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$10 for 3GB of Prepaid Telstra NextG on Your 3G iPad/iPad2 for a Month

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$10 for 3GB of Prepaid Telstra NextG on Your 3G iPad/iPad2 for a Month
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ShortyX on 12/01/2012 - 10:31 coles.com.au (902 clicks)
Last edited 12/01/2012 - 15:46

Just thought I'd let everyone know about a good deal with Telstra mobile data on the iPad/iPad2.

More discussion here - http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1846179

Found the deal by accident but credit to qd at Whirlpool for already knowing about it - http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1846179#r…

My story below but TL;DR at the end :)

For my wife's iPad2, I bought the $30 Telstra SIM starter pack for $10 at Coles (http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/61263) and activated it online last night, selecting a tablet as the device. Note: I had to cut the SIM down to a micro-SIM or Telstra stores (not dealers) will swap SIM for microSIM. I put it in the iPad and it's all working fine. I thought that I would only get 500MB data initially and have the option to buy more with the $30 credit, ie 700MB for $20 and 300MB for $10.

I rang this morning to check it was activated correctly and she asked what device is it for and I said it was for an iPad. Since it's for an iPad, she changed the device to an iPad on the plan and now I get 3GB of data to use within 30 days. If you don't recharge for 6 months, the SIM will expire so I'm thinking of getting a couple more for holidays, etc - if you don't activate them, they'll expire around 2014 (date is on the back on the pack).

I'm not sure if the deal applies to other tablets as Telstra might do an IMEI check…see http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1846179&p… however if no check, the plan could work on any device.

For more info on the prepaid SIM for iPad, see http://www.telstra.com.au/bigpond-internet/mobile-tablets/mi…

TL;DR…

  1. Bought a $30 SIM Starter Pack from Coles for $10 (http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/61263)
  2. Cut the SIM down to a microSIM (or Telstra stores will swap SIM for microSIM)
  3. Activated the SIM over the phone and said it's for an iPad
  4. Have 3GB data to use in a month
  5. If no recharge in 6 months, SIM will expire
  6. Recharge options here - http://www.telstra.com.au/bigpond-internet/mobile-tablets/mi…
  7. Expiry date on SIM packs before activation is around 2014 (so buy more if you need them!)
  8. Might not work with other 3G tablets and laptops if Telstra does checks but if none, this plan could work on any device!
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  • Jacku on 12/01/2012 - 10:42
    +1

    Excellent find! Good deal +1

  • retiredfeline on 12/01/2012 - 10:47
    +1

    Well done!

  • stirlo on 12/01/2012 - 11:01
    +5

    Most telstra shops (not dealers) will do a sim swap to a micro sim for you for free to avoid having to cut it down yourself.

    • ShortyX on 12/01/2012 - 11:26

      Thanks…edited the deal to note this

  • coolsteps on 12/01/2012 - 11:05
    +1

    can you use the ipad plan on a mytablet thats unlocked? that way i wont have to cut down the sim or does telstra ask for the imei number or do checks to see if you are infact using an ipad?

    • ShortyX on 12/01/2012 - 11:28

      They didn't ask for IMEI number but not sure about network checks. Anyone know?

      • matt_will_fix_it on 12/01/2012 - 15:11

        I doubt they would check, so this deal is essentially $10 for 3GB on telstra for any device.

  • dimagiba on 12/01/2012 - 11:44

    Telstra offers iPad owners 3GB data for $30 recharge. Yet only offers 500MB to others either on the Encore or Text-Data recharge options.

    See the ff:
    http://www.telstra.com.au/bigpond-internet/mobile-tablets/mi…
    http://www.telstra.com.au/mobile/prepaid/prepaid-offers/

    I'm not sure if this is because iPads would only be able to use the data component of the recharge. Stix, can you confirm if your cut-down micro SIM when inserted into an iPhone 4/s or any other phone (if you have a SIM adapter) still enables you to call and/or SMS?

    (I'm not sure if the following discussion is still appropriate here or might need to be moved to the forum but here goes.)

    I wanted to put one of these iPad SIMs in my Telstra Samsung Galaxy Tab (granted that I would be getting an adaptor) but the kind sales staff at the Telstra shop said that even if was able to make it work, I would only be able to get the 500MB and not the full 3GB that iPad users enjoy. I got frustrated and decided not to pursue but would love to know if this is truly the case. I see conflicting posts in the forums.

    http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1828333
    http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1749842

    • ShortyX on 12/01/2012 - 11:48
      +1

      Stix, can you confirm if your cut-down micro SIM when inserted into an iPhone 4/s or any other phone (if you have a SIM adapter) still enables you to call and/or SMS?

