Virgin Broadband 3G Modem (effectively free given data provided)

[markis10]

Officeworks have dropped their Virgin 3G modem to $44 to match the Coles offer until Wednesday, it includes 5Gb of data so if you are looking for a backup modem, not a bad deal, they use the Optus network.

 

[Mal]

Does anyone know the exact model number of this modem? I'm assuming it's a Huwawei E160.

Also, presume it is locked - but not worried about that

Is ID recorded when you purchase it, or only on activation? (I did recently buy a mobile data sim from a Virgin Reseller and had to provide details that were recorded, but my ID wasn't checked).

 

[markis10]

Mal, ID is needed to purchase and activate, believe its a E160E.

 

[JohnK]

Does anyone know the exact model number of this modem? I'm assuming it's a Huwawei E160.

That sounds like the model I have but on the 3 Mobile broadband network.

How can one tell the model of their mobile broadband modem? If all these modems are made by Huawei then surely they can be used on any mobile broadband network as long as they are unlocked.

The reason I am asking is my 24 month contract expires in November and I am looking to possibly go on some sort of pre-paid plan when I do not need to purchase a modem again.

 

[markis10]

That sounds like the model I have but on the 3 Mobile broadband network.

How can one tell the model of their mobile broadband modem? If all these modems are made by Huawei then surely they can be used on any mobile broadband network as long as they are unlocked.

The reason I am asking is my 24 month contract expires in November and I am looking to possibly go on some sort of pre-paid plan when I do not need to purchase a modem again.

John

The different models do have differing frequency coverage, the 3G networks the various carriers use does vary although in Australia its Telstra which is the main one that is different:

3G Carriers : NetComm

 

[Mal]

How can one tell the model of their mobile broadband modem? If all these modems are made by Huawei then surely they can be used on any mobile broadband network as long as they are unlocked.

The Huawei ones should have a model number on the underside of the modem.

Most other brands should have some kind of branding.

3 would probably provide you with unlock instructions at the end of your contract, otherwise, certain ones can be unlocked using various methods.

I did some quick checks, and based on a pre-paid model, I believe Virgin are the cheapest.

 

[JohnK]

The different models do have differing frequency coverage, the 3G networks the various carriers use does vary although in Australia its Telstra which is the main one that is different:

More than likely I will be avoiding Telstra. I only need coverage in the metropolitan area of Sydney and Brisbane.

Wouldn't it be as simple as changing the sim card in the modem?

 

[markis10]

More than likely I will be avoiding Telstra. I only need coverage in the metropolitan area of Sydney and Brisbane.

Wouldn't it be as simple as changing the sim card in the modem?

And changing the software to reflect the different APN of the network, but thats all you need to do.

 

[dk4]

Thanks so much for the tip-off people.

I now have an unlocked Huawei E160E Mobile Broadband USB Modem (with Virgin Mobile emblazoned on it) for $44.50.

Purchased at Officeworks (they did not ask for any ID when they sold it to me).

Installed all the operating software (direct from the stick, before putting the Virgin sim into it. Although, if I was really bothered, I guess I could have spent a few more minutes to locate different software, and "reflash" the stick.)

Found the unlock code (and Flash code) from Online Huawei Modem Unlock Calculator (put another carrier's sim into the modem, then plugged it into the computer to launch the connection software). Was prompted for the unlock code. Entered it, and presto, unlocked mobile broadband stick for $44.50.

Operating Frequencies -
HSDPA/UMTS 900/2100MHz
EDGE/GPRS/GSM 850/900/1800/1900Mhz


thanks!

 

[serfty]

Officeworks are currently selling this modem "locked" to three for $49.

 

[Mal]

BigW Online currently have an Optus branded pre-paid dongle for $40.48 + $4 postage.

Optus Prepaid Mobile Broadband

Note that you can get the total price down to $35.48 using the discount code CC40 (there also seems to be a deal for free shipping on clearance items at the moment)

 

[markis10]

BigW Online currently have an Optus branded pre-paid dongle for $40.48 + $4 postage.

Optus Prepaid Mobile Broadband

Note that you can get the total price down to $35.48 using the discount code CC40 (there also seems to be a deal for free shipping at the moment)

Their charging schema is not great, minimum 10Mb a session from memory, DSE are clearing out the 3 branded modems for $23.50 at present.

 

[r0bs]

I have one of these (paid more than $44 for it tho) and it works great on my bush block. It connects to the local Optus 2100Mhz Service and I get 17Mb/sec down and around 1.2Mb/sec up. Awesome deal!

My daughter has the Virgin Home-phone/Internet thingie and it works well too, although she did need to get an antenna for it as they are in a "no coverage" area.

Excellent value!

 

[Mal]

Their charging schema is not great, minimum 10Mb a session from memory, DSE are clearing out the 3 branded modems for $23.50 at present.

Who buys a Huawei dongle to use it with the branded company?

Thanks for the tip about DSE. Didn't realise they were running them out at $23.50.

 

[k_sheep]

Hmmm I was told in Malaysia these couldn't be unlocked yet. V happy to see that doesn't seem to be the case ... I'm going to go find my 2 sticks and see what I can do