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Optus Huawei E5573 4G Wi-Fi Modem $14.55 @ Big W in-Store Only

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Optus Huawei E5573 4G Wi-Fi Modem $14.55 @ Big W in-Store Only
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LBerko613 on 04/05/2016 - 20:59 files.ozbargain.com.au (2945 clicks)
Last edited 05/05/2016 - 10:56 by 1 other user

First post yada yada yada - no need to be kind, but constructive would be great.

Nice surprise while shopping at Big W tonight. Before you ask JV, it's price is normally $69.00, the ticketed price in-store showed reduced to $29.00, but product scanned at $14.55 at register.
Still listed at $69.00 at both Optus and Officeworks. At least 2 more available at Brickworks (SA) but unsure of stock at other stores or if this is a nationwide deal. If you're in the market for a modem that appears to be 4G Plus (Optus) and 4GX (Telstra) compatible (supports 4G Band 1, Band 3, Band 7, Band 28, and Band 40, as well as 3G Band 1, Band 5 and Band 8), then it's worth checking your local.

Previously posted here for $29.00 and here for $34.50. The comments within these posts suggest that the device is not network locked, however I cannot confirm this as I don't intend on using it right away. Mixed reviews about battery life on this device, but it comes with 4GB of data (14 day expiry) which alone might be worth the purchase price to some. You might even be able to price beat at Officeworks, but as it is not listed on the Big W website then this might be at the discretion of the customer service rep you get.

If anyone else can confirm if deal is nationwide as well as the availability of stock at other stores then that would really help.

Thanks folks.

Edit - Price does appear to be nationwide. Thanks all for helping to confirm.

Mobile Huawei Mobile Broadband Modem Optus

Related Stores

BIG W
BIG W

closed Comments

  • excite on 04/05/2016 - 21:13

    I am going to Japan next month, will this modem work there?

    • Berko613 on 04/05/2016 - 21:25
      +21

      Hi excite. The modem itself should function as this site suggests that Japan uses the LTE 850, LTE 1800 and LTE 2100 frequencies (amongst others) which this device appears to support. However, the included data is unfortunately for use within Australia only, so you would need to purchase mobile data from a Japanese supplier. Here is a nice summary of the different bands and equivalent frequencies used by the different telcos in Australia.

      TLDR - Data for use in Australia only.

      • excite on 04/05/2016 - 21:28

        Thanks a lot!

        • Berko613 on 04/05/2016 - 21:29

          No problem.

      • StrayfireX on 05/05/2016 - 05:17
        +1

        I hope this helps: http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/Japan

        NTT DoCoMo 3G: 800, 1700, 2100 4G:700, 800, 1500, 1800, 2100
        SoftBank 3G: 900, 1500, 2100 4G:2100, 2500 (TDD)

        You'll be happy to know that DoCoMo's 700Mhz is band 28 (yay!). Japan is really populous so most of the urban coverage is on 2100mhz 3G.

        Last time I went to Japan I got a COMST SIM (DoCoMo MVNO) whilst in Australia: http://japan.globalbroadband.com.au/

        You have to set up the APN on your phone, but they have detailed instructions on their website.

        For whatever reason, the SIM was always reporting itself as "low signal" and thus chewed through my battery.

        I've been meaning to try out: http://stores.ebay.com.au/Yokoso-SIM-Australia?_rdc=1

        Which is another MVNO on DoCoMo, but it's a bit better value/GB and when you hit the limit it just shapes you to 256KB/s.

        • Gomo on 05/05/2016 - 08:08
          +2

          Hi! I'm currently in Japan travelling and I purchased a rental 4g device with unlimited data! 21 days of use cost me $115 aud and I've used over 70gb of data so far! The website is https://japanwifiservice.com/en/

          Might cost a little extra but sure beats 256kbit speeds haha! In Tokyo I've been able to pull a solid 5mb/sec!

        • ash2000 on 29/05/2016 - 10:55

          @Gomo:

          70GB sounds a bit risky given their fair use policy…….

          Fair Usage Policy (FUP)

          Please refrain from downloading massive amount of data, streaming movies/videos, playing online games, etc. If you continue to use excessive amount of data, Japan Wifi Service will not be responsible for any problems accessing the internet or any other restrictions put in place by the ISP. Should you continue to use excessive amounts of data you will be responsible for any excess charges incurred as a result.

          I hope they haven't got your credit card on file!

