Found this at Dick Smith Preston (VIC) store. It is basically a Maxon BP3-USB modem. Normally, the clearance price is $129, but they are selling them for $10 each. The box indicates it only supports 3.6 Mbps.
It is possible to unlock the modem (to use other network) for free. Check out the following link for more information:
http://adamclinch.wordpress.com/2009/01/08/unlocking-the-max…
No need to use a hex editor… just open the file in notepad and scroll to the end of the file… should be able to get the unlock code quite easily from the binary dump.
If you are willing to go through the trouble unlocking the modem, $10 for a wireless modem is a good deal. Not many left in store.. and I don't think other DSE stores would match it.
To use it on non-Telstra network, you will also need Maxon MiniMax software. Also, by default, the device is set to work on 850 Mhz only (makes sense given that it is designed for Telstra). You will need to set this to either Auto or 2100 Mhz (from MiniMax). You will also need to set the APN (Optus: internet, Vodafone: vfinternet.au, Three: (no need to set)).
There is a firmware to make it support 7.2 Mbps. However, some people have issues after the firmware upgrade. Remember to have a Telstra Bigpond SIM without pin code inserted in the modem when updating firmware.
Photo of the actual modem you get:
http://upload.ozbargain.com/2009/11/22/2831_dse-ngb3.jpg
Invoice:
Is this the powerhouse or northland? Thanks!