      I'll check tonight but I'm pretty sure it won't though as the iPad can't call or send SMS (only iMessages) so maybe that's why they've created this "special" deal just for iPads.

      If it is the case, it is stupid given that iPad users get 3GB and other tablet users get 1.5GB (500MB on the Encore + $20 for 700MB and $10 for 300MB).

      A little off topic…can other tablets call and send SMS?

      • dimagiba on 12/01/2012 - 11:53

        The original 7" Samsung Galaxy Tab can. I'm not sure about others.

  • John Dough on 12/01/2012 - 11:48
    +2

    Nice find for short term, or visitors to OZ that would like data on their Ipads.
    Worth noting that if you like Telstra's coverage and speed you cant go past their $150 / 12Gb / 365 Day Expiry prepaid deal.
    I have this plan and Telstra are the only way to go IMO as I have friends on other networks always complaining about speed and coverage.
    Data is also per KB, not rounded up per data session as other carriers often do. 6 Months daily (moderate to heavy use) and I still have 7 or 8 Gb left!

    • GaelicAU on 12/01/2012 - 13:28
      +1

      Thanks for this info GD. $150 for 12 months (charged per kb) is a great deal for the Telstra network.

    • daver on 13/01/2012 - 09:00
      -2

      Coverage argument is getting old with most AUS networks exceeding %97 today, and also VF in the process of 850 upgrade.

      • John Dough on 13/01/2012 - 11:02

        Its not getting old, Telstra still has the best coverage by far,try reading the complaints about other providers about coverage on Whirlpool. Just because you personally get good coverage means nothing, and just because the TV told you so means nothing. When I see positive comments on people driven forums, then I will be convinced, at this point in time that aint happening Im afraid.

        Tried surfing with Optus on a busy morning/evening train lately??

        • daver on 19/01/2012 - 18:54

          (My friend—he says—she says—forum banter). We shall then wait for upcoming updates half year/year end reports that may suggest how each operation defended (added to) their prepaid base of users. Moving ahead.

          I do agree Telstra has relied significantly on its coverage claim but in coming months may take a different tact to address its own indicated promise of delivering more for the same/similar "premium" that it charges - we'd have to wait for that but it should be win/win.

          RE "critical percentage"/ "safety plan" reasoning: You have reminded me to pack at least one sensible $2.00 kit, or, possibly better an already active spare Telstra SIM for visits planned regional or to the mountains. My hardware is NextG branded but can as with most phones safely fallback on "900Mhz" the odd time I exit 850(Telstra) or 2100Mhz(Optus) Sydney.

          For the urban zones, 480p @2mbps with no less than Five hours video-derived from streaming 5gbytes (or equivalent radio digital) is going to suit a growing number of users.

          Specials as in this one for 3gbytes w/ zero included talk time, are problematic; if in fact they fall down by reports buyers were declined permission to purchase multiple volumes per single transacion: also from the outset there's an obvious proposition one should misstate their android device as something different ie for an advantage gained by the risk of plan removal following any check by Telstra. Offer like this, I submit, should be flexible/non-specific and available ongoing.

      • berger on 18/01/2012 - 21:55

        Most providers get to 97%, it's easy, towers in all capital cities and most major towns and you are there. That extra 1-2% is the critical percentage, I'm a sales rep, and the difference between Optus and Telstra is hugely different. My iPad is Optus, and barely any 3G/any signal in regional Vic. Telstra phone ha a lot more reception!

        • John Dough on 19/01/2012 - 09:09

          Very good point. I was hiking on the weekend, in the middle of nowhere and had full service on my Ipad with T , Voda and Optus - no service, at least I know I could skype 000 if we had to LOL

          A friend has Optus on Ipad and even in Metro areas it is patchy, he has given up surfing the net on a peak train service because it takes 5 minutes to load a FB page, where mine is seconds, needless to say he is switching over soon!

          Telstra FTW! at least they got something right….

