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$0/Month Minimum Spend, Low Cost (1.5c/MB) 3G Data Plan from Exetel **Updated with Cashback**

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$0/Month Minimum Spend, Low Cost (1.5c/MB) 3G Data Plan from Exetel **Updated with Cashback**
Go to Deal
tg on 04/01/2010 - 23:32 exetel.com.au (2690 clicks)
Last edited 24/01/2010 - 00:00 by 2 other users

Just got a link from a friend who is an Exetel agent.
Now Exetel is offering a very affordable 3G data plan.
This will be good for iPhone users or other 3G smart phones users.
If you mainly use 3G data and seldom make phone calls, then WM A and WM B plan are for you.
If you are keen, you can use VoIP that comes with those plans.
It costs 15c/min for mobile calls. Charged per second, no flag fall.
Considering that 3's 1GB cost $15, this will cost you $15 for 1GB (but if you use less, you will save).
By the way, this is with Optus 3G network.

UNFORTUNATELY, Exetel decided to impose a refundable $25 activation fee
Good luck to those who signed up before Exetel imposed the refundable $25 activation fee in the evening on Jan 5, 2010.
No more ZERO activation for WM A/B plans now.

CASHBACK (from agent, not from Exetel)

Many agents (not limited to Exetel) offer cashbacks if you sign up with their agent code.

If you cannot find one at the moment, my friend is an Exetel agent. He said that if you use the agent code s291 and sign up HSPA, you will get $10 back three months after the activation date. $10 = 200MB for 3 months :)
My agent friend told me that he will know you have signed up as he will have your mobile number and name (no other details). He will contact you via SMS to your mobile once you activated your new mobile.
If you signed up WI A/B/C/D where agent s291 could NOT contact you with your mobile number (WM A/B plans come with mobile number), you must send email with your name to [email protected]

Mod(neil): Please don't use referral links. Changed link to the plan page

Referral Links

Referral: random (736)

Referrer gets 10% off per referral (up to $10/month per referral) for 6 months.

Mobile Mobile Hspa

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closed Comments

  • samfisher5986 on 04/01/2010 - 23:37

    Great deal, I was already on the plan and it went from $5 a month to $0 a month.

    This is one of the best value plans available.

    While you can get better value by having a preset amount each month, most people don't use it all and will still pay for it.

    This way your monthly bill can be 10 cents or $10 :)

    • freddy on 05/01/2010 - 03:56

      This seems to good to be true. No even a connection fee!
      It was good before. Does anyone else come anywhere near this pricing?
      The '3' $15 plan has 10c/MB excess, so a busy month is $115 for 2GB vs $30 exetel. A quiet month $15 vs $1.
      Same voice rate, but no flagfall on exetel.
      Three has poor support, while Exetel has … well, none at all really.

    • WaywardOne on 05/01/2010 - 08:57

      I am currently on the $5/month Exetel HSPA plan — how do I change to this new plan?
      Under user facilities I get "Unfortunately your current plan cannot be changed."

      • tg on 05/01/2010 - 09:32

        If you are on WI A/B/C/D, then you cannot change. But if you are not on contract, you can disconnect and reapply WM A/B.
        If you are on WM A/B, then you automatically got $5 deducted.

        • WaywardOne on 05/01/2010 - 09:56

          My current plan is HSPA M1 - HA.

  • tg on 04/01/2010 - 23:38

    I am using 3's $15 data plan at the moment.
    It comes with 1GB data but I normally use around 200-300MB/month.
    I like 3's $15 1GB plan because it also gives me 500min free calls (limited to 10min/call) to other 3 users.
    But I cannot use data outside major cities.

    The new Exetel HSPA plans look good (there was $5/month charge with no data included).

  • [Deactivated] on 04/01/2010 - 23:56

    Sucks that you can't use the plan in a modem..still have to pay $5 per month.

    • leiiv on 05/01/2010 - 00:01

      What is preventing us from using the sim card in the modem?

