Whirlpool

as from today online and in shops 29th next week – any modem free (Soap on a rope, Key or card)
$39 – 6Gb 2yr contract – ahh

http://www.three.com.au/threestore/mobilebroadband.xhtml

That seals the deal for me...signing up now

Ok I may be stupid BUT:

It's $39 per month over 24 months
$0 device monthly payment

How does this equate to $49 per month minimum spend? I assume this is just an error so I'm gonna hold off for now otherwise WTF??

peanart writes...

It's $39 per month over 24 months
$0 device monthly payment

But if you sort of round it up to the nearest $50 per month then the sums sort of work out. Who wants precision?

peanart writes...

How does this equate to $49 per month minimum spend?

Don't follow you here peanut
Where's the $49 come from??
Its not a phone plan its a data card/usb/key plan $39 6Gb

VoIP.ed (mr.wireless) writes...

Where's the $49 come from??

It is fixed today but yesterday the Terms and Conditions gave the total minimum cost over 24 months as $1216. It is now $936

VoIP.ed (mr.wireless) writes...

as from today online and in shops 29th next week

So it's only an "online exclusive" for the rest of this week?

Do you know when it becomes available through the 3 Direct call centre?

I have heard that the key gets better reception than soap on rope any clues on this.

Adero writes...

I have heard that the key gets better reception than soap on rope any clues on this.

It has two internal antennas (as opposed to the E220, which has one).

I don't know enough to explain why having two antennas would improve things (especially when they're so closely co-located), but it supposedly does make a difference.

Horry writes...

Do you know when it becomes available through the 3 Direct call centre?

29th July
The Key modem has 2 antennas which means more chance of picking up a signal – meaning you will get better performance in fringe coverage areas. Its called RX Diversity – whatever that means ?.

Now this is a great deal-breaker for me... was looking at the Virgin one with 5gb... The plus about that was the shaped speed... but then again their network is overloaded in some places.

The extra 1gb is brilliant :-)

Horry writes...

I don't know enough to explain why having two antennas would improve things (especially when they're so closely co-located), but it supposedly does make a difference.

Could it be one for transmit and one for receive?

cyberknutt writes...

Could it be one for transmit and one for receive?

I think it more likely that one is for 900MHz, the other for 2100.

I hope 3 will let existing users upgrade to this new plan.

Remember, it only is 6GB in 3G zone! That is what is stopping me from getting wireless internet with Three.

Hell, there are plenty of places in the Melbourne CBD where 3G phones like to drop to roaming, Melbourne University being the worst.

Pretty good deal imho if you can ensure you are always on 3G...

My connection is on the 3G HDSPA. Mind you, my other location which is just down the road had no network coverage at all. The other network is very close to a telstra exchange so I wonder if that is the culprit?

Adero writes...

I have heard that the key gets better reception than soap on rope any clues on this.

It is not as simple as one for transmit and the other for receive, nor is one for 900MHz and one for 2100MHz.

It uses some very fancy eletronics and engineering, that even with my 3 years studying physics at university 20 years ago I have great trouble understanding. It is the way of the future though.

I still wish Three had offered the other version of the E169 that has the external antenna connection (Optus have it). It is all a matter of cost though.

I was very interested until I read the fine print..

"3 Broadband Zone allowance includes combined upload and download data transfer."

so we are not getting 6GB download after all..

AshfieldStan writes...

I was very interested until I read the fine print..

"3 Broadband Zone allowance includes combined upload and download data transfer."

so we are not getting 6GB download after all..

Counting uploads and downloads is the norm for 3G ISPs, unfortunately. Some ADSL ISPs, including DoDo and Telstra do that too, which is why the Broadband Choice tool gives you the option of choosing plans which do or don't count uploads.

Its still the best 3G 6GB bang for your buck, notwithstanding counted uploads.

AshfieldStan writes...

so we are not getting 6GB download after all..

No-one said we were.

And for the life of me, I don't understand why this is so surprising. Does anyone seriously think they should be permitted to upload data, on an unmetered basis, over a 3G cellular network?

I was interested in getting this until I found out that it not shaped.

DopeyBloke writes...

I was interested in getting this until I found out that it not shaped.

Its a one or two click exercise with the software supplied with the modem to see how much data you have used during a month, providing you put it at zero at the end of each billing month.

On the other hand, if kids or not very responsible adults are going to be using the connection ...

AlexErko writes...

Its a one or two click exercise with the software supplied with the modem to see how much data you have used during a month, providing you put it at zero at the end of each billing month.

Except that it is very inaccurate.

cyberknutt writes...

