This was posted 9 years 8 months 6 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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Optus Huawei E5251 3G Portable Wi-Fi Modem with 5GB Data & 3 Months Netflix - $24.50 @ Officeworks

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Optus Huawei E5251 3G Portable Wi-Fi Modem with 5GB Data & 3 Months Netflix - $24.50 @ Officeworks
Go to Deal
spackbace on 16/04/2015 - 11:45 officeworks.com.au (3751 clicks)
Last edited 16/04/2015 - 11:51

Link to Netflix info/deal

Stock in Perth showing at:
Malaga
Osborne Park

(Will add with other states)

Also try a price-match at HN as stock there is plentiful

Connect to the Internet fast with the 5 second boot time of the Optus Huawei E5251 3G Portable WiFi Modem. It is a great way of using your computer, tablet, smartphone or games console when you're on the go and comes with 5GB of included data with 30 days expiry for use within Australia.
Network: 3G DC-HSPA+/HSPA/UMTS
Speed: It supports DC-HSPA+ data service up to 43.2 Mbps
Battery Life: 200 hours while WIFI is off.
Dimensions: 14.6 mm × 90.2 mm × 57.0 mm
Wi-Fi Network: 802.11b/g/n at 2.4GHz
Internal Memory: 128 MB Flash, 64 MB Memory
Software Installation: Automatic installation (PnP)

Electrical & Electronics Huawei Mobile Broadband Modem

Related Stores

Officeworks
Officeworks

closed Comments

  • superforever on 16/04/2015 - 11:51

    Link to the 3 months Netflix?

  • skegger on 16/04/2015 - 11:56

    Is Netflix metered on their mobile devices? (I'm certain that it is)

    • mr kindface on 16/04/2015 - 12:39

      Yep, doubt we'll see unmetered mobile any time soon

  • tonyjzx on 16/04/2015 - 12:12

    i mananged to use 2.95Gb on my last month on a 3g $19 myfi thing

    so the speed is there… does vodafone do any funny stuff on metering?

    • ProjectZero on 16/04/2015 - 14:06

      According to this post, it isn't unmetered for mobile data plans =(

  • [Deactivated] on 16/04/2015 - 13:11
    +5

    $24.50 at Australia Post too.
    http://catalogue.auspost.com.au/offer/phone-broadband/optus-…

    Maybe get Officeworks to price match ;)

  • timhobart on 16/04/2015 - 13:20

    any info whether this is locked or unlocked?
    Had similar from Voda $19 which came factory unlocked.

    • ozhunter68 on 16/04/2015 - 13:31
      +1

      Voda deal was good, but only 3GB data and no Netflix. Also if unlocked, you still need to change the APN settings etc. not for the novice users but possible. I have a few and love them too.

      • JackyQ on 17/04/2015 - 08:50

        I have one of voda thing, you dont need to change APN, tried with dodo 3g sim card. it works fine, not sure if it works for other carrier.(since dodo use optus network, I assume also works for optus

        • ozhunter68 on 17/04/2015 - 13:59

          Ah, thanks. I tried a while ago with Telstra with no easy luck. Maybe I did not try hard enough.

        • [Deactivated] on 10/05/2015 - 15:43

          Some providers 3G/4G will work with the wrong apns, but you will not get the full speed. You must use the correct APN to get the full speed.

  • paloverde88 on 16/04/2015 - 13:31

    Unlock. I have bought one from OW

    • ozhunter68 on 16/04/2015 - 13:35

      Are you referring to the Optus one listed, or the Vodafone unit??

  • paloverde88 on 16/04/2015 - 13:35

    Both bought them both before

    • ozhunter68 on 16/04/2015 - 14:21

      But which one was unlocked? Both?

  • belbo on 16/04/2015 - 14:24
    +1

    So this is a no-brainer if you subscribe to Netflix because the 3 months free is worth more than $24.50, right ? So you essentially get the device and the 5gb data for free. Is the device only useful for sharing a mobile data connection - or could you it to share a wifi internet connection (say in a hotel). It has no ethernet jack so presumably could not be called a travel router (?). Also - how is it charged - usb or bespoke power adapter ?