      • [Deactivated] on 05/01/2010 - 00:02
        +1

        I'm sure they have some way of telling, seeing they have two pricing structures.

        i'm sure someone who knows more can fill us in.

    • samfisher5986 on 05/01/2010 - 00:02

      I'm curious if it would still work in a modem?

      I use my phone as a modem anyway so it works out well.

      I imagine they might do this so people don't download too much.

      • [Deactivated] on 05/01/2010 - 00:03

        Maybe they use different APN's? Maybe there's a hack around it.

        • tg on 05/01/2010 - 00:09

          no need to hack

          all plans use "exetel1" as APN

        • scotty on 05/01/2010 - 00:09

          APN as per their set up instruction is the same — mobile or modem plan.

          Exetel sometimes come up with those weird plans that make you scratch your head. They might correct it later probably by removing the $5/month cost from the other plans as well.

          I have been using Exetel HSPA for around a year and have very happy with it. I usually use only around 100MB/month browsing on my phone + VoIP, and I don't use the phone to call at all. So now my monthly mobile cost went from ~$7 to ~$2/month :)

          • ShortyX on 05/01/2010 - 00:33

            @scotty: Any way you can use data for text messages?

            • tg on 05/01/2010 - 00:49

              @ShortyX: Send email to Exetel's SMS gateway on your smart phone

            • scotty on 05/01/2010 - 12:53

              @ShortyX: I use ColbySMS which you can configure to send SMS via Exetel's web API (and 30 free SMS included/month + 100 free VoIP calls to Aust landlines).

              • tg on 05/01/2010 - 16:57

                @scotty: The free SMS and free VoIP is only with Exetel old ADSL plans.

    • tg on 05/01/2010 - 00:08
      +1

      What plans are you referring to?
      It does not matter which plan you choose, you can use "data" in both modem and 3G mobile phones.

      For HSPA WI A/B/C/D with mobile
      - can get on net
      - can receive/make VoIP calls
      - cannot receive/make NORMAL mobile calls

      For HSPA WI A/B/C/D with modem
      - can get on net

      For WM A/B with mobile
      - can get on net
      - can receive/make VoIP calls
      - can receive/make NORMAL mobile calls

      For WM A/B with modem
      - can get on net

      Really no point of getting HSPA WI A/B data plans.
      HSPA WI C/D are for those huge data users without the need for mobile calls.

      • [Deactivated] on 05/01/2010 - 00:13

        Was referring to how they have a "desktop/laptop" plans section, and a Mobile Handset Only section.

        So a Handset only plan/sim will work in my Huawei modem?

        • ash2000 on 05/01/2010 - 00:17

          Well indeed, this is the $64,000 question!

          I'm guessing the answer may be no …. They offer the $0 a month plan for mobiles as they can recoup the $5 discount from the revenue earned on mobile calls. There is no second revenue stream with a modem only connection.

          Would love to wrong on this though!

          That all said this is still an excellent vaule plan. Spare a moment for those poor buggers who sign up with Telstra wirelss: $29 per month for 200MB, and a 12 month contract, and 25cents (1600% higher than Exetels 1.5cents) excess. Crooks.

          • tg on 05/01/2010 - 01:06

            @ash2000: Agreed.
            I carefully read my dad's Tel$tra's $20 plan's data charge.
            I found that $5 data is included per month with 1MB=$1
            Luckily I spot that and I informed my dad not to use his Tel$stra sim card to check emails on his mobile.

  • alamodey on 05/01/2010 - 00:17

    Is this even cheaper than the TPG mobile plans?

    • tg on 05/01/2010 - 00:24

      Hmm… We are talking about cheap "data" here.

    • forenzic on 05/01/2010 - 00:27

      its a different typre of plan, if you dont understand what this is. stick with whom-ever u think is best.

  • robhung on 05/01/2010 - 00:24

    Does it expire after a certain period of inactivity?

    For example, I would probably only use it 2 months a year.. and for the other 10 months, it will just be $0 - will they disconnect me if they see this?