Except that it is very inaccurate.

Its good enough to be used as a rough idea of data used, day by day.

But you have a point. So its vital to also look at your data usage updates in My3, especially once the software data figure gets to about ¾ of your quota.

New internet key released free on this plan Huawei E160G

Similar size to the E169G however this one features a micro sd slot and also the ability to support an external antenna. It is still plug and play for mac and pc.

Now that 6GB plan for $39 is even better value for money!

AlexErko writes...

Its good enough to be used as a rough idea of data used, day by day.

Not all the time – /forum-replies.cfm?t=1000827

VoIP.ed (mr.wireless) writes...

Where's the $49 come from??

It comes from the online ordering page. I have just started going through it, and it clearly states;
Internet Key
$0 on the $39
$49 minimum spend over 24 months.

Not sure on this either, so I am waiting until clarification is given.

keano1989 writes...

New internet key released free on this plan Huawei E160G

Huawei E160 seems to support Telstra's 850Mhz NextG – http://www.huaweimobile.com/en/minisite/communicasia2008/product/e160.html – but only 3.6Mhz download speed.

Edit: It seems that the E160G is the same as the E160 but it does not support WCDMA on 850Mhz or 1900Mhz – http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/forms/blobs/retrieve.cgi?attachment_id=940729&native_or_pdf=pdf

Further edit: On another Huawei website the E160 is described as "Smallest and slimmest of its breed, the innovatively designed E160 is a 7.2 Mbps HSUPA stick." – http://www.huawei.com/africa/en/catalog.do?id=661

bwg writes...

It comes from the online ordering page. I have just started going through it, and it clearly states;

Internet Key

$0 on the $39

$49 minimum spend over 24 months.

Yes it does for me as well.

I am on the $49.00 @6GB no plan purchased the modem outright (SOR). However i have suffered issues during peak times.

Would this new key be an improvement.

According to 3 o/s help centre NO.

What do you guys think
cheers

AlexErko writes...

So its vital to also look at your data usage updates in My3

If you don't mind getting an idea of where your usage was 3-4 days ago...

Three's reporting of data usage like many aspects leaves a lot to be desired.

Any existing users successfully transferred to the $39 – 6gb plan as yet? I tried today but no go. If not any ideas on when we'll be able too.

However i have suffered issues during peak times.

Would this new key be an improvement.

With out knowing the issues, probably no, but signal strength can make some difference if you have poor signal less than 3/5 bars.

what's up skip writes...

With out knowing the issues

I have 4-5 bars, however in the past very low upload speeds at peak times also varying speed tests.

3 and i have been loging the problem over 2months now. (i am being understanding as i dont have wires)no fx#^!n option as the opposition seams worse.

At the start 3 found there was a problem with a tower in my area 5033(no change noticed by me when fixed)

Yesterday 3 told me congestion has been a problem.
Big brother TV ? now its ended i will see if this improves.

bwg writes...

It comes from the online ordering page. I have just started going through it, and it clearly states;

Internet Key

$0 on the $39

$49 minimum spend over 24 months.

Not sure on this either, so I am waiting until clarification is given.

I called them the other day and it was basically an error. The girl I spoke to was quite helpful and said that there would be a recurring credit on each bill so you will only be charged the $39. I've noticed now that they've fixed it on the site though so the credit thing prolly doesn't matter now

hmm anyone know where to get an external anntena for the key? im on fringe area..

when and spoke to 3 about it they are going to clear there old stock first before the new ones get put out..

can anyone find the spec sheet, i want to arrange an external antenna as i am on a fringe area.

peanart writes...

I called them the other day and it was basically an error. The girl I spoke to was quite helpful and said that there would be a recurring credit on each bill so you will only be charged the $39. I've noticed now that they've fixed it on the site though so the credit thing prolly doesn't matter now

Thanks for the info. :)
I'm currently on the 5GB $99 half price deal from late last year, so I will definitely change to this new plan. Heck, at $39 it's nearly worth getting 2!

I use this as a substitute for the ADSL that we had at our previous address (I'm on a NO PORTS AVAILABLE RIM now), and am really missing the data allowance I used to get. 3 seems to be really pushing things along in terms of the wireless broadband competitiveness, hope they can keep it up. It would be nice to see the data allowances increase to the level of adsl plans. Shaped plans would be nice too, but that's probably too much to hope for given the way most mobile comms companies seem to operate.

mikwarleo writes...

If you don't mind getting an idea of where your usage was 3-4 days ago...

Three's reporting of data usage like many aspects leaves a lot to be desired.

