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Optus Alcatel 4G Wi-Fi Modem + 4GB Data $20 @ Kmart

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Optus Alcatel 4G Wi-Fi Modem + 4GB Data $20 @ Kmart
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tryonthis on 13/06/2019 - 16:31 kmart.com.au (4533 clicks)
Last edited 13/06/2019 - 17:47 by 1 other user

Ozbargains favourite pocket WiFi modem is back on sale for $20.

Price-match at Officeworks for $19.

Credit to user 'tramperleo' for the description from the last time it was at $20.

This is the most frequency support device on market if unlocked, supports 4G 700MHz (Optus), 4G 850Mhz (Vodafone) and Telstra next G/3G 850MHz
Unlock code from eBay seller: $0.99USD
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/331550897649

Spec:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NceMrDQ0SP4

150Mbps download
15 devices support
Come with 4GB data
4G LTE: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B28 700/900/850/1800/2100/2600MHz
3G: B1/B3/B5/B8 850/900/1800/2100MHz
2.4GHz wifi

Computing Alcatel Mobile Broadband Modem

Related Stores

Kmart
Kmart

closed Comments

  • he88388 on 13/06/2019 - 16:50

    How do you unlock this to work on Telstra network?

    • vetopower on 13/06/2019 - 17:02
      +1

      Buy an unlock code off Ebay.

      • thisusernameistaken on 13/06/2019 - 23:29
        -2

        How does unlocking work? Is it an Optus employee selling their ability to unlock devices?

        • GregMonarch on 14/06/2019 - 00:18
          +14

          There's software that unlocks mobile phones. The seller has to buy 10, 100, 1000, etc. codes. So he buys the right to unlock say, 2000 phones, which might cost him 20 cents each. But just one code for that same software might cost us $15. So he buys unlock codes in bulk to get them cheaper than we can buy them for ourselves, but still makes a profit.

      • Hellolol on 14/06/2019 - 14:06
        +1

        Is the ebay seller correct that I will be receiving the code in the mail?

        • No ONE on 15/06/2019 - 16:51

          I think that may be some sh*t policy required by ebay.

      • skillet on 14/06/2019 - 17:08
        +5

        Facebook FREE
        https://www.facebook.com/pg/alcatel.code/posts/

        • Zazer on 15/06/2019 - 11:26

          what’s the model number? anyone used this before?

        • No ONE on 15/06/2019 - 17:01
          +1

          Looks like this model is not supported by them.

        • fchis on 17/06/2019 - 22:02

          Thanks, it actually works!!!

        • FLICKIT on 21/06/2019 - 07:33

          Good find with that, all good ! Thanks.

        • No ONE on 23/06/2019 - 16:57

          Update: It turns out it works. Thanks mate.

  • baron33 on 13/06/2019 - 16:50

    how should I use it? Just insert one data only sim card?

    • GregMonarch on 14/06/2019 - 00:21
      +1

      Insert any Optus SIM (calls with some data OR data only). If you insert a Telstra, Vodafone, etc. SIM instead, it will say it's network locked and refuse to work - so you buy an unlock code on ebay.

      • Mickyt1985 on 14/06/2019 - 08:11

        Will it work with like Catch Connect sims?

        • GregMonarch on 14/06/2019 - 10:24
          +4

          Yes. It will even work with SIMs that are genuinely from Catch Connect too.

  • [Deactivated] on 13/06/2019 - 16:51

    Thanks. I'll be grabbing one of these!

  • forrest_1001 on 13/06/2019 - 16:53
    -2

    So this won't work with Telstra 4G after unlocked ?

    • 0jay on 13/06/2019 - 17:03
      +8

      Why not? If it’s unlocked it’ll work on any 3G/4G network.

    • ozhunter68 on 13/06/2019 - 18:37
      +1

      After unlock this Will work with Telstra as well it has all the important 3G/4G bands you need too.

    • SpotTheOzzie on 14/06/2019 - 08:29

      I'm a little confused as well because OP statement is "It supports.. Telstra next G/3G 850MHz".

      Why that specific comment?

  • Dr Prepper on 13/06/2019 - 17:07

    Can you chuck in a Catchconnect SIM (optus network) like this one for $4.90:

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/455214

    • hc02225 on 13/06/2019 - 17:13
      +1

      Yes, you can. By on the other hand, if you want to put in a Boost SIM (Telstra network) or Kogan SIM (Vodafone network), you would need to unlock the device first.

    • bargain_knight on 13/06/2019 - 22:02
      +1

      For some reason some of my catch connect sims do not work in this. Maybe it depends on batch.

