Hi there … I just been to Coles to buy $9 mobile broadband deal with 3gb data which is posted earlier on ozbargain and unfortunately they all sold out and the guy on service desk suggest Vodafone pocket wifi with 3gb data .. Tickets says $39.99 saving of $20 .when he scanned it come up $19 . Bought 2 straight away and they got plenty in stock in Coles Maylands WA
Yes, it is just another Vodafone SIM.
Nice find mate.
This one is also unlocked, 3G+, good battery life, supports at least 5 WiFi devices.
3GB SIM operates on 4G devices, has no expiry date, 30 days to use after activation.
Like the $9 USB Extreme deal, has been this price a few times in last few months at Coles.
You need to add a custom APN setting via the dashboard (on WiFi or PC - see manual) to use a different network SIM.
Last month it was $19 in coles express. I refilled my tank with gas & petrol around 100 liter. I combined it with spend $20 in store & get 10 cent off. So I saved $10 and practically I paid $9 for it. I am not sure if that is still available in coles express.
It's still available at the Shell station in Bulimba Queensland. Bought one from there before Christmas and checked three days ago and the sign was still up.
shoulda posted it!
OK I checked the previous post
I bought 1 from Coles 2months ago, unlocked. Unlocked in previous deals.
Good deal, the only trick is finding stores with stock.
The trick is I already have one from a previous deal, anyone had luck selling just the (surplus) modem on ebay ?
can anyone tell me whats the comparison between 3g+ and 4g? Also can the vodafone sim be used overseas?
Vodafone Data SIM is for use in Oz.
3G+ is fast enough for most purposes. As for simple comparison in speeds, I find in my home, Vodafone 4G is much faster than 3G+. Strangely Vodafone 3G+ seems faster than Telstra 4G, I guess simply due to much better Vodafone signal & fewer users. Others in different locations would definitely disagree!
3g+ 21Mbps, 4g 100Mbps theorectially. I've always found optus infrastructure terribly slow when it comes to 3g performance.
Guys don't buy unless you have to as Vodafone is getting rid of these to replace with 4G pocket WiFi which is much better.
Of course buy 4G devices over 3G+, even if you aren't yet in 4G area - if your budget allows. 4G devices work on 3G network.
But some 4G devices won't work on the new LTE services being introduced by Telstra, but will work on the existing network - so do your research. (Not an area I have much knowledge of.)
Vodafone was giving away 4G Pocket WiFi in September-October when signing up for additional postpaid data service.
But for the price conscious, this 3G+ modem will suffice. I sometimes use my small, light, old 3G Pocket WiFi 2. Good enough for reading OzBargain ;-)
So I haven't actually seen Vodafone 4G pocket wifi. Are they out there?
Check Vodafone broadband devices. Looks much the same as this modem.
There have been (expired) deals including free 4G Pocket WiFi for new postpaid data service - cancel after first month & keep modem with Vodafone.
Quite a few cheapish 4G modem deals, now expired. Even I've posted a $49 Telstra 4G modem with 5GB deal - they're that common.
Both this $19 deal and the $9 deal are shown in the Target catalogue starting this Thursday. Listed as available until the 21st January.
So is this only available in Coles Maylands? anyone head down there last night any more stock left?
I bought it a few weeks ago when the Australia post deal was on here. Everyone was saying that it is unlocked but i haven't managed to do so.It works fine with the voda sim but when i put my sim card from my mobile (TPG) it doesn't recognise the sim.Also when i connect it to my pc it opens up a vodaphone dashboard. I wish i could use another sim in it as its an awesome little device!
Does it display SIM LOCKED (its locked) when you insert another network's SIM, or does it not connect to your carrier (unlocked but not set up correctly)?
As I posted up the top, you need to change the APN of the device to the other Telcos settings. Without that, it may detect but can't connect to that network.
Dashboard shows Vodafone as it is Vodafone software, which loads when you first connected to PC. That has nothing to do with what network you are on.