I agree that it would be much, much better for 3 users to be able to see more up to date data usage figures.

If 3 really wants to make their users happy and keep them long-term, they should make sure that they fix that issue ASAP.

In the meantime, as I mentioned earlier, I will continue to be keeping a very close eye on my data usage, both in the software application and in the My3 totals, once it reaches about ¾ of its monthly quota.

Until things change with 3's data usage reporting for its users, anyone who thinks that they can squeeze every last MB out of their monthly data quota with 3, without risking being hit financially for going over their quota, is living in a fools' paradise.

AlexErko writes...

Until things change with 3's data usage reporting for its users, anyone who thinks that they can squeeze every last MB out of their monthly data quota with 3, without risking being hit financially for going over their quota, is living in a fools' paradise.

+1

And it won't be long til someone complain on this forum saying that they kept an eye on but did not include delay data usage which doesn't get updated till 24 to 48 hrs later.

Yaaa, i'm real happy dudes ! ONLY because, i got given a free/ex-used usb dongle (soap on a rope) modem from a friend, and i just signed up 2 weeks ago, on Three's $29 – 3 GB plan, they just gave me a Sim Card, and away i went very happy. All was great and great speeds outside of 5 – 12 pm were excellent and satisfactory in peak time e.g

on – peak time 5pm – 11 pm 200 Mbits – 700 Mbits
off – peak time 1am – 9am 1000 Mbits – 2350 Mbits

I easily got 2.1 Mbits sustained, on many tests @ off peak times, downloading from a iiNet test server, so i can really appreaciate what this 3G has to offer, it rocks !
i'm like a kid with a new toy, since my job requirements are to sit at a desk for most of the 12 hour night/shift, i'm so happy to get somthing of such good value and speeeeed, i can even play on-line Half Life mods, Like NATURAL SELECTION my favourite game, and maintain a stable 90 – 120 ping, and trust me i was able to make unwired work !
i just left them, and this is sooo much better/faster/lower ping/equal money spend. and for 10 bucks more $39 – 6 GB internet offer, i had to get it

any ways back on topic
then i saw this offer, and allmost kicked myself

i tried to upgrade to this plan an failed.

i went to Three store, were i got my original plan and they said, nope sorry, its an on-line offer only, can't upgrade nothing, locked in to plan.
Then i find out, i'm on a USim plan only, which meant i joined "out of contract" "already had dongle" Sweet so ill just cancel that soon, and sign up online, but i find out i need a credit card for on-line way, no problems i just rang customer care, Sales, and spoke to a nice fellow, and they allowed me to direct debit the $39 6GB plan out of my account, TY Stepen @ Sales, and He was really helpfull, and signed me straight UP on the spot !! TY Three for making 1 little nobody like me happy, and get this great offer. So now, i got a spare usb dongle, and waiting for the new "KEY" dongle to arrive on the NEW plan. :)

I'm on the $29 no contract plan with 3 and rang them up on Thursday, to see if I could get on this new one for $10. Alas, it's only for new signups, but the chick mentioned they will be rolling it out for anyone at the end of next month.

Davedude writes...

on – peak time 5pm – 11 pm 200 Mbits – 700 Mbits
off – peak time 1am – 9am 1000 Mbits – 2350 Mbits

lol fix up your units of measurement

i wish i could get 1000 mbits on 3!

Is it possible to sign up to the new 3 plans with a 3rd party modem e.g. the Huawei?

Has anyone done this if so whats the process and associated costs? I dont want a contract but am keen on exploring this further. Cheers.

yeah sorry bout that,

on – peak time 5pm – 11 pm 200 kbps – 700 kbps 24 KB/s – 80 KB/s
off – peak time 1am – 9am 1000 kbps – 2350 kbps 100 KB/s – 260 KB/s
i used Netpersec to give me live readings, in either bits or Bytes / per sec.

I'll be looking forward to comparing "KEY" modem to the "soap on a rope" modem.

edit* i shoud add i'm only testing Kings Cross "Coke Sign" Area 12 hour night shifts 7pm – 7am 3 days a week, then i browse Whirlpool 3G forums on the train on the way home :) , i hope 3G can be inside illawarra underground train lines soon ( redfern – kings cross ) but hehe . . its a big ask, and i know amazingly one day it will be, because i fume at bigpond adds in townhall for instance the boast 7.2 Mbps next G or whatever they call their same thing.

laters.

Davedude writes...

I'll be looking forward to comparing "KEY" modem to the "soap on a rope" modem.

Great i have been trying to find out how they compare.

