Found it in the big w catalogue. Its only 3g and locked to telstra but it can share your wifi out to up to 5 devices and can be powered by an external power adapter. Only $10
http://www.zte.com.au/telstra/MF70.htm
http://www.cnet.com/au/products/telstra-pre-paid-3g-usb-plus…
Back in 2009, we were all rich:(
Only 1GB data. :(
I agree but where can you currently get more inc. a modem for $10?
The problem is how much more it will cost to get something usable
These are great IMHO.
$10 for a portable Micro router/USB stick combo. AM using one of these right now. Its great!
Can be unlocked free with a bit of mucking around.
Yep thats it. Did three once I figured it out and gave them to family members.
Really handy little device.
Unlock Worked.
Hint:
1) Auto Detect the modem (ZTE). This appears to start the install of the drivers so the fist attempt at detection failed but the second passed..
These may already be on sale because I was looking at them last week and they were $10
Got one for $10 at Macquarie Centre tonight.
can anyone confirm coles are now selling the 3g elite for $10 ?
Expired I think …I cleaned out Brisbane Southside stores.
not cool dude
Not cool bro… den
Saw this at this price last week at BigW. Display on counter seems to show this to be new standard price, unless they made up a Telstra display just for a special deal.
The display one is USB stick. This one is USB modem.
Can anyone link me or explain briefly how these work? Do you pay $10 a month for 1gb or one time? Sorry for the amateur question.
Pretty sure it's 1GB for the first month only, then it expires. After that you can choose to recharge to another one of their prepaid amounts or unlock and change to a different mobile network for a better prepaid deal.
Can you buy 2 and connect them to same phone? Or are the ip's different
As they're WiFi, you can just setup different network ID names (SSID's) for each device then select the desired one you want to connect to on your phone.
OK thanks, also what does network locked mean? Are there extra fees to unlock it? Sorry im New to this*
It's only software locked not hardware locked, so you can unlock it for free yourself using the steps shown here: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/104758#comment-1449199 as nghori mentioned above.
Is it possible to keep buying starter packs and throwing them out after they expire?
1GB for $25 normal price
Also curious about this?
If you mean the $30 Telstra Starter Packs (bought 1 at Woolies tonight for $1) which give 2GB for 30 days - of course you can. I've been doing that for a long time.
Buying multiples of these 1GB deals for $10 each just for the data is not as good value, but would work. I bought 10 Vodafone USB Extreme from Coles with 3GB at $9 each for that purpose.
See the Guide to using Telstra Starter Packs Wiki and click on DATA Only.
Just check the use by dates on the SIM. These may be old stock with only a short time to activate.
I bought two, both expire Oct 2016.
Can u use it as a home wifi range extender?
No, it won't be the same wifi connection as your home it will be a new one.
Note: Only WiFi if its connected to a PowerPoint. All other times its usb only.
www.zte.com.au/downloads/manuals/MF70%20Help%201.4.pdf
USB + Wi-Fi modem – Allows a local USB connection and up to 5 users via Wi-Fi.
easy. just connect it to a powerbank or car charger when you're driving. voila you got yourself a mobile wifi router.
I'd never use one of these as it's cheaper to just buy more data for my phone, but I want one just so I can say my car has wifi
Anytime it has power the wifi is working. I have used mine via wifi plugged into a car and laptop.
is there a sim card that you can plug into a phone just for browsing only?
Yes… just pick a telco and get their data only plan.
If you only need a data SIM - this is not the cheapest way. 2GB Telstra Starter Packs are selling for as low as $1!
Hmm. Where can I find this? Need one tomorrow.
Link in my previous comment.
I've added a comment at end of that deal of how to get it for $1 without any purchase, but does require a (registered) Woolies EDR card.
@slowmo:
Stocks are understandably low, so may take some finding. I got 6 in the last week. Must be bought by tomorrow night. Activate as Tablet for the 2GB - all there in the Starter Pack Wiki. So good luck ;-)
Which catalog? Can't find it on the ones in bigw website. Also noticed the selection on its website was so limited.
Me too, can't find it in the recent bigw catalog & website.