A Search of deals for this device or a question in one would have helped solve your problem. Someone has usually had the same issue - I did, & I've set up a few models of mobile broadband modems. I just searched & found solution.
I have no problem using it with a DODO SIM by changing it to DODO APN. Nice device, one charged can lasted for 16 hours.
Cheers Bruce. Changed the APN and it works a treat!I've got the R207 which is slightly different to the one picture on this post. I tried looking for the proper firmware as per your explanation as well as some other posts but could only find the R208 firmware on the voda website.I'm just glad i'm able to use it with other sims.Thanks again mate!
Is this one free to unlock? If so, I'll be nabbing one.
Reading is a helpful skill.
I answered before that usual question was asked - up the top.
Nab away ;-)
Would that be a nanosim (for iPad Air 2) or microsim?
Standard SIM, SIM-swap free at a Vodafone store. I've done it many times.
I bought one of the $9 Vodafone Extreme 3G+ dongles,advertised as including 3GB over the first 30 days. Didn't need to use it until end of December when previous (much dearer) Virgin prepaid mobile broadband ran out. Believing advertised content of 3GB, I was enjoying Skyping with UK based daughter, when I got a Vodafone warning that I had almost used up the 500Mb "volume"!
I notified Coles of this apparent discrepancy with advertised GB inclusion by email on 31 December, because they had advertised the inclusion as 3GB, saying my expectation was that they sort it out with Vodafone asap as time was of the essence. Nothing from them so far!
Meanwhile grateful for public library computers!
Does anyone suffer same GB-shortfall,or have suggestions as to how to speed op the process?
Thanks
What does your Vodafone account usage show? I view using the Vodafone app on android phone. Always best to monitor usage. Data usage by app is shown in Android phones & probably other devices.
I just returned from Tokyo, after using unlimited WiFi. Started up this beast & connected my phone to use a small amount of data.
In a few days 5GB had gone. I forgot to check my usage. Viewing my data use on the phone showed the culprit.
I had Google Music set to download stacks of free music & subscribed to streaming - only when connected to wifi!
Thanks, just grabbed one from the Coles next to Southern Cross Station here in Melbourne.
Ivanhoe VIC just stocked up the shelf
I just got the Pocket WiFi Pro Starter Plus for $19 as well. It says "Included Data" on the box but no indication of how much data (posts on the Web suggest 3GB or 6GB). Also the WiFi Pro says only 5 wifi devices whereas the suggests the Extreme supports 10 devices. It's unopened so I can return…
Does anyone know the difference between Pocket WiFi Pro and Extreme?
Thanks in advance for any assistance.
I've got both.
PRO is 3G & very old device now. Sometimes comes with 6GB, but often 3GB - only can tell after it is activated.
EXTREME is faster 3G+.
Oops, confused the 3G+ PRO with the earlier 3G Pocket WiFi 2 I have. But it still is older. Here's a Vodafone forum introducing it 2 years back
Yes, it seems both the Pro and Extreme are both 21Mbps. I also got the Pocket WiFi 3G it also says 21Mbps.
I'm confused and would really like to know how they differ in terms of usage time and how much data they come with?
No-one in store new…
Vodafone Pocket WiFi Extreme
10 WiFi Devices
Bundle
Multifit SIM
HSPA+
MicroSD Card up to 32GB
Vertical Profile
This looks like the one on this page: http://www.vodafone.com.au/personal/wireless-internet/mobile…
although it is branded as Extreme not Extreme 3G+
From Web: 60 hours WiFi on!
Vodafone Pocket WiFi Pro Starter Plus = Pocket WiFi Pro + Prepaid Kit with Sim Card + Included Data
5 WiFi Devices
HSDPA 21Mbps
MicroSD Card up to 32GB
850MHz
Black
Starter
Horizontal Profile
Vodafone Pocket WiFi 3G
10 WiFi Devices
HSPA+ 21Mbps
R207
Starter Pack
Horizontal Profile
Who would I ring to get full product details (including included data) Vodafone or Coles?
