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50% off Telstra, VF, Optus $30 Starter Kits, VF Pocket WiFi 3GB 3G $19, Telstra Elite $15 @Coles

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Coles deals. Starts Wednesday

Telstra Prepaid Elite 1GB/30DAY $15 + 5 x fly buys

Vodafone Prepaid Pocket Wifi Extreme 3G 3GB DATA $19 Save $40

HALF PRICE Telstra, Vodafone AND Optus $30 Starter Kits $15

Telstra prepaid Samsung Galaxy Y $49 Save $40 + 5 x flybuys

Vofafone Wifi
The Vodafone Pocket WiFi™ Extreme is a portable modem and router in one. It's compact in size and weighs just 150 grams. It includes a built-in rechargeable battery that provides up to 10 hours of usage. It offers convenient recharging via a plug and play USB connection. Other features include microSD capability of up to 32GB.
.2G Network Band 850/900/1900/2100
.3G Network Band 850/900/2100 (DC-HSPA+ 42Mbps/5.76Mbps)

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  • Nice are those Vodafone Prepaid Pocket Wifi Extremes easy to unlock?

    • +4

      I bought 1 from previous deal, requested an unlock code via Vodafone website but then i found out that it was already unlocked out of the box. Just connect to pc and change APN settings to use with different carriers

      • How long can it runs after fully charged?

        • No idea because I tried to unlock it for my sister's friend

        • +1

          about 1.5 day for active usage

        • +2

          This is a good modem. It does SMS as well unlike the MF60 or MF91. So I carry both it and the MF91 because it's easier to activate a service using the Voda modem then stick the sim into the MF91 for use for the 4G…although in practice it'd probably not matter at all.

          And yep my Voda modem came unlocked out of the box.

        • +1

          -@ superforever At this price, why not buy 2, then you can swap between the two. The only hassle would be a few minutes to swap sim card and re boot the second modem. You also get 3 GB of included data with these, that's worth more than $19 already. I just grabbed a few today from Kmart also for $19.50.

        • +1

          @syousef:

          So, it costs more to send SMS's right? What does it take to do that?

        • @ozhunter68:
          Unless you bought plenty of the $9 Vodafone 3G+ USB modem with 3GB when that deal was on. I'm set for over a year.

          3GB with Telstra is currently $15 delivered.

        • @brucefromaustralia:
          Hahaha. Me too. Not for a year, but a good six months. Like you guys, I can switch between the MF60/MF91 and this Voda WiFi Extreme R208, the latter my favourite as I don't get 4G but maxes out all carriers 3G ( in my area ), and has a WPS button which is handy for me. Also has long range when powered via mains ( up to 100m ). Only neg is you can't swap out batteries when flat, but with so many external power banks around, and at this price, just get two. You get what I mean.

      • +1

        Same bought two from big w that were unlocked.

  • +3

    Unlock details and user guide for the Telstra Elite / ZTE MF60:

    https://sites.google.com/site/mf60guide/

    http://zte.com.au/downloads/manuals/MF60_Help.pdf

  • Is this Voda pocket wifi the 4G enabled one or not? Says its 3G+ but that could just be the speed you get for this prepaid.

    • +3

      From a whirlpool thread "42Mbps DC-HSPA+ connectivity which VF calls 3G+" so faster 3G, not 4G.

      • Thanks mate! Would have bought it for the modem alone if it was 4G capable =)

        • Some Vodafone stores (where they still have stock left from last month's deal) are giving away free 4G Pocket WiFi with additional post paid data service. Good if you have a post paid Vodafone service - connect a $20 2.5GB data service for 1 month, close, & keep he unlocked 4G modem.

  • -2

    Will they sale it for that price earlier than the sales day? Has one try?

    • No they won't.

  • what frequencies does the pocket wifi support? Any good for say 'T-Mobile' in the USA?

    • Frequencies for the pocket WiFI here

      Band Frequencies
      2G 850/900/1900/2100
      3G 850/900/2100
      4G -

      T-Mobile uses 1700/2100 for 3G.

  • +1

    Previous discussion on $29.50 Vodafone Pocket WiFi 3G+ modem deal

    "Free" 4G Pocket WiFi at Vodafone stores if connect additional post paid data service

    Telstra Elite had been as low as $10 @Coles. Discussion in $19 Australia Post deal

  • +1

    Does anyone know if the value in the Optus Starter Kit can be used to recharge an existing Pre Paid Service with Optus? The recharge options on the Optus website doesnt seem to offer that option.

  • With the amount being invested in 4g in Australia at the moment, you would be mad to buy a 3g device.

    Particularly with LTE Band 28 (700Mhz) on telstra/optus being switched on in January. Its going to be the best thing since sliced bread.

