Pre-paid wireless broadband https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/t127872 Runboard| Pre-paid wireless broadband en-us Fri, 29 Mar 2024 15:44:27 +0000 Fri, 29 Mar 2024 15:44:27 +0000 https://www.runboard.com/ rssfeeds_managingeditor@runboard.com (Runboard.com RSS feeds managing editor) rssfeeds_webmaster@runboard.com (Runboard.com RSS feeds webmaster) akBBS 60 Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2079630,from=rss#post2079630https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2079630,from=rss#post2079630I have done the same Dave with a pre-paid Telstra SIM for the iPad. Although at the first purchase of $30 credits I did not get notified that my credit was going to expire, so I lost the chance to roll-over the un-used credits towards the new re-charge amount. Now, I got myself the 12GB 12months (or 18 months) expiry plan and set a reminder for myself to renew it a day before it expires next year. I was amazed by the difference in coverage during my last trip on the bike to Phillip Island and back, as I had the iPhone with an Optus SIM and the iPad with a Telstra one and the coverage signal of the iPhone sometimes dropped to SOS calls only, while the iPad with the Telstra SIM was showing full bars almost all the time and I ended-up using the iPad as my navigator as it was positioned in front of me on the tank bag.nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Sat, 30 Nov 2013 06:37:23 +0000 Re: Pre-paid wireless broadbandhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2079629,from=rss#post2079629https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2079629,from=rss#post2079629In Sept 2012 I purchased a prepaid wi-fi wireless modem dongle from Telstra. If memory serves me it cost $70:00 with $20:00 download credit (about 250 Mbit of download) to be used within 30 days. However, if you recharge before the 30 days expiry, e.g. recharge the day before on line, then any remaining credit carries over to the newly paid recharge credit. So what I did on 25/10/2012, one day before the 30 days expiry, is recharge for $180.00 which gave me an additional 12 Gig of download credit to use within 12 Months (expiry 24/10/2013) . I still had over $19.00 left from my purchase credit even though I used laptop several times away from home. So on 23 October just gone I recharged again for another $180:00 for another 12Gig to be used in by 22/10/2014. Unused credit from previous upgrade plus orignal purchase credit has carried over. At home my wife and I use our TPG ADSL2 connection. Now whenever I am away from home, sometimes even if only for the day, I have my laptop and wi-fi mobile wireless broadband dongle with me to keep up with email, on line banking, and whatever I need to google and of course to keep up with forum updates. I have just checked my remaining account balance before writing this post and was surprised to find that I still have $341.07 credit remaining with an expiry date of 25/10/2014. So, initial credit of $20:00 with 2 recharges in Oct 2012 and Oct 2013 at $180:00 each giving a total of $380:00. and I have only used $38.91 in 25 months. So it will be interesting to see how much credit I have remaining at 21/10/2014.... the day before next expiry. Downside is if I don't recharge prior to expiry date then I lose all accumulated credit. I guess one day if I keep on recharging annually then I can kiss any home broadband connection goodbye. Wife can share the wireless broadband. bye and cheers for now as I get ready to head to Stockton beach....Maccas for brekky first. p.s.... I have never had any network connection problems but admit I have not travelled to any remote areas during the time of usage.nondisclosed_email@example.com (dlpeek)Sat, 30 Nov 2013 06:19:51 +0000 Re: Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2079622,from=rss#post2079622https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2079622,from=rss#post2079622quote:I personally just use the data plan on my phone, and tether to my laptop via wifi (not all phones and carriers support this config) when I'm travelling. No cables, and I can put the phone in the area with the best 3G coverage and sit anywhere (within reason) on the laptop. That is pretty much the system I use when away from the house connection except that I usually tether the phone to the laptop by the USB cable. My mobile phone is a cheap prepaid 'blue tick' model which is supposed to give better reception in fringe areas but it usually works well enough to stream Iview and YouTube. For me it is a cheap and workable option and with a prepaid data pack, there are no billing surprises.nondisclosed_email@example.com (DogTrail)Fri, 29 Nov 2013 21:37:57 +0000 Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2079606,from=rss#post2079606https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2079606,from=rss#post2079606My father-in-law has an Optus one on his laptop which works fine. It's a HAUWEI brand with external antenna capability. He doesn't really travel with it much, it was just a lot cheaper than running ADSL into his house and having a monthly fee. Boost also use the Telstra network and *may* work out cheaper..but potentially not have access to the full Telstra network (Telstra keep the best bits exclusively to themselves). I personally just use the data plan on my phone, and tether to my laptop via wifi (not all phones and carriers support this config) when I'm travelling. No cables, and I can put the phone in the area with the best 3G coverage and sit anywhere (within reason) on the laptop. Worked great travelling around the UK too. Cheers, Marknondisclosed_email@example.com (mfeodoroff)Fri, 29 Nov 2013 09:08:41 +0000 Re: Pre-paid wireless broadbandhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2079288,from=rss#post2079288https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2079288,from=rss#post2079288We did a trip from South Oz before it got too hot 2013, then thru the centre and turned off at Threeways to head to Townsville. We bought a Telstra 4G wireless internet unit. About $150. Fantastic unit, but like anything, the coverage thru the centre was nil til you hit big towns. My wife and I both use our PC's, so the 4G got a workout. My phone would not work, it is about 2yo and at the time cost about $300, so had to buy a prepaid $70 telstra phone that did work (it didn't thru the centre) I also bought a good quality "EPIRB" GPS in case of serious accident along the way. As heaps of dead cattle & kangas on side of road. I just missed one sheep and one pig. nondisclosed_email@example.com (IamSkippy)Sat, 16 Nov 2013 