Recent junk mail titled "big w one stop shop back to school". Also has a canon pixma mg2560 inkjet printer for $15 saving $43. The telstra dongle is on page 25
how can i unlock it？ths
Just download the files in the comment linked and follow the instructions given.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/104758#comment-1449199
But to give you a run down on installation
1. Install dc-unlocker_client-1.00.1024.exe
2. Install MF626i_PC_Install.exe
3. Unzip dccrap.7z with 7zip (free to download www.7-zip.org)
And for use
a. Run dc-unlocker to put device into diagnostic mode
b. Run dccrap to unlock device
c. Run dc-unlocker again to take device out of diagnostic mode
i will try，cheers man
Hi guys, So does this deal start on the 1st? Couldn't find it in the catalogue
The deal is already on. I went to the store after work this evening and it was scanning at that price.
Does the 30 day expiry start from activation?
Can I activate a new one under the same name when the previous expires?
Yes.
Why not?
So, err, noob question. Say you unlock this and want to try a different company. How do you do so? Does this have a sim card slot?
There is a finger nail tab at the end of the stick. You can use this to pop off the Telstra logo front cover to find the full size SIM slot and the memory card slot.
The manual in the box has a diagram if you require visual reference.
I see thanks mate
It's a little more money but you're much better off with one of the various WIFI modem deals that have been floating around. The Vodafone 3G extreme modem is particularly nice but limited to 3G or for even more money you can go for a 4G modem. I find the 3G good enough. It has it's own battery and will let me connect any WIFI enabled device - phone, tablet, laptop, console. Really good when you're on holiday. The cheapest I've seen the Vodafone WIFI extremes is $19.
Noob question: can you plug these into a Samsung Galaxy tab?
You could possibly plug it in via OTG cable to power it up (and use via WiFi.)
Yes. This does work. But you are better off using a Power Bank or the like.
Sorry…..can someone clarify if this works like a pocket WiFi? Or must be connected to computer via usb ?
In the need to find a cheap internet source for my mobile as I have gone way over my internet quota…..
It's USB and/or WiFi.
You need to plug it into a computer or ac adapter adaptor for it to work
This is a regular 3G modem/dongle/stick with the added benefit that it also broadcasts WiFi. It has a SIM card slot for mobile broadband and an SD card slot to share movies/files etc
You can use this two ways:
1/ As a WiFi Router-plugged in to any USB adapter such as a spare phone one you are sure to have around. The adapter is just to power it up. It will pull in 3G data from your carrier and make that available over Wifi. So you would give the network a same such as Percy's Wifi and share your 3G data connection around your house.
2/ As a "traditional" USB dongle/stick (no WiFi)
You could even use this as a permanent set up if you use 3G data is your main source of internet.
Like I said they work pretty darn well.
Interestingly, I activated the sim, then stuck it in the newer MF 910 4G hotspot, while it activates, it reports the credit as expired. Put the sim back into the old MF70 and it has 1GB of credit to use for 30 days.
Would be a really great help if it stated in the title/description that it is in the "Back to School" catalogue. And the specials commence on Thursday the 1st January.
Which would then explain when I went to buy one an hour ago they were $19 and not $10!!!!!
The date is right there under the description "1–8 Jan 2015" In 2 days
Oooops missed that bit, sorry, it is more noticeable with the big TOMORROW there now though.
Wonder why some Big W's are already selling at $10? Eastgardens wanted $19?
Hmm yes, bit weird anyway just go back tomorrow if you can - all sorted :)
Chermside Westfield store has sold out but I got one for $10 at Strathpine Westfield and was told they have roughly a dozen left.
Can anyone suggest why these would be needed in an age where practically every mobile phone plan has data included and can be turned into a mobile hotspot? Am truly curious.
Here's one example: I'm an ozbargainer and don't want to spend ridiculous money on my mobile. I am on Virgin Simple - $19 for 90 days and only 100MB of data. It works great for me, but I don't use internet when out and about.
If I need internet while travelling or just away from wifi, this is real handy.
I also have a Surface Pro 3 which doesn't have built in 3G (or 4G). Again, this little $10 stick will be handy if I need the internet away from wifi while working on my SP3
I'm like iceman, but far cheaper. I am currently spending $2/yr on Telstra with 400 minutes of calls. (2 x $1 Woolies $30 Telstra Starter Packs on Longlife Plan for 6 months access, but immediately changed to Simplicity for 15c/min calls)
That includes no data. So I use a device like this for data (with another $1 Telstra $30 Starter Pack for 2GB over 30 days). I use voip for other calls on data or free WiFi.
