Whirlpool

Hi All,

iPrimus is pleased to announce the release of Speedster, iPrimus' 3G broadband plans with no excess usage fees!

Please see our Press Release below:

MEDIA RELEASE August 27, 2008
For immediate release

iPrimus Launches Speedster – Australia’s First Capped Price Mobile Broadband Service

iPrimus today launched iPrimus Speedster, Australia’s first capped price high speed mobile broadband service, to meet burgeoning demand from customers for mobile connectivity. iPrimus Speedster allows customers to access the Internet on the go without being tied to a fixed line and without having to be concerned about excessive download charges.

Primus Australia CEO, Mr Ravi Bhatia said: “We at iPrimus are leaders in introducing competitively priced high quality services and Speedster is yet another example of the value that we bring to consumers in Australia.”

“Today’s consumers want the freedom to be online at any time and the existing mobile broadband pricing packages have potential risk for excessive and unexpected download charges, often amounting to several hundred dollars in a month,” continued Ravi Bhatia.

Speedster removes the risk of receiving unexpected large bills by including 6GB of data for $39.95 per month, with a free modem on a 24 month term, as a September special offer. When a customer’s monthly data allowance is reached, the connection is rate shaped for the remainder of their monthly billing period and the charging meter stops. The access speed is automatically restored and the data meter is reset at the beginning of the next monthly billing period.

“In our experience, 6GB of data allowance per month is more than sufficient for an average internet user. If a customer requires additional data in a given month, it can be easily purchased via their account toolbox so there are no surprises on their bill at the end of the month,” said Andrew Sims, General Manager Products and Marketing, iPrimus.

“For customers that need a little more data allowance, we are also offering a 12GB plan, which is currently the highest data allowance offered by any service provider for this product in Australia,” Sims said.

“In addition to quality and price benefits of iPrimus Speedster, our customers also enjoy arguably the best technical help desk and support in Australia with the introduction of online iPrimus Live Chat capability. We can confidently state that iPrimus Speedster now offers the best value package to mobile broadband users in Australia,” concluded Mr. Sims.

ENDS

Prices:

1gb – $19.95*
5gb – $39.95*
12gb – $69.95*

Special Offer From September 1st.
$39.95 for 6gb with a Free Modem!!

[(Data allowance includes both Download and Upload usage. Connection speed is reduced to dial-up speeds once allowance is reached. Top-ups may be purchased on this service.

Modem fee is $5.00 per month or $220.00 outright

* Bundled price when bundled with one of the following services (stand-alone price add $10.00 p/mth
- Residential Telephony Plan (Primus Value or Family. No HomeChoice/HomeCap), or
- Residential Mobile Plan (Selecta, Cap Plans with ‘yes’ Time™ and MobileCap plans

Bundled price not avaliable with HomeChoice, HomeCap telephone plans, Go-Low mobile plans or Standard ADSL/DSLPlus or ADSL2+ Plans)

Maximum download speeds on 3G/HSDPA are up to 3Mbps. Based on network testing, customers can expect speeds between 512kbps and 1.5Mbps. Actual speeds will vary and may be slower. Many factors affect speeds such as your distance from the mobile tower, the capacity and load of the mobile tower, which bearer you are currently using (GSM, 3G/HSDPA), your hardware and software, the source of your download, and general internet traffic. The service is subject to network availability.

Mіck writes...

Prices:

1gb – $19.95*
5gb – $39.95*
12gb – $69.95*

that is better value than your normal adsl plans :-(
If you live in a good enough area it might be better to get it almost
I wonder if this will get on the front page of whirlpool

hmm.

schweet

Who wants Speedster when we can't even stay connected for over 24 hours without being kicked off?

Heard about this from a mate. This is great! I've been wanting to get wireless for a while but have heard nightmare stories of being slugged by excess usage charges! Good onya iPrimus!

How come this new product isn't news on the Whirlpool front page? Its all Internode, Internode, Internode? What's going on? I thought this was an unbiased forum?

burgermonster writes...

How come this new product isn't news on the Whirlpool front page? Its all Internode, Internode, Internode? What's going on? I thought this was an unbiased forum?

