Coles did a half-price offer on Vodafone pre-paid broadband usb modems a few weeks ago.
They are now doing the same for Virgin.
$24.50 for a modem and 4GB of data if activated by 31 Dec. Usual price $49.
Better than the Vodafone deal as the modem has a micro SD slot supporting 8gb.
Not sure what modem it is. Sales starts boxing day.
locked to virgin or to the optus network ? I'm thinking the TPG $1/month PAYG deal. But depends what modem it is.
Any one knows how to use micro SD slot for broadband access
http://www.virginmobile.com.au/broadband/pre-paid-mobile-bro…
It's a USB broadband modem. The micro sd slot is to use the stick as a USB thumb drive.
Bought one of these yesterday for $59. Looked at all other brands, however as this was just a one off purchase for me, $59 for 4 gigs was the best value I could see. Was initially leading towards Telstra as their coverage surely would be the best. However, the prices were a total rip off! I strongly suggest anyone looking at purchasing pre-paid broadband check out this deal!
what's the brand and model number of the modem?
i have a huawei E160E here
Good on ya mate, nice find…..
Need the model number to see the speed…not the old E169 but the newer E1762?
If it's activated after 31st December, how many gb does it include? I couldn' see any info about that on the virgin site.
For comparison it's $49 on the virgin site
The Fine Print: Proof of ID required. Not for sale in Northern Territory or Tasmania. Data includes uploads and downloads & is charged per KB. Acceptable Use Policy applies. Peer to peer speed limited to 32 Kbps. 1) Broadband speeds are available in the Optus Open network. A dual band (2100MHz/900MHz) modem is required to access the full coverage area. See virginmobile.com.au/coverage. 2) Modem is network locked and can be released after recharging with $80 on your new service. 3) Devices must be WiFi enabled. 4) Included data has a 30 day expiry. 5) Offer ends 31st Jan 2011, unless extended.
http://www.virginmobile.com.au/broadband/pre-paid-mobile-bro…
Well actually no. 3) only applies to the wireless device, not the usb dongle on sale here.
I can't find it in the catalogues in the supplied link ?
On sale Boxing day. Sorry about missing that! I'd take a photo of the catalogue but can't upload here on iPhone. I'm in Victoria.
I just bought it from Coles for $24.50 and its a Huawai E160E virgin modem and comes with 4GB if activated by 31 Jan 2011. I just bought it as a backup for when I'm out.
Data expires in 30 days though.
hey buddy, i just purchased this from coles, but on the virgin mobile website i cant find on the site anything about the free 4gb?
Where is this located?
camMMM all you gotta do is activate it mate - that's it, the 4gb is automatically applied to your account - no recharge required. Link to product and very small T&Cs for the bonus data is below, but it doest say much, just that its added on activation and expires in 30 days (scroll down to the bottom where it says fine print):
http://www.virginmobile.com.au/Shop/ProductSummary/9121/USB-…
Can someone advise how to unlock the modem? and its cost?
Also if it is unlocked, can I use it in overseas countries in Europe or SE Asia like Hong Kong?
Thanks in advance.
link to ulock is in the 2nd post. thinking of getting one of these for when we are on holidays in a week just need to check coverage on virgin website.
It would be handy if that link was in English i had trouble understanding the instructions
Search for the thread for the Coles 3G modem deal posted a few weeks ago. It can be unlocked with DC unlocker and DC Crap programs.
You can use overseas if unlocked but need to get a local sim with data/ I'd imagine that roaming with Virgin would be expensive.
How do wireless cards work in terms of the usage allowance…do you get charged excess fees or does it just get capped?
For a pre-paid wireless modem, you will find that the internet will redirect you to a "you have no credit" page if you run over the allocated amount.
It's exactly the same as a pre-paid mobile phone.
Post-paid wireless cards are a different story, and I would consult the company for further information.
Can anybody point me in the direction of some cheap pay as you go 3g modem deals? Cheers.
You mean Post-Paid?
Yes please.
Thanks shawn_low :) Posting from the virgin right now!
Went to coles to get this deal from the service desk - there was just one dude serving and a long line (people getting smokes, returns etc). By the time I get up to him and ask for the deal he looks around but cant find any boxes - says front stock must've sold out but there's more in the storage out back - however I'll have to wait till his relief arrives in 15 mins as he cant leave the service desk. I grab the coles catalogue and walk 10m to DSE who happily do the price match - done in less than 3 mins.
Unlocked using a-zgsm however mac users please note that the pre-installed software on the key is hit and miss - it will work for some but not for others (it worked on 1 out of 4 macs in the house). Since I already racked my brains, dont bother doing the same - let me know and I'll post up how I got it working here.
For window xp pro unlock — the link http://a-zgsm.com/huawei.php?act=submit asks to use a non-native sim. Does it mean any sim other than virgin sim that comes with the package? Is a tpg/optus sim deemed as non-native? Please advise.
Just want to be sure before I embark to unlock. Thanks.
Yes, any sim other than virgin should work, personally I used my optus postpaid sim. if u get stuck post here :)
Hi Guys… I feel a bit silly asking this question as I'm a bit of a tech head… though hoping someone can assist as I've not used internet other than at home.