  • uccoffee on 12/01/2012 - 11:54

    doesnt it count by the $ left in the card?
    does it mean i can buy more credit via Me2U or from ebay to keep the same card ?

    just a reminder, if you get the SIM card in a blue packet, or expire early 2013, it might be a OLD SIM (larger matel part) that is harder to cut into a microSIM

    • John Dough on 12/01/2012 - 12:52

      It shows in a dollar value on the account, but this is a mathematical conversion of the data you use and is solely based on the data you use.

      A theoretical example;

      Optus, you check your emails @ about 500Kb (0.5mb) they round up to 1mb 'data session' if you do not use the remaining data (0.5mb in this case) in a certain time frame, from memory about 5 or 10 minutes.

      Telstra, you check your emails @ about 500Kb (0.5mb) they take 500k or 0.5mb off your balance regardless of your 'data session time', (or a few cents if you wanted to calculate it in dollars and cents)

      This is well documented in whirlpool and other forums. Buyer beware, if your surfing habits are quick little facebook checks and email checks, you could be using a lot of data that you are not actually using.

  • wildstone on 12/01/2012 - 12:10

    Can I please ask how does prepaid mobile data works as I haven't got one before:

    1. If you go over 3GB, what happens? You simply can't access the net anymore?
    2. After 30 days of expiry, what happens? You simply can't access the net?
    • cmdwedge on 12/01/2012 - 12:30

      Yes to both. It just stops, you don't get charged any more money.

      • wildstone on 12/01/2012 - 12:37

        Thanks cmdwedge. How does it 'stops' at the data limit restriction? I imagine they won't be able to stop you at 3GB on the spot?

        • John Dough on 12/01/2012 - 12:47

          Yes they can, and do.

    • retiredfeline on 12/01/2012 - 13:05

      It's no different from how landline data is controlled. They track your usage and can block you after you exceed the quota.

  • huntress_love on 12/01/2012 - 12:42

    hi stix can you please explain how to get "700MB for $20 and 300MB for $10"
    I can't seem to find those options under the pre-paid offers?

  • skytree on 12/01/2012 - 13:10

    Can I use it on my laptop that supports sim card and get the 3GB data too?

    • Crownanchor on 12/01/2012 - 13:47

      As in data usage, shouldnt be a problem. i used an iPad SIM recently in a MiFi device and it worked.

      the data usage was charged at the same rate as the iPad APN.

      • skytree on 12/01/2012 - 14:58

        Thanks for the comment. I wonder why someone -1 on me, because of the question I asked???

        • retiredfeline on 12/01/2012 - 15:07
          +1

          I suspect that some of the negs (and +s) in the forum are accidental as the two buttons are so close. Perhaps I'll enter a suggestion for them to be separated more on the web page.

  • bibendum73au on 12/01/2012 - 14:01

    So I'm not sure if I read this correctly but:

    Buy 12 $30/$10 special Sim Packs
    Swap all the Sims over to Micro Sim
    Activate One per Month
    12m worth of 36Gb Data with 12m expiry?

    Is that correct?

    • ShortyX on 12/01/2012 - 14:09

      No, the $150 deal must be from one recharge, not from Credit Me2U - see more info here - http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1846179

      • bugoy8 on 12/01/2012 - 15:13

        But what if you activate 1 per month? This should work.

        Question is when does the validity counter start? Its upon registration right? So if I buy one of these and start using it in Jun 2012, the 30 day counter should start from the Jun 2012 right?

        Do these have a "use by" date?

        • ShortyX on 12/01/2012 - 15:18

          Oh yeah, sorry…read it wrong.

          You could buy 12 and activate a new one per month and that should work.

          Expiry on mine is Sep 2014 so they should be all around that date.

        • bibendum73au on 12/01/2012 - 15:26

          I'm 5 minutes from walking into the Telstra store to confirm they will swap 12 sims for me then off to the Coles store.

      • bibendum73au on 12/01/2012 - 15:17

        Stix I'm not sure if you were responding to the correct comment as I didn't mention the 12m plan. I am thinking 12x 1 month plans.

        • ShortyX on 12/01/2012 - 15:18

          Yeah, read it wrong…sorry mate…reply above. :)

  • bibendum73au on 12/01/2012 - 15:16

    Wrong comment

  • adpaholic on 12/01/2012 - 15:26

    who else have try to purchase $10 from coles and use it for IPAD with 3G data?

    can we use skype?