A request has been submitted to Whirlpool http://www.whirlpool.net.au/news/?action=submit and if news worthy I would assume be put on the front page. ISP reps don't have control over what is on the "Industry News" section.

burgermonster writes...

Its all Internode, Internode, Internode? What's going on? I thought this was an unbiased forum?
checks to see if anyone is looking...

have you heard about GUWPCT I believe it is real do you
http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/?tag=WP_GUWPCT

What network does iPrimus use?

They're just a reseller or do they have network now?

Cheers WTW

burgermonster writes...

How come this new product isn't news on the Whirlpool front page?

It is. I just got home from the dentist!

lol I feel sorry for the dentist... he hasn't seen the front page :)

are these on contract? Can it be used on a 3G enabled phone (does this need a SIM card)?

Mіck writes...

We can confidently state that iPrimus Speedster now offers the best value package to mobile broadband users in Australia,” concluded Mr. Sims.

No it isn't. Only for 12GB plan.

For 1GB Three is still the best value at $15 and it can be on a month to month plan.

I hope iPrimus is really for the flood of complaints from customers who don't get speed anything like 512Kbps at peak times.

If a customer requires additional data in a given month, it can be easily purchased via their account toolbox so there are no surprises on their bill at the end of the month

This is an excellent idea.

Which modem is it? $220 seems a bit expensive if its the E169.

Australia's second capped price mobile broadband service – although I highly recommend you due to your prices, Virgin Broadband beat you to the mobile 3G cappingness game. :)

WTW writes...

What network does iPrimus use?

It's using the Optus network but at a layer 2 level, much like wholesale ADSL, only 3G Wireless =D

So because we can get the data to the user like we do with wholesale ADSL, we can price it like wholesale ADSL.

DogGunn writes...

Virgin Broadband beat you to the mobile 3G cappingness game.

My wife has a Virgin 3G wireless dongle (came with her $80 cap) and I found it to be pretty average speed and quality wise, especially compared to our speedster product.

Rory McMahon writes...

My wife has a Virgin 3G wireless dongle (came with her $80 cap) and I found it to be pretty average speed and quality wise, especially compared to our speedster product.

I'm just wondering how that is so, since they both run on the Optus network (Virgin being capped) – I'm guessing different APNs?

Is it possible to give us a speed test to compare?

DogGunn writes...

Is it possible to give us a speed test to compare?

Should be able to do that, I'll get back to you.

Rory McMahon writes...

My wife has a Virgin 3G wireless dongle (came with her $80 cap) and I found it to be pretty average speed and quality wise, especially compared to our speedster product.

This would mean the only problem Virgin/Optus have is their capacity onto the rest of the internet. I find this hard to believe as this is far from the weakest link. Tower congestion and backhaul from the tower would be the biggest problems which is something iPrimus can do nothing about.

Mіck writes...

Speedster removes the risk of receiving unexpected large bills by including 6GB of data for $39.95 per month, with a free modem on a 24 month term, as a September special offer.

So, regardless of when the product is purchased, these plans are going to stay capped beyond the limits.

The free modem on a 24 month contract, is what model exactly?

Is there any minimum contract period (if you don't choose 24 months to get the free modem)?

Alternatively:
Can you byo modem?

Rory McMahon writes...

It's using the Optus network but at a layer 2 level

Does that mean that static IP is an option too? If so, could it be provided at no additional cost?

what's up skip writes...

No it isn't. Only for 12GB plan.

For 1GB Three is still the best value at $15 and it can be on a month to month plan.

I hope iPrimus is really for the flood of complaints from customers who don't get speed anything like 512Kbps at peak times.

This is an excellent idea.

Which modem is it? $220 seems a bit expensive if its the E169.

I think you'll find the plans offer great value over the competitors, especially given the iPrimus plans don't charge for excess usage.

Download an extra 500MB when you've reached your monthly data allowance on an Optus or 3 plan and see if they offer better value against the iPrimus plans with their excess usage charges.

AndrewMc writes...

Mіck writes...So, regardless of when the product is purchased, these plans are going to stay capped beyond the limits.

The free modem on a 24 month contract, is what model exactly?

Is there any minimum contract period (if you don't choose 24 months to get the free modem)?

Alternatively:

Can you byo modem?