3 response is the same.

Cheers

VoIP.ed (mr.wireless) writes...

as from today online and in shops 29th next week – any modem free (Soap on a rope, Key or card)

It's now possible for current customers to change to this plan online using My3 on the web (taking effect from the next bill period).

The ability to do so just appeared on my own My3 interface within the last hour or so.

just purchased 3's $39 6GB plan, origanlly ordered the E169 i think!! (the one that states 7.2 on 3 threes website) but got delivered the E160G intead – great start to our relationship 3 , just would like to know two things;

1) what are the differences between the two keys. which on is newer? Faster, "<BETTER>"????,

i have noe idea if i got ripped of or got a better deal, I origianlly picked the E169, for the faster speed, but there is so much conflicting info out there i have no idea which way to turn – please help

2) if i find that i would be better of having the E169 how much trouble am i going to have getting it replaced

if someone could enlightn me that would be great

Cheers

WarrickJ writes...

noe idea if i got ripped of or got a better deal,

You got the latest and the best deal
Both work at same speed – E169G capable of up to 7.2 but network is not set for that speed
E160g has 2Gb storage card – port for extra ant.

So the E160G is <BETTER>

Soap on a rope E220 works with my Router.

However the E160 is not supported yet .reply from Draytek.

If upgrading will the E160 be suitable to YOUR Router. Information Only

Straight to computer no problem.

My information so far.

My key just turned up at work so if all goes well I should have decent net connection within about 2 hours! I'm so excited, I haven't had stable internet since about October last year.
Now to get serious about cancelling my Virgin "connection"

peanart writes...

connection within about 2 hours

Which one the E160 or E169?

Adero writes...

Which one the E160 or E169?

Just opened it up, it's the 169.
I haven't really been taking any notice of the "which is better" posts so did I win?

peanart writes...

did I win?

Not sure yet.

Just to confuse the issue more. I think one of them has a G on the end meaning different specs.

having a seniors moment with all these different posts :-)

Adero writes...

I think one of them has a G on the end

Well mine is E169G to be exact, I was just too lazy to put in on in my last post :P

WarrickJ writes...

ordered the E169 i think!! (the one that states 7.2 on 3 threes website) but got delivered the E160G intead

Had similar experience recently which without exaduration took 6 hours to reverse. They did eventually reverse and offered a pultry $20 reimbursement for unused time/DLs. I'm writting letter to ombidusman.

I admit I am now actively gunning for three, I'll spare you further details. Just don't trust anything they tell you on the phone. Double check forums here if in doubt.

And get ADSL if at all possible. Personally I've got Exetel's naked DSL coming. Seems to be over 10x better value (60gb DL free UL) than the 3's 6gb plan +faster +more reliable. 6th most popular ISP iirc with whirlpool members.

mikwarleo writes...

And get ADSL if at all possible. Personally I've got Exetel's naked DSL coming. Seems to be over 10x better value (60gb DL free UL) than the 3's 6gb plan +faster +more reliable. 6th most popular ISP iirc with whirlpool members.

What is the point of comparing wireless with DSL or ADSL. 3 is still good value as a wireless ISP

I'm personally on the 1GB plan, brought my own wireless card (Option Globetrotter ExpressCard 7.2 MAX – http://www.option.com/products/globetrotter_express_72.shtml, running on ubuntu linux 64-bit), and i get about 2mbps as well in Brisbane, it works surprisingly well, very fast connectivity. Cheap and very convenient.

Worth getting. I'm not overly worried about roaming charges, i just lock it to 3G only.

mikwarleo writes...

I'll spare you details again, there's plenty of detail on this forum already.

Is that the case where they gave you a better modem than the one you ordered?

mikwarleo writes...

Case in point – you *can* change to the $39/6Gb plan, it's on my3, but the reps still say NO.

As I said on Monday:
/forum-replies.cfm?t=1018177&p=3#r46

And as someone actually did on Wednesday by calling "the reps":
/forum-replies.cfm?t=1022385&p=5#r92

Horry writes...

someone actually did

To clarify it depends who you get, that's the point.

zyrorl writes...

you're full of it, i've been with three for almost as long as i've been with my isp, 5 years now, and i've not been "royally f'd around at every turn".

I think Mikwarleo might be expecting wireless to perform as well, if not better, than ADSL. This may result in an attitude this gets the support staff off-side.

Telephone support takes skills at both ends of the phone. Some have it – others don't.

mikwarleo writes...

You're pure diplomat you are.

I think that was the point that the flying dodo was making. It pays to be diplomatic. It has worked for me.