    • superforever on 16/04/2015 - 14:29
      +1

      So you essentially get the device and the 5gb data for free

      Yes that is what I am thinking.

      It has no ethernet jack so presumably could not be called a travel router

      Yes it is only a 3G pocket router.

      • dan76n on 16/04/2015 - 14:33
        +2

        If you only really want the Netfix then the optus phone in Coles Cat for $14.50 is a little better.

        • superforever on 16/04/2015 - 14:36
          +1

          Yeah but a spare 3G device just in case may need it but I have no use of the 5GB data at the moment.

        • mr kindface on 16/04/2015 - 15:12
          +1

          @superforever:
          but you'll need to activate the device to get the netflix code, and the data will probably expire after 30 days i'm guessing

      • belbo on 18/04/2015 - 13:14

        Just opened mine. Woohoo. Free micro usb cable and usb wall plug too.

    • Tcm9669 on 16/04/2015 - 14:30
      +1

      Saw an eBay listing - stated that it charges via USB cable. Also, this will only share the SIM internet via Wifi (so you can't plugin hotel wired internet via ethernet and share via wifi)

      • belbo on 16/04/2015 - 14:55

        Thanks - so presumably you also can't share hotel wifi with it ?

        • belbo on 16/04/2015 - 22:06

          Well this deal has somehow motivated me to finally buy a travel router. For anyone who is interested, I bought the TP-LINK MR3020. Good reviews generally and on Amazon. Best price I could find was $32 shipped from Kogan (has the 3-year TP-LINK warranty). Next best I could find was $37.50. Now I'll hopefully be able to use my Chromecast next time I'm in a hotel.

        • bashar20 on 20/04/2015 - 11:30

          @belbo: How can you use 3g/4g using the TP-LINK MR3020?

        • belbo on 20/04/2015 - 12:47

          @bashar20: The tp-link doesn't have 3g/4g. My comment about buying it was an aside. I suppose you could share the mobile data connection with the tp-link - but not much point seeing you could share it directly with the mobile device - whether it is the huawei or eg using your mobile phone as a hotspot.

        • twocsies on 24/04/2015 - 18:12

          I don't believe there is this setting in the E5227. However, if you are using Windows 7 or 8, you could try https://virtualrouter.codeplex.com/ to use the laptop as a router; it allows you to share any internet connection via the wifi..

  • The Hobo on 16/04/2015 - 14:30

    Is there any limits to when you get subscribe to the netflix? I've got a 6 month membership from Optus already, and wondering if I can just activate this in 6 months time?

    • spackbace on 16/04/2015 - 14:32
      +3

      Just add it, and they'll stack :)

      • superforever on 16/04/2015 - 14:35

        Do I need to activate the device immediately to get Netflix? Because I have no use with the 5GB data at the moment.

        • spackbace on 16/04/2015 - 14:35

          I would assume so…

        • Lukian on 16/04/2015 - 14:36

          Read the URL/FAQ.

    • iamtezr on 16/04/2015 - 16:38
      +1

      add it on top of your already 6 months free from optus. They'll stack and don't override each other.
      At the moment no one has confirmed how many 'codes' you can use on 1 account. there's no info so i would assume no restrictions.
      Also you need to use these optus netflix codes by 30th September otherwise they will expire.

      • ozhunter68 on 17/04/2015 - 14:07

        What about the expiry date also on the sim starter?