Rory McMahon writes...Does that mean that static IP is an option too? If so, could it be provided at no additional cost?

Plans remain capped for each of the 24 months of your contract – this is not one of those offers where we cap for the first month, it's ongoing.

BYO modem is something being looked into. Most people who have modems at the moment would be in contract and there is still some testing to do to understand what modems will work without any firmware updates or setting changes.

can it be used on my mobile phone? or need to use special moderm etc?

I think you'll find the plans offer great value over the competitors, especially given the iPrimus plans don't charge for excess usage.

Lots of people manage to stay within the limits of their plans. Sure shaping suits some customers, but on the 1GB plan the cost of shaping is clearly factored in. If you don't bundle then iPrimus is TWICE the price of Three. I know people who use the 1GB plan with Three as their home phone via VoIP, plus a bit of email and banking. They don't need a fixed line.

Revolver writes...

can it be used on my mobile phone? or need to use special moderm etc?

My crystal ball isn't working sorry...

What phone?

The answer will be yes most likely.

This is a fantastic plan for any ISDN user whom Telstra has decided to disconnect at the end of the year..I don't have Optus 3G coverage yet but am supposed to sometime next month...Also the congestion problems in the cities should not happen in the rural areas..

I will be seriously considering this 12Gb plan..Even the 6Gb would do me most months..

The plans arn't even up on the website yet:S?

shaunf writes...

Revolver writes...can it be used on my mobile phone? or need to use special moderm etc?

My crystal ball isn't working sorry...

What phone?

The answer will be yes most likely.

The answer is yes if you just want data, but if you want a mobile phone number that can receive calls and you can make normal mobile phone calls on (such as Three and Vodafone do) this is a different matter. From what I understand Optus do not currently offer this type of service, but that doesn't mean they can't offer it via iPrimus.

I have
1 x Blackberry 8820 <-- i think its only 2G?
1 x HTC TYTN II – <-- HSDPA

if i can connect using my mobile phone, thats great news!

what's up skip writes...

From what I understand Optus do not currently offer this type of service, but that doesn't mean they can't offer it via iPrimus.

Optus don't offer what? A voice service, with a data bundle attached? Of course they do .. it's just a rip off.

shaunf writes...

what's up skip writes...From what I understand Optus do not currently offer this type of service, but that doesn't mean they can't offer it via iPrimus.

Optus don't offer what? A voice service, with a data bundle attached? Of course they do .. it's just a rip off.

I am not talking about a voice plan. I am talking about a broadband plan that also allow incoming and outgoing calls.

I have internet and land line with iprimus, and four mobiles with telstra. For that, Telstra give me a single point of contact small business account rep.

This would almost be enough to get me to consider switching everything to iprimus. (even my foxtel IQ Platinum if that could be done). Of course, I would be looking for extra benefits. (Don't we all) Telstra account rep has already called to say can he evaluate my iprimus bills to convince me to switch. How do I trigger Iprimus to sharpen their pencil as well.

Our business sales guys work with you to tailor a plan suited to your needs. Whim me your details if you like and I'll get someone from corporate sales to give you a call tomorrow and see what they can offer :-)

what's up skip writes...

I am not talking about a voice plan. I am talking about a broadband plan that also allow incoming and outgoing calls.

Huh?

From a technical viewpoint, I see no difference between a 'voice plan that offers data' and a 'data plan that offers voice.'

The difference is purely a commercial matter – the carriers are currently trying to make life hard by applying much higher prices if you combine voice and data rather than keeping them separate. However, I feel that competition will see this barrier fall quite soon – there are hints of that happening already.

Dear Primus reps,

Maybe I'm blind – I can't find anything about this terrific offer, let alone the fine print, on the iPrimus website.

Can you please provide the relevant URL?

Hey Cable,

You're not blind :-) The plans were only announced yesterday and they're not on the website yet. It will be updated shortly.

If you are getting slow speeds on optus currently will iprimus be slow aswell ?

And do you shape traffic on any protocols ? mainly P2P

I'll soon be moving to an area that has no ADSL, but Optus has just upgraded their local tower to 3G standard.
For me, this iprimus plan is wonderful news, but I'm anxious to know if static ip addresses will be available. I rely a lot on using my ftp server for my work and have found dynamic dns to be quite unreliable in the past.
Does anyone know if static ip will be available?

doesnt seem to be listed on their website as yet ?

holeycow writes...

