$44.50 for the modem and 5GB if you activate before 31/07/2010! (Normally $89)
5GB included data if activated by 31/07/2010
Offer Valid 08/07/2010 - 14/07/2010
Dual Band USB Modem 2100/900MHz
Optus Network
Modem details here;
http://www.virginmobile.com.au/Shop/ProductSummary/6523/USB-…
See image for full details.
I'd love to have this as a backup modem for my network router if the data expired after 12 months.
But it seems the 5GB expires after 30 days… is that correct?
Yes 30 days for the bonus 5GB
Plans can be found here;
http://www.virginmobile.com.au/broadband/pre-paid-mobile-bro…
BEWARE !!!!
plans are changing on the 1st of August…
$15 plan is dropping from 500Mb to 300Mb…
other plans will be slightly more expensive but lots more data…
.
You could always purchase a $15 recharge, and not activate it until you need it. Vouchers are valid for a year if I remember correctly.
You remember correctly.
Virgin Broadband (and Mobile) Vouchers are valid for exactly 365 days from day of purchase.
Can these be unlocked easily?
i think you have to pay for unlocked
Yeah you do, either get it unlocked from the carrier by paying them or go eBay and pay someone (5 bucks) for the unlock code =P
if you spend something like $80 or more in top-ups they unlock it for free… read T&C's
Does anyone know the model number of the modem?
Pretty sure its the E160
yeah it looks like the Huawei E160e, which usually can be unlocked. Worth checking model instore to be 100% sure though.
FYI, both Coles Brisbane Queen St store don't carry these
Whoops.. valid from Thursday.. maybe they haven't got them yet
Anyone know if this will work with other Optus-network SIMs — like Internode etc?
I'd like to know this too.
This question is asked time and time again.
I have never seen the answer to be "no".
It says "network locked". The network is Optus.
It's locked.
Get it unlocked and it will.
I stand by what I inferred: It will work with other Optus-network SIMs without unlocking.
I got one of these modems, activated and tested ok with Virgin. Then proceeded to put in my Exetel SIM-card (which does use Optus network also) and it is asking for an unlocking code. So, a bit of a surprise there.
@jakentta: That is a surprise.
Then it is service provider locked, not network locked. The ad is wrong.
You would be within your rights to seek a refund because the product is significantly not as described.
@YesPleaseThankYou: Yes, it seems that the ad is wrong indeed. But considering that I was already able to unlock it for free with a bit of help from the internet (i.e the link posted by stumo a few comments further down).
For those planning on using the $15 recharge each month, it's worth taking into account the fact that the data amount for that recharge decreases to 300Mb from next month.
Thats a real "gotcha" Itsross.!!!!
Thanks for the heads up.
S'pose the deal is ok only for one month and seeing it also includes the modem.
What ISP offers LESS data as time progresses?
Wow! Virgin are tight.
(said with a perfectly straight face)
Virgin is supposed to be the cheapest. Their prepaid plans are now pretty much on par with the prepaid plans telstra offers for the iPad. Something's not right..
How much are these modems normally from other providers?
this does look like the E160 Hard to get these days and not so fast speed - 3.5mbs. Has room for memory card and aerial. I do have one and will get this as well.
Should be able to unlock on $80 recharge.
Or just cut out the middle man and go straight to the source (they even accept donations too)…
http://a-zgsm.com/huawei.php?act=submit
I used something different.. but meh..
thanks stumo.
easy to unlock the E160, check whirlpool forums, google is your friend :-)
Will this offer be only valid in coles?
no, its available at salvation army stores as well.
Damn, my salvation army store was out of stock :(
Nice find, i'll be getting one as a backup then recharging with pre-paid, it's $149 for 12gig, 365 day expiry. I find this to be the best value in terms of data/expiry and network quality.
I think the current Virgin data prices fellate Donkeys.
I was all excited and going to but on of these till I checked the data pricing.
Peee-Yew, it stinks! I'll wait for better value in the future.
Why not get this modem and the 5GB now, then after 30 days put in another SIM, say from Exetel, and enjoy cheaper data. Exetel should work, they are using Optus also, so network lock should not affect.
Exetel is a company I would not touch.
Well I'd rather go with them than Optus/Virgin/Telstra…
@antman: I'm with Exetel, and I am in 2 minds… Sure they are good value, but they change the rules as they go along. So if you start getting too much value, they will change it when they see fit so that you don't.
@stumo: Exactly.
There is thread after thread all over the place with complaints about Exetel.
Anyway, this is off-topic.
Been with them for a couple of years now, best ISP I have used and that goes back to early dial up days. Friends with them rate them A1 also. A lot of complaints you have to read between the lines.
@Cheeper: Just Google "Exetel complaint".
No need to read between the lines as you claim.
That many people can't be wrong or be making up stories.
DON'T SIGN UP TO EXETEL!
Their customer service is based in Sri-Lanka and is virtually non-existent. They cannot help by phone, always tell you to "log the problem online as I can't help you with this by phone" (including Billing issues), and it takes 10 days to get a response (even though their own website says it takes four days, which has NEVER happened in the 6 incidents I have logged in these past 4 months with them).
Also, if you EVER go to the TIO about them about ANYTHING (even if they are wrong), they will arbitrarily and systematically terminate your contract because the TIO charges them $25 per complaint, and you become too much of a complainer for them.