        • iamtezr on 17/04/2015 - 14:16

          It's either you activate before 5th July to to use the 5GB 30 days and get the free netflix, or just wait to use/activate the 5GB for 30days when it best suits you but you don't get the free netflix. your choice. As for expiry on starter kit, it should be on the kit. I know sim card starter kits have about a 2 years expiry when it's first placed on the shelf, after that they will just expire or being sold at a discounted price.
          Not sure if it's the same for the mobile starter kit. Might be on the box, if not, doesn't hurt to chat to optus to confirm

        • ozhunter68 on 17/04/2015 - 15:05
          +1

          @iamtezr:
          Thanks for the detailed sound information. As you know, some of these items or sims get sold on clearance or reduced price close to their expiry dates. Good to check first and see if that works for you.Currently I am using mobile data with phone and portable wifi, so the posted deals from PhoneBot with their $10/11 Telstra sims for 3GB are working a treat now for me ( even although I need to activate and use sim within weeks ). Voda currently does not have expiry dates on their prepaid mobile phones, portable wifi and starter packs.
          I have been caught out just recently with a $25 Skype card credit. Thought there was no expiry, but that is on activated credit. The card get's expired if not activated within 12 months of purchase. Have to live and learn, but rather from other peoples mistakes, not mine. Haha

  • Owl on 16/04/2015 - 14:34

    does anyone know if the 5GB data that comes with the device is a separate coupon? Will I be able to add the 5GB data to an existing optus prepaid broadband account?

    • iamtezr on 16/04/2015 - 16:39
      +2

      5GB will be part of the sim card you activate under Mobile data to receive the 3 months netflix code. sorry no way around it.

      • Owl on 16/04/2015 - 17:25
        +1

        darn… no worries. Thanks for the info. Regardless, it's worth it just for the netflix I think!

  • shiny1 on 16/04/2015 - 14:41

    I think it's only applicable to the new SIM. Don't bother with this unit - either Optus is rubbish, or the dongle itself is rubbish, or both. I can never get decent speeds no matter where I am.

  • abacusjk on 16/04/2015 - 14:58
    +1

    sweet, just ordered one at HN, Moorepark Branch. Price-Match :)

  • rohitgupta8785 on 16/04/2015 - 15:41

    Thanks, just got one.

  • belbo on 16/04/2015 - 16:58

    Yeah. I think I'll get one too. I'll see if I can use it and the 5gb to watch Netflix (currently House of Cards) on the bus to work and back. I suppose I should get 5 - 10 episodes out of 5gb if I can set the bit rate appropriately (?) - shouldn't require that much to look decent on a 5 inch phone screen I'm guessing. Hell - if you can stack the free months why not buy a few - use up 5gb, activate new one, loop … until September ? Seems worth it if you intend remaining subscribed to Netflix. Too lazy to read through the separate threads - does anybody know how long the free netflix months are valid for once they're added to your netflix account ?

    • spackbace on 16/04/2015 - 17:02

      Too lazy to read through the separate threads - does anybody know how long the free netflix months are valid for once they're added to your netflix account ?

      What do you mean? 3 months for each prepaid phone/modem.

      • belbo on 16/04/2015 - 17:13

        Once the free months are in your Netflix account do they ever expire - ie is there a use-by date on the free months - eg say you buy 4 devices and stack 12 free months - will you get to use all 12 free months ?

        • Cataclysm on 16/04/2015 - 18:08

          i would like to know plus when is the latest time you can active the 5g data? is there an expiry data before you can activate the sim card?

        • iamtezr on 17/04/2015 - 08:42

          @Cataclysm:
          Need to activate it before 5th of July as that's when the promotion ends.

  • The Hobo on 16/04/2015 - 17:22

    Anyone know if I put the sim in a 4G device, if it will work at 4G?

    • iamtezr on 17/04/2015 - 08:42

      If you have a 4G device and put in a sim card that provides 4G service then it will work. As for the device in the OPs description, it's only 3G.

  • ItsMeAgro on 16/04/2015 - 19:15

    WARNING don't watch netflix daily in HD on this. 5GB will run out fast.

    We use a hundred GB or so a month and we are NOT heavy netflix users…

    • spackbace on 16/04/2015 - 19:16

      I think the general intention behind this post, and other Optus/Netflix deals, is you have your own way of viewing as well. Ie Home Broadband + Smart TV or Media Player or PS/Xbox etc.
      Same as buying a $15 prepaid phone, it's generally not to purchase to view Netflix on it.