Does anyone know if static ip will be available?

No, Speedster doesn't offer a static IP.

We've created these plans to cater for the large amount of people who are sick of exorbitant excess usage prices. If you are happy to use 500MB per month and not hit your excess usage, then that's fine – but we have received a lot of feedback from concerned wireless customers, and that's why these plans have been created.

I like it! These plans are well priced and the fact that I'm not going to have to sell a kidney if I make a mistake and go over the limit is really appealing to me.

will a bundle option also be available with these plans ?

trevagreene writes...

will a bundle option also be available with these plans ?

The prices listed are the bundled prices (1Gb for $19.95, 5Gb for $39.95, 12Gb for $69.95). These are the prices when bundled with a standard residential telephony plan (Primus Value or Primus Family), or a residential mobile plan (Selecta plans, cap plans with 'yes' time, MobileCap and Go=Low plans).

If you want the product unbundled (or bundled with a different product, like a HomeChoice telephone plan or a standard broadband plan), then just add $10 to the monthly price.

It says here -->> http://apcmag.com/Content.aspx?id=2867

iPrimus has announced it will offer 1GB ($29.95), 6GB ($49.95) and 12GB ($79.95) mobile broadband plans over the Optus network, using the familiar E220 USB soap-on-a-rope modem from Huawei.

Is this true about the E220??? The E220 only does 2100 which means anyone on the 900Mhz network will not be able to connect..

What modem is being offered the 2100MHz only E220 or the 900/2100MHz E169

Edit: Now don't tell me that only now iprimus have realised that the E220 that Optus no longer sells won't work on the vast majority of Optus's network???

..RC.. writes...

["It says here -->> http://apcmag.com/Content.aspx?id=2867

iPrimus has announced it will offer 1GB ($29.95), 6GB ($49.95) and 12GB ($79.95) mobile broadband plans over the Optus network, using the familiar E220 USB soap-on-a-rope modem from Huawei."]

so does that mean my mobile phone wouldnt be able to connect?

great this is just going to put more pressure on the falling optus 3G network

QwertyMicah writes...

checks to see if anyone is looking...

have you heard about GUWPCT I believe it is real do you

http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/?tag=WP_GUWPCT

I think I'm being followed. There are geeks in dark glasses and cheap looking ill fitting leather trenchcoats everywhere... Been having trouble with my PC all day... Simon is watching... Simon is watching...

Tim Love writes...

Go=Low

Didn't one of the first posts specifically say that the mobile plan options didn't include Go-Low, just as some of the line rental options are not suitable?

AndrewMc writes...

Didn't one of the first posts specifically say that the mobile plan options didn't include Go-Low

That's right – sorry – you don't get the $10 bundle discount on the Go-Low plans because the Go-Low plans are only $10 :-)

I just had a chat about this with the Mobiles manager who advised that the MobileCap plans (without 'yes' time) do not offer the $10 discount either.

DogGunn writes...

I'm just wondering how that is so, since they both run on the Optus network (Virgin being capped) – I'm guessing different APNs?

Virgin caps their Virgin Broadband at 750kpbs. iPrimus isn't capping theirs.

..RC.. writes...

Is this true about the E220??? The E220 only does 2100 which means anyone on the 900Mhz network will not be able to connect..

Bugga.
I was getting excited about these plans, but when the Optus network comes to our town next year, it will be 900MHz.

If you are getting slow speeds on optus currently will iprimus be slow aswell ?

And do you shape traffic on any protocols ? mainly P2P

Shouldn't this thread be placed in the mobile Carriers

OzWolfbane writes...

And do you shape traffic on any protocols ? mainly P2P

No, the only shaping we do is if you exceed your download limit.

By the way, the Speedster plans are now on our website – http://www.iprimus.com.au/PrimusWeb/HomeSolutions/Mobile+Broadband+(3G)/

All the plan details, terms and conditions and a coverage map to see if it's available in your area.

Great, the reps for the service refuse to answer my question but I bet they love the publicity they are getting....

