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Coles: 50% off Virgin USB Wireless Modems (Unlockable) $24.50 Inc. 4GB Data [Starts Thurs. 27th]

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The half price USB Virgin wireless modem promotion is on again (starts Thursday). This prepiad package includes 4GB of data to be used in the first month.

The modem is an E160e which can be easily unlocked (for FREE) and used on all networks (except Telstra). The device can also use your mobile phone Sim (if you have an included data component).

Obtain the unlock Code from here: http://a-zgsm.com/huawei.php?act=submit

Virgin uses the Optus Network.

  • Not available Tas. Limited to one per customer in other states (except SA).

Related Stores

Virgin Mobile
Virgin Mobile

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  • sounds good will consider picking this up. I got a big laptop at the moment so might have to look for a little netbook or something to use it on too.

  • can this be used on the Telstra network ??? i thought they used different frequencies ???

    • Doesn't do UMTS 850 so not compatible with NextG

      • thanks…

    • +1

      Ta….was ment to put "except telstra". However, the e160e will work with Telstra's 2100 MHz service but not their 850MHz NextG Service.

      Telstra GPRS services will work fine with the e160e.

      • might sell mine then and upgrade to a Telstra one :S

      • the main attraction of telstra is the superior next g network (850)

  • does anyone recommend a good external aerial for this modem… Virgin mobile reception is crap…

    • Virgin uses the optus network.

      • i know…

        it is really crap reception in some places in inner melbourne and on the mornington peninsula…

        • i was using this in sorrento and found it to be very good. Reception was like 3 bars.

      • also, virgin told me they don't cover all areas covered by Optus…

    • -1

      err, Virginmobile reception is the same as Optus…

      • +1

        not according to Virginmobile reps it's not…

      • +1

        excerpt from email i received…

        Response (Kimche L.) 19/08/2010 08.35 AM
        Hi JV,

        Thanks for your email.

        Though the Virgin Mobile uses the Optus network, we are still an independent company with independent processes and procedures. We only use a certain amount of bandwidth from Optus network, therefore, there might be some areas that Optus covers and we do not.

        • +1

          Seems to be backed up by this:

          http://whrl.pl/Rcl3dJ

        • i hadn't seen that… thanks…

          I know someone who lives in Westgarth, Melbourne on a few kms from the city and get ZERO coverage with Virgin Mobile indoors, and barely one bar outside their house.

  • +1

    Need to warn you the Virgin/Optus 3g network has been close to unusable for a lot of people for around a week. Speculation is it's because they (Optus) are streaming the tennis
    see here:

    http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1623552

    • +4

      Isn't it funny, while people are watching one net…it makes it impossible to use another net

    • Overselling of services beyond network capabilities will progressively be realised by rightfully disgruntled customers across all telecommunications. Routinely selling a service and not delivering borders fraudulent.

  • Has anyone had any luck with antennas on these things ???

  • +1

    Also worth noting that on Virgin the modem has heaps of dropouts/re-connects and eventually will lock up. This requires it to be unplugged and re-plugged.

    I tried to use Virgin via a E1765 modem as my main internet connection via a 3G capable router. It would require me to re-plug the modem usually once a day. The exact same setup with an Exetel SIM (also Optus based) was fine for days on end. On Vodafone it was fine for weeks on end.

    In summary… Virgin network is a bit more crap than (Exetel branded) Optus network.

    • has heaps of dropouts/re-connects and eventually will lock up. This requires it to be unplugged and re-plugged.

      i've had mine for around 2 years now and it has never locked up…

      • I think that issue was somewhat resolved with a firmware upgrade, but still very hit and miss with that model. Further problems were reported with the USB interface. There are better modems out there.

        • i've never done a firmware upgrade during the time i've had it… where can i find out how to do this ?

        • Well the exact same modem and setup was rock solid with Vodafone and Exetel. Only thing different was the SIM card.

          I did have some success by upping the USB power supply capacity. But the root problem was always there. ie. many, many modem reconnects using Virgin, this is when the light on the modem cycles light blue/dark blue or off. Hardly ever happened on the other networks, but happened all the time with Virgin.