Virgin have this item, USB Modem as well as a Wifi Modem and I am not sure which one I need or what the difference is.
I am going interstate and wish to take and use my laptop as the room does not have internet at all. I am hoping the USB modem will just plug in and allow me to connect though even reading the Virgin site, this is not really clear.
Would appreciate if someone could clarify if this is the item I need and how I would connect using it (USB modem)? Cheers
Differences are as follows:
the product in this deal is a usb modem (looks like a usb key), which as the name suggests connects to your laptop via usb, thus allowing your laptop the ability to access wireless broadband internet.
the wifi modem you speak of (slightly larger in size), also allows your laptop to access wireless broadband internet. however you do not plug it in via usb - instead you connect your laptop to it via wifi. think of it more like a portable wireless router/hotspot.
the advantage of course with the wifi modem is that you can connect multiple devices (max 5 AFAIK) as well as non-usb/laptop devices which have wifi capabilities eg game consoles, ipod touch etc. The flip side is that it isn't at half price like the usb modem in this deal so isn't really worth it atm.
for your present purposes ie getting the net on your laptop, you're much better off with this deal as for $25 you get the modem and 4gb quota. if you have a windows laptop, its exactly as you think - plug in, it auto installs the drivers/connection software and off you go. on macs it can be a little more tricky but not impossible.
one last thing, not sure where you're off to, but be sure to check the coverage maps on virgin's website to ensure they have range wherever you're headed.
Very clearly explained and helpful. Thanks.
Brilliant explanation, much appreciated for taking the time and will take advantage of the cheaper option. Happy new year :-)
Pleasure :) happy new year to u 2!
my father picked up one of these packs for me the other day I phoned up last night to activate it all seemed to go well but when I try to use the internet I get redirected to the virgin broadband site and can't access anything else. I phoned virgin back this morning and they want me to send a fax of the receipt showing the imei problem is I dont have it and my parents live in another town. I asked to speak to a supervisor and they said a manager would phone me back in 24hrs problem is I bought this so I could use my netbook on holidays and leaving in a couple of days:(
Hey CCRAP or anyone else.
Does anyone know the end date of the 4gb free?
I am a bit puzzled, either 31st December or January?
I just wanna activate it as close to the date that i am going away so i dont have to recharge when i am on holiday.
Thanks to all.
I'm pretty sure it's 31 Jan but just verify at point of sale when you purchase, as regardless of when you activate you'd wanna get the modem soon - half price ends in 3 days.
Yeah their website is indicating that the 4gb included is good until 31 January…
http://www.virginmobile.com.au/broadband/pre-paid-mobile-bro…
(just go to the fine print at the bottom)
Okay it's definitely 31 jan… you only have to look at the ad in the junkmail.
http://images.lasoomedia1.com.au/imageicon/COL/Prod/J0051225…
yep so again, can activate until 31st jan 2011. then the 30 day 4GB expiry applies after that (so lasts til 2nd March 2011 max.)
says in the 1st post 31st december. I ended up getting my mum to scan the receipt and email it to me then I emailed it to virgin hopefully will have it all sorted soon.
Any one knows once it is unlocked the $10 Pre-paid SIM Kit BYO Modem plan or $5 Pre-paid Micro Sim plan could be used for this USB modem ?
http://www.virginmobile.com.au/broadband/pre-paid-mobile-bro…
Either of those options will work before or after the modem is locked.
Remember the $10 and $5 upfront costs are just that, upfront fees with a 300MB bonus…..the ongoing cost each month will be $15 for 300MB, which is crazy.
Much better options elsewhere.
Thanks very much for the clarification. If possible could you please advise the best pre-paid plan on the market.
How much data do you need each month? I gather you are using this to suplement your exisitng "at home" ADSL? Are you currently using a prepaid or post paid mobile phone?
Hi
Anyone try use A-ZGSM unlock this USB modem yet? Any problem after the unlock and can still use virgin prepaid as before and use the 4G data and then try other networks eg. Optus, Vodafone ?
Thanks
Yes, I've unlocked it…no problems. The process, and the code, is exactly the same as the code you would receive from Virgin should you choose to pay them $80 to unlock the device!
Once unlocked, the modem will function exactly the same with your virgin sim, and allow you to use all other networks.
what ash2000 said, i too have done the unlock - its the exact same code you get from virgin and makes no difference whatsoever to the operating abilities of the modem or any bonus data etc.
not having the best experience with virgin broadband atm. I still haven't received my 4 gig of data even though I have activated the modem there is some problem with the imei apparently. I have made numerous calls and emailed them a copy of my receipt and scan of the back of the box which was purchased from coles showing the details. They have given me 300mb so I can at least use the account but I am starting to get a bit pissed off and will definitely unlock the modem and take my money elsewhere.
Just a quick Postscript to Bob's problem above. Virgin telephone staff recommend registering the SIM via telephone rather than online. Apprently, registering online often results in the bonus not correctly being applied. ie exactly what has been descibed above.