Is iprimus using the 2100 only E220 modem or the 2100/900 E169????

Kea writes...

Shouldn't this thread be placed in the mobile Carriers

It depends on how you define "mobile." If "mobile" refers primarily to voice plans then the answer is no. OTOH, if mobile refers to all forms of communication plans, then I guess the answer is yes.

I personally think the thread should stay right here – there's no Primus sub-group in the Mobile section.

..RC.. writes...

Is iprimus using the 2100 only E220 modem or the 2100/900 E169?

I would like to know this too.

Tim Love writes...
All the plan details, terms and conditions and a coverage map to see if it's available in your area.

The coverage maps seem to show only the Optus 2100 state capitals network – not the extended 2100 network and no 900MHz network, although "Future wireless broadband" is referenced on the maps, coming in December 2008.

From this I infer that the modem is the E220 and presumably Primus will not be getting access to the extended Optus 2100MHz and 900MHz networks until late in 2008 at the earliest.

Sorry for the delayed response RC – it's only the E220, the sims are encrypted and can only be used in the Primus supplied E220's.

I suppose the obvious question is why use an out of date modem and restrict the number of customers you can get...

All I can see happening is the Optus 2100 network is already groaning under the weight of their customers but the places where the network is not having any problems ie the 900 areas is being neglected...Telstra must be laughing their heads off..

Tim Love writes...

Sorry for the delayed response RC – it's only the E220, the sims are encrypted and can only be used in the Primus supplied E220's.

"Encrypted" SIMs?

Why does Primus want to prevent the use of its SIMs in other devices?

Are you in effect saying that if I were to purchase a non-network locked 2100/900 HSPA modem outright from Huawei, my Primus SIM would not work in it (because the SIM is "encrypted")?

Does anyone else "encrypt" their SIMs? I've heard of device locking before, but never encrypted SIMs.

Tim Love writes...

Speedster plans

If you are getting slow speeds on optus wireless currently will iprimus be slow aswell ?

Tim Love writes...

it's only the E220, the sims are encrypted and can only be used in the Primus supplied E220's.

$220 is very expensive for an out of date and locked modem that will never work on the extended (900MHz) network, doesn't feature a diversity antenna nor have an external antenna socket.

This iPrimus offer is good with its pricing and shaping, but it has many limitations and two years is a long time to be locked into pricing.

..RC.. writes...

I suppose the obvious question is why use an out of date modem and restrict the number of customers you can get...

because Optus, like Telstra wants to make the most profit on the very expensive new expanded (900MHz) network.

and are uploads counted ?

Yes they are.

Quick question for a rep to answer – is there a trial period where if the user can terminate the contract if the service is not up to speed (similar to the trial period that Virgin Broadband has)?

If so, I would be interested to give it a try.

Horry writes...

Why does Primus want to prevent the use of its SIMs in other devices?

Because they will make more $$$ off you! since you will have to buy Primus devices off them :)

EDIT: It also gives customer support less of a headache since everyone would be using their supplied device :)

Other than that, there is no reason to lock it!

What is interesting me is they are using what I gather is an inferior modem with an "encrypted" sim.

I wonder if this is to try and avoid the problems that Virgin are experiencing?

Apart from wanting to know if freezone content is also free on the new Speedster plans, I would like to find out if they somehow connect to a different (forgive the non technical term) broadcast/frequency/channel type thing. Thinking in terms of radios etc.

If not I dont know how the already congested Optus network is going to handle all folks such as my self jumping at the idea of 12GB shaped (with maybe freezone :D).

KopyKat writes...

What is interesting me is they are using what I gather is an inferior modem

I guess they or Optus don't want access to all the people on the 900Mhz 3G network.. Quite strange that you would cut yourself off from so many potential customers..

If not I dont know how the already congested Optus network is going to handle all folks such as my self jumping at the idea of 12GB shaped

I don't think it will...The 2100 is already oversubscribed, I originally assumed iprimus was reselling over the whole optus network and there would be far less congestion problems on the 900 than the 2100..

Lets see what Vodaphone beings to the table...

Can a repl please answer this question :

If you are getting slow speeds on optus wireless currently will iprimus be slow aswell ?

..RC.. writes...