  • D3NI3D on 13/06/2019 - 17:16
    +4

    Could you these for overseas as pocket wifi using local data only sim plans.

    • montorola on 13/06/2019 - 17:37

      I'd like to know this too!

    • respecexistances on 13/06/2019 - 18:17
      +21

      Yes.. I’m posting this comment from a Simsdirect data-only SIM while sitting on a train in Tokyo! :)

      • orly on 13/06/2019 - 19:36

        What's the battery life like? Able to leave on the whole day?

        • Lizard Spock on 13/06/2019 - 19:51
          +8

          What's the battery life like? Able to leave on the whole day?

          I’d like to know this about the Tokyo trains as well…

        • GregMonarch on 14/06/2019 - 00:28
          +1

          These kinds of devices are usually 'off' unless active, serving data. (They are on standby unless you're actively browsing, downloading, watching youtube, etc.) So they can last a few to several hours, but no - not all day. You'd have to either look up the specs then reduce their claims by about a third - or hope someone who actually owns this model replies.

      • samfisher5986 on 13/06/2019 - 21:43

        Wouldn't you use the train wifi? or is the train wifi too slow?

    • timhn on 13/06/2019 - 20:22

      Yes, after you unlock and also the network is compatible with the modem.

  • ChickenAdobo on 13/06/2019 - 17:17

    What CAT device is this? 4

    • Limbot on 13/06/2019 - 18:03
      +2

      Yes, Cat 4

    • Sage on 13/06/2019 - 23:57
      +8

      Meow meow.

      • Dr Prepper on 14/06/2019 - 10:30

        woof woof, moo moo et cetera

  • psnatch on 13/06/2019 - 17:19

    I assume these won't work with Optus Home Wireless plans?

    Got the Huawei B525 and it's a hunk of junk:
    - needs restarting at least once a day
    - custom firmware = no bridge mode

    Tried using an old Optus E3372 dongle (also Huawei iirc), but they detected it as "unsupported hardware" :(

    • parker2004au on 13/06/2019 - 18:35
      +1

      Ive got a ac800s and go through the same thing you do.

      I reckon it's probably Optus rather then the devices.

      • Machine on 13/06/2019 - 19:20
        +7

        I had the same issue.

        I put a 2 x Yagi antenna (MiMo) up on the roof last week to boost signal. Haven't had to restart modem since. Speeds went from 30/14 to 140/41 too.

        • psnatch on 13/06/2019 - 21:31

          That's super interesting! Do you mind me asking:
          - what time of day?
          - are you in a resedential area?
          - have you locked it to a band?
          - was your modem reporting full bars prior to chucking the yagis up?

          I get 60 down in the evening and it absolutely screams after midnight (almost 200 down)…

          i.e. When it's working, it's great for me.

          Modem always reports full reception and my nearest tower is really close (600m iirc), so I'd assumed antennas wouldn't help with getting booted / whatever. Might be a bad assumption?

          • Machine on 13/06/2019 - 21:56
            +5

            @psnatch: I'm in a country area so I'm lucky it's not overloaded. It's consistent all the time, but can go down to 120 down in the evening.

            In a residential area. I'm about 2km from the tower, but up on my roof where I put the yagi antennas I have direct line of site. Think this has helped to be really stable.

            Haven't locked it to a band as it stays on 2600. It switched to 1800 once and I was getting 11/14, that's the only time I rebooted.

            Was getting 2-3 bars prior.

            Probably right, if you're getting full reception, doubt it would make much difference. Was a pain to run the 2 coax cables as LLR400 is really stiff, but totally worth it in my case.

            Prior, every day or 2 I had to reboot as Internet dropping out. I also locked to 4G bands only then to improve stability. I have 2 WiFi routers, so constantly switching between those for some reason would get Internet back in bedroom PC. All been stable since.

            • psnatch on 13/06/2019 - 22:39

              @Machine: Reading your message made me realise that I haven't actually tried locking it to all 4G bands. I'd moved it from Auto to 2300, because I was getting dropped to 3G a few times a day.

              I'd completely forgotten that the blanket "4G" option even existed, so thanks!! Giving it a burl now / crossing everything that this does the trick.

    • tramperleo on 13/06/2019 - 20:16

      Optus Home Wireless sim works in preset Home wireless modems only, but not any other devices.
      The most possible is it uses a secret APN not known by public.
      If someone can get that APN, the sim will work in any Optus compatible modem and so will no longer be limited to home use.

      • mattsbox60 on 13/06/2019 - 22:22
        +3

        It works based on the IMEI number of the device.

  • yaozy on 13/06/2019 - 17:40
    +5

    Any suggestions on the best value DATA only sim cards to go with this?