    • iamtezr on 17/04/2015 - 08:35

      In your Netflix account under each profiles, you can set the option to select the quality of the titles. On default it will be set to automatic, so if you have only a SD device, when you watch the titles, it will only show SD, if you have a 4k TV, it will automatically switch to 4k which kills about 7gb an hour.
      Go into your account > Profile settings and change it to SD if you don't want it to kill your downloads.

  • iceshadow on 16/04/2015 - 19:54

    Just got my code today, activated sim yesterday.

  • Owl on 16/04/2015 - 19:58
    +1

    Forgot to ask in my post above, but can someone who has bought this let us know what size SIM is in the box? Thanks again!

    • iamtezr on 17/04/2015 - 08:33

      Standard Sim size. (which means the original big sim size - not micro or nano)

  • urcpc on 16/04/2015 - 22:19

    Is it 3G or 4G modem? In AusPost current catalogue it's mentioned as 4G whereas Officeworks one is selling 3G.

    if anybody has purchased from Auspost can they confirm whether it is 3G or 4G? And locked or unlocked?

  • Omega8 on 16/04/2015 - 22:50

    Does anybody know how long you have to activate the sim card in the modem?
    If I got one now, could I activate it in December for example, or must it be activated within a specified time?

    • iamtezr on 17/04/2015 - 08:38

      Need to activate them before the 5th of July as that's when the promotion ends.

  • [Deactivated] on 17/04/2015 - 03:32

    Oh come on… Just got the same model for $39 at Australia Post only a few days ago.

    I wonder if I can still claim the netflix deal? brb must try.

    Edit: No NetFlix information received via SMS… Where do you usually receive the link? I activated 3-5 days ago, well before the promo started. Are you sure it works on data sims?

    • iamtezr on 17/04/2015 - 08:40

      As long as you activate any prepaid Mobile phones kit or mobile broadband device or sign up to a Mobile phone plans or internet plan during the promotion period 24th march - 5th july, you're eligible for the 3/6 months free Netflix.
      It will take up to 14 days for you to receive your code to claim. Some people get it within a day, some has to wait a week, some haven't received it at all. If you haven't received it in 14 days since you've activated your service, then give Optus a call and they will sort it out…

      If it's only 3-5 days ago, then it would have been after the 24th March so you should get your code.

      • [Deactivated] on 17/04/2015 - 08:58

        On the phone to Optus currently asking about it, wasn't aware there can be up to a 14 day wait

        • iamtezr on 17/04/2015 - 09:00

          hahaha they will copy and paste this to you:

          "How long will it take to receive my Optus SMS/email/letter with the link I need to claim this offer?
          You'll receive your Optus email/SMS/letter within 14 calendar days of activating your service."

          And will ask you to wait for 14 days and call them after the 14 days.

          SMS - mobile phones/mobile broadband
          Email - Internet plans

        • [Deactivated] on 17/04/2015 - 09:12

          @iamtezr:
          Yep pretty much.
          Just ensuring the correct email is linked now

        • iamtezr on 17/04/2015 - 09:21
          +1

          @dyl:

          Just letting you know that if you have the prepaid broadband, even though your email is linked, they won't send you the code via email. They will sms it to that mobile broadband service/mobile number.
          You should be able to receive and check your SMS when you connect it to the PC.
          You'll need to access the device page.
          Http://192.168.1.1
          username and password is usually default at 'admin' & 'admin'

          In there, you should have a SMS option to check your sms.
          Check to see if you already have received the SMS.

        • [Deactivated] on 17/04/2015 - 19:10

          @iamtezr:
          They said it'd be via email if it's broadband, I'll make sure to keep checking both though just in case.

  • xavster on 17/04/2015 - 06:28

    is this pocket wifi locked to optus?

    • iamtezr on 17/04/2015 - 09:16

      can't confirm myself so others that have bought one need to confirm. But from past experience all prepaid phones will be locked to the network. My telstra one and vodafone ones were locked. With vodafone, there was an option if i recharged over $50-60, i can get it unlocked for free. Not sure if that still exists. But most likely it'll be locked.