I guess they or Optus don't want access to all the people on the 900Mhz 3G network.. Quite strange that you would cut yourself off from so many potential customers..

I doubt that is the case.

Just because we're currently selling the 2100mhz model doesn't mean we won't change to another model in the future to support 900mhz

OzWolfbane writes...

If you are getting slow speeds on optus wireless currently will iprimus be slow aswell ?

Depends on the cause, no way to say for sure.

If a customer of ours complains of slow speeds and we've completed all the troubleshooting steps, then we would report it to Optus and I don't think it'd be unreasonable to expect them to investigate it and fix it in a reasonable time frame.

Rory McMahon writes...

Just because we're currently selling the 2100mhz model doesn't mean we won't change to another model in the future to support 900mhz

So what would be the reasoning for locking customers to that particular modem?

Perhaps it is to force people to pay $5 per month for an old style modem?

EDIT: Sorry to come across as acusatory, I just re-read the my post. Just a little frustrated that the plan and company that seems to have everything for me has this huge setback.

I really appriciate your ever helpful and positive input in the forums Roy :)

Revolver writes...

Because they will make more $$$ off you!

No they won't.

since you will have to buy Primus devices off them :)

They can force that without "encrypting" the SIM.

EDIT: It also gives customer support less of a headache since everyone would be using their supplied device :)

They could just refuse to provide "support" for other devices.

Other than that, there is no reason to lock it!

My post wasn't about device locking. It was about SIM is "encryption" (whatever that actually is).

The cancellation fee is $55, plus pro rata cost of modem if not bought outright..is this correct?

Any rep there to answer this 'cancellation' question??

Anthony-W writes...

The cancellation fee is $55, plus pro rata cost of modem if not bought outright

Yes, that's correct.

Bump -

Quick question for a rep to answer – is there a trial period where if the user can terminate the contract if the service is not up to speed (similar to the trial period that Virgin Broadband has)?

Sounds interesting how is it comparable say to a wired connection? I know I'm always told to use wired over wireless...

Mіck writes...

If a customer requires additional data in a given month, it can be easily purchased via their account toolbox so there are no surprises on their bill at the end of the month

I am quite interested in this – the iprimus website lists the top-up options as 1GB for $5.95, 5GB for $24.95 & 10GB for $39.95
If this is the case, it's better value than the original data allowances, which seems unlikely.

Any clarification?

That's interesting.

bwg writes...

I am quite interested in this – the iprimus website lists the top-up options as 1GB for $5.95, 5GB for $24.95 & 10GB for $39.95

I think you will find that is a mistake. Those rates appear to be top-ups for standard broadband product. I can see where you got the information by clicking on "things you should know" and the link in there, but I still think it is an error.

AndrewMc writes...

Those rates appear to be top-ups for standard broadband product.

The top-up prices are the same for both standard broadband and Speedster products.

Tim Love writes...

The top-up prices are the same for both standard broadband and Speedster products

Okay, well that means that you might be better off buying a 6GB plan at $39.95 per month (bundlesd or unbundled, same price) and adding a further 10GB if required (on occasion) at $39.95 — that would give you 16GB for $79.90 with a minimum commitment of just $39.95, rather than going for a 12GB plan with a monthly cost of $79.95 (short 4GB).

The biggest limiting factors are a modem that is only capable of using the 2100 band, so no benefit from 900 towers at this time. The E220 is also limited to 3.6mbps whilst the E169 does up to 7.2mbps and both frequencies. The encrypted SIM is also a concern as you couldn't use the SIM in a standard mobile or other device if there is occasion for when that might be a good idea.

Edit: I would be very concerned about leechers getting these types of plans though, that is another very big consideration.

Horry writes...

Why does Primus want to prevent the use of its SIMs in other devices?

Maybe its in order to stop people from putting the SIMs into mobile phones and using VoIP on the mobile phones. (iPrimus sells mobile phone plans, and may not want to give their customers the option of making cheaper VoIP calls on mobile phones.)

I hope that the other telcos don't start following iPrimus' lead ...

hmmm this is VERY tempting for my not long to live isdn... although a byo modem option would be better, or at least the E169.
If they had byo modem or E169 i would sigh up today, i dont feel like paying $200 for a modem i wont be able to use on half the optus network.