    • meatgasm on 13/06/2019 - 19:26
      -1

      Im pretty happy with moose mobile. No contract, $74 per month gets me 250 gigs.

      https://moosemobile.com.au/broadbands

      • GregMonarch on 13/06/2019 - 21:51
        +2

        Not sure why it matters if it has phone calls included, if it's cheaper. Especially since many cheap 'data only' plans will be 12/1 speed. Don't want calls - then don't use 'em - use the data only.

        • 6x 40GB (240GB) $4.90 Kogan SIMs = $29.40
        • Or, 3x Kogan + 3x Catchconnect

        https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/453211
        https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/455214

        yaozy, you're really going to have to say what kind of data limit you want, or the answers you'll get would mean it would be better searching every telco site yourself.

        e.g. Optus has 100GB of 4G/LTE for $60 - and occasionally has deals where they double the data - well worth losing 50GB to get much better speed than 'wireless broadband'.

    • tramperleo on 13/06/2019 - 20:31

      lots cheap starter pack on eBay if you don't mind short to mid term (1-3 months) use or swap between:
      https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/favoritenumber/m.html?item=15342…

    • customundo on 13/06/2019 - 21:02

      Leaving a tactical . here

    • OldBugger on 13/06/2019 - 21:13

      Spintel is $39.95/m for 250gb but includes a $99 fee for the modem. So not really useful to you but seems like a good deal, except for the upfront fee.

      • GregMonarch on 13/06/2019 - 21:37

        It's also wireless broadband which = speeds 'up to' 12/1Mbps which I'm pretty sure I've seen a lot of people complain is back to ADSL(1!) speed?

    • GregMonarch on 13/06/2019 - 21:33
      +5

      The 'best value' data-only SIM card… is not a data-only SIM card. It's Kogan's $4.90/30 days 40GB: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/453211 - or - Catchconnect same thing: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/455214

      • customundo on 13/06/2019 - 21:45

        Does it still work in a modem despite being intended for mobile phones?

        • GregMonarch on 13/06/2019 - 21:53
          +3

          Yep. It's my only internet now, in a Huawei E5786.

        • ectogammat on 13/06/2019 - 21:59
          +1

          Yep

        • GregMonarch on 13/06/2019 - 22:12
          +16

          Just make sure to read some of the Kogan threads if you haven't experienced Kogan before. But basically:

          • "New customer" = new account, not necessarily new person. In other words, you are considered a new customer if you accept/use the new phone number that comes on the SIM packet, rather than try to port an existing number.

          • You can activate 4x SIMs on each bank account every 90 days. SIM #5 won't activate using that same bank account. This resets after 90 days, at which time you can activate another 4x SIMs. So for example, if you plan to use many SIMs in quick succession, just open enough different bank accounts, that you can activate SIM 1 on bank account 1, SIM 2 on bank account 2, etc. to 'space them out' and none of your accounts will get blocked.

          • Order at least 1x extra blank SIM (costs $2, or if you search on here there may be a link still active that allows you to order blank SIMs for free). Why? Because when you buy the first $4.90 SIM, it is mailed out to you and can take about 10 days - but - they EMAIL you the activation code. The longest time it's taken me to receive an activation code was about 80 minutes. So, if you already have a blank SIM with you, you can activate that one as soon as the emailed activation code arrives. This means if SIM 1 runs out of data, you don't have to wait 10 days for SIM 2 to arrive in the mail - you activate the blank instead - then put the SIM that arrives in the mail away to do the same thing next time.

          • ozhunter68 on 13/06/2019 - 22:38

            @GregMonarch:

            • for the really well laid out CORRECT advice.

            been using these since they first had them, great if you get decent Vodafone reception.

            • GregMonarch on 13/06/2019 - 22:39

              @ozhunter68: Oh yeah - forgot to mention that. LOL. For some strange reason I'm getting really slow torrent speeds the last several days.

              • ozhunter68 on 13/06/2019 - 23:16

                @GregMonarch: Yeah, not surprised as they are cracking down on those more and more, and internet computer systems/programs/algorithms/A.I. seem to be getting smarter at finding/limiting usage.

                I use all three Telco's for data with various modems/phone hotspotting for my internet here on and off, and have sometimes found Kogan to be slower than Vodafone ( using side by side in same modems ), although Kogan's Live Chat assured me the network is 100% same as Vodafone lol. Seeing/using is believing,

                • GregMonarch on 13/06/2019 - 23:32
                  +2

                  @ozhunter68: About 3 months ago I used several Kogan SIMs. The speed was great. A few days ago I activated one again. I have 6x torrents downloading atm. Each has 100s of seeds. Not one file speed is downloading above 3 KiB/s. I used to get in the hundreds KiB/s - so fast that I could set the torrent client to 'download in order', download for a few minutes, start viewing, and the file would complete well before I caught up viewing.