    • +3

      Some places struggle to get even 3G coverage.

  • Nice thx

  • so 30 days expiry on all the data ? (per previous discussions on similar deals)

  • 4G not available in my area yet (Canning Vale 20km from Perth)
    I make my majority of phone calls from work hence I do not need a talk/text/data combo and with that the premium that applies.
    I'm on Optus Connect4 which suits me just fine as a talk/text only.
    I use the resellers for data.
    Even with unlimited AMAYSIN (no 'M') bargains and cashback of $40 from cashback sites they are absolute crap in my area.
    I handed back 2GIG out of 5 last week as I once again had no Internet connection and was about to throw my phone but it wasn't the phones fault.
    I returned to trustworthy Lebara on the Vodafone network. Not one glitch.
    Online $25=3G. Last week woolworths $25 -15% recharge voucher for Lebara.
    If Lebara can be so strong in my area as a reseller then I'm vodafone all the way!
    Pocket wifi@$19=3G bargain! Thanks OP

  • thanks..

  • Does any one know if Coles also sell "$30 iPad mini nano Starter Kit", and if it's also 50% off?

    https://www.telstra.com.au/online-shop/tablet-product.cfm?fl…

  • Can someone remind me what's the benefit/uses of Tesltra Starter kit for existing users?

    • i remember reading in a past thread that you can transfer credit to another telstra account

  • Optus daily 30mins/40MB looks good: if you can spread this over 90 days, effectively $5 per month (4G 400MB pm).
    Is there an app to recommend that may use the NFC on my OnePlus One to tap-Off Wifi & tap-onto data for the odd web session between hotspots ?

  • What are the advantages of purchasing the Vodafone Pocket Wifi Extreme over the Telstra Elite? I have a Telstra Sim that I was planning to put into whichever of the two I purchased.

    • +1

      2GB More data

      • So aside from the data which isn't important as I'll be using a different sim, there's no difference in connection capabilities, etc?

        • The Pocket Extreme does SMS. Telstra's ROM for the Elite does not.

  • So am I reading this right?

    If I buy two $30 Telstra packs and activate them at the same time, that gives me $60 ‘funny money’. If I then use $11.00 on MOG, and $39 on data pack that will leave me with $9.01 which if unused will rollover to next month a ‘funny money’. If I was to buy two more $30 packs (now) I could activate them next month and use them the same way and have $18.02 left. Or would I just activate them now have it all rollover?

  • Picked up a $30 VF kit for $15 from Randwick Coles today. Not sure about the Optus or Telstra packs though.

  • I have a Telstra MF65 prepaid 3G Wifi and there is no credit on it anymore. If I bought the sim starter kit, can I put that sim into the modem? I'd like to be able to use that while in hospital as our phones are with Virgin and there is no reception in there for Virgin so I'm hoping that Telstra signal will be much better and we can just connect our phones and iPad to this device? Might make the hours go a bit faster.

  • if i buy a optus pack, does the welcome 30 credit start from the date of purchase, or from when it is activated? want to time this with an interstate trip.

    • +1

      @ hibijibis

      $30 Welcome credit starts when you activate.

      BUT the Sim pack has an expiry date which you can check prior to purchase.

      Hope that helps.

      • thanks bro! didnt know sim expire.

  • My local Coles at opening time had only 1 VF Pocket WiFi Extreme - now none!
    So don't bother with Carindale, Brisbane.

    But stores did restock the $9 USB Extreme with 3GB before that sale ended. I stocked up for the data.

    • +1

      My Pocket WiFi Extreme was locked to Vodafone. Checked IMEI before opening - free unlock code on Vodafone site :-)

    • Picked up the last VF Pocket Wifi Extreme at Toowong, it was unlocked.

      • Buying different Vodafone products & unlocking, found it depends on the batch. Only had to buy unlock code (from eBay) once.

        But I haven't taken it out of the box to check if already unlocked (going overseas & don't need for a while). I just checked unlock site. From past experience with older Pocket WiFi device, that indicates it is locked but unlocks free with code.

  • None left at Merrylands and Edgecliff

  • Can I buy it and use the data later if I don't activate it?

  • Bought the vodafone wifi extreme today, went to the Vodafone unlock page https://unlock.vodafone.com.au/voila/handsetunlock/self-serv… but it says Handset IMEI Not Found. Anyone getting this too?

    Now waiting for Vodafone to call me back.

    Once it gets unlocked later, what is the setting changes required to allow non-vodafone SIM to work?

    • Test a non-Vodafone sim first, at the top of this page someone mentioned they come unlocked.

      • I've inserted the bundled unactivated Vodafone SIM, got a "insert sim" on the display.