  • iamtezr on 17/04/2015 - 09:14
    +7

    Just some FYI for the 'lazy' people.

    • Postpaid plans and internet plans will get 6 months free

    • Prepaid will get you 3 months free

    • Have to wait up to 14 days to receive your Netflix SMS to Claim for the code. Once they send you the code, you have to Claim that code within 14 days. Then you have up to the 30th of September to use that code otherwise it'll expire

    • If you activated your service between 24th March - 5th July (promotion period), you will get your free 3/6months netflix

    • You will need to activate the service before 5th July, otherwise you will get nothing. You will need to use your Code before 30th September otherwise it'll expire.

    • Yes, you can use more than 1 code on the same account.

    • You can actually sign up for the 1 month trial and also add the code. On your account, it will only show 1 month free trial as that needs to finish before the free 3/6/9/etc… kicks in. Can call or chat to Netflix support to confirm how many months you have on your netflix.

    • If you've already activated one under your name, you can activate another one under the same name and still receive the code. They will just send it to the mobile number service. Be aware that for personal use, i think you can have a maximum of 5 services under your name. Correct me if i'm wrong, but that's how it used to be.

    • Prepaid - if you don't recharge your service after 3 months of your service running out of credit, it will be suspended, 6 months ends up being cancelled.

    • Signing up for the 1 month free trial will let you pick any Tier:
      Basic - 1 device SD quality
      Standard - 2 devices SD & HD quality
      Premium - 4 devices SD, HD and 4k

    • Optus free netflix 3/6 months will not actually give you any plans, even though they state it will give your tier 2 (standard), but in fact, when you add the codes, it will give you $36 credit which equals to 3 months Standard tier. If you pick Basic, you will get 4 months rather than 3 months, and if you pick premium, it'll be about 2 months and some left over credit.

    Hope that covers all the questions.

  • wildstone on 17/04/2015 - 11:20

    Is this locked and if so how much to unlock?

    • iamtezr on 17/04/2015 - 11:28

      some people have claimed it's unlocked..

      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/182234

      But as for how much. you will need to call optus and ask. Or find a cheap unlock service on ebay.

    • cnboyli on 17/04/2015 - 19:41

      I can confirm it's unlocked. Tried ALDI sim and it works.

  • Dabbler68 on 17/04/2015 - 11:39

    There were a couple of questions about how long before you must activate the SIM. All the replies I saw answered July (due to expiring Netflix offer).

    If you just want it for broadband, as I do, then the SIM expiry is important. I bought one a couple of weeks ago and the SIM expiry is 1 Mar 2016.

    • iamtezr on 17/04/2015 - 14:22

      Just replied to another post about the same thing.
      Usually the expiry date of the starter kit is on the front/back/side of the packet/box.
      But generally it's 2 years from that batch that's being place on the shelf.

      Given that these phones aren't new and most likely they're just trying to clear them before expiring, i'll say about 1 year sounds right. Depending on the batch that the stores receives, each pack might have different expiry date so if you're only in for the 5GB data, then check the expiry on the box and pick the one that will expire the latest.

    • iamtezr on 17/04/2015 - 14:33

      Dabbler68 - Can you confirm that there's an expiry date on the box is or is it on the sim card pack inside the box?
      I know that Sim card starter kits (without devices) shows them on the back with the serial number.

      • Dabbler68 on 17/04/2015 - 14:49

        Yes the expiry date is shown on a sticker on the outside of the box. Mine is still shrinkwrapped.

  • belbo on 17/04/2015 - 14:31
    +1

    Thanks OP. Just bought one - Sydney city. OW Hunter St had none. Got the last one at OW Clarence St. Auspost GPO had none - said their catalogue runs to May 5. All of the preceeding said they should be getting new stock. Clarence St said they sold quite a few yesterday - and got 5 more in - of which my purchase was the last.

    • vikvance on 17/04/2015 - 19:20

      Thanks. I was going to try the GPO, but it appears there's no point.