    • tg on 05/01/2010 - 00:31

      Just went through their Terms & Conditions….

      They will give you warning before suspending you.
      They will suspend you if you have unusually "high" usage.
      They will suspend you if … (none of them related to inactivity)

      If you are inactive for a long time, they will send you warning email and ask if you still need to service. You can probably just check wheather with your iPhone and use 1kb of data to prove that you are still using the service :)

    • YesPleaseThankYou on 05/01/2010 - 00:32

      I remember reading somewhere in the T&Cs that after 2 calendar months of no usage they have the right to disconnect you and charged out any penalty that may apply.

      Check out the T&Cs.

      • tg on 05/01/2010 - 00:38
        +1

        Exetel changed T&C quite often.
        Would you mind point out whether that clause is?
        I read the whole T&C just then but could not find the 2 calendar month rule.

        • robhung on 05/01/2010 - 01:18

          "I understand that if there is no data usage within a TWO CONSECUTIVE CALENDER MONTHLY period, that Exetel may cancel the service within 30 working days after this period following email notification to the nominated address in the Secure User Facilities."

          Just saw that while completing the order form.. so there ya go.

          • davidl2 on 07/01/2010 - 04:05

            @robhung: so we can't use this as a "backup" card? :-(

            • [Deactivated] on 07/01/2010 - 06:41

              @davidl2: Depends on how much usage covers this, use a $1's worth every month or even 50c.

  • forenzic on 05/01/2010 - 00:30

    and also is there a flagfall on calls?

    • tg on 05/01/2010 - 00:32

      No flag fall mate.
      The catch is.. not charged by second, but in 30-second blocks.
      If you want per second billing with no flag fall, use the VoIP included.

  • trinz on 05/01/2010 - 00:32

    I wonder where I can the Huawei E160 for the cheapest price, or should I just get it through Exetel (which may be locked)?

    • tg on 05/01/2010 - 00:36
      +2

      The modem you get from Exetel is not locked.
      If you want to get cheap modem, get K3765 from Coles and then unlocked it with $5 or so.
      $59 +$5 = $64 you get a 7.2mbps modem.
      With Exetel, $95 gets you a 3.6mbps modem. $165 gives you a 7.2mpbs modem.

      "Unlocking" is only for people with strong heart, you have been warned!!

  • YesPleaseThankYou on 05/01/2010 - 00:33
    -1

    You get what you pay for.

    Remember that this offer is from Exetel – the same company who is suing the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO).

    Good luck if you have an issue and need to take it to the TIO.

    • tg on 05/01/2010 - 00:41

      need to take it to the TIO.

      not worth the effort
      Just throw the SIM away and apply another one :)

      • YesPleaseThankYou on 05/01/2010 - 00:46

        How will throwing away the SIM help you with an Exetel billing issue?

        It won't.

    • cacbm on 05/01/2010 - 00:44

      Why does it matter? Companies and/or authorities regularly have lawsuits against each other. I can't see the fact that Exetel having a matter with TIO will have any detrimental effect on consumers.

      • YesPleaseThankYou on 05/01/2010 - 00:46

        Then look up "exetel complaint" and see what happens.

        • tg on 05/01/2010 - 00:54

          Exetel complaint : 6910 hits in Google
          TPG complaint : 44,000 hits in Google
          Optus complaint : 57,100 hits in Google
          Telstra complaint : 317,000 hits in Google
          Vodafone complaint :1,090,000 hits in Google

          Wow~~ Vodafone > Telstra > Optus > TPG > Exetel

          • [Deactivated] on 05/01/2010 - 00:57

            @tg: That's not really fair since Vodafone is an international brand, and after that they are ordered by their number of users on the network.

            Exetel definitely has worst reputation. I'm still considering this plan though.

          • YesPleaseThankYou on 05/01/2010 - 01:21

            @tg: No, look at how it deals with complaints.

            Try searching for "Larry Kaeto", then you will see.