        Changed the APN to telstra.internet and Security to CHAP. inserted a Telstra SIM, also got a "insert sim" on the display.

        So right now i'm not sure if the modem is faulty or it's just issue with modem being locked.

        • +1

          the sim slot is really not that great. when i get that message usually its because i didn't push the sim all the way it. you should feel it pressing on a spring and coming back out slightly.

        • Wow.. must have been unlucky. My unit was defective and actually couldn't read the SIM. Managed to get another unit from Coles and Telstra SIM works out of the box without unlocking, just had to make some changes to the APN, getting 20Mbps on speedtest!

    • +1

      I've got that message before using Vodafone unlock site, on 2 different Vodafone modems - with 2 different outcomes. Followed their instructions & left IMEI & number to be contacted on.

      1: was sent SMS to try unlock site again - they had updated unlock code on their data base. Unlocked with code free.

      2: SMS said wasn't locked, try with another telcos SIM.

      So I'd try first with another telcos SIM, ensuring you install as per instructions.

      Today's purchase was locked to Vodafone, but unlock site had free code.

      • When I tried with another telco's sim, it was able to read the network correctly but I couldn't connect to it as there wasn't any credit on it.

        Does this mean the modem is unlocked? Or will I have to get another working sim to check?

        • You will need to set up the modem's APN to your telcos network via settings in the dashboard. Add as a new APN. Otherwise it will not connect to your telcos data network. (Typically keeps trying & disconnecting.)

          Just Google Telco name & APN, or whirlpool lists these under Telco name. There can be different APN settings, depending on your pre/post paid data service.

          You can connect to your network without credit, just their basic services, not the broader internet.

        • @brucefromaustralia: thanks Bruce, will give it a go again

        • Unlocked, yes :-) As per other comments.

          But you will need an unlock code for the firmware upgrade. This is NOT the usual unlock code (you need the FLASH CODE) and you will have to google Huawei online flash code generator and stick in the IMEI to get the firmware upgrade code.

          The latest firmware (ver 8.?) is available from Vodafone website and "allows for recent changes for regional areas.." or something.

        • @alxr0101: thanks for confirming. I thought it was as it wasn't prompting me for a pin & could read the network. And Voda came through with the code a couple of hours ago after not finding it initially.

      • I'm in the same bought imei not found does that mean it's because it's already unlocked ?

        • Posted solution above - first test with non-Vodafone SIM. If that fails, from unlock screen message of IMEI not found, send Vodafone the IMEI.

  • +1

    Was at Coles Central Perth CBD a while ago, showed the staff the catalogue for the vodafone wifi extreme but he said he would not honor the price. They also don't know where to find it so can't be bothered to wait/ask for his excuse so i just left.

    • They are available at the refunds/ciggie sales counter

      • +1

        Yes i was there. when i showed them the catalogue he didn't even look for it. His exact words were "even if we have it in stock we won't do it at that price."

        happy for someone else to go try!

        • LOL Try the ACCC! They HAVE TO HONOUR THE PRICE if it's in stock. The other argument of course is if they should maintain reasonable stock levels of a catalogue item.

          But yes…the catalogue price is what you pay.

          And I thought that Coles would train their staff?

    • +2

      What kind of bizarro-world Coles is that? They point blank won't honor the catalog? What the fork?

    • +3

      I went to my local coles at riverlink qld they said they didn't have any, they wouldn't get any in and I couldn't get a raincheck. Phoned the 1800 number for head office and they backed her up saying the policy is no rainchecks for mobile phones.

      I told him I thought coles was half baked just like their bread …

      • +1

        These are rarely stocked, so strange to promote as a sale item.

        I've found before from the $9 Vodafone USB Extreme deal, that there is no raincheck on mobile devices at Coles. They did restock those in the sale week, at least in Brisbane. Also stores usually stick to 1 per person sales limit.

        Realising that, I rang my local Coles at opening time to score the only one they had. Looked like it had been sitting around for some time.

        • If it was a condition of sale in the catalogue, that there were no rainchecks I would have copped it sweet.

          But I am yet to find their raincheck policy anywhere printed, online or instore.

          IANAL but they are required to have reasonable quantities of items advertised in a catalogue or they expose themselves to claims of a "bait and switch" scam.

        • +1

          @iratepirate:
          I doubt there was much stock of these across Australia. Certainly not enough to make a catalog sale item. Coles should have shown as a clearance item, which definitely means no raincheck.

  • +1

    Picked up 2 just then, came unlocked out of the box. When inserting the sim, the contacts should be facing upwards. You can still insert the sim even if its the wrong way.

  • Can anyone confirm that the sims don't expire with the credit provided? Mine were manufactured in August 2014.