Any help appreciated.
After some research, it like:
Pocket WiFi oldest model, then came Pocket WiFi II, then came Pocket Wifi Pro (correction: vertical profile), and then came the newest model called the Pocket WiFi Extreme (correction: horizontal profile).
Not sure but I think the Pro only has 4 hours WiFi battery life, whereas Extreme has up to 10 hours. Both the Extreme and Pro packages seem to bundle data but I am not sure about the regular WiFi.
Of course, if 3GB of data is included they are all great deals. Not being 4G doesn't worry me because it reduces (a little) the chance of streaming through GBs of data without knowing.
Extreme is the Huawei R208; Pro is the Huawei R205.
The boxing gives very little away about the exact model OR the data included.
I got all the packages and will return some.
The Pocket WiFi 3G (regular) box has R207 clearly on the bottom. It looks like the Extreme R208 but only has led icons (as someone mentioned). It is in a smaller box (about the size of a watch box).
The Extreme has a full display and the box is much bigger. I believe the Pocket WiFi (regular) is the oldest model. I believe that the Pocket WiFi II and then the Pocket WiFi Pro came after it.
The Extreme is the latest 3G+ model.
Local Coles had the smaller boxed version, and this one hat I grabbed. The smaller box apart from being smaller lists 1 less band in the 3g range on the back, and I think maybe 1 less 2g too.
Front: http://i.imgur.com/vx8dRLi.jpg
Rear: http://i.imgur.com/MP5kcBN.jpg
Out on display shelf they only had the $9 version, and a quite a few too. It was only when the lady went into the drawers she found the $19 version, and two versions of that.
Never had to sign or fill out a thing.
can i assume this unit is same good as the telstra 3g wifi+modem deal that was posted a few days earlier? but telstra only comes with 1 gb data. can i conclude this deal is much better than that telstra's? however, i just unlocked that telstra's unit, so i would better off buying the $9 wifi usb for the data, right? i am currently using the telstra modem+wifi unit with the vodafone sim (from the $9 unit).
Yes alwayseric, this is the better modem / deal ;-)
Sold out from my local Coles:(
I bought the week after on Coles raincheck.
Got two. Decent spare battery.
Any idea whether this device would possibly work outside aus?
On holidays in Mooloolaba and Coles Maroochydore has a few of the $9 usb extreme 3g+ left. They also have the classic starter plus usb for $9 and the vodafone pocket wifi 3g for $19. Still a few left of each. I bought one of each….. :) They had no problems selling me as many as i wanted except that i ad to sign the paperwork for each one. i filled out the first and just signed the next 2 and the coles chick said she would fill them out for me. Im currently using the pocket wifi with the 5 hour battery and am getting about 8mbps down data. I am happy enough with that. It is fast enough to watch foxtel on the mini ipad and play clash of clans on the samsung galaxy tab (each of which i bought for a bargain from here previously). Just keep trying different coles stores until you find stock. They had the yellow specials tags displayed with the correct special pricing but i didnt se the end date. i will have another look tomorrow.
When I rang around store(s), those out of item just offered to supply rain-check voucher. It's an easy method and for the best 3G+ modem in the country.
oops It just occurred to me this will be a carryover special, not advertised so ignore raincheck.
http://consumer.huawei.com/au/mobile-broadband/mobile-wifi/t… would be this one I've had up & running since November.
Just bought one! (although I think I got the older model) when I activated the SIM I got a message saying I need to verify my ID in a store in order to keep using the service, does anyone know if it will last 30 days without doing so? If so then I will be fine, as I'll just activate a new SIM after 30 days!
When I bought I verified my ID in store itself
I had to present ID at Coles and also fill out a form, still upon activating the SIM at home for the first time I was presented with a message on screen that states I need to verify ID in store (I believe they are referring to a Vodaphone Store)
For first device I had to present ID and assistant filled out form for me to sign. However, when I bought the other two devices later in the day, I was not asked to do anything (a different assistant). I think the last assistant didn't know that it was required.
