Virgin 3G USB Modem (inc 4GB data) + 12GB 365 day recharge for $99 @ Dick Smith
Normally the 12GB 365 day recharge voucher is $149 and the USB modem is $49
Further details on page 14 of the current catalogue
http://catalogues.dicksmith.com.au/portal/embedcatalogue?pag…
Does Virgin publish a network map, so you know where it might work & not?
Apparently Optus customers get priority on the network, then Virgin and the rest of the bunch
Hmmm that would make sense, I usually get around 2Megabit/s on speedtests and around 200KB/s maximum downloading speed.
200k is pretty good , i mean id just be using mine for surfing and email so sounds like its good enough for that?
Yes most likely.
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How does virgin compare to vodafone in terms of speed?
In terms of price, it is quite good.. in terms of value.. not really..
Virgin probably has the worst 3g network.. Telstra deal a while back was REALLY good.. but only problem was recharge prices of telstra are bit more pricier..
BUT.. you pay for what you get for… simple as that.. Telstra prices bit more expensive.. but worth it..
Virgin coverage isn't too fantastic.. however, if you are in a good position.. then you will be fine..
In terms of speed.. 3G Network depends where you are ultimately.. but max speed is said above.. 200kbps around.. but average is usually 120kbps and lower..
I used optus and it was pretty good but from time to time it was baad…
If you want my honest opinion.. the telstra Harvey Norman deal was good..
Shame that they ran out so fast and it ended already.. in terms of price the wifi vs usb was way better..
Friend uses Telstra.. and it is amazing how much better he gets vs me and optus.. at my house optus USB sucks his telstra was better..
If it's as useless as Vodafones network, don't bother. I bought 18GB + modem from Crazy Clarks for $99, and it's great in theory but I can only ever get access during off peak periods in practice (ie hardly ever). Total waste for my purposes.
Anyone - who's been getting lousy Virgin performance - ever bother to COMPLAIN about it, first to Virgin…
and - if they can't fix things - to TIO…?
They can't fix what they don't know is broken. :-/
I used to use Virgin and then bought that Optus $39 deal a few months back - I'm in inner Melb and found that Optus drops every single 5-10mins, jarrs up on playing youtube etc. When it works in little bursts its faster than the Virgin one, but my slower Virgin connection was way more consistent.
I just started using Virgin a week ago, so far no complaints in Sydney. I used to get 6-12 connection drop outs a day with Vodafone, but it's been consistent with Virgin so far.
I have used a Virgin sim on the Optus network in the NT, even though the fine print says not for sale in the NT for some reason.
Speeds in Darwin suburbs up to 150Kb/s, Other places with coverage I tried were Katherine, Jabaru, Tennant creek, & Alice Spring with speeds down to 40Kb/s.
It was better than nothing and fine for email and web browsing.
I also experienced frequent drop-outs, even though the signal was still there. disconnecting then re-connecting the modem always worked.
didn't have a chance to compare this to other service providers.
Does anyone know by what date you have to activate the Dick Smith Virgin starter pack service by. Because on the modem package it says expiry date 21/10/11 but in the Virgin shop brochure it says you must activate the $49 starter pack by 31/07/11 to get the 2GB bonus.Or is that a different unrelated offer.
Pity Virgin/Optus network works poorly where I work. I'm still trying to finish the 12GB I bought 10 months ago. Every time I use it, people comment on how slow it is.
I also dunno why, I found Virgin's speed slower than Optus'. I know they are the same network so should be the same.