And am i corrent in reading its only $55 to terminate the contract early (apart from any modem costs)... then again the modem will be useless for any other provided by the sounds of it...

edit: also there was talk of a free modem on the $39 plan eairler in the thread... thou i cant find any mention of it on their web site.

2nd Bump -

Quick question for a rep to answer – is there a trial period where if the user can terminate the contract if the service is not up to speed (similar to the trial period that Virgin Broadband has)?

Mako writes...

edit: also there was talk of a free modem on the $39 plan eairler in the thread... thou i cant find any mention of it on their web site.

If you go to www.iprimus.com.au there is a flash ad on the front of the site advertising it... There are 3 ads in rotation on the site at the moment... ADSL2+, Big Kahuna and Speedster with free modem on $39plan and the extra gig from 5 to 6gb... you might need to hit refresh a few times till you get that ad.

defined writes...

is there a trial period where if the user can terminate the contract if the service is not up to speed

No, we don't have a 'trial period', however if you receive it and can't get the minimum speed (512kbps) in your area, then the contract is void. It's best to check the coverage map before ordering to see if your area is covered.

Thanks Tim.

Hi ppl, I've been trying to help my sister get a cheap and reliable broadband (yea... and so is everybody else... I know...) over in Melbourne but since I'm not staying there, I need your help.

She says her area has ran out of nodes... which meant her options are very much limited now. Apart from wired... is 3G the only option left? (for SOHO, light user, I'm guessing 4-5GB package is enough for her)

Are there any subscribers of Speedster 3G in Melbourne over here? Near LaTrobe Uni, Bundoora? If there is, I'll be most grateful if you could share your experiences with the above service.

Thanks in adv! :)

Hi limsy, you might want to ask people with either the Optus Wireless Broadband or Virgin Mobile Broadband products in terms of their coverage around the area that you're asking. This product I believe is using the Optus 3G network.

As mentioned couple posts above, it seems like iPrimus has something to guarantee a minimum speed of 512kbps which is faster than the lowest ADSL speed (256kbps) so you'll be better off.

What you also might want to ask around is for people using 3G phones for internet access around the usage area. Since this is a new product for iPrimus you'll probably not get a response to anyone with the specific product at the location.

i was just wondering whether this is compatible with a macbook from 2006. my sisters under the impression that she cant get it on a mac

justine89 writes...

compatible with a macbook from 2006

You'd need to specify what operating system version is running on that macbook.

prk.

We are interested in your 6GB plan, we need to keep our current phone number because it is connected to a medical emergency service. Is this sevice bundled? what are the phone rental, local, etc charges, how may phone call are free? EG Telstra offers 50 free local calls month etc. Can it caryy VOIP/SKYPE? any chages for this? Any discounts?

hamy writes...

We are interested in your 6GB plan, we need to keep our current phone number because it is connected to a medical emergency service.

Speedster is 3G Broadband only, it can't be used to make or receive phone calls.

Is this sevice bundled?

Like our other broadband products, the lower price is given when you bundle it with another service, if you don't bundle it, the price is $10 more on most plans.

what are the phone rental, local, etc charges, how may phone call are free?

Rates are diferent for each kind of plan, if you're looking for home phone rates they're at the following link.

http://www.iprimus.com.au/PrimusWeb/HomeSolutions/HomePhone/

and Mobiles are here

http://www.iprimus.com.au/PrimusWeb/HomeSolutions/Mobiles/

And VoIP rates are over here

http://www.iprimus.com.au/LingoWeb/Call+Rates.htm

Though we're out of ATA's and are preparing to launch a new range of hardware for VoIP, so you probably won't be able to signup for Lingo right now.

Can it caryy VOIP/SKYPE?

Yep.

any chages for this?

It would use up some of your quota, but no no charges.

Any discounts?

There's the bundle discounts I mentioned earlier, and there is a sale on the 6 gig speedster plan at the moment.

http://www.iprimus.com.au/PrimusWeb/HomeSolutions/Mobile%20Broadband%20(3G)/Overview?utm_source=HomePage

Cheers,

Rory

hamy writes...

6GB plan

It looks like the 6GB doesn't need to be bundled at all and there is no price difference either way.

