Vodafone 4G Modem Bonus $30 SIM Kit. In store only
Mod: Not the Vodafone Pocket WiFi 4G 2, it's the Vodafone Pocket WiFi 4G . Confirmed available at OP's store in VIC, Hurstville Train Station
Vodafone Pocket Wi-Fi 4G Modem + Bonus $30 SIM Kit - $14.75 @ Coles
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JAY13 on 01/09/2019 - 06:57 files.ozbargain.com.au (4558 clicks)
Last edited 03/09/2019 - 12:43 by 3 other users
Last edited 03/09/2019 - 12:43 by 3 other users
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Not locked.the one I got from Coles was unlocked I'm using a boost sim I it.
where did you get it
Hilarious!
Why hilarious???
Can anyone confirm if this is locked or not?
Unlocked
Mine won't connect with a Boost SIM, tho it recognises the SIM and has better signal that with Kogan - which does work. Probably cockpit trouble, as it is listed as unlocked by Voda, and there are settings to change…
Probably cockpit trouble, as it is listed as unlocked by Voda, and there are settings to change…
Create a new profile and set the APN to telstra.wap
@Colin2905: Tried that, but it keeps insisting on having a WAP number. It's been that long since I've played with these I'd forgotten the **99#' business. [Double star to avoid italics lol]
Boost is showing three bars at home as against 1 for Kogan:-/ It may be that that is because it is dropping back to 3G tho. I'm in a sh*t of a place for reception with a dirty great rail bridge apparently absorbing a lot of signal from the transmitter 500 meters away…It may be that that is because it is dropping back to 3G tho.
As others have already said, this device lacks Band 28 (4G 700), so it's less than ideal for use on the Telstra and Optus networks. What 4G band(s) is Telstra using in your area? If you set the connection type to 4G only, do you get anything?
@Colin2905: With one/null bar showing on Boost [ once I fixed my dial number ignorance], I got 33.9Mbps down, 5.1 up with 23 ms ping. With the Kogan SIM, I was getting ~2.5Mbps down and 4.5 Mbps up with 1 bar steady. Hmmm….
@terrys: So it works well on Boost/Telstra with the correct settings entered - very good to know.
Can I please confirm - yours is the older Pocket Wifi (R216h) not the newer Pocket Wifi 2, right?
They have different 4G Band coverage, so need to be sure.@pencilman: Yep, the R216H - Worth getting an antenna I think [ 2 inputs under the flap by the USB port, not shown on the guide]. Even if it was junk, it's worth it for the spare $30 Vodafone starter pack.
Race you to Coles, Parkholme, Adelaide for the last couple:-p
Which frequencies?
2G Network Band
850/900/1800/1900
3G Network Band
850/900/2100
4G Network Band
850/900/1800/2100/2300No Band 28 (4G 700MHz) means it won't be good on Telstra or Optus in some areas, particular rural regional.
Thanks for the explaination.
Just updating the post re the Network Bands.
The unit has been confirmed to be not the Pocket Wifi 2, but the older Pocket Wifi.This is the Huawei R216H model - 4G: FDD LTE 800/850/1800/2600MHz 150Mbps download, 50Mbps upload
It is unlocked, and can be used on other networks but does not have 4g 700 (Band 28).
Terrys has however posted great speeds on Boost even with low signal.
Does this work overseas with overseas sim?
As it is unlocked, it should work overseas with an overseas sim too.
Thanks
Can you set a data cap on this?
I.e. not to exceed 100gb per month?That would depend on what plan and SIM you used. The Voda $40 and updrop to 1.5Mbps unlimited after your data runs out, Kogan ect just stop.
Just did the Ozbargain trek - visiting 3 different local Coles in Melb.
All NOT in stock!! Arrgh!
So my advice, unless very close by, don't spend too much of your precious Father's day time looking for this.I'm not interested in getting one, but for those that are, which stores did you visit?
Vic Gardens, Kew, Balwyn
Is this a catalog or clearance special?
ever heard of Alexander Graham Bell 📞?
Never have had much joy ringing Coles or Woolworths, but in this case good thought as the phones and wifi modems are kept at the front desk and they should be able to easily check.
Has any done a a ring around and found available stock??
Went to World Sq. no stock
Called 3 stores (Broadway,Zetland,Waterloo) zilch.
I guess it's only available in a quiet store.
Anyone know where to get it in Sydney?
ever heard of Antonio Meucci📞?
Both look like jv
I visited 2 Stores (VIC Chirnside Park, Lilydale) and there was no mention of this deal, let alone any of these units to even be found.
hi guys, anybody knows the expiry of the sim card? once it is activated, how long can we use it for? cheers
There is no expiry date for Voda sims, but they change plan details all the time.
Is that for all of their SIM cards? I have a $30 prepaid SIM manufactured Feb 2019 that says "Starter Pack expires 365 days after purchase if not activated"
However, it may still not enforced. You can still try you luck.
From my test, a $40 pack bought in June 2018 from a Groupon deal is still ready for activation.
Sorry, I am not sure about new packs, but I am still activating old sims bought from 2015, bought 10 packs in that year.
What's the underlying model number of this one? eg; My Vodafone Pocket Wi-Fi 4G (without a version number) is a Huawei R216h. I did a Google search or three, but didn't come up with anything.
Just trying to work out if I need one of these to add to my collection (R216h, E5573s-606 (x2), E8372h-608 (x2), E3372h-607, ZTE MF910V).