          • Davo1111 on 05/01/2010 - 11:24
            -1

            @tg: Exetel, TPG etc have only been in the market for a few years. Telstra has been around for ages.

            • YesPleaseThankYou on 05/01/2010 - 12:01

              @Davo1111: That doesn't excuse the arrogant way it deals with many of those who have a legitimate complaint.

              • Davo1111 on 05/01/2010 - 12:34

                @YesPleaseThankYou: I dont think any of the complaint centres are better than the others tbh.

                • YesPleaseThankYou on 05/01/2010 - 13:10

                  @Davo1111: Did you look up "Larry Kaeto"?

                  You'll see that no other company deal with complaints in the way that Exetel does.

            • Cheeper on 05/01/2010 - 13:25

              @Davo1111: RE>>Telstra has been around for ages<< >>And this means??… Diddly squat!!!

  • forenzic on 05/01/2010 - 00:37

    wonder if the e169 will work with this?

    • tg on 05/01/2010 - 00:39
      +1

      yes, provided not locked to non-Optus network
      * this sentence is probably a bit complicated as double negatives are used :)

  • danielz on 05/01/2010 - 00:40

    How do SMS work here?

    • tg on 05/01/2010 - 00:44

      For WM A/B with mobile
      - send SMS normally with your mobile phone's SMS functionality
      - send SMS with email via Exetel's SMS gateway on your smart phone

      • danielz on 05/01/2010 - 01:07

        yeahh, what I meant was since I have a smart phone, is it free via the apn?
        if not what are the rates? =/

        • tg on 05/01/2010 - 09:33

          8c/SMS

      • leiiv on 05/01/2010 - 11:51

        How much is the normal national and international SMS cost? I could not find it on their website..

  • forenzic on 05/01/2010 - 00:42

    its an optus pre-paid e169, and exetel uses the optus network yes? so should be fine i sure. Im gonna order a sim, my mate has exetel naked dsl and all runs well :-)

    • tg on 05/01/2010 - 00:46

      yes, it will work.
      Same applies to Optus locked iPhones - when you get an iPhone from Optus, no need to pay them unlocking fee or wait for 6 months before putting Exetel HSPA sim.

  • samfisher5986 on 05/01/2010 - 01:46

    There is no point in complaining about Exetel. I don't like the company myself, but I love this plan.

    You get a Optus branded Sim and when you put the sim in your phone it says "Yes Optus".

    It might as well be an optus plan billed through Exetel.

  • John Stone on 05/01/2010 - 02:16

    Hey, where abouts can I find the costs for things such as SMS and call flagfalls for these plans?

  • McMerc on 05/01/2010 - 04:37

    Could you use VoIP from say Pennytel or MyNetFone instead of Exetel's?

    • samfisher5986 on 05/01/2010 - 04:54

      Thats up to your phone not Exetel.

      I can do pennytel voip and sms with my android phone nicely on exetel.

      • Xena on 05/01/2010 - 15:46

        Which softphone do you use for Pennytel voip?

        • tg on 05/01/2010 - 17:00

          I use Fring
          there are surely other soft phones

        • samfisher5986 on 05/01/2010 - 18:16

          I use the SipAgent application.

          Fring is a very poor application in my experience, this is because it seems to transfer the voice to Frings servers in the US, then back to your voip provider. This means you get a lot of lag in voice.

          There are great programs like Sip Droid, the only problem is that it doesn't work with Pennytel without an overseas server which makes it pointless.

          • Xena on 05/01/2010 - 19:20

            @samfisher5986: Thanks. I have used Fring before but as you correctly stated, it uses some servers in US or Europe causing a lag. So, I presume SipAgent doesn't do that? And are there any good ones for Windows Mobile?

            • samfisher5986 on 05/01/2010 - 21:37

              @Xena: AFAIK there are plenty for windows mobile. Sip Agent for Android doesn't do that.

  • thedondraper on 05/01/2010 - 05:15

    Guys, I have currently use a 3 Network Huawei E160 Modem on their pre-paid plans? Does anyone know if these are locked to the 3 network? Is there any way to unlock them?