        • Gomo on 01/06/2016 - 18:07

          @ash2000: Nope! No CC on file :) only paid for the device :)

    • allenhori on 04/05/2016 - 21:32
      +3

      If you want to use Voda's red roaming, try SoftBank's network, I found it better than NTT docomo in many occasions. You probably need a powerbank if you intend to use it for the whole day. It drains power when 1+ people sharing the connection. I personally prefer using the ZTE one from Telstra as it has better battery life. Not expensive either. Trick is how you can unlock it. I used dc-unlocker cracked version and unlocked it permanently. Good luck and enjoy the trip.

      • twocsies on 04/05/2016 - 23:26
        -1

        Note above he said, "The comments within these posts suggest that the device is not network locked, however I cannot confirm this…" so it's a bit of a gamble for anyone wanting to use a non-Optus SIM.

        In particular, some 4-5 random commenters on Whirlpool in Dec 2015 said that Optus E5573 is unlocked. https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2438626&…

        You can unlock devices through Optus, but @<12 months: "You cannot unlock your device unless you've recharged to the total minimum amount required ($100.00)."

        Cracked versions are not advisable, as they can often come with free malware, and also are against OzBargain rules.

        • allenhori on 05/05/2016 - 06:24
          +1

          Device is unlocked. So as the Voda black coloured one.

        • oztonyau on 05/05/2016 - 08:12

          @allenhori: Two out of two Optus E5573's I bought were unlocked. Agree with the comments about short battery life. Mine seem to pick up network settings automatically, which saves having to input APN's etc.

        • allenhori on 05/05/2016 - 08:15

          @oztonyau: yes my Optus and Voda E5573 always pick up the settings automatically however the ZTE MF90 I got from Telstra has to be manually configured to pick up the Internet. But I got to say MF90's battery life is superior compare to E5573 though.

        • Red October on 05/05/2016 - 22:40

          I can confirm the one I bought from Joondalup this morning is unlocked, using a Telstra SIM right now on it.

        • [Deactivated] on 06/05/2016 - 18:12

          @Red October: Can you please tell how to config it to use Telstra Sim? when i type 192.168.1.1 always go to Optus setting tho.

        • Red October on 06/05/2016 - 19:13
          +1

          @Allan69:

          Hi Allan, all I did was just plug in the Telstra SIM, booted it up, pointed my laptop to the SSID and entered the WIFI Key, opened a web browser and typed in 192.168.8.1. It brought up the Optus mobile broadband page. I didn't need to configure anything, it autodetected the settings, I guess. I was surfing the net in minutes.

          Wish I could be of more help, but that's all I did.

        • [Deactivated] on 07/05/2016 - 23:23

          @Red October: Thank you very much for your help!

      • T-man on 05/05/2016 - 00:07

        Last time I tried both NTT and Softbank and found that NTT was much better than Softbank, no drop off calls and no black spots. However, I could not get any LTE or 4G network in Japan with my iPhone 6S plus, I got 3G only all the time during my stay in Japan.

        • allenhori on 05/05/2016 - 06:25

          Yep, that's why I forced my phone to use sofftbank. Got 4g from a Voda sim.

    • theguyrules on 04/05/2016 - 23:21
      +1

      My AirBNBs in Japan all came with unlimited portable wifis. it was amazing.

  • mskeggs on 04/05/2016 - 22:01
    +18

    This is a very high quality first post. Top work!

    • Berko613 on 04/05/2016 - 22:10
      +7

      Thanks mskeggs! Been a big fan and user of this great site for a while now, so have seen my share of good and bad posts. This deal just seemed too good to keep to myself, so I thought I'd suck it up and have a go at posting. Thanks again for the affirmation. Cheers.

  • ashdays on 04/05/2016 - 22:14
    +1

    Nice deal OP

  • pegaxs on 04/05/2016 - 22:16
    +9

    Up vote for the JV additional comment. :D

    Oh, and for the cheap 4g modem.

    • spy on 04/05/2016 - 23:19

      My sentiments exactly.

  • bghunter on 04/05/2016 - 22:20
    +3

    Great post OP, you seem like a pro ozbargainer. Well done

    • Trishool on 04/05/2016 - 22:46
      +3

      A prozbargainer!

  • tonyjzx on 04/05/2016 - 22:21

    I'm assuming this is 2gb over 14 days?

