• expired

Optus Alcatel Link Zone MW41 4G Wi-Fi Modem with 15GB Data - $9 @ Woolworths (in Store Only)

1580

Was looking for a cheap modem for going away this week and saw this one at Woolworths in the app at $9, which according to Woolworths is half price off the normal $69. I was never any good at maths, but even I can tell that's wrong.

Anyway, seems to be some stock around at a few stores - you can see if your store has stock here or in the app as per the screenshot. There wasn't a card with the other phone\mobile cards to take the counter, a dummy on display or even a tag for it in my store, but I asked at the express checkouts\service counter area, and they had it in the cupboard with all the other mobiles. So if it says your store has stock that might be your best bet.

I'm not sure if this is included in the current Optus Double Data promo that they are running on the prepaid wifi modems on their website (I haven't activated it yet) but if so, it makes the deal even better.

Also, in the true Ozbargain spirit, a few Officeworks stores ostensibly have them in stock, if you want to try and price match… no judgement here ;D

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      • Thanks for sharing all the ways! If only I looked at the app better, i would have read it saying the same, so 30 gb total :)

  • I have successfully activated mine too with expired 1/11/2022

  • How long does the data stay there? 30 days or 12 mths?

    • 28 days

  • Was lucky to get one but with the same November expiry…. Didn't want to activate for a couple of weeks. Think I'm pushing my luck… Should I activate now?

  • Got one from Berala NSW. They lock them at the service counter.

    • hey mate, any chance you can confirm if it is Wifi only or if USB tethering works?
      Thank you

      • How can I find out?

        • All good buddy, I actually found a review that confirmed it did. Picked one up this afternoon :)
          USB tethering works perfectly

          • @skynet: @skynet can I ask for your experience about how you used this as a USB modem? Did you just connect it and voila, or have to change settings in the admin console?

            I'm trying to USB tether from the Alcatel Link Zone MW41 to GL i.net router. The router doesn't detect by USB, but does detect my usb-c mobile on tether. I've tried the Link Zone on PC also and it does not show a USB host connection.

            It is possible all four micro-usb cables I have here only support charging and not data. But, I read an article saying the wireless network needs to be disabled in the Link Zone admin panel for USB tether to start. Worried to do that in case I can't access admin panel again.

            Any tips or advice appreciated please

            • @TheLurker: That's precisely what I'm using it for. This on a GL.iNet GL-MT1300 - I'm using the cable that came with the Optus Alcatel Link Zone MW41 .
              Are you using a different cable?

              I had to make a couple of changes to stop an IP conflict as both the GL-MT1300 and Linkzone were on the same subnet. I changed the MT1300 subnet from 192.168.1.X to 192.168.2.X.
              I then plugged in the Link Zone directly via usb to ensure the subnet was the default 192.168.1.X also disabled the wifi.

              After this I plugged the Link Zone into the USB port and everything worked well. Just FYI - you can't operate this without the battery, even via USB, so leave that in the Link Zone.

              Edit:
              Also, I can no longer access the Link Zone admin page on 192.168.1.1 when it's plugged into the Gli.Net but it's not a huge deal. I can still access it if I plug it in directly via USB

              • @skynet: @skynet Thanks very much. I think that confirms plausible cable issues. I have no micro-USB data devices while travelling.

                I bought a GL-AC1300 Slate, 2 MT41's on deal, and 2 Boost sims on CR profit promo while travelling. I left the original cables and boxes in storage assuming others would work. The Slate has a default subnet admin IP of 192.168.8.1 vs MT41 192.168.1.1 so I didn't have the conflct.

                Will try with another cable and see if it works. Note I'm disappointed the GL-AC1300 loses repeater connections often. Both attempts are meters from the source router. Strangely I THINK I logged into the admin console via wifi while the MT41 was powered without a battery. It didn't have a sim at the time. Bought a second unit so I could run in the car and power with ignition. Will test and update if I learn more to use this without battery.

                Thanks again mate

                Edit: Chose the GL-AC1300 released Sept 22 as it draws very low power for spec. Building a network in a box with a power bank to run the devices and may set OpenWRT to Load Balance to keep stable connection regardless of locations combining Repeater, USB modem (cellular), Tethering, and if available, Ethernet. I'll PM if I find an elegant solution

                • @TheLurker: Confirming it was a cable issue. Original cable works as Android tether on GL i.net, and connecting to a PC launches an Optus installer. Thanks for the advice @skynet

  • +1

    Those who can't find any stock in wollies may price match Harvey Norman
    https://www.harveynorman.com.au/optus-link-zone-pre-paid-mob…

    • Anyone had any success price matching HN?

      • Don't bother with Hardly Normal

  • -2

    Can the modem be unlocked and if it can how do I unlock it?

    • -1

      Read on the first page

    • only if you are planning to recharge and use the plan for over $80, otherwise ebay is the good option.

      On their “official” page
      https://www.optus.com.au/for-you/support/answer?id=1399

      Prepaid Mobile Phone / Broadband

      Have you recharged your service to a minimum / accumulated amount of $80.00?

      Yes: There is no fee to network unlock your handset

      No: How long has your service been active?
      Less than 6 months: There is an $80 fee
      More than 6 months: There is a $25 fee

  • +1

    The best option is via ebay for 4$ you are getting NCK code and after that you can use any network you want.9$ for the modem and 4$ for the code all together 9+4=14$ I think no need to comment further.