    • pauly on 05/01/2010 - 06:11

      Is the model for your modem the Huawei E160<b>G</b>? If so, chances are it is probably locked to three.

      If it's locked, you can contact three to see if they will unlock it for you. Unfortunately, they normally charge unlocking fees if you're not on a contract.

      There are also other alternative and possibly cheaper ways to unlock the modem. You can read more on this from this whirlpool discussion.

  • randoom on 05/01/2010 - 07:28

    A much better deal than the pre-paid data pack with Telstra I was looking at (rip-off yes, but convenient with oodles of Telstra credit). Seeing that was $10 for 100MB (10c/MB) with a 30-day expiry, a post-paid plan for only 1.5c/MB is clear winner.

  • Frantic on 05/01/2010 - 08:52

    What's the cost of the SIM card on the WM-A plan?

    • randoom on 05/01/2010 - 09:50

      As per the page:

      Mobile Plans WM A
      Service Activation Charge $0.00
      Mobile Minimum Spend $0.00
      Monthly Data Access Charge $0.00

      So, the only cost is the data you use @ 1.5c/MB and the cost of the phone calls if you use them.

  • Peter MortgageBroker on 05/01/2010 - 08:56
    -5

    use them at your own risk

    • Frantic on 05/01/2010 - 09:00

      WM-A plan, $0 monthly, $0 activation, $0 monthly minimum spend (except 2month deactivation..) what am I risking?
      Just wondering cos I've heard some unsavoury things about them, but that was mainly their ADSL plans..

      • WaywardOne on 05/01/2010 - 10:01

        If you are unhappy, porting your number back and forth might cause some grief.
        Having said that; I'm used their HSPA service for nearly a year now and the only limiting factor is the Optus network (and it's slowness/congestion). Other than that - it is cheap!

    • [Deactivated] on 05/01/2010 - 10:48
      +1

      Cheap lunch - Negative vote without a meaningful reason - is not helpful - explain why - see Archers post below - that's meaningful.

      Your vote stays BUT we are cracking down on meaningless comments - help the community your are trying to help with some concrete info - what are they risking? and so on.

  • bohn on 05/01/2010 - 09:29

    I am voting negative so people can read me in saying.. The Optus 3G network sucks and you would be much better off somewhere else. Especially if you have an iphone!! :)

    • 00 on 05/01/2010 - 09:30

      Correct.

    • tg on 05/01/2010 - 10:23

      Then go for Tel$tra NextG for it's superior coverage and support and pay a premium.

    • [Deactivated] on 05/01/2010 - 10:30

      Bohn Would be nice if you could share your wisdom with a bit more than … it sucks

      As it stands we have no idea - are you a Telstra or Vodafone employee - a troll, or hopefully someone who has some knowledge and is willing to share this. And is it ok on other types of phone.

      • bohn on 05/01/2010 - 12:43

        The poster specifically mentions "This will be good for iPhone users or other 3G smart phones users."

        This I believe is not true at all.. if people are willing to search there are forums with a lot of threads detailing all the issues people are having on the Optus network. I am at least ALERTING them to this fact so they can research it.. I am not doing all the work for them.

        The only POSSIBLE good thing (if you can call it good) is that most likely you will need to own your own iphone/other phone and take it to this play as a BYO ?

        If that's the case.. then maybe you won't be on a contract and can leave if you don't like it.

      • bohn on 05/01/2010 - 12:44

        Also OzPete, I know you are trying to encourage more thorough posts etc, but I have been around OzBargain for ages and you don't need to do the old 'are you a Telstra employee/troll' thing..

        • [Deactivated] on 05/01/2010 - 14:41

          True - it was a bit over the top - apologies, and thanks for the detail.

          • Kranbone on 05/01/2010 - 14:46

            @[Deactivated]: As a neutral, well handled by both sides, perfect example of how community is getting better and better :)

    • [Deactivated] on 05/01/2010 - 10:38

      Totally agree.