    • Berko613 on 04/05/2016 - 22:24

      4GB over 14 days according to the Optus and Officeworks websites (plus comments from previous times it was posted).

  • superforever on 04/05/2016 - 22:24

    Is this better than the Telstra MF90? Just got one a few days ago from DSE.

    http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/telstra-mf9…

    • Berko613 on 04/05/2016 - 22:34
      +4

      I did some quick research in store before purchasing (at what I thought was $29) and it appears that the Huawei device supports more 4G frequencies than the MF90 (including the 700mHz band which I believe Telstra call 4GX). I can't confirm if the Optus device is network locked, but comments from the previous posts suggest that it isn't. Also found this great page right here on OzBargain which gives a great overview of a heap of relevant stuff. As far as battery life and real-world usage, I can't help you just yet. Perhaps others will comment with their personal experience.

      • tyrotex on 04/05/2016 - 23:28
        +3

        This is a great price for a good 4G modem.
        I bought one of these when they were $34.50 at Coles about 6 months ago.
        I can confirm that they are NOT networked locked.
        I've used both Optus and Telstra SIMs in mine

  • Jaystea on 04/05/2016 - 22:32
    +9

    This is a better first post than most people's 100th (also that JV comment).

    • Berko613 on 04/05/2016 - 22:45
      +4

      Haha - thanks mate! Kinda though that the JV bait might have drawn a comment out of him and that was my only true goal.

  • CoronavirusVaccine on 04/05/2016 - 22:40

    For this kind of price I wonder if they've got new products coming out to replace this model. Excellent post, well done!

  • NeggerOfDeals on 04/05/2016 - 22:55
    -4

    What is the price usually ?

    • Ambush on 05/05/2016 - 13:44
      +1

      $69. If you know what I mean.

  • Targaryen on 04/05/2016 - 23:07
    +2

    Excellent first post. A First Post 101.

    • Berko613 on 05/05/2016 - 00:00

      Here's hoping that others can find some stock tomorrow and confirm the price is nationwide. Until then, at least it looks like a good post haha. Cheers.

  • virhlpool on 05/05/2016 - 00:19

    Pardon my lack of knowledge, but what's the difference between router and wi-fi modem? Where does this fit in, in terms of usage? I am moving to a new place where I don't have a router so I will need to buy one. Will it work there?

    • Riczter on 05/05/2016 - 00:38
      +2

      routers and wifi modems are usually used for fixed line home broadband using technologies such as ADSL, Cable, Fibre etc.

      The device above is a 4G Mobile Wireless modem, which essentially is just like your mobile phone being used as a personal hotspot. It runs off a sim card, connects to the 4G cell network and beams this throughout the house over wifi.

      If at your new house you have cable or ADSL available you will need a modem and a router (or a modem router in a single device which is more common). If you are lucky enough to have access to fibre on the NBN then you should only need a router as NBN provides the modem.

      I hope all that information is correct, im sure someone else will chirp in if not ;)

    • Berko613 on 05/05/2016 - 00:50
      +1

      Hi virhlpool. I'm definitely no expert, but I'll see if I can help clarify. This is a mobile broadband device which means that it uses a SIM card, like the ones used in mobile phones, to access the Internet over a cellular network (the Optus network in this case). Other devices (up to 10 at once) like tablets, laptops etc. can then connect to this device via wifi to access the Internet. It only includes 4GB of data that expires 14 days after activation, so it isn't a long-term solution to your problem unless you have an existing mobile broadband plan and are just in need of a new WiFi Modem. As to whether it will work at your new place, that depends on Optus's network coverage in your area.

      If you have a home broadband plan through your phone line or cable then this isn't the type of device you need. Hope that helps.

      Edit - beaten to it. Thanks Riczter.

      • virhlpool on 05/05/2016 - 13:35

        Thanks, Guys! A couple of questions:

        1) Isn't mobile data always more expensive than the ADSL fixed line plans for home? Why use this device then?

        2) Doesn't hotspot feature of the smartphones does the same job? Why use this device then?

        Sorry for my ignorance again!

        • superforever on 05/05/2016 - 13:39

          1) Isn't mobile data always more expensive than the ADSL fixed line plans for home? Why use this device then?

          On the road.

          2) Doesn't hotspot feature of the smartphones does the same job? Why use this device then?

          I still want to use my phone and don't want it to get too hot.