If there are good deals like the $1 Starter Packs (expired), I'm set up with calls & 24GB for $14/yr ;-)
Details of how to get the most from Telstra Prepaid Starter Packs in the OzBargain Wiki.
I'm confused. Doesn't your data expire after a month? What do you do for the rest of the year?
Each month, put in another cheap ($1-10 deals lately) Telstra Starter Pack (has $30 credit), with device set as Tablet for 2GB at activation. I've been doing this for years. Recharging is for the rich ;-)
Just one of the suggestions in the Wiki.
@brucefromaustralia: Gotcha, sorry. Do these Telstra deals really come up that often?
I'll probably stick with my $17/mo TPG mobile plan. But all these cheap SIMs make me think I should get a cellular tablet, just for the convenience.
@ferguscan:
You need to grab cheap deals when you can. Many said $10 deals on Telstra $30 Starter Packs would never happen again (none in nearly 1 year), but there have been plenty of $10 or less deals recently. Telstra are changing their packaging, so there have been deals on new and old Starter Packs. Who knows what deals are to come?
I use a ($29!) WiFi tablet with a Pocket WiFi device (similar to these, but with battery). Coles etc were selling 3G+ Vodafone ones for about $19 with 3GB. 4G devices are dearer. But that usually works out cheaper than a 3G/4G equipped tablet. Also have a $79 Huawei 4G phone that I use for broadband & voip calls (I'm posting on it now).
There are lots of options, but convenience usually cost more.
In response to grog's PM, I activate these SIMs on the same Telstra Myaccount.
Starter Packs are meant for new customers to Telstra and expensive recharges for existing customers, but there is nothing to say how many of these you can activate.
After 6 months or so after credit expires, SIM disappears from your account & no longer works.
In the mean time, those SIMs can serve as disposable numbers when a site says you must give a phone number, when selling on Gumtree, or for free music download deals (I got 18 free albums on 9 SIMs), etc ;-)
I've included most of this in the Wiki.
Yes $5 IS cheaper than $10, BUT it is a different device (USB modem only, lacking mobile broadband WiFi of this device - why people want it), only 15 days to use the same data, and it is expired. There were only a few old stock available.
This is new stock with long expiry on SIM, fairly available, and much more useful device.
This is a better deal, but has been offered at this price before by Coles, from memory.
(And I earlier confused this WiFi USB device with USB only device! They all look the same to me.)
ty
Picked 1 up today..saved me $30.. thanks OP
Got the last one from Melb Central today, nice well made little simple device and also has an external antenna connector which is a plus for fringe areas. I should get many hours of use from a battery phone booster.
I'm on the old Prepaid cap encore so I can still buy the handy data packs using the credit. Now to try the unlock anyway.
Successfully unlocked the modem using the method previously posted. Uses a web interface for config which works reasonably well, a far cry from the AT commands and "Watchers" of old.
Draws about 0.5A - 0.8A with (Wifi ON and SD card inserted set to WebShare mode) from the USB
I bought 5 (exp Sept-2016) for an upcoming period of work away from home. Now to learn about unlocking and why I might be interested in doing so.
What are people doing with their unlocked devices? Amaysim, Vodafone? So the reason to unlock is having the portable wifi modem to broadcast, right?
EDIT: Nevermind I read the link above and understand all now. I'll be keenly watching out for cheap data deals now that I have these :)
Why 5? When would you need 5 in use at one time, as each can support up to 5 devices. That is 25 WiFi devices at same time.
You could have bought a better, faster 4G modem with built-in battery for around that price, with the same amount of data (for shorter time though).
Buying for data is usually cheaper other ways, as I pointed out. ($1 Woolies Telstra Starter Pack deal with same expiry date was 50c/GB)
Of course keeping the 1GB SIMs, and selling most modems could be cost effective. (I've got so many $9 Vodafone 3G USB Extreme modems with 3GB, bought just for the cheap data & effectively no expiry date.)
Unlocking, as I think you understand, just gives you flexibility to use the most cost effective data SIM. You don't want to be locked into one Telco.