Can it caryy VOIP/SKYPE?
Running Skype is a big data risk, although maybe not as much of an issue with shaping. Skype is proprietory and when you accept their terms and conditions, you are allowing them to use your Internet connection as they see fit — definitely not recommended. Real standards based VoIP is the way to go.

Provided the service is up to scratch, normal standards based VoIP should be fine — it is just almost 'just another data product'. There is no requirement to use any particular provider's VoIP services, unlike dialup, you can use multiple VoIP providers on the same connection at the same time.

Rory McMahon writes...

Speedster is 3G Broadband only, it can't be used to make or receive phone calls.

Yes it can, if the 3G service is up to scratch VoIP can be used from any number of providers.

You may be able to get away with using a 3G modem through a router such as the Netcomm N3G002W — this will allow you to use any number of ATA devices behind it for VoIP and in such cases, you won't even need to have your PC or laptop turned on at all.

With the billing I noticed that Direct Debit is proffered as the method of payment *dances due to no credit card*.

Is anyone able to clarify whether it is a direct deposit into their account or they take it out of yours?

Sorry for the need for clarification, accounting was never my strong point ;)

KopyKat writes...

With the billing I noticed that Direct Debit is proffered as the method of payment *dances due to no credit card*.

Is anyone able to clarify whether it is a direct deposit into their account or they take it out of yours?

Sorry for the need for clarification, accounting was never my strong point ;)

AFAIK Direct Debit = they debit your account.

Direct Debit is when your nominated bank account is debited automatically on the due date, it's not a direct deposit into our account.

Ah thanks for the clarification Tim, I think I spoke to you on Live chat about Speedster being included in the unmetered content.

You were very informative, so thank you very much for that. :)

Will be ordering my 6GB plan in the next few days.

Rory McMahon writes...

Just because we're currently selling the 2100mhz model doesn't mean we won't change to another model in the future to support 900mhz

Question for Rory or a rep to answer – Please be serious, is iPrimus going to support 900Mhz any time soon? I'd sign up now if you were supplying a modem that supports 2100/900Mhz.

After getting screwed over by the telstra/bigpond isdn changes and no real affordable/equiv option, I also would sign up today if there was a modem for the 900mhz areas.

Any idea when/if they will eventuate?

Is it possible to buy another modem and use it with your plan?

I also read there were new plans coming out soon is this correct?

pab768 writes...

is iPrimus going to support 900Mhz any time soon?

We're looking in to this and hope to offer a 900Mhz model soon, but at the moment it would be inaccurate to provide a lead time on this. Stay tuned :-)

GT writes...

Is it possible to buy another modem and use it with your plan?

No, at the moment we're only supporting the E220.

I also read there were new plans coming out soon is this correct?

The plans with no excess usage charges are out now. You can view all of our Mobile broadband plans on our website. Also for September only you can get the 6Gb Speedster plan for $39.95 (bundled or unbundled) and a $0 modem.

I also will be signing up when/if a 900MHz modem gets released...

Tim Love writes...

Also for September only you can get the 6Gb Speedster plan for $39.95 (bundled or unbundled) and a $0 modem.

I guess that whenever iPrimus supports a 900Mhz modem, we will miss out on this September special of a good price and free modem.

pab768 writes...

I guess that whenever iPrimus supports a 900Mhz modem, we will miss out on this September special of a good price and free modem.

That would be my assumption.

That's why I signed up earlier – good price for 6G and a free modem.

If I want to buy a different modem off iPrimus later for 900Mhz it doesn't really matter, as I haven't paid anything for the free E220 :)

Of course it helps that I mostly roam around areas covered by 2100MHz, so I'm fairly happy with the product as is and don't need 900MHz 3G for it to be useful.

prk.

PRK writes...

If I want to buy a different modem off iPrimus later for 900Mhz it doesn't really matter, as I haven't paid anything for the free E220 :)

not much good to me if I can't access 2100Mhz in my area – only 900Mhz. I don't want to pay for service that I can't use. It may be next week that iPrimus offer a 900Mhz compatible modem, or it might be 3 months????

Another question for rep to answer – can VoIP be used. Customer service at iPrimus says it