4G/5G/StarLink Substitute for nbn

asbindia on 22/03/2022 - 09:56

Hey guys,

We just completed our house build and NBN screwed up massively with the connection and now they are saying it could be May before we get a connection sorted. I have already raised a complaint but I am not holding my breath, it will probably be completed end April with all the Public Holidays. Anyways long story short, I need internet ASAP!! hahaha

Any one used Wireless internet modems before? What is the best value one? I live in Boondall, QLD its 15 mins out of Brissy.

Thanks in advance!

Internet

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 22/03/2022 - 10:06
    +2

    https://www.optus.com.au/prepaid/mobile-broadband-devices

    WiFi Modem + 50GB Data

    $79.00 Includes SIM, 28 day expiry. Normally $99. Was even cheaper at $49.50 but the deal has expired. May be eligible for cashback.

  • barbarella on 22/03/2022 - 10:20

    Yes definately get wireless internet. I have been using it (4G) for years and love it! So much better than NBN. I can take it wherever I go!!! yayyyyy!!! The only thing is though…it depends on your signal strength - if you get a good internet connection on your phone when you are home. then the wireless broadband modem will too.

    • Geoff-bargain on 22/03/2022 - 16:39

      You can get 4g modems that you mount on your roof too.

    • AustriaBargain on 22/03/2022 - 18:20
      +1

      My building offers 600Mbps with NBN, but only with Aussie. If you put the address in all the other telcos they all bring up just wireless 4G plans. 4G can't be better than 600Mbps NBN can it?

      • FFx0 on 22/03/2022 - 20:18

        No, but it is better than someone that is on FTTN and 5km away from their node

  • payless69 on 22/03/2022 - 10:31
    +1

    Any phone will create a hotspot.
    Besides Coles, OW has some snappy prepaid data deals!

    • GordonD on 22/03/2022 - 14:01
      +1

      ^^^This. You probably already have a phone and a phone plan with data. Its just a question of how much stuff you want to connect to the internet, and how much data that stuff is going to use.

  • AndyC1 on 22/03/2022 - 10:39
    +5

    I would advice the following:
    1) Grab an Apple or Google app store app that shows:
    a) the 4G reception you have on your mobile
    b) the nearest tower so you can see how far away it is
    c) what bands the tower has
    2) On Gumtree check out the Huawei Mobile Broadband B818 prices and if anyone has one near you. This is a heck of allot better than the E5577 or USB dongles. Different models support different bands, so make sure the model you get supports the bands on the tower near you.
    3) Now for the hard bit, Optus have a 500GB plan for about $65. Vodafrone are next in rpice and then there is Belong (aka Telstra). But if you want to test them then grab cheap SIMS from woollies or coles when they are on special and pop them into the B818 and see how you go.
    4) If you need support from any of the telco's for mobile broadband you will NOT get it and you will have to solve the issue yourself.
    5) Read the fine print on the SIM plans as Optus plans have wording that says the SIM will only work in the modems specified, which is correct and stupid. The Optus B818-263 model I tested about 12 months ago with vodafone and Belong SIMs worked.

    The cost of a used B818 should be about $150.

    • ESEMCE on 22/03/2022 - 10:43

      +1 buy a Huawei B818 used and sell it off when you're done.

    • Hirolol on 23/03/2022 - 07:43

      RE: 1

      What apps are there?
      I can’t seem to find any on iOS AppStore

  • apple2016 on 22/03/2022 - 11:24

    I you want to completely get rid of nbn and rely on 4g/5g , you are better off investing in a good 4g/5g modem with external antenna etc for reliable internet.
    Eg: https://www.peplink.com/products/max-br1-pro-5g/

    If its a temporary solution, you can just get optus/telstra

    • AndyC1 on 22/03/2022 - 11:58

      Does this work in OZ on the three mobile networks?

      • apple2016 on 20/04/2022 - 16:11

        Yes it does.

  • Timtamdoritos on 22/03/2022 - 12:46
    +1

    https://www.tpg.com.au/home-wireless-broadband?gclid=CjwKCAj…

    TPG wireless broadband 54.99 unlimited at 20 MBPS. 1st month free. Uses Vodafone

    • netjock on 24/03/2022 - 10:20

      More expensive version of Felix?

      • Timtamdoritos on 24/03/2022 - 19:32

        Felix seems to be sim only . TPG comes with router and that’s free. You actually pay nothing for a month and send back device if you don’t like it. Just googled felix so sorry if I missed something.

    • ESEMCE on 22/03/2022 - 17:06
      +1

      That post says no speed cap, yet the actual Vodafone site (in the fine print) says Hotspot 30Gb then speed capped at 2mbps

      • Doy on 22/03/2022 - 18:38
        +2

        whispers Putting it in a modem isn't picked up on as hotspotting

        • ESEMCE on 23/03/2022 - 09:36

          Well that is VERY interesting indeed!
          I need to find someone who has a Vodafone service to do some speedtests at my place!

  • Philipp on 23/03/2022 - 08:55

    Optus has the 500GB plan on special for 65$ p.m. -
    Just month to month so no long term contract.
    Just stick the sim into a phone and use the phone as a hotspot.

    • barbarella on 23/03/2022 - 09:21

      if hotspotting to phone does that mean only one device at a time?…or multiple? ….just wondering…

      • Philipp on 23/03/2022 - 19:31

        That depends on your phone. On Android it is at least 5 devices I think. I am using and old ZTE Blade phone with the battery removed - directly connected to the charger so it does not become a fire hazard.

  • fouhay on 23/03/2022 - 09:14
    +1

    Had Optus 4G broadband a few years ago, 500 Gb for about $70 per month. You could either buy their device or BYO. Can highly recommend.

    AFAIK they still have that deal, and also a 5G Unlimited plan if you're in their coverage area, but I've never used that so cannot say good or otherwise.

    • AndyC1 on 23/03/2022 - 09:29
      +1

      BYO only works on the 500GB plan if it's on the Optus supported modem list as optus changed their back end about 18 months ago to stop you using the new SIM cards on the newer 500GB plan on hardware not in the list. Older 500GB plans worked in a bunch of Optus modems not in the list. Got hit with this change about 15 months ago.

      The 5G has a number of conditions for it to work compared to 4G like line of sight, no building between you and the tower and within a few k's of the tower etc.

  • LFO on 23/03/2022 - 14:45

    Vodafone has NBN plans that include 4G/5G when no NBN is available; actually as a backup, as an emergency backup but perhaps it will work until April.

    We got one of those and had 4G until they finally commissioned (fiber) NBN. About 2 or 3 weeks wait.

    It worked very well :-)
    Coomera area, about 30 minutes (?) south from Brisbane.

  • the Unforgiven on 24/03/2022 - 01:26

    starLink

  • asbindia on 24/03/2022 - 09:37
    +1

    Thanks for all the info guys!! Ended up signing up with the TPG suggestion.

    Weirdly enough even though they are on Voda the deal was way better with no charges for the actual device!!

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