Cheap wireless broadband for 3 Months with Telstra

[medhead]

I've had a bit of a look at this now. Firstly, the unit does not appear to be the Elite version that people have mentioned. At least on telstra website pricing the elite is $129 and the other similar device is $99, so half price on the later seems to match.Also the data recharge is expensive, $40 for 1 GB. I'm current paying $10 for 1GB on iphone. Admittedly, I can do the wifi thing, but it seems that iphone4 might be a better cost proposition. I also don't really understand the talk/text part of the data recharge. Exactly how can this talk/text value be used on this BB device? I'm not sure about paying for something that might be useless?

 

[markis10]

I've had a bit of a look at this now. Firstly, the unit does not appear to be the Elite version that people have mentioned. At least on telstra website pricing the elite is $129 and the other similar device is $99, so half price on the later seems to match.Also the data recharge is expensive, $40 for 1 GB. I'm current paying $10 for 1GB on iphone. Admittedly, I can do the wifi thing, but it seems that iphone4 might be a better cost proposition. I also don't really understand the talk/text part of the data recharge. Exactly how can this talk/text value be used on this BB device? I'm not sure about paying for something that might be useless?

This is a prepaid product, comparisons to a postpaid tethered phone plan are hardly fair, if you were to need 5Gb of downloads in a month would it cost you $50 which is what this costs using the coverage Telstra provides (and network speeds)? And yes its not the elite product, as evidenced by the model number and specs I posted on the first post.

As for the talk/text, you can use the credit by placing your SIM in the phone, or using a piece of software that will unlock a USB modem to give it voice phone functionality if you have one spare.

 

[medhead]

This is a prepaid product, comparisons to a postpaid tethered phone plan are hardly fair, if you were to need 5Gb of downloads in a month would it cost you $50 which is what this costs using the coverage Telstra provides (and network speeds)?

I was comparing the various options against my situation, I think it is fair. 5GB over 3 months, if we wish to compare exactly, would cost me $50 on my phone plan, over one month $39. This may also be lower as I haven't factored in some discounts that I might also get. (to be clear, I'm not sure if the discounts apply but they could be available) Coverage would match telstra's not sure about the speed probably lower. (the upload speed is most attractive for me) But then I am think about this for my general usage "on the road" not a one off need for 5GB. In that situation, I would do the 5GB via my home network.

And yes its not the elite product, as evidenced by the model number and specs I posted on the first post.

Thanks. I was confused by others mentioning the elite product. I didn't check products codes

As for the talk/text, you can use the credit by placing your SIM in the phone, or using a piece of software that will unlock a USB modem to give it voice phone functionality if you have one spare.

so basically useless unless I do something different, like stuff around moving sims or carry another USB modem. Nice to know it can be used, but I still question paying for something that isn't needed. What is wrong with telstra providing a straight out data recharge? Of course this minor issue can be overcome by getting the $150 recharge.

 

[markis10]

Coverage would match telstra's not sure about the speed probably lower. (the upload speed is most attractive for me) But then I am think about this for my general usage "on the road" not a one off need for 5GB. In that situation, I would do the 5GB via my home network

If your not with Telstra then your speed and coverage will not match telstra under any circumstances, most of the other carriers are just going to HSUPA which T have had for years (7.2Mbps upload). At $49 for 5Gb as a prepaid device with Telstras coverage its great, IPAD/postpaid plans excluded!

 

[medhead]

If your not with Telstra then your speed and coverage will not match telstra under any circumstances, most of the other carriers are just going to HSUPA which T have had for years (7.2Mbps upload). At $49 for 5Gb as a prepaid device with Telstras coverage its great, IPAD/postpaid plans excluded!

I am with telstra hence why I said coverage would match.

 

[Hvr]

Well there aren't any left at HN here in CBR so DSE won't (quite rightly) price match. Apparently HN will be getting some more in but they don't know when.

 

[kaybee57]

Are you talking about a MacBook Air on MacOSX or Windows? I use a MacBook Air and only run windows.

Leads me to my second question... Theres a set Wi-Fi Password, you can't change it? :shock:

Yes, you can change both the SSID and the Network Key password. Tricky to get to but it is there.

 

[markis10]

Well there aren't any left at HN here in CBR so DSE won't (quite rightly) price match. Apparently HN will be getting some more in but they don't know when.

