Next G internet & mobile questions

Submitted: Monday, Apr 14, 2008 at 22:52
ThreadID: 56648 Views:2253 Replies:6 FollowUps:5
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We are planning a trip to NT & WA early next month and need to have internet connection. We know we have to get Telstra Next G but do we get the modem that connects to power or the one that is completely portable (I think this is a USB connection - blue or orange)? Are either okay?

Also should we get a Next G mobile phone? Are they worth it? That is, do mobiles work with most other phone plans in NT and WA or do you really need Next G to get good coverage?

Look forward to your responses.

Leanne
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Reply By: Member - Doug T (FNQ) - Monday, Apr 14, 2008 at 22:55

Monday, Apr 14, 2008 at 22:55
Modem has cheaper plans, don't ask why, it all works on the same system, so if you have power go Modem.

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Follow Up By: Member - Doug T (FNQ) - Monday, Apr 14, 2008 at 22:56

Monday, Apr 14, 2008 at 22:56
Next G phones will work in and near all towns
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Reply By: John R (SA) - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 07:26

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 07:26
I can't really answer your question, only offer an opinion; NextG will work in many places that nothing else will. It's not to say it'll work all over oz, but it's the best coverage available short of satellite (so I'd go with a nextg phone).

My phone also gets used as a modem - the laptop has built in bluetooth, so I can be chatting on the phone and surfing the net. I find it very convenient, though the data usage fee is relatively expensive. However I really only use it for checking email.

I did have a cdma modem for the laptop, and it gave me the curries having to cart around another gadget, plus cabling. The present setup is much more user friendly.
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Follow Up By: T-Ribby - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 11:49

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 11:49
Hi John
I have a similar setup using a Samsung A411 with external aerial. Current usage, being frugal with the data, is $20 per month. What I do like about NextG is being able to top up the prepaid phone online via BPAY and then use the phone balance to buy internet pluspacks . It's not the cheapest option but for my infrequent travels its simplicity suits me fine.
cheers
T.R.
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Reply By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 08:05

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 08:05
Check the price of BIGPOND plans against TELSTRA
I'm pretty sure you will find they will be cheaper or at least offer more for the same money.
I bought a Telstra PCMCIA modem and resold it as the plans were too expensive.
Bigpond offer 10 hours a month for $34 (fair usage applies)
AnswerID: 298611

Reply By: Philip A - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 09:54

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 09:54
I have a cheapo Telstra ZTE phone which I use as a modem while travelling.
For your nil up front and $30 per month, I got the phone, and a car kit which I attached to a 7DB gain CDMA aerial.

When you travel , you buy a Telstra "Data pack" for 3Gigs for $69 per montrh AFAIR.
You then cancel it after the one month or whatever.

You therefore avoid the $200 plus upfront and the $69 ? per month for 2 years for the modem, and you have another phone for 2 years and $25 included calls a month.
works great if you only travel occasionally
Have a look at earlier posts for tricks that Telstra use, such as prorating within a month
Regards Philip A

AnswerID: 298635

Follow Up By: Cape York Connections - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 18:03

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 18:03
I have the next g phone and am on a 79/m plan and can get the data pack that is the internet to my phone.
Can I use this to my lap top for the internet.
How do I connect it and what is the correct name of the things I need to buy and know.

Many thanks
Eric
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Reply By: Philip A - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 18:18

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 18:18
You should have received a CD and a USB connection with your phone. You just insall the CD on the laptop, then follow the directions.
The data pack that you have for internet for your phone is most probably the $10 job, which only gives you a small bit of data and is no good for large emails etc.
To order the big data pack you have to call the Telstra number (132200? then wait 20 minutes LOL) and the person will add a big pack that you choose.
Just remember that if you are part way through a billing month they will prorata the pack ie if you want 70 MB and you are 1/2 way through the billing month you will only get 35 megs, then pay much more for the excess you use.My month starts on 17th,so make sure to ask.
Regards Philip A
AnswerID: 298724

Follow Up By: Cape York Connections - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 18:26

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 18:26
Thanks phillip for you prompt reply.

I gave had my phone for about 15 months or so and I probably got the cable and disc.
Na wouldnt have a clue were they are.
What price would I expect to apy for the 70mb pack/m
Can open and close that pack for when you are away and not.

Many thanks
Eri
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Reply By: Philip A - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 18:38

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 18:38
Have a look at this PDF page 32.
Its about as clear as mud, but you will have to talk to Telstra to clarify the charges for you.
http://www.telstra.com.au/customerterms/docs/dataservices.pdf
Have fun. It will be a learning experience.

Regards Philip A
AnswerID: 298728

Follow Up By: Cape York Connections - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 18:52

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 at 18:52
Thanks phillip should be good reading 216 pages .

All the best
eric
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