I activated my service on 18th Dec and still using it. I wasn't asked to verify in store. I used my driver's license to activate. How about you?
@nisarg: Yes same here, Driver licence needed in Coles and online to activate, I'm using the service right now..I'm thinking I'll be fine, I'll just see if it cuts me off
I would love to have checked my laptop Vodafone usage as I did every time with Virgin. But the temporary password given does not work, and attempts to have ‘forgotten’ password sent fail because Vodafone decline to send the requisite txt to a non-Vodafone mobile. Returning to the start of the My Vodafone process on this public computer, it seems my username (I e number) has now been locked for 2 hours. Bit of a Catch 22! Especially as I’m unsure if I have sufficient Mb left to try the broadband SMS instead. As Coles have not replied, am going to try contacting Vodafone; hope they can change my mind that maybe I should have stayed with Virgin. Dearer but much more user friendly!
Also does Extreme 3G+ use data faster than 3G? I found a Vodafone option to specify "3G+ preferred" or "3G only" and checked the latter - but that was AFTER the free usage warning. (My main annoyance is that the Extreme was advertised as having included 3GB, but seems only to include 500Mb; and the warning too late to do much about it.)
Anyway one can tell if the Extreme has the 3GB of data (rather than just the 500MB Welcome data)?
There is nothing on the packaging (besides the mention of "Welcome data") and I would have though they would have mentioned it…
I just checked with Vodafone on the phone (and they had to check their legacy data) but, for what it is worth (don't hold me to this, hold them to this) they said:
The Pocket WiFi Extreme, Pocket WiFi Pro, and Pocket WiFi 3G (regular) should all come with 3GB of data.
I will be ringing back if they don't!
$19 for 3GB (in 30 days) seems pretty good itself. Are there any better deals for after that runs out?
Any idea how long before you have to activate the data (to not lose it)?
Both previously answered.
Thanks @brucefromaustralia I found your answer (but I believe it was in the Target bargain, not this one)
3GB SIM operates on 4G devices, has no expiry date, 30 days to use after activation.
Like the $9 USB Extreme deal at start of this deal, later copied to Target deal description.
If you are after cheap data, stock up on the $9 USB Extreme deals ($3/GB). Not as good value as last week or so $1 Woolies Telstra Starter Pack deal ($0.50/GB). Prediction of future data deals is beyond my abilities ;-) But these deals have repeated over last few months.
Got the last one on the sunshine coast of the Pocketwifi extreme 3+. Much nicer features than the standard pocket wifi and they were both $19 although the older model is a lot more compact. In practical terms though, the upload and download speeds have been relatively the same for both models in my current location of Mooloolaba. You can connect more devicese though on the extreme, but happy with both purchases. I ve linked the kids devices to the older one, and mine to the newer extreme. Great price for what you get. Interesting to see what stock Target will have tomorrow.
this sale is over?
Got the $19 vodafone wifi pocket r207 at target, it diesnt recognise telstra 4G sim, i am unable to unlock the device after several attempts, please kindly help! Thank heaps!!!
I gave the answer to the same question above. It's wise to read others comments.
I posted up the top that this is not locked. You have to set the APN to Telstra settings. Took me only a few minutes to set up for Telstra SIM.
Where do I set APN ? Looked evrywhere and couldnt find that setting on the dashboard? Thanks
Did you login with 'admin' as the password?
I got a pocket wifi extreme from target rockhampton for $19.00
Could someone please tell me if this is no longer available at Coles for $19? Couldn't find any. Thanks!
Stock was limited at some Coles at time of posting. Strangely, a deal that was listed over 2 weeks ago may have finished or sold out. Lesser R207 modem listed on Coles at $39.
Thank you!
does this work with the sim cards from the other $9 deal?