Out of stock at Officeworks??

 

[kaybee57]

Out of stock at Officeworks??

I picked up the last one at our local OW in Brisbane yesterday so none there now either.

 

[notzac]

Nothing like having the fastest and most reliable telecommunications provider at a low cost.

I presume you're talking about their mobile network? No arguments from me there, but I would have to disagree with you if you also believe Telstra to be the fastest or most reliable fixed line broadband provider .. definitely one area where ACCC-mandated competition has produced some spectacular results!

 

[richie9x]

I just tried two Officeworks shops in Brisbane and both had sold out. They still had the price tag. The staff were not sure if there would be any more stock coming.

 

[Hvr]

Out of stock at Officeworks??

Yep all gone from there as well.

I just picked one up from DSE and got the (double) FF points. Then spent >30 minutes on the phone to Telstra to activate it. Ah well all done now and working well so I will have Internet when I am travelling this week.

 

[timmmb]

I've read on Whirlpool that if you visit a Telstra shop, they'll unlock these MF30s free of charge.

 

[munitalP]

No problems at all, I currently alternate the SIM between the "pebble" as I call it and my USB modem!

BTW you can change the WIFI security code to one you can remember.

Bought first recharge for mine the other day - Disappointing performance in Perth I might add - perhaps the Novotel is located in a poor service area, but drove me nuts sped wise...

 

[timmmb]

I've read on Whirlpool that if you visit a Telstra shop, they'll unlock these MF30s free of charge.

Further to the above, yes indeed they do. They print out and hand you a code with zero instructions

Put a non-Telstra SIM in (working or not)
Turn it on, connect to it from your wireless device
Browse to 192.168.0.1 (admin/admin)
You'll be prompted for the unlock code there and then
Hey presto, unlocked!

Configuring the APN for another ISP is a bit more involved though:

From the 192.168.0.1 page, to to 3G Settings > APN Setting > Add

Profile Name: [whatever you like, but I use the APN]
APN Setting: Manual APN
APN: [APN name]
Dial No.: *99#
Authentication: NONE
Save

Select the new profile from the list and Set default

Note: This should work in the USA & Canada as it works on the 850 & 1900MHz frequencies, which AT&T, Rogers and (maybe) Bell use.

I've given one of these to each of the Joint MDs at work, hopefully it's working for them, I haven't heard from either of them yet.

 

[markis10]

Aussie Post are now doing the same deal, which can be priced matched by Office works to save another 2.50!

Telstra Pre-Paid Mobile WiFi | Australia Post | Lasoo Online Catalogues

 

[medhead]

Bit of a drag out of an old thread. But I've just been confronted by my aunt and uncle. They have a Telstra/Bigpond ultimate USB mobile, but want a wifi hotspot version. They are grey nomading it. Anyway, I suggested they grab one of these prepaid wifi hotspots and transfer the sim from their postpaid 3G modem. Bigpond website says they both use the nextG network. Is there any reason it won't work if they transfer the sim from the ultimate usb dongle to the elite "prepaid" wifi device?


Sent from the Throne (80% chance) using Aust Freq Fly app

 

[albatross710]

Bit of a drag out of an old thread. But I've just been confronted by my aunt and uncle. They have a Telstra/Bigpond ultimate USB mobile, but want a wifi hotspot version. They are grey nomading it. Anyway, I suggested they grab one of these prepaid wifi hotspots and transfer the sim from their postpaid 3G modem. Bigpond website says they both use the nextG network. Is there any reason it won't work if they transfer the sim from the ultimate usb dongle to the elite "prepaid" wifi device?

I have done similar with Virgin Mobile devices. Worked when I did similar.
Do keep track of original receipts and original SIM number of the wi-fi device if you ever need to prove proof of purchase as the relocated SIM will not be linked in the Telstra records to the device.

 

[Simo]

Just remember that it is not 4G speed.

But it will be quicker than using a i phone as a wireless hotspot.

 

[medhead]

Thanks guys.

Just remember that it is not 4G speed.

But it will be quicker than using a i phone as a wireless hotspot.

No iPhones involved. My uncle just showed me his phone - big numbers, built in torch and FM radio.

Anyway, I guess I should check, their post paid broadband sim is on a business plan, is it safe to assume that'll still work in a prepaid device.


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