Prepaid usb modem, opinions please.

Submitted: Monday, Mar 30, 2009 at 18:05

ThreadID: 67339 Views:4770 Replies:10 FollowUps:3

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kidsolo

Hi guys, nice forum.

I am taking a van to the Tamworth region for a few weeks and need internet access for my laptop. I was looking at an Optus prepaid wireless USB account because they have a bigger data allowance for the price compared to Telstra.
What I would like to know is, are the USB modems strong enough to pick up a signal 12k out of Tamworth?
Is there a better option? I already have a home internet account with Internode and don't want to start a new contract with another ISP just for a few weeks of use a year.
Is prepaid my best option considering my use? I want to do more than check emails, I want to surf the net etc.

I read a post on here about a wireless modem, but would I need a 12 month contract for that option?

any feedback welcome.

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Reply By: DIO - Monday, Mar 30, 2009 at 18:16

Monday, Mar 30, 2009 at 18:16

You could try the local Mcdonalds Restuarant or Public Library for free access.

AnswerID: 357078

Reply By: Member - Warfer (VIC) - Monday, Mar 30, 2009 at 18:20

Monday, Mar 30, 2009 at 18:20

***Optus prepaid wireless ***

I have this and unless you are in Suburbia forget it,and even in some areas around there you will get non connections and frequent drop-outs..Optus hav a picture on there site that givs a rough coverage area..

Telstra nextg is the way to go so i am told..There is heaps of info if you search..

Cheers

AnswerID: 357079

Reply By: Rossc0 - Monday, Mar 30, 2009 at 18:27

Monday, Mar 30, 2009 at 18:27

Hi

I think it would depend on where the 12km out of Tamworth is.

According to the Optus Coverage Maps

the coverage in that area is quite good.

I have a monthly plan with dodo (which connects through optus and the modem is the same as the optus prepaid) and the most common place I use it is 25km from the closest optus tower. However it's line of sight ie no hills/buildings/etc in the way. It's only sitting on the desk beside the laptop, no external aerial although it can be used with one.

Whereas I can not use it at home as there is a great big hill in the way and I'm closer to the optus tower at home.

If I remember correctly the optus tower in Tamworth is on the hills to the north of town, so if you can see them then you should be ok.

Cheers
Ross

AnswerID: 357082

Reply By: kidsolo - Monday, Mar 30, 2009 at 18:36

Monday, Mar 30, 2009 at 18:36

The place I am looking at staying at is Kootingal. has anyone had a problem with reception there?

AnswerID: 357084

Follow Up By: kidsolo - Monday, Mar 30, 2009 at 18:40

Monday, Mar 30, 2009 at 18:40

Also telstra is $40 for 300 MB, compared with Optus $40 for 2 GB.
Are there any ISP's that provide a monthly wireless contract in that area?

FollowupID: 625160

Reply By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Monday, Mar 30, 2009 at 19:27

Monday, Mar 30, 2009 at 19:27

Have a look on EBAY there are cheap prepaid modems from both Telstra and Optus on there remember its not much good having a 20 gig allowance if there no reception.

Cheers

AnswerID: 357092

Reply By: Best Off Road - Monday, Mar 30, 2009 at 20:22

Monday, Mar 30, 2009 at 20:22

No need to buy a modem.

Most modern mobile phones can be used as a modem. With Optus you pay $20/month (turn it on and off month by month as you need it) for 1 gig.

You get ADSL/Broadband speed anywhere you get mobile phone coverage.

Regards,

Jim.

AnswerID: 357109

Reply By: Holden4th - Monday, Mar 30, 2009 at 20:42

Monday, Mar 30, 2009 at 20:42

Kootingal (a great little town BTW) will have full coverage of the major Telcos. Just get the best deal - I've heard that "3" is very competitive but can't be sure. One thing you can be sure of is that Telstra will be close to the most expensive.

AnswerID: 357115

Follow Up By: kidsolo - Monday, Mar 30, 2009 at 21:44

Monday, Mar 30, 2009 at 21:44

thanks.
"3" has some great deals, but most people say their coverage is mainly metropolitan areas.

If you are sure "3" covers kootingal I might give them a shot.

FollowupID: 625219

Follow Up By: get outmore - Tuesday, Mar 31, 2009 at 07:13

Tuesday, Mar 31, 2009 at 07:13

even at the 3 shop they told me it only works in most parts of metro areas.

Great deal though $40 per month for 6 gig. I signred up after telstra slugged me $120 for 1 month of DIAL UP!!!!!

FollowupID: 625270