I'll be away 3 months, 6 weeks of which I need to share internet to 2 others, so I thought 5GB would cover me. But you are right, I bought them for the data and maybe I should return some, unlock and hold out for starter packs. I've never had 3g data, how often do cheap data deals come along? I've just learnt that I missed a ripper at woolworths recently.
@Click_It:
Guessed that would be your answer. As I have posted, there have been cheap Telstra & Vodafone (data) deals in last few weeks. My crystal ball is being repaired, so can't tell about future deals. It's been a long while between good deals.
Just store a few away, just in case. I have some $30 Telstra Starter Packs bought over a year ago, when they were regularly on sale for $10. There have been almost no good deals since. I bought a few more than I needed for a year.
I use a powered Pocket WiFi device like these for data, with a separate SIM for calls, outlined in the Wiki.
Currently have enough for up to 2 years of data & calls: 10 $9 Vodafone 3GB data packs with no expiry (with USB modems), 3 old Telstra Packs expiring April or September, 6 $1 Woolies Telstra Packs expiring late 2016, & a $40 BOOST Unlimited (calls, sms, 2GB) Pack bought for $10.
And of course choose a data service that has good coverage where you want to go. I have got Telstra data in fairly remote areas of Tassie or North Queensland, when no other service was available.
That's cool, thanks for the tips. I'll keep an eye out for future deals. I'll hold onto maybe 3 of my devices for now, but return all bar 1 if a deal comes in the next 3 months.
Luckily where I'll be working there is strong coverage for all networks so whatever is cheapest will work nicely.
@Click_It:
I have sold on a 4G modem after unlocking & kept the 5GB SIM, making a small profit. But may not be worth the effort on cheap USB modems. I have too many USB modems I don't need, but not worth the effort to sell.
Damn it! I was just at Coles! Oh well I assume it should be around at the very least until the current cycle ends so I'll grab one tomorrow on my way back to Big-W to return some USB Wifi modems :D
I have 5 Coles within 15KM here so I'll try a few if at first I don't succeed. Since there is effectively no expiry (other than the 30 days activated) I'll probably buy 4 and be $4 (and 8GB) in front.
My only question, is the Telstra USB Wifi considered the better unit to use the sim in?
@Click_It:
Comment in that deal from Melbourne - that they could not find stock. May be store or NSW offer.
You will need to unlock the Telstra modem to use a Vodafone SIM. I often get faster speeds with Vodafone in my area. The Coles modems lack WiFi as are just USB modems, for 1 user. But they are unlocked. So which is better device depends on your needs.
Its all about the Bargain ;-)
Just saw, you replied before I could update my post. I have access to 5 stores, I don't particularly want to frequent each one but hopefully between them I can find some. I'm on the VIC/NSW border currently so I should be able to report back in that deal some states availability tomorrow.
Vodafone Pocket Wi-Fi Extreme 3G+ with 3GB Data for $19 @ Coles may interest you. A much better modem, good battery life, unlocked, supports at least 5 WiFi devices
Seems like my timing is pretty good afterall, thanks for all the help.
I opened one of my telstra boxes so I'll keep that but the other 4 are going back.
My plan now is to get the modem you mentioned above, and 3 more 3GB packs. That's essentially 1 extra 3GB than I need but hey for $9 who cares.
@Click_It:
My crystal ball is being repaired, so can't tell about future deals. I think I'll get a refund on it ;-)
Glad I hassled you about the 5 you bought. You'll be better off. Always pleased when I can help.
@brucefromaustralia: hi bruce, do you know if i can return this telstra one to bigw? i bought two, used one, but i dont think i need to 3g modem. and i got some cheaper data from vodafone.
the reason i ask is the lady from bigw wrote down my personal information.
@alwayseric:
Let me consult my crystal ball (there will be a charge for this service)… it says ask someone who knows.
Should be ok. Is it unopened with receipt? Your details are for the authority, and do not stop you returning device. When modem is sold again, new details will supersede yours.
Mobile devices sometimes say you can return within so many days if not suitable. Don't say you changed your mind, but that it is unsuitable for your use (eg no internal battery like a Pocket WiFi device you expected…).
Just be nice to the staff, as they are doing you a favour ;-)
Bloody hell, I remember paying $150 for these things back in 2009….