Also worth noting …. you don't need to register your sim before the 31st of DEC to get the 4GB's…this is an ongoing promo for prepaid starter packs.
post-postscript: telephone activation is exactly what got ausbob in this mess. I have successfully activated 4 of these so far online (for various family members, not me of course :p)
having said that, as with all things in life, YMMV.
Sorry missed his message of the 28th…..Well I spoke with Virgin today, and they said online is where the problem is….Virgin is just a mess all round obviously.
just had a go at unlocking it and it is asking me to verify the pin my mind has gone blank hehe where do I find the pin?
Mmmm….mine didn't ask for a pin.
Have you inserted another carriers SIM into the device? You'll to do this to bring up the unlock dialogue box.
worked it out the old sim I used had a pin and I mistakenly thought that the pin it was asking for was for the modem all sorted now:)
Hi ash2000,
I use wireless USB modem as a backup and the expecting usage about 500MB/month. Any suggestion on low cost pre-paid plan ? Thanks !
I have a similar usage pattern to you, vast majority of use is done at home via ADSL…..some months I use 300-400MB via mobile broadband, but other months I use just 50MB.
For that reason, I use the TPG pay-as-you-go SIM. Its fixed cost is $1 per month with includes 50MB data and 2.75cents/MB thereafter. So, to compare this to the virgin $15/300MB plan, it would cost you $1 + $6.88. Half the price! Best of all if you only use a small amount of data some months, it's so cheap it's almost free!
The other option is the Dodo 1GB plan for $20, expires in 60days. ie. $10 a month for 500MB, or more if you use it off peak.
The SIM for the Dodo plan is free, however, they sting you $20 for the TPG sim, plus a $20 deposit. If you have TPG ADSL internet you get $150MB on the $1 plan!
Both options beat Virgin hands down, and all 3 resellers use the Optus network.
Thanks very much for your great ideas. Actually I have TPG pay-as-you-go SIM, but I have not tried internet as I thought the speed with GPRS is slow and also it is not easy to get connection to laptop. Can the unlocked virgin USB modem using TPG Sim to get broadband access for my laptop?
Yes, TPG now give you 3G speeds…..initially, when TPG first started mobile services they only offered GPRS.
As I type, I'm connected via TPG (which displays as SOUL). The connection type will display as HSDPA or UMTS (both are high speed 3G protocols).
Just ran a speed test, I'm getting speeds up to 170KB/s for a 600K file. Internet browsing is very responsive.
Thanks guys
I unlock the virgin USB and put my TPG Pay as you GO sim. I change the APN to "internet" is that the correct one? It can not connect to TPG(OPTUS), any setting need to be set? pls help.
Happy New Year guys
APN "internet" (lower case) is correct….no other settings required.
Is it displaying TPG or SOUL in the bottom left corner of Dashboard before you connect? If not go to device manager, and click on "ports". There should be two entries for the Huawei modem…..if there not there, roobot and try another USB port.
Happy NY too!
I did th same as afu. I started the virgin mobile software but I could not get the APN. Is the dashboard you are referring to means the virgin software interface?
I could not get connected using the tpg sim. Have I done something wrong or missed something? I'll apprecaite if ash2000 can walk me thro' on this, as I am really confused now.
Thanks in advance.
Yeah the virgin software is the "dashboard" software I was refering to.
You'll need to make a "TPG" profile within the dashboard software before you can connect.
On the virgin mobile dashboard click tools then options.
Then from the left panel select profile management.
Click on the NEW button…. Enter "TPG" into the profile Name box.
Move to the APN box and select static and enter "internet" (lowercase) into the box.
Click OK and your right to go!
Then from the main dashboard screen select the carrier you want from the drop down menu, in this case TPG.
Good luck!
Thanks, ash2000. Connected to TPG without any hassles, per your instructions. Happy NY.
No Probs! Have a good night! :)
Hi ash2000
I check my setting seem OK. But the bottom left corner of Dashboard show YES OPTUS only not TPG. Check device mahager is OK 2 entries for the Huawei modem as you said. I try on two netbooks still no luck. My sim is on TPG Pay as you GO plan but I never use data on the phone before. When I try connect, it come up terminated. What is wrong
Thanks
Hi Afu,
It doesn't matter what it says in the bottom left corner….mine says SOUL, others will say TPG or OPTUS. All depends how the sim was coded.
You may want to check on the TPG website (under user toolbox or something like that) that your data service is enabled. If it isn't, enable it and wait 20mins b4 trying again.
If that doesn't yeild any results you may try to make the TPG the default carrier in your settings. also double check that the APN is in lower case "internet", though if you have already installed this on a number of systems I'm sure you've checked this.
-Ash
Thanks ASh
It work ! You are super star. I login my TPG A/C and enable my Data function. It work right away. Thank you very much and Happy NY.
Afu
S this offer still on I need cheap prepaid broadband for my holiday in about a weeks time.
No, you'll need to pay $49 now, but you'll still get the 4gb in the first month.
hmm too expensive. might just go without the net for a while unless I can find a cheaper deal.
PS: modem locked to Virgin but can be unlocked for free with $80 recharge.
I think it's a Huawei modem and can probably be unlocked as detailed in the last Vodafone thread.