                  Vodafone had an outage several days ago, but I've reset the modem several times since then.

                  No one else seems to be complaining. So I wish I knew if it was only me. i.e. If they've begun strangling torrents. If they have I'm sure there's a way around it, maybe by using a VPN. There's no need to choke torrents network-wide - just prioritise data instead. So if I discover they are playing dirty, I'll return their serve in kind.

                  • GregMonarch on 13/06/2019 - 23:33
                    +1

                    @GregMonarch: I'm starting to suspect that was the REAL reason for the outage: they had to turn everyone off to install the new torrent-choke.

          • CVonC on 14/06/2019 - 01:55

            @GregMonarch: Wow I didn't know about that sim limit per bank account. I was thinking of switching my ADSL connection to mobile instead. But on average calculation, 40GB lasts me like only 3 days. So that's 30 sims in 90 days which means 8 bank accounts? I guess I'll have to persist with my pos ADSL connection then :(

        • dundy on 13/06/2019 - 23:09

          Following..

  • Alphaduck99 on 13/06/2019 - 17:47
    +1

    Yes, can be used overseas if unlocked.

    • butter on 13/06/2019 - 18:08
      +1

      Depending on frequency support of course

      • ozhunter68 on 13/06/2019 - 18:41

        Yes, check bands needed by countries carriers first ( japan can be tricky ), you have a good chance for most other countries with this one as it supports many popular bands.

        • slackme on 13/06/2019 - 19:15

          I used mine in Japan without problems, different model though.

          • ozhunter68 on 13/06/2019 - 19:56
            +1

            @slackme: Japan uses some different 3G/4G bands than what most Australian phone/modems have here. Depending on what model you have, which Japanese Telco you go with, and where you use it will all have different outcomes.

            Did some research for friend who goes to Japan and found out that way.

            Saying "mine" and "different model" does not help out anyone reading this, maybe give model number, Japanese Telco name and where you used the device :-)

  • Limbot on 13/06/2019 - 18:14
    +4

    I know there's lots of variables involved here (towers, distance to towers, bands on towers,congestion etc) but just so you get some idea what sort of speeds you can get.

    3 speedtest.net readings averaged (Mount Nelson, Tasmania):

    Alcatel MW41CL
    Voda 24.17 D 3.0 U
    Telstra 23.80 D 9.29 U
    Optus 29.35 D 2.65 U

    More than enough for my meagre needs! :)

  • Scantu on 13/06/2019 - 18:18
    +2

    How are unlock codes still a thing?

    • Joxer on 13/06/2019 - 18:46
      +5

      since telcos still lock devices

      • Scantu on 13/06/2019 - 19:25

        Guess it's been a while since I bought a phone on a plan but I thought even these days the phones you get on contract are unlocked? And even if they are locked they are simple & free to software unlock?

        • bargain_knight on 13/06/2019 - 22:05

          No

        • ssquid on 13/06/2019 - 23:27
          +1

          Generally it's only prepaid stuff that is sold locked.

  • grog on 13/06/2019 - 18:37

    "How are unlock codes still a thing?"

    Dirty filthy greed by telcos

    • ozhunter68 on 13/06/2019 - 19:49

      True. But in all fairness, prepaid devices are subsidized, and when bought on special ( preferably half price ) these offer good value for an emergency or starter modem data/prepaid phone.

    • GregMonarch on 13/06/2019 - 22:17

      It's a bit odd if this is locked… Because the pocket wifis or wingles (USB modems) Optus sells in its stores are not locked to Optus.

      • Zazer on 15/06/2019 - 11:30

        Yes they are. And this is locked too.

        • GregMonarch on 15/06/2019 - 23:13

          Well, Optus pocket wifi modems I meant… they do not come locked. (At least, not from Optus stores.) I've seen it said many times here and on Whirlpool. In fact when I asked one Optus store manager (explaing to her other companies do lock their devices), she looked at me like I had two heads.

  • CVonC on 13/06/2019 - 19:02

    Can this tether via usb?

    • Limbot on 13/06/2019 - 21:09
      +4

      Yes have been using with OpenWRT on a WDR4300 and AR750s

  • JAKEBAB on 13/06/2019 - 19:15

    Only 150Mbps capable?

  • turk182 on 13/06/2019 - 19:18
    -5

    Anyone here who buys an unlock code needs to hand in their ozb membership, if you seek you shall find a free method

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