Internet for a laptop on a short term basis

sibbu on 30/04/2013 - 22:08

Moving into a share apartment in Newtown NSW shortly, and they don't have the internet connected. I am looking for an internet plan on a month by month basis, which can be used on a wireless basis with the other flatmates, but the ones I've seen come with hefty setup costs. Does anyone know of one which is a reasonable cost, with a light setup fee.

The alternative I am considering is to get a dongle for my laptop, and a cheap monthly plan, and forget the wireless option, as I am having some doubts that my flatmates will pay their share of the bill.
If anyone knows of a good provider for this, please let me know.

I have had a look at Broadband Choice, but there are so many options it gets confusing which is best.

Thanks for your guidance!

Internet

Comments

  • mskeggs on 30/04/2013 - 22:18

    If you don't use too much data, the wireless dongle option would be hard to beat (e.g. Woolies prepaid).
    Alternatively, TPG does 6 month plans with $100 sign-up fee. If your flat mates are reluctant to part with their share of the setup fee, you can bet they will be difficult about the monthly.

    • sibbu on 30/04/2013 - 22:22

      Thanks for that info,, I'll look into TPG and Woolies. The flat doesn't have a phone, it does have a phone line apparently, but they don't have the phone connected. Does that effect things or is it not an issue. Sorry if I sound a bit uninformed about the nitty gritty of internet connections.

      • ESEMCE on 01/05/2013 - 15:49

        Sounds like you don't understand how internet is delivered.
        1) Through the Phone line (ie ADSL2+)
        2) Through Foxtel Cable
        3) Through Mobile Phone Networks
        4) Through WIMAX Wireless networks

        1) If you are thinking of getting Internet through the phone line (the most common method), you'll need to have an active line. Telstra will charge a connection fee to "Reconnect" your inactive line. The cost depends on how hard it is for them to make the reconnection. It could be as simple as flicking a switch at the exchange or as difficult as sending out a line technician to physically connect wire to the premises.
        Once you have an active phone line, you can contact the ISP of your choice to see if they can connect you.

        2) Getting Internet through Foxtel Cable will involve a connection fee and probably some sort of contract.(you'll probably also need perminssion from your landlord) Telstra are the only company that provides internet through Foxtel Cable

        3) Mobile phone network internet is what mskeggs is talking about. There's so many options here!
        Easy to use shared or privately, but comparatively expensive per gigabyte to all the other options.

        4) Vividwireless may offer service in your area, but connection fees will be very high and will require perminssion from your landlord

  • After Dark on 01/05/2013 - 08:38

    Some Target stores still have a Telstra Next G USB Dongle on sale for $9.83 that include 1gb data to be used in 15 days. Buy a few ?

    • sibbu on 01/05/2013 - 09:21

      I haven't had any luck at our Target (Bondi Junction) for any of the deals people have been getting. Very small camera section/phone section with nothing noteworthy as far as I can see, and no Telstra usbs.

  • Speckled Jim on 01/05/2013 - 09:10

    I have for sale a brand new, security sealed Pocket WiFi2 with unlock code from Vodafone.
    Once unlocked, insert any 3G sim card and away you go.

    It supports up to 5 devices, so you can give the login to selected flatmates.

    Info here:
    http://huaweimobile.com.au/products/detail/pocket-wifi-2

    Example on eBay:
    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Brand-New-HUAWEI-E585u-82-3G-NEXT…

    PM if interested.

  • Davros on 01/05/2013 - 09:25
    +1

    Use your mobile as a wifi hotspot?
    Fine if only checking emails and light browsing.

  • sibbu on 01/05/2013 - 09:26

    Sorry, I don't know how this works. My questions will probably seem idiotic. Do you need an active phone line to the unit to use this? We don't have smartphones, so can you get a 3g sim card just for the internet?
    Thanks!

  • sibbu on 01/05/2013 - 09:27

    Sorry, I don't know how this works. My questions will probably seem idiotic. Do you need an active phone line to the unit to use this? We don't have smartphones, so can you get a 3g sim card just for the internet?
    Thanks!

  • snappy1234 on 01/05/2013 - 09:31

    Optus do 10Gb for 34.95 month to month but you need a modem to put the sim in. (this is Contract ie: 1 Month ongoing not prepaid, so extra charges if you go over. suggest NOT giving a password away !

    • sibbu on 01/05/2013 - 09:45

      Thanks for the advice. By modem that takes a sim, Am I right in assuming that is an Optus or unlocked Pocket WiFi device?

      • Speckled Jim on 01/05/2013 - 17:14

        Yes snappy1234 was referring to a sim that's pre-loaded with 10 gigabytes of credit.
        You need a USB modem, WiFi router OR smart phone to use the sim.

        If your computer has a wireless modem built in, you can easily share the internet connection with other housemates who also have computers with wireless modems.

        If not, you're looking at the USB dongle which will serve one computer at a time. Similarly, you should be able to connect a WiFi router or smart phone to your computer with a USB cable and do it that way. But then if others want to go online, you have to unplug it!

        Or get them to buy their own hardware?

  • sparkles on 01/05/2013 - 12:16

    The Telstra Elite Mobile WiFi has been cheap lately. $40 for the portable modem with 30 days access and 5GB data included. Was on offer at Dick Smith and Woolworths. The speed of this device is awesome, but probably too expensive for big downloads going forward. Good for general surfing and emails.

    • Davros on 01/05/2013 - 14:19

      Yeah but after that 5GB is used the Telstra RAPE begins with 3gb for $30 and 8GB for $60

      Aldi, who also uses telstra has a 5GB of data for $35

  • sibbu on 02/05/2013 - 10:32

    The Aldi deal looks good to me, but she has a contract on her phone plan at the moment so until that runs out, it looks like a dongle may be the way to go. Is there a good link to compare dongle costs including data?
    Thanks for everyone's help so far.

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