21:46:35 +0000 Re: Pre-paid wireless broadbandhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2038139,from=rss#post2038139https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2038139,from=rss#post2038139The Telstra wireless USB stick is working perfectly in Melbourne Had a good run from Sydney to Melbourne this morning. Left Sydney and it was raining and cold at 4:00am and got to Melbourne at 3:00pm (with three 3 mins stops) and it's nice and sunny here. The road all the way was almost empty, which made driving so much easier.nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Sat, 26 Dec 2009 21:52:29 +0000 Re: Pre-paid wireless broadbandhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2038109,from=rss#post2038109https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2038109,from=rss#post2038109The Telstra USB wireless modem has an internal antenna and there are no provisions to connect an external one.nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Fri, 25 Dec 2009 09:41:20 +0000 Re: Pre-paid wireless broadbandhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2038108,from=rss#post2038108https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2038108,from=rss#post2038108The instruction booklet with the USB wireless modem should show you a port for connecting an external antenna. It will be covered by a flap normally, with a triangular antenna symbol on it. If you can't find it, let me know the model number of your unit and I will ask next time I am passing a Telstra shop. If you do find it I can post a pic of my external antenna to show you what they look like.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Revhead Kev)Fri, 25 Dec 2009 09:21:22 +0000 Re: Pre-paid wireless broadbandhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2038102,from=rss#post2038102https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2038102,from=rss#post2038102Where do you plug this antenna and what sort of antenna is it?nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Fri, 25 Dec 2009 06:45:33 +0000 Re: Pre-paid wireless broadbandhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2038101,from=rss#post2038101https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2038101,from=rss#post2038101For times when we are in Brisbane we got a 3 wireless broadband USB stick. Speed is good and coverage is OK but with an external antenna the coverage improves immensely. Jalal, See if you can also get an external antenna for your Telstra unit because it will help extend the fast speed coverage.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Revhead Kev)Fri, 25 Dec 2009 06:42:06 +0000 Re: Pre-paid wireless broadbandhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2038064,from=rss#post2038064https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2038064,from=rss#post2038064Pete I have bluetooth and haven't got the patience for it. It's quicker with the USB interconnect - only issue is when a call comes through, I need to remember not to walk with it! Johnnondisclosed_email@example.com (popeclement)Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:35:50 +0000 Re: Pre-paid wireless broadbandhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2038039,from=rss#post2038039https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2038039,from=rss#post2038039quote:popeclement wrote: snip... Would be nice to get rid of the cable though. John Get bluetooth and you can tether wirelessly. Cheers Petenondisclosed_email@example.com (JugglingOgre)Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:26:23 +0000 Re: Pre-paid wireless broadbandhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2038033,from=rss#post2038033https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2038033,from=rss#post2038033For anyone thinking of using next G for wireless broadband, there is a new local company in Atherton on the Atherton Tableland. The name is e-Altri and Warren is the sales person. They have a 24month contract, but - if you don't use the downloads you don't pay for them. It's worth giving them a ring. These are a couple local guys who wanted to give the locals a worthwhile alternative to Telstra. They apparently are able to purchase block of download space and can charge any way they wish to. For anyone a bit transient like me they also have a "Wireless Home Plan' with a small box which plugs into the electricity and uses any old handset, and operates of the mobile system, but you get a landline number. I haven't looked into it thoroughly, but if I move down to Cairns next year I will probably sign up. If you are in the market, they may be worth at least talking to. This is an especially good option for anyone caravanning from place to place.nondisclosed_email@example.com (trailx)Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:56:01 +0000 Re: Pre-paid wireless broadbandhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2038031,from=rss#post2038031https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2038031,from=rss#post2038031Yeah, I decided to get the Telstra one too after a bit of reasearch about coverage.nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Wed, 23 Dec 2009 09:55:51 +0000 Re: Pre-paid wireless broadbandhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2038030,from=rss#post2038030https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2038030,from=rss#post2038030Depends on your carrier Jalal. I have tried Vodaphone down south of Perth near Dunsborough (Margaret River area) & I can drive there quicker than the connection speeds I have seen. Even in greater metro Perth. For me in WA, it is Telstra - at the moment I have tethering on my HTC mobile and Next G and have not had any issues right up to Darwin. I think their country coverage is still the best. Would be nice to get rid of the cable though. Johnnondisclosed_email@example.com (popeclement)Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:54:39 +0000 Pre-paid wireless broadbandhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2038029,from=rss#post2038029https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2038029,from=rss#post2038029Hi Guys, Yesterday I took the plunge and decided to get myself one of those pre-paid wireless broadband USB sticks to plug into my Asus mini notebook while being away for holidays and have access to the forum....etc Has anyone used these before and how good are they in terms of coverage? I tested it on the train this morning coming to work and it seems to be working fine and connects pretty fast.nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Wed, 23 Dec 2009 07:04:07 +0000