          Also the device is unlocked (as some reported) you can take it overseas.

  • rwyatt on 05/05/2016 - 00:59

    Purchased this from Australia Post Deal before, have been able to use Vodafone, Optus and Telstra numbers. Great battery as well. Gonna look for one more for spare if possible.

  • singlemalt72 on 05/05/2016 - 07:28

    How long before you have to activate the sim? I wouldn't mind getting a couple for a holiday later in the year.

    • Berko613 on 05/05/2016 - 08:36

      Mine has an expiry of 1/Apr/2018, but may differ from device to device I'd assume.

  • juniour on 05/05/2016 - 07:53

    I can confirm this device is unlocked and can be used with any sim. I personally use a vodafone MBB SIM on it, I bought the device from Coles when they sold it for 50% off and use it with my Double data Vodafone 365 day deal.
    Optus seems to sell their mobile wifi unlocked, this is the 2nd I've owned, and they all came unlocked out of the box. First was E5786

  • ibtihaj on 05/05/2016 - 09:03
    +1

    Took last one from bigw auburn
    Its discounted as stated

    Not sure about unlocked or not, will check in about an hour

  • daves on 05/05/2016 - 09:05

    Great - bought the last ones at Chapel Street in Melbourne @14.55

  • Kirby102 on 05/05/2016 - 09:14

    Got one at Wetherill Park, looks like 2 left right now. Confirming price is $14.55

    No stock at Liverpool and Bonnyrigg (had one but someone nabbed it on store opening)

  • superforever on 05/05/2016 - 10:13

    Bought one at Warringah Mall they have 3 to 4 left.

    Now suddenly I have two 4G wireless broadband devices and the other one bought from Dick the Telstra 4G Lite.

  • justjase on 05/05/2016 - 10:25

    Bigw eastgardens out of stock

  • JR63 on 05/05/2016 - 10:31

    1 more left at Box Hill

  • Red October on 05/05/2016 - 10:32

    Thanks OP!! Just bought one from BigW Joondalup, 2 left.

  • rmh on 05/05/2016 - 10:41

    Exactly what I needed and exactly when I needed it, well done OP! Nice work and thanks for sharing. About 4 left in Pakenham, VIC.

  • notoriousft on 05/05/2016 - 10:43

    Thanks OP. Bought one from Westfield Woden. You should have seen the look on the sales person's face. She checked the system because it was "ridiculously reduced".

    • scotteth on 05/05/2016 - 16:21
      +1

      None left now.

      • Hargain Bunter on 07/05/2016 - 10:46

        I should have read this before I went in. Can confirm still none left at Woden. Staff member didn't think any would be back in before price went back up.

  • hoppo1104 on 05/05/2016 - 10:57

    Just picked up 2 at Big W Warringah Mall in Sydney — sale price not marked but scanned at $14.55 about 8 left under counter

    Thanks OP … returning the Office Works E5251 soon

    • superforever on 05/05/2016 - 11:01

      Oh .. they have more under the counter ….

      • hoppo1104 on 05/05/2016 - 12:59

        they were in a glass counter / cabinet near cash register in Technology section — on right hand side of phones etc

        • superforever on 05/05/2016 - 13:08

          When I bought mine this morning they have only like 4-5 inside the glass counter cabinet.

  • BargainKen on 05/05/2016 - 11:04

    Seems like a good deal, probably got buckleys of getting one though given its been posted here. Plus trying to find anything at big-w in stock will test even the most patient person out there.

  • ichthysoz on 05/05/2016 - 11:14

    Just picked up one in Darwin - BigW Casuarina still have a few left. $69, but $14.55 when scanned. Great deal!

  • Buyer10987 on 05/05/2016 - 11:24
    +2

    Picked one up for $14.55 at Big-W Hallett Cove (SA)…. Had probably at least half-a-dozen left next to the ticket price tag of $69.00

    In true OzBargain style I got it for exactly the same reason my dog licks his bits…. Because he can :D :D

    B.

  • [Deactivated] on 05/05/2016 - 11:34
    +1

    Kwinana, WA has four left. Marked at $14.55.
    Nice item, thanks for posting.

  • Buff on 05/05/2016 - 12:03

    All sold out in SA.

    • superforever on 05/05/2016 - 12:06

      How you can be so sure?

      • Buff on 05/05/2016 - 12:29

        Lady at Marion checked all the stores. Could be lying who knows.?