      I already tried the World Square Post Office. They said they had no stock & weren't going to get any, because they only got a limited range from the catalogue. Auspost seem totally useless. A blatant typo in the catalogue (4G instead of 3G) and no stock anywhere.

      • abacusjk on 18/04/2015 - 11:07

        Hi vikvance, you can try Harvey Norman. They do Price-Match. Good luck.

    • cnboyli on 17/04/2015 - 19:40

      I got the 2nd last one from OW Hunter St at 2:00pm today.

      • belbo on 17/04/2015 - 20:16

        I was there before 9am so they must have got more stock after that.

        • cnboyli on 18/04/2015 - 23:35

          no, there are 2 units reserved by somebody, but no one was coming to pickup before the expire time at 2pm. so I was lucky to get one.

  • TieNN89 on 18/04/2015 - 17:32

    I got a price match at HN but here's the thing
    I just noticed mine says Huawei E5251 0MB Bundle on my receipt and on the HN label :/

    And the box itself has no mention of 5GB but on the side it does say "Modem + Prepaid SIM Pack + Start Up Data + User Guide"

    Can anyone else tell me if their box has any mention of 5GB bundle?

  • belbo on 18/04/2015 - 17:51

    Got mine at OW. Box same as yours - no mention of 5gb data. No mention on receipt either. Haven't activated mine yet - waiting till Monday so can't confirm actually receiving 5gb yet.

    • belbo on 18/04/2015 - 18:33

      No indication of 5gb anywhere. Only place it is mentioned is on the OW page this deal is linked to. HN page is similar but says "up to" 5gb whereas OW says 5gb. I reckon its the same deal. HN prob just covering themselves because if you connect multiple times you aren't going to get exactly 5gb unless it is metered per kb - which it won't be. http://www.harveynorman.com.au/computers-tablets/networking-…

      • TieNN89 on 18/04/2015 - 18:36
        +1

        It's all good

        I rung Optus and had to activate the account for them to tell me but yes mine does have 5GB :D

        Although I really should of waited till Monday when I need it but I rather know now then to wait till then oh well

  • belbo on 18/04/2015 - 18:37
    +1

    LOL. I bought 2 of the $14.50 phones at Coles this evening. (Eastgardens, Sydney - there was 1 more left). They also include a micro usb cable and usb wall charger - and some junky earphones. I walked past their micro usb cables and usb wall chargers in the aisles - $5 and $12 respectively - so just those are worth more than the cost - and you can never have too many of those (or maybe you can).

  • Nousernamehere on 19/04/2015 - 16:05

    So bought one today and got it home and been trying to activate it, but the optus.com.au/activate site is just showing up as blank.

    I've tried it on my PC (Firefox and Chrome) and also my iPad (Safari and Chrome) and they all show exactly the same page - http://postimg.org/image/rhzyzelan/

    Any one else finding this issue when they went to activate theirs?

    • belbo on 20/04/2015 - 00:12
      +1

      Yep. Me too. Looks like it is the same for everyone based on this Whirlpool thread - http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2396226. Bunch of muppets is a pretty good description.

      • Nousernamehere on 20/04/2015 - 23:44

        Cheers for that, found that thread after I posted here :-)

        Activated it tonight though and working well so far, just happened at a good time when I'm heading to Melbourne later in the week and won't burn through all my data on my phone now!

        • belbo on 21/04/2015 - 22:33

          Optus seems all over the shop. I didn't bother writing down the phone number or any other details when I registered - wrongly assuming they would email them to me. Bad mistake. After about 30 mins on the phone I have now confirmed they had my email address correct, so presumably just don't confirm registration details by email - how dumb ! To get your balance you need to create an account. But without the phone number you can't create an account. I put the sim into a phone and texted "balance" to 9999. After about 15 mins I got a reply with the balance - and the phone number. But even with the phone number I couldn't create an account - after filling in all the necessary info it wouldn't create the account. So the guy on the phone had to create an account and send me a password (my username was the email address I registered with). What a drama to be able to get my balance without having to swap the sim into a phone. Oh yes - and he said within about 2 weeks I would get an email with the Netflix voucher. Really !?

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