Had I know what I know now about them, I would not have signed up in the first place - but am stuck due to Contract.
Just ring the Exetel Support Line on 1300-788-141 and select "Billing Issues":
A teenagers voice says "Billing issues cannot be dealt with by phone. Please use www.exetel.com.au. (Hangup)".
NOW do you see what I mean?
yep, couldn't agree more. avoid exetel, worst customer service I have ever dealt with.
I'm thinking I will grab one, use up the 5GBs unlock it and then just sit on it as a back up or for guests as I have no wireless for them here.
I am honestly surprised at the shirty value in wireless data. Hadn't checked for a while. It seems no better than years ago when I considered getting Virgin.
Thought there would be way more bang for the buck by now.
It HAS to change soon what with the advent of 4G systems and considering most people are getting so many GBs with their home deals these days.
Why are they so tight??
which mobile broadband has the cheapest data plans? I think three is good value for money.
2100, 900mhz
I dont think this deal will work with telstra (if you want 3G)
Next G: 850 (telstra only)
GSM: 900,1800 (all)
3G - 2100, 900 (Voda, 3 optus etc)
Can someone please correct me if i'm wrong?
Telstra has also 2100MHz as far as I know, but only in urban areas.
Yes, the 2100MHz network is the one it shares with 3 (now VHA).
yep, you guys are right. only in urban areas.
i found that out the hard way :/
Telstra also uses 2100MHz in metropolitan areas, so you can use these with T in that situation.
EDIT: beaten!
403!
thanks
@King Tightarse: It does seem like they are increasing prices but for an extra 4 bucks ($19 plan) you're getting another 500 Mb on their lowest plan. I think that's pretty good value !
Would the speed on this be any faster than 3 on a E1553?
nvm the E1553 can operate on a 850 frequency (but it only supports HSDPA 3.6?)
Question is which network is faster optus or 3 (VHA)?
http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2010/06/virgin-prepaid-broadban…
These new Prepaid rates actually now start on JULY 17TH, 2010.
No longer August 1st.
Virgin Broadband (a division of Singapore Telecom's Optus) originally said they would start from July 1, then from August 1.
Now, they have finally changed their mind again and said JULY 17.
Is it Mac compatible running Leopard?
Yes.
Just thought I'd let you guys know my Coles did not have any so I went to Officeworks and they matched less 5% (their price matching policy). So I got the modem for $42.27 :D
BTW it's a Huawei E160E
Went to Coles Unley (SA) and they'd sold out, so bought from Coles Burnside.
They had a little tag stuck up next to the ad with "E169" on it which made me pause, but the box does say E160e.
Service seems to be capped at 512/384 dl/ul speeds (according to the "my usage" web page) - not sure if this is standard for Virgin or not. But I have 5GB of data and a month to use it, so I'm happy so far!
It says that 512 speed thing for all my virgin data plans. I usually get much much faster than that though.
Yeah, I've just been testing it a bit and the speed definitely went above that for brief periods.
Cheers.
Just brought one from coles and activated on virgin mobile website. But after 3G modem connection every website I vist it re-direct me to the virgin website. After I login into my virgin account I can't find 5GB data under my account. Am I miss something?
Sounds like it didn't activate at all. Try activating it again? Or call the call centre. Something isn't right.
Officeworks GOSFORD pricematched with 5% discount to $42.27 at 12:28pm today.
Got one yesterday to replace my old 160 that doesn't seem to work any more.
All activated now, but I'd forgotten just how bad the Virgin activation process is and surely the Virgin Mobile website must take some sort of prize for the most haphazard in the world.
Honestly, I dread having to navigate it every holidays. If there was another way I'd use it. Take note Virgin. (but they won't).
The help desk person asked me why I was buying another when I already had a BB SIM. I said because I couldn't figure out how to recharge the old one.
All activated now, but I’d forgotten just how bad the Virgin activation process is and surely the Virgin Mobile website must take some sort of prize for the most haphazard in the world.
Yep, I would have to agree with you.
I went with another provider because of that process and because of the morons who answer their phones.
Guess what? Virgin states that it doesn't support Windows 7 (and yes, I know that we can all get the devices to work on Windows 7, just don't ask Virgin Mobile to assist you).
Guess what? Virgin states that it doesn’t support Windows 7 (and yes, I know that we can all get the devices to work on Windows 7, just don’t ask Virgin Mobile to assist you).
oh sh*t are you serious?
Yah. Call up and ask for some assistance with your device on a Windows 7 machine.
Make sure you've had a beer beforehand so you can laugh at all the excuses as to why this won't work on a Windows 7 machine — that's if you can understand the "English".
oh, i thought you meant that they didnt have drivers or something for it, like they had specifically designed the software not to work with win7. Im tech competent so that ok
It doesn't work with VMware Server installed on my Win 7 x64 machine. Something to keep in mind…
Sure, me too.
Just don't mention Windows 7 in any call — no matter what you're phoning about :)
im assuming there is no way of me picking up one of these today at the above price…
Hunt around and let us all know. Cheers!
theres one at coles this week for $50 if you buy a $29 top up voucher its vodafone. anyone know of a cheaper one?
That's a good deal but not as good as the virgin deal. damn i really should've got that deal!
Excellent timing. Just in the market for one.