        • superforever on 05/05/2016 - 12:37
          +1

          @Buyer10987 just said Picked one up for $14.55 at Big-W Hallett Cove (SA)…. Had probably at least half-a-dozen left next to the ticket price tag of $69.00

          Don't think it can sold out that quick.

        • Buff on 05/05/2016 - 13:42

          @superforever: Cheers

          Here is my receipt

          http://imgur.com/iVEgAXX

        • superforever on 05/05/2016 - 13:46

          @Buff:

          Good job …. actually how far away between Marion and Hallett Cove?

        • Buff on 05/05/2016 - 13:50

          @superforever:

          11km 16 mins

        • Buyer10987 on 05/05/2016 - 13:52

          @superforever:

          I'd be stunned if they had sole 'em all out in that time !!

        • Rebelstorm on 05/05/2016 - 15:54

          @Buff: Hallet Cove is sold out.

        • Rebelstorm on 06/05/2016 - 17:09

          I bought mine at Colonnades today, they had about 5 left.

  • Jaxx on 05/05/2016 - 12:06

    +1 even though I don't need one, great effort on your first post!

  • hoppo1104 on 05/05/2016 - 12:57
    -1

    remove dupe

  • peuwayaqdq on 05/05/2016 - 13:17

    Anyone found stock around Brisbane? Went to McArthur and it was sold out.

  • Ambush on 05/05/2016 - 13:47

    At least 2 left at Gladstone, QLD when I left.

  • bcg on 05/05/2016 - 14:18

    Just picked up one at Canberra Civic store. It looked like they still had a couple more…

  • Uncaged on 05/05/2016 - 15:05

    None at Rockdale. I did see one for $15, but then found out it was a 3G mini wifi modem.

  • bonz on 05/05/2016 - 16:19

    There's 1 left in the glass cabinet in Fairfield but with a relatively short 1 Dec 2016 expiry though

  • ntongeng on 05/05/2016 - 16:30

    Bought 2 at Big W, Livingston WA. At least there were 3 left. Thanks

  • Red October on 05/05/2016 - 16:39

    With everyone buying more than one, I'm tempted to go back and clean up the store at Joondalup :-p

    • Invisible-Wallflower on 05/05/2016 - 21:30
      +1

      There were none left in Joondalup when I went. Called Whitfords, they didn't have any. Got the last one at Kingsway.

  • GoonerAR on 05/05/2016 - 16:40

    Purchased at Brookside, Mitchelton. Lady was very surprised they were that cheap and asked me how I knew it was on sale as it wasn't advertised. There was one in the display cabinet and she said she had a few left behind the counter.

  • NevilleW on 05/05/2016 - 16:41

    Just picked up one @ Westpoint Blacktown this arvo - not sure how many they had left though

  • PAOK11 on 05/05/2016 - 17:23

    None left at QV

  • brgnhunter007 on 05/05/2016 - 17:37

    Just called like 3 Big W stores, and all gone..
    Warringah mall, Macquarie, and even the one in Pagewood..

  • Ahanafi on 05/05/2016 - 18:42

    All gone at Westfield Doncaster…

  • Datatemp on 05/05/2016 - 18:46

    One left at Waverley gardens, they said can only hold for me for the next hour which is dud as I won't be able to get there in an hour time, got them to hold any way so any one near by want to buy one you can have mine

  • Colin2905 on 05/05/2016 - 19:10

    Thanks Berko613! I managed to get two from Big W at Majura Park (ACT).

    After having a bit of a play, I see that it can do 5GHz WiFi, but not at the same time as 2.4GHz; it's one or the other. But a heads up to anyone that's going to set it to 5GHz: By default the channel is "Auto", and mine chose channel 149. That was fine with my new-ish Asus tablet, but my old-ish Samsung tablet doesn't seem to be able to see beyond channel 48.

    • djkelly69 on 06/05/2016 - 11:57

      Any left there?

  • bigspike on 05/05/2016 - 19:19

    Took the two left at Morayfield.

    Big plus for me is the micro sd slot which should let me stream to the connected devices.

  • [Deactivated] on 05/05/2016 - 20:05

    micro sd slot?
    A couple people mentioned these. Are they like a supermicroSd size. I can't see a slot?

    I think the one I got must be a variation. It's also not in the manual.

    Any ideas?

    Also anyone know what cheap antennae can be plugged into the side plug?

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