Net-book and have been freed up by 1¾Kg and ~1Ghz - however it has no PCMCIA port, so I still need to lug the other beastie around when I am on call. I am permitted to use my own equipment as long as minimum standards are met (Firewall, Anti-virus etc. - this is actually checked during VPN invocation).

 

[serfty]

Thanks to the AFFer who has offered me gratis one of the spare USB modem he has lying around that should work with the particular Telco.

 

[zzyss]

Well seeing as this thread's here, I might as well put my question in as well...

I'm looking to change ISPs, but because I'm on Naked DSL, this is going to involve anything up to a month of downtime. So I'm also looking for a 3G USB solution that I can use in the meantime, although in my case I'd also be requiring a non-contract data plan for the duration (like pre-paid).

What's the cheapest I could get away with?

 

[S.A]

Virgin offer $19/month postpaid with 1Gb. BYO modem though.

BYO Modem : Mobile Broadband – Broadband – Virgin Mobile

Similar deals with 3, but with more plan choices at different data levels.

Around $80-$100 if you don't have your own modem to get started.

 

[markis10]

Well seeing as this thread's here, I might as well put my question in as well...

I'm looking to change ISPs, but because I'm on Naked DSL, this is going to involve anything up to a month of downtime. So I'm also looking for a 3G USB solution that I can use in the meantime, although in my case I'd also be requiring a non-contract data plan for the duration (like pre-paid).

What's the cheapest I could get away with?

$59 when the Vodafone dongle is on special at coles, seems to come up every few weeks.

 

[chrisb]

The Optus Prepaid Dongle is $79 including 1Gig over 30 days and is available from **** Smith and lots of other places.

The recharge costs are on the DSE or Optus page if you need more data.

PS. You may find you get better performance if you disable GSM.. sometimes the modem will fall back when 3G is available but weak, even though 3G will still be faster.

 

[munitalP]

I have a "loaner" Vodafone USB dongle if anyone wants to use it - usual scenario, break it or loose it you own it, PM me if you dont have my mobile #

Mr!

 

[zzyss]

Thanks for the responses. Looks like Optus might be the way to go, since they're doing a promo at the moment for $69 with 2GB data... BUT, the fine print says that they charge in 10MB increments. Not sure how that works... is it that they round up to the nearest 10MB each day? hour? minute? per file? per http request?

Edit: ooh, the Vodafone deal looks good too, especially if it comes down to $59 (current deal with bonus 2Gb).