  • dimagiba on 12/01/2012 - 15:33

    bibendum73au,

    If you run out of luck at Coles, Woolworths is supposed to have the same deal.

    http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/61450

  • HomerJ on 12/01/2012 - 16:07

    So are these sims 3G? most of the $2 Telstra sims you can buy are only 2G

    I was looking for a sim for my iPad and asked the Teltra shop when buying my new iPhone (at xmas) about the sims, I wanted to buy the 365 day recharge ($150) but you need to buy the $30 iPad sim first (Total $180).

    I asked about the $2 sims and he said that most are only 2G and to check the back of the packet as there were some that came out as 3G.

    • ShortyX on 12/01/2012 - 17:40

      Mine came up as 3G.

    • Crownanchor on 12/01/2012 - 20:34

      Sounds a little suspicious, if the SIM says GSM it will likely also work on 3G and it does not make sense for Telstra to sell a product or service just on GSM.

  • busterau on 12/01/2012 - 16:13

    So if you do a $150 recharge before expiry on this deal, you can get 13Gb to use in 12 months for $160?

  • bibendum73au on 12/01/2012 - 16:54

    OK. So I spoke to the Telstra shop Girl.

    I am about to grab 12 packs.
    Each sim card needs to activated when it is swapped for a Microsim so I will need to go to a Telstra store every month to swap and activate.

    BUT

    This will give me 36gb/12m for $120 and I use iTunes Match a lot in the Limo for music so this will be a cheap way of doing it.

    • SmartCover on 12/01/2012 - 17:06

      cant find any of them in the western suburbs in Victoria….anyone will to get extra and resell to me?

      • HomerJ on 12/01/2012 - 21:46

        Coles Watergardens had some tonight

    • unity1 on 12/01/2012 - 17:34

      What's the most you can buy in one transaction? There must be a limit how many starter packs you can purchase.

      • Geewhizz on 12/01/2012 - 18:16

        Given that you're supposed to only have 5 prepaid accounts maximum, I wouldn't be surprised if that is all they'd sell you.

    • John Dough on 12/01/2012 - 18:08

      Good luck even using 10gb in 12 months with the download restrictions on 3g. You would have to watch 2 hours of you tube a day and be on it surfing all day to even get close to 20 Gig.
      Sounds like a whole lotta work to save 40 bucks, I guess its ok if you know how to cut your own sim cards (or buy a sim cutter) or live or work near a Telstra shop.

      • huntress_love on 13/01/2012 - 12:17

        what download restrictions?

        • Crownanchor on 13/01/2012 - 12:32

          20mb limit on downloading apps from the appstore plus several apps restrict streaming when on 3G.

          I agree it would be difficult to use large amounts of data on an iPad with 3G, but some people post here and apparantly are using large amounts of 3G data on iPad.

      • John Dough on 13/01/2012 - 12:56

        bibendum has stated that they use 'Itunes Match' which must be fairly data intensive.

        For the vast majority of users, If you do this deal, it is purely about the money, in comparison to other Telstra plans you would save $40 over 12 months on Telstra. But there is a fair amount of stuffing around to do it (Yes this is OZBargain so people will be prepared to!)

        The fact if its 36gb or 12gb really will not make a lick of difference to most users.
        If you are wondering if this would make any difference to you, then it wouldn't. You would know if you were going to use >12Gig in a year, as you would be in a poweruser league :)

    • bibendum73au on 12/01/2012 - 18:50

      I've ended up getting some from Coles, Woolies & pricematched from BigW. Just walked into Telstra & said I need 14 microsims for sim swaps & they handed them over.
      All nextG & valid til 2014.
      Coles Joondalup is getting more tonight.

    • Save Medicare on 12/01/2012 - 19:35

      Let me guess… you're the driver?

  • bugoy8 on 12/01/2012 - 18:10

    For those who have purchased them, did you have to register the starter pack? Was told by Coles that I have to fill out this form. 5x if I purchased 5 sims!!!

    • unity1 on 12/01/2012 - 18:28
      +1

      It's really hit and miss. Sometimes they ask for ID and make you fill out the form, other times they don't ask for anything.

    • Aeonx on 12/01/2012 - 18:52

      Nope, no questions asked.

    • ShortyX on 12/01/2012 - 19:40

      No form for me.

  • daver on 13/01/2012 - 07:21

    Telstra improves its position offering this but I doubt too many mac users will take advantage.