    • +3

      $9 (for the modem) + $4 (for the unlock code) + $1 (for a maths lesson) = 14$ 😉

  • 😬 my apologies 9+4=13$ thanks DACs:)

  • Thanks. Still $9, got one today!

  • +6

    If anyone looking to unlock this using nck let me know. I can provide it for free.

    • would like to find out more please

      • Send me your imei no.

        • do you mind sending me a pm? i can't seem to pm you. thanks

    • Can you please share?

      • +3

        Send me your imei no.

        • Seems like I cant message you IMEI:355686081114073

        • Can't pm you, seems you blocked pm, can you unlock for me, the IMEI is 355686081086339, Thank you.

          • @couger: Your NCK: 5454507071.
            Comment if it works. Cheers.

            • @abhijot: It works, used a belong sim to try, showed locked, then prompted to input NCK and it worked. Thank you very much abhijot.

        • @abhijot hey mate, I also pm'd you my imei number. Is it possible to unlock at all? tia

        • +1

          Happy new year! Any chance I can also get a free NCK? - Thanks!
          IMEI: 355686081104090

    • Yes pls dm

    • I wish I had not already pay $4 for it. You are a hero.

      • True bargainers do not pay for it. In addition, Optus has to offer free unlock code after one year upon request.

    • Heya! Does this offer still stand?

      My IMEI is: 355686080894691

    • Hey @abhijot, I got 2 of them. Could you please generate the NCKs for me? Thank you in advance!

      IMEIs: 355686080891440 and 355686080890723

    • yeah, it looks like you does not accept new conversations. Would you mind pm me as well? thanks

      • IMEI: 355686081100601, thanks

    • It seems that I cannot message you.

      my IMEI is 355686081008, Could you help me regarding the NCK?

      Could you or anyone tell me how to apply the NCK to unlock it?
      Many thanks!

      • +1

        I think once you have the NCK, just insert a non-optus sim and login as admin and then click "Sim lock required"

    • @abhijot
      Thanks for the offer.
      Though it looks like your account settings haven't enabled 'Allow private messages', so we can't send you any PMs.
      Any chance you can shoot us each a PM to get the conversations rolling?

    • +1

      Hi Mate,

      I can't PM you. Can you please send me PM and i will reply with imei. Thanks in advance.

    • @abhijot if you could help me out with an NCK it would be greatly appreciated - IEMI 355686080878652. Thanks.

  • Does anyone knows how to unlock this? I already have an existing Optus postpaid so do I get to unlock this for free?

    • Already been mentioned

      Fyi I didn't neg your comment, but it appears that those that ask about the unlock (and there are a few) get their comments neg'd

      • It's not that those that ask about the unlock that get negged.
        It's those who ask a question to get others to do the work, because they can't be arsed to spend five seconds looking if the answer is already there. This has been commented on several times, including extensively in the posts immediately above.

    • +1

      Yes, I got mine unlocked via Optus as I already have a postpaid account with a data share sim addon for $15p/m.
      I believe it'll work for any Optus postpaid $80< per month.

  • @abhijot would you like to calculate the NCK code for me also ?

  • Any chance of NCK for IMEI 355686081122886 please

    • Ebay username Ozbargainx with 2 reviews. Guessing it's someone on this thread

  • how do we get officeworks to price match this? Is there a link or catalogue so they can check the price

  • @abhijot Also Pmed =) thanks in advance

  • Thanks OP

  • +1

    @abhijot Did you get my Pm?

    And also folks first time using Wireless Wifi Modem, instead of using a normal data sim card only, is there anything stopping me from using my normal daily sim plan for my Wifi Modem? Or does it has to be a DATA specifically sim?

    • Good question! My guess is you can. The Sim that came with this said data only but what's stopping you from using other Sim no data , should be fine I think

      Also can you unlock after you activate ? @Temptation

    • For example if I was to get this sim plan
      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/745124,
      I know it's for mobile normal usage, but can I use this plan for mobile wireless with this unit will it still work?

      • Is that enough ? I'm planning to use Felix..

        Usually there are limits you can use for such purposes

  • I have not tried it as yet, only activated I think it's still locked but waiting for some code from @abhijot to unlock the unit apparently. The posters above say its a success to do so…

    • Ah okay will also activate it then.

      If abhijot doenst come back we can spend 3.50 I reckon to unlock eBay codes

  • @abhijot are you still able to unlock these? I got one and would like to use with different data SIM I already have. TIA

    • Yes, if you're on a current Optus plan for mobile just call them with the IMEI. Otherwise it's $4 on ebay for a NCK code

      • is it free with optus? can we activate the sim that comes with it and call them?

        • It's only free if you're already with Optus postpaid with a plan spend of $80 or above.
          Otherwise there's a charge that varies on how long you've been with them

          • @skynet: i got two phones unlocked for free from optus - first one when i only had a dormant prepaid account. they didn't even mention payment.

  • +1

    Thanks for the heads up - My local had it in stock for $5 as a clearance item! Pleasant surprise!

  • @abhijot might be a little late on this now, but any chance of getting an NCK for IMEI 355686081105444

  • Is there any way to increase the max number of devices connected?

  • I got one for $5 bucks today haha

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