Nah, that's an old 3G one. Came up in my searches too, but I quickly discounted it. Thanks anyway.
Just got back from Coles Macquarie Centre with my Pocket Wifi :)
FYI, it is the R216H.
What size of sim card suits this device? Cheers
Full size, but it comes with a sim card with the size changer thingy so you can use that for any size sim.
Isn’t it Huawei products? Isn’t it banned in oz communication field due to security concern according to some multiple eyes union?
You worried too much
Looks to be a Huawei product. They are banned from providing 5G infrastructure to Telcos, not pocket Wi-Fi to consumers. I'll be avoiding this anyway. What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
How much data does the $30 SIM allow?
With Voda atm it gives 10gb plus 15gb bonus I've found.
Got a stack of them that I got for $10 with the $20 Netflix card.
You activate as a tablet, or as a phone?
You need to activate as phone for the bonus 15GB. Tablet/Mobile broadband will just give you 10GB.
What plan do you choose and what is the expiry?
My needs are for data for as long an expiry time as possible.Voda has stopped bonus data currently. So only standard 10GB with $30 starter pack. The bonus data and other offers are available on Voda website.
Can you link to the source for the 15gb bonus please?
Offer changes from time to time, but you can activate the SIM when bonus offer is on.
I activated latest service on the 13th August and it had it, but it does change as I understand.
Bit harsh to neg the deal though. Still a great deal
Feel free to post a bargain yourself so we know the standards you accept
Have been with Vodafone for years now and use my normal postpaid sim in main phone and often take up Vodafone deals for additional sims (for the data) along the way. Most of the time spent spilt between northern beaches and the CBD and have no problem with internet speeds. Between 20Mbps and 60Mbps usually.
OK. Have to ask. Has anyone apart from the OP managed to buy this Vodafone Pocket Wifi 2 with $30 bonus SIM kit today?
If not, maybe a mod should mark this as unavailable or insufficient quantity.good question, when I was looking for these modems about a month or two ago, only 1 Big-W had them near me (Melbourne) and once I bought it for $30 they were gone for good.
probably slim pickings if any.
Went to Chatswood Westfield and Chatswood Chase. No stock at all.
Thanks for checking/reporting!
Nothing in the northern half of Adelaide. I rang all the stores. Apart from the incompetent staff not knowing the stock that is literally right in front of them.
One store had the version 1 on it.There a a few at Parkholme
I've just managed to get one from Coles Miranda (Lederer shopping centre, not Westfield)
Can I ask a silly question - what the difference between using this wifi moderm and your mobile phone? mobile prepaid sim and prepaid broadband are the same prices, but you can use the mobile sim to call.
Mod: Removed association.likely your mobile phone will have much higher speed and better reception.
the reason to get this is if you want to connect other devices to it without having to hotspot your phone.
Mine doesn't [LG V30+] where I am. This also has dual antenna inputs for external Hi gain units, which few phones these days do.
Your phone has only 1 sim slot. You need your number to be available. You need hotspot but dont want to use your phone cause it would drain your battery. Just convenient for us.
Any idea on the make and model of this modem? huawei or zte?
Huawei R216H
Must have been a one off ive been to 4 coles stores goldcoast qld no stock.
and ive never noticed this product in GC QLD even when not on sale :(
This seems to be slightly different than the one I got from Woolies couple of months back with $20 netflix card - this one has "2" to it. From the picture it looks like the SMS indicator LED is not there (you can send/receive SMS from/to these pocket wifis so you can get data alerts etc and also helps when you are porting out as you no longer need to pop the SIM in phone to send verification sms). I have tried mine with Telstra, Voda, Kogan, Optus, Amaysim and Catch (did not do speedtest but hotspot works will all these providers with 5+ devices connected)
Edit- The $30 prepaid starter kit is in the box itself and not separate buy. It's as good as useless now since Voda has stopped bonus data so you only get standard 10GB if you activate now (activate as a phone and not as data plan). Hopefully they will bring back the bonus data.
No stock in SA seems like this is a not enough stock type situation.
Great combo with the $4.90, 40GB, 30 day Kogan simcards for some cheap, short term Internet.
Works with $4.90 catch too in case you want to port back and forth :)
Ok. mystery solved. if you look carefully at the special tag, it states discounted price for the "vodafone 4g pocket wifi", NOT "vodafone 4g pocket wifi 2". likely picture above shows a wrongly tagged discount. so folks calling up branches for the 2 will not see any or much in stock. i saw quite a few vodafone 4g pocket wifi i.e. huawei r216h in stock at $14.75 in a couple of WA branches (SOR). unsure if unlocked or worthwhile for this model though
Which section do you usually find them? Next to where all those gift cards are sold?
cigerette counter
I found one at Munno Para SA
(Version 1 not 2)
Thanks OP. I’ve been waiting awhile for this to go on sale. I picked up the last one at Coles Ivanhoe (Vic). 3rd store I tried (no stock at Heidelberg or Bulleen)
well done! - Is this definitely the Pocket Wifi 2, not the older Pocket Wifi?
No, its the Pocket WiFi 4G, not 4G 2
Good deal, thanks OP.
Brighton, balaclava ,st Kilda , CAULFIELD , Malvern checked no stock.
No stock at Donvale
No stock Sylvania, Caringbah, Kirrawee or Kareela in NSW.
I picked one up from Coles Lederer Miranda just now
Lederer?
I know Southside and Westfield, but where is that store?
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Locked to Vodafone ?