      Stay well clear of the Optus network if you value speed and reliability.

      Stay well clear of Exetel if you value quality service and professionalism. This has been mentioned in other posts but for the benefit of new readers, Exetel have a habit of terminating your account if you make a complaint to the TIO, If you call support too often or if their compliance manage Larry Kaeto doesn't like you.

      Google "Larry Kaeto" and you can read some former customers issues with Exetel. They really do have a bizarre way of running a business.

    • freddy on 05/01/2010 - 11:44

      I get decent speed on HSDPA in Perth. But a warning about incoming VoIP:

      When it is on plain 3G, ie when data is idle, there are dropped and delayed packets.
      Ping times vary in even multiples, suggesting timeout and retransmission within the network.
      The lost packets are enough to make VoIP registration fail and incoming VoIP unreliable.
      But once it kicks into HSPA (3.5G), it works well here.

      I have not heard anyone else complain on this, so maybe its just in WA, and due to distance fro their server.
      The problem can be solved by sending a keep-alive packet every second, but I don't think Optus would like that, and the cost could be noticeable.

      • scotty on 05/01/2010 - 12:59

        Yup. I cannot get the incoming VoIP to work reliably as well, but it could just be phone related (using a E71 with built in VoIP app). However when I am on Nimbuzz, incoming Skype calls are pretty clear.

        • freddy on 05/01/2010 - 16:02

          Call quality is good for me too. Its just a specific problem with Optus/Exetel and SIP loosing registration,
          and may well depend on the client, but the underlying network problem affects both my modem and phone.
          It does not happen with 3 or Telstra, at least not much.

  • stumo on 05/01/2010 - 09:34

    I've signed up, nothing to loose really, but are you guys sure its not a typo, should it more likely be $0.15 per KB not per MB?

    • Trance N Dance on 05/01/2010 - 09:35
      +1

      15cents per KB is OUTRAGEOUS!!! anyone still charging those kind of prices deserve to be shot

      • ShortyX on 05/01/2010 - 12:10

        Hahaha…15c per KB…you'd open up ninemsn.com.au and it'd cost you $300.

        • stumo on 05/01/2010 - 13:15

          Thanks guys, I was just a bit worried since I've been out of the mobile data loop for a while. Last time was when I lived in NZ for a while, Vodafone there were charging 15c/KB, and yes, you were in for a very nasty shock if you used the internet at all.

      • Davo1111 on 05/01/2010 - 12:38

        i get charged at $2 per MB on my service. I subsequently dont use the internet on the phone.

        • ShortyX on 05/01/2010 - 12:43

          $2! Wow

    • tg on 05/01/2010 - 10:15

      Not a typo.
      if it was 15c/kb, it would have been pointed out in this thread in first few posts.
      There are some happy users posting here.

  • raspudala on 05/01/2010 - 09:36

    "It costs 15c/min for mobile calls."

    Could someone please explain where 15c/min is coming from?

    On WM A plan it states "$0.25 per 30 seconds (billed per 30 seconds)".

    If it is really 15c/min and 0.15c/mb than it is very good plan indeed.

    • randoom on 05/01/2010 - 09:47

      Just fyi, it's 1.5c/MB rather than 0.15c/MB (would be better if it was!).

      • raspudala on 05/01/2010 - 09:52

        sorry, you're right! :)

        What about 15c/min, is it true and where does it say that on their website?

        • tg on 05/01/2010 - 10:13

          http://exetel.com.au/voip_planA.php

          look for HSPA VoIP

        • cyssero on 05/01/2010 - 10:16

          15c/min to mobiles - yes, when you use HSPA VoIP. So you need a handset that supports VoIP in some form to make the call. http://www.exetel.com.au/voip_planA.php for more info.

          You also have to calculate the bandwidth your VoIP call uses and consider that as your data charge, but it's relatively small especially with $0.015/MB rates. Hope this makes sense.

          EDIT: Damn, beaten by a few minutes.

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