      • OK, had a quick search for you:
        Firstly, we are talking about model e1762, right? I know 176 5 was typed but I presume it's e1762.
        Use DC unlocker software (search) to check your current firmware version, write it down!
        Then proceed.
        Note: general rule with firmware 001, only do it if you are experiencing problems or wish to release a new feature.

        here;
        http://www.dc-files.com/files/huawei/modems/E1762/

        • Thanks yep e1762. I did try firmware from there back when I was struggling with it all. Since I moved to Vodafone and never had an issue EVER again, I forgot about it, it just worked.

  • worth getting for the data alone.

    • I got two of these last time just for the data.

  • Can this use in Vodafone? I unlock it last time and use in TPG Pay as you GO phone SIM OK. I try use on Virgin 29 CAP SIM and VODAFONE 29 CAP SIM (I use the Vodafone's APN on VODA and use Virgin's original APN on that Virgin SIM) Both not work. What is the correct setting for them?
    I can access 3G internet on X10i(Virgin) and HTC (VODA).
    Thanks

    • Need to go into profiles and mark the PAP box for Virgin-CHAP for the others as well as correctly setting the APN.
      Note make a new profile and then set it to "default" otherwise it will revert next time it's started.

  • delete

    • What you have deleted your question?
      It makes the answer a tad mysterious…

      Oh well I'll leave it up, considering that finding this info is about a hard as falling off a log these days…

      http://www.a-zgsm.com/huawei.php

      • lol yea i didnt read the above comments. lazy me .

        Thanks for the answer anyway, is there anything dangerous about unlocking it this way?

        • Not AFAIK.
          It just calculates the unlock code from the IMEI, pretty popular.

  • -1

    seems very good deal even just for the data but i only have a big laptop to lug around its 17" screen or something lol. i use it for uni though so might come in handy.

  • I didn't want to 'plus' this deal…afraid it might hit the front page and get sold out before I can buy one.

    I did plus it anyway…spirit of ozbargain and all

    • They lasted to the weekend last time….so if you get in on Thursday, you won't have a problem.

      • Thanks :)

      • You can always raincheck them cant you?

        • According to my local Coles, you can't rain-check mobile phones or broadband packages.

  • Will it be at the same price in officeworks? Otherwise we can get another 5% ;)

    • Last time it was only at coles, but someone mentioned they they were able to price match it at OW once coles ran out.

  • If mentioning the TPG $1 sim card it should also be mentioned it will cost you $41 for get one. $20 shipping+sim, $20 start up credit, $1 first month = $41

  • Can you really use your Vodafone mobile phone SIM in this modem?

    • yes, but only do it if you have a generous data allowance.

  • +1

    For those with iPhones the next iOS will feature 'personal hotspot'…

    Those who have Androids already have this.

    I'd prefer to spend my dongle money on my next phone.

    • iPhone already has teathering for connecting a single device.

  • Unlocking using that link given in the main post didn't work for me! Are there any particular steps that need to be taken??

    • +1
      1. Use the link to generate the unlock code.
      2. Insert a non virgin SIM into the modem and attempt to connect to the Internet.
      3. You will then be presented with an unlock dialogue box.
      4. Enter code….voila!
  • Went to my local store late this evening (Karawara WA), no stock they didn't receive any at all. Without asking they phoned another local store (South Perth) who had 2 left.

  • i dunno if its worth getting.. i never really take my laptop with me anywhere. the 4gb only lasts a month..

    is it worth getting just incase i go on holiday in the future and can just load it up with some data?

  • Bought one this afternoon (Thursday) at Belmont (WA) and they had about 5 left.

  • The Glen (Vic) hadn't heard of this, they didn't appear to sell any Virgin Mobile products.

  • Does anyone know if you have to unlock it before you activate the included Virgin sim or can I use the incl 4Gb then unlock it to use with my other network sim.

    • Either way it doesn't matter. Both will work without issue.

  • +1

    Rang around, most locations don't have them. Finally found one that did, and got it tonight. Very happy so far …

  • I managed to pick one up but I don't really need it now (I'm envisaging some future domestic travel though) if i delay activating it will I still get the bonus data (obviously the amount of data is probably subject to change)? Anything to lose by holding off?

  • Coles in Mentone (Melbourne) had one left in stock yesterday evening.

  • If anyone is interested, Coles at Kincumber have several available (7:00 pm Tuesday). Most stores seem to have run out.

    Note that the Coles 50% off finishes Wednesday and their catalogue says it must be activated by 2nd Feb to get the 4GB bonus. Virgin online has the same 4GB deal (at $49) but does not mention 2nd Feb.

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