  • locker on 13/01/2012 - 09:36

    I bought the actual proper Telstra iPad starter kit for normal price with the iPad plan (3GB for a month), but used it on my Android tablet. They did catch me after about 2 weeks or so!

    • dimagiba on 13/01/2012 - 10:46

      So the Telstra folks weren't bluffing that iPad sims rates are strictly for iPads. I wonder how this is done. With the IMEI?

      Out of curiousity, how did they catch you? Did you just suddenly notice that usage rate were higher than the iPad rates? Or did they get in touch with you to let you know?

      • John Dough on 13/01/2012 - 11:06
        +1

        I know in the US you can't even get pre paid sims working in an Ipad (non ios plans), the system recognises it instantly as soon as you switch the sim into the Ipad it wont fetch data and locks itself.
        I got caught out as I rang them (AT&T) and complained and they told me I was trying to use it on an apple device lol

        I don't get why they would care what device you use to access the internet, data is data isn't it?

        • uccoffee on 14/01/2012 - 12:42

          cos they want you to buy their ipad on the plan… evil

        • garbagetnt on 17/02/2012 - 02:50

          There's a trick to that, i found out by accident. Basically had changed the sim to one that allowed me to enter the APN details, stayed on that screen, then swap to the US sim and enter the carriers APN.
          I was using prepaid sim for my last trip to us, sweet as..cheap as chips, having said that not sure if it'll still work, worth a try

  • daver on 14/01/2012 - 16:02
    +1

    ANALYSIS applied to current offers expensed over "10 months"

    DOLLARwise;
    Telstra 10 x [email protected] =$100.00 (kits)
    Woolworths 7 x [email protected] =$088.20 (vouchers)
    Advantage - Wools (as the vouchers give a 11% lower cost)

    COVERAGEwise;
    Telstra 99 /Optus 97
    Advantage - Telstra (2% broader network)

    SIGNALwise;
    Telstra UMTS850 v Optus UMTS2100/900, MHz
    Advantage - Telstra (greater buildings, lifts & car parks penetration)

    VALUEwise;
    Telstra "250credit" /$0.91/min average; = 4.57hrs effective (54calls @5min)
    Wools "250credit" /$1.06/min average; = 3.93hrs effective (47calls @5min)
    Advantage - Tie draw*.
    *If you hold any view on net neutrality, one cannot consider a value of 'wools->wools (optusnet)' calls- it's an invalid/incalculable extra, even if convenient for some.

    DATAwise;
    Telstra 10 x 1.2GB =12GB (ie 0.5GB Bonus +0.7GB Browse pack)
    Wools 7 x 5GB =35GB
    Advantage - Wools

    • Whilst "GB for $" cast Woolworths overwhelmingly in front, "Coverage" + "Signal" quality remain Telstra's best asset.
    • It is significant that Woolworths mobile permits buyers to apply vouchers to existing service numbers, something sensible and helpful. In contrast Telstra's activation process results in many "SIMcards In Operation" that becomes a giant waste and redundant; nothing nifty there.
    • I expect Coverage + Signal strength (Telstra/Optus benefits) is increasingly being checked compared by end users of respective towers by dBm displays together with measurements applying data. There is little to lose and a lot to gain by comparing such, varying greatly, offers. 12GB versus 35GB, vast difference.

    Discounting lower performance, I've been inclined to select "$88 for 35GB " - a comfortable breathing space for smartphone applications video etc. Repeating last years' $8.33-$20.00/GB just feels out-of-step with the multimedia web, even current low-end internet. Tesltra will have to lift its game now moving forward.

  • bargrin on 15/01/2012 - 14:11

    I walked into a telstrastore and asked for microsim replacment and lady siad i need to go back to coles and buy a ipad kit for that, she cant help me.

  • bibendum73au on 15/01/2012 - 14:57

    What you want is a Sim Swap. Don't go into details of what for but just say you are changing devices from a standard sim to a microsim and need to swap it and you will activate it over the phone.

    WHen you activate the $30 pack, you do it over the phone. Give them the details and tell them you need to do the sim swap. They will setup the normal sim and then you call back an hour later once the standard sim is active, they do the swap to the new sim and bob's your uncle.

  • adamwf on 18/01/2012 - 07:06

    Tried to grab a few at Coles penrith, and was told strictly 1 sim per customer :(

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