    • +1

      If you are talking about Vodafone, I recently used a data one I bought about 3 years ago with a Pocket WiFi 2. No expiry with Vodafone. Others have expiry date.

      • that's not exactly correct, although the expiry is not advised on the packaging and we don't theoretically know how long it is, i have been advised by CSR that I shouldn't leave them more than around 5 years

        • +1

          Well everything does have an end point. If Vodafone closes, the SIM has expired, as has happened with things like gift cards with or without expiry date.

          Doubt there would be a reason for storing SIMs for more than a year, and certainly no one should buy a SIM expecting it to be of much value or use 5+ years later. Relevant t&c would have changed.

          I gave up on Vodafone's poor reception at home, so did not use the SIM for 3 years. With the introduction of 4G & purchase of a cheap 4G phone, I pulled out the data SIM & found speed was almost as good as Telstra in my area.

  • anyone know what kind of model/brand the vodafone wifi extreme is?

  • Seems everyones getting unlocked ones?
    Did anyone need to enter the code from Vodafone to unlock?

  • Tried one store no stock for wifi modem or Telstra $15 sim.. Not looking good

    • +1

      officeworks price-match :)

      woolworths also has 50% off telstra sim starter kits

  • Hi, is it including the optus data only sims or phone sims only. If i bought the yellow pack, will it give me the option to activate it for the use in my ipad. Thanks

  • Is the $30 Vodafone starter sim a nano sim that is data only and suitable for an ipad?

  • Nice units, unlocked and upgraded to latest firmware to cover Vodafone regional areas.

    If you use a non-Voda sim, just set up a Custom profile. Even if you switch between a Vodafone sim and non-Voda, it automatically selects the custom profie for the non-Voda sim.

    I now have a spare unit if anyone's looking for one before it goes on eBay.

  • So I purchased 2 units - 1 of them had a SIM that was manufactured in August 2014 and the other had one that was from May 2012!

    The unit with the May 2012 sim is running V.6 and will NOT update to the latest firmware without an unlocking code.

  • I went to purchase one of these when they were in the catalogue from two different Coles, both of which had nil stock but in both I asked for a Rain Check.

    Store #1 said "How many do you want" so I asked for, and received, two. Store #2 would only give me 1.

    Yesterday I went to store #1 and asked if they had any in stock. AFTER she told me they did, I passed over the Rain Check and asked for two.

    She handed them over without so much as batting an eye :)

    Spent the next couple of hours at home trying to unlock one (other is still in sealed box) and finally worked out that I'm pretty sure it's not locked.

    1) I put my 'phones Optus SIM in and it almost immediately said that it had connected to Optus.

    2) Entering the IMEI at Vodafone tells me that there are no instructions to unlock this unit.

    FWIW, For the modem, 3Gb of (reasonably fast) data and a 2 amp charger for $15 it wasn't a bad deal :D :D

    Now…..Given that I won't be needing it once my ADSL Internet gets fixed, how can I best keep the SIM active and put it in my Android tablet ?

    Ideally I'd like the SIM on a 12 month expiry and top up the data as I (infrequently) need it.

    • 1) You are lucky they honoured the rain check as accroding to the Coles website, rainchecks are not provided telecomms. But then again..they have to honour giving you the raincheck in the first place.

      2) They are already unlocked.

      3) You need to set up a custom profile to change the APN so your Optus sim will flow data. (Search web for the APN for YOUR SIM plan…use *99# in the "IPV4 number field"… and that is all you need to do.

      4) the only unlock key you might need is for the FLASH firmware upgrade. See my link above.

      • Thanks for that, I figured (with a 98% degree of confidence :) ) that it was unlocked !!

        I don't have the unit with me now, but don't seem to recall an option to enter different APN's.. I'll look when I get home.

        I DID manage to change the name and IP address so that it didn't conflict with my main router…..

        How do you flash the firmware.. IE, where do you get newer / better firmware from ??

        (Did see the link for the PIN to unlock the "Flash".

        Cheers.

        • +1

          1) It's there under Account/Account Type and select CUSTOM then input relevant for your Optus plan.

          edit: and then go to MOBILE BROADBAND menu and select CONNECTION and change the CUSTOM values such as APN and number (as above). Generally that is all you have to chaneg… two fields…

          2) Upgraded software is on the Vodafone website..specific downloads for the Wifi Extreme/R208, including a PDF of instructions. The only thing they don't helpfully provide is where to get the flash update code (duuuuuhhhh!!).

  • ^^ Even though my Optus ('phone) SIM seemed to work (it said connected to Optus) I couldn't actually transfer as much as one single byte of data.

    Could it somehow be that my (2Gb of Optus data allowance) won't work in a modem ???

    Ta

    • No, you have not set up a custom profile to set your APN for Optus.

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