Must purchase via Spreets - then proceed to Virgin site to redeem.
Virgin Mobile’s Prepaid Mobile Broadband has no contracts, just a range of recharge options!
Not sure what model modem it is.
Not sure if this deal is better or worse than the Vodafone deal?????
i have had reception but REALLY SLOW
This was why dick-smith had a few returned ones. =)
I'm in those areas too and usually have to disconnect/reconnect a few times to get it to work. Same with phone data too. Frustrating.
Yup also in the Wollongong area atm don't count on even being able to make phone calls or send SMS messages (some messages are taking 30+ mins to get through at times on my friends' phones) on the Optus network yet alone get decent (or even any) data speeds…
Are you sure you're not thinking of Vodafone?
Virgin is an Optus GSM. Same coverage as Optus.
Virgin use both the Optus GSM and 3G networks but yes in many places it is crippled with congestion…there's no confusion about it lol
Interesting. I travel widely in the Perth area and don't have any problems with Virgin coverage.
Vodafone on the other hand sucks a meaty cock.
-> JV
I got reception in Balwyn North a few weeks ago. Though I'm not sure about the last few weeks. )I've mainly been in the Burwood area recently and am getting reception over here)
I'm just on an e160e if that helps.
I just tried again. I can definitely get Internet access in the Balwyn North area.
The Fine Print:
Deal expires 63 hours from now.
Limit of two vouchers per residence
Redeemable online or through Virgin Mobile retail stores only and subject to availability
Online redemption via www.virginmobile.com.au/en_au/vma/promos/spreets
Please fill in all fields which include: voucher code, first name, last name, delivery address line 1, delivery address line 2, suburb, state, postcode
Spreets voucher must be presented and surrendered at time of retail purchase
Not available with any other offer & not redeemable for cash
Proof of ID required for in-store redemption (not required for online purchases)
International roaming not available with mobile broadband
Not for sale in Northern Territory
1. Broadband speeds are available in the 3G Dual Band areas of the Optus Open network; outside of these areas you will fall back to Optus’ GSM/GPRS network. See www.virginmobile.com.au/coverage for more details. Acceptable Use Policy applies. Service cancellation may apply if you download continuously or if your use adversely impacts other users. Peer to peer speed is limited to 32Kbps
Modems are network locked, recharge with $80 to unlock
Devices must be WiFi enabled and meet minimum system requirements. WiFi signal range varies from house to house and can be affected by the proximity of electromagnetic devices, large metal objects, bodies of water or several high density walls between your computer and WiFi modem, and the location of the WiFi modem within your home
Initial included 4GB of data has a 30 day expiry, additional 4GB recharge data has a 60 day expiry from recharge
Voucher valid from 31/8/11 - 30/9/11
While the Telstra one can connect 5 devices, this one does only 3 - connect up to THREE PCs or smart phones simultaneously
Optus (the very network Virgin itself uses) has zero setup, 8GB plans for $39.95/month, with the first month free. Admittedly it's a 12-month plan, but still.
So you get it on a plan then find out the network is shit but then you're stuck putting up with it for 12 months?? Prepaid makes much more sense for those wanting to try the Optus network….
Even though Virgin uses the Optus network, they are only allocated a portion of it, so an actual Optus service will generally receive better coverage/reception overall than Virgin.
Also, the Optus deal has a 7-day cooling off period during which it can be cancelled without charge.
At uni one friend has Optus, the other Virgin….frequently neither of them can make calls and text messages take ages at times. It's that bad to the point they've often used my mobile (NextG)….
to be honest, why people need this device anyway? I can use my Android phone and turn it into a Wireless AP and can connect many devices so why bother with this?
cause not everyone in Australia is an ozbargainer unfortunately
That's actually a good thing. If everyone was an OzBargainer, we wouldn't be special!
Not everyone has an android phone.
…sigh…
uh, I didn't know yuou could do that?
(can you kindly direct me to the app that enables me to do this? thanks :))
My Android phone and $99 tab do it.. no app needed.
yeah.. wireless ap built into my android samsung galaxy s2.
just check under settings/wireless to see if it's on your phone.
i did download a little app/widget/shortcut to make enabling/disabling the wireless AP quicker.
i would still consider a seperate wireless AP device like the one offered in this deal.
This is because I'd prefer to use my phone less as an AP as this chews the batteries.. which I suppose degrades the batteries quicker.
-> Samehada
Also, if you are using your phone as an AP, doesn't that make it harder to use as a phone if you get a call while you are browsing … or if you want to call a store about a bargain you saw while browsing?
There's apps for it for older releases, but it's built into Android 2.2 (Froyo) and later.
Pity the $79 Telstra phones at Australia Post are still Android 2.1.
I can't find any information regards to the data expire length
Initial included 4GB of data has a 30 day expiry, additional 4GB recharge data has a 60 day expiry from recharge
vodaphone at dicksmith has $39.50 with 3gb data 30 days expiry..
but vodaphone network better then virgin.. so worth it getting vodaphone
and it is the newest model.. so it uses better network its faster.
Really depends on where you are…some people still report woeful coverage and network speeds on the Vodafone network…
At the end of the day if you want a reliable internet connection then you really cant look past Telstra NextG, I can pull 6+Mbps when other people can't even get a "line in the area" to make a phone call on the Optus network because they are that congested…
not a bad deal in my opinion.
if the expiry on the data was more lenient I'd be getting it.
(i already use virgin data where i live.. it's not great but it's good enough for my surfing style.. most of the time)
Noone needs a device like this. Either use a Android smartphone to tether or get a actual good Mifi device, such as the Telstra one which is (was(?)) the worlds best Mifi.
Have had ZERO data reception with them for 3 weeks in Balwyn, Kew, Camberwell, Hawthorn. Virgin Support absolutely useless. Read Whirlpool forums, others have no Internet anywhere in these suburbs. Don't waste your money.