Whirlpool

I was searching dse, and came across this

http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/48bfd0310ec46474273fc0a87e010713/Product/View/E8851

Simply plug and play

Get High Speed Broadband with no monthly commitment
Recharge your Virgin Prepaid Mobile Broadband using the same Virgin Mobile Prepaid Voucher
Pay $179 Today and get 0.5 GB* to start using the Internet.

*Note: Conditions Apply

Does anyone have further details on this, might hold off getting optus wb until this is out

According to that page,

Out of stock, due 26-Sep-2008, we will backorder for you and despatch asap.

Maybe its a new product not out yet?

There were some recent changes to the "my account" section of the virgin site that were mentioned in another thread regarding prepaid bb. I'd say DSE have jumped the gun.

Tried to load the catalog. Will go to DSE if I have the time Sat and
see what the deal is

Cheers

Dave

Dave Lister writes...

Tried to load the catalog.

The page has been removed. Obviously got onto the website prematurely.

Reneke writes...

I'd say DSE have jumped the gun.

it was in the DSE powerhouse catalog i got in the mail today – no details though

Very good deal this is. Can't wait to jump on.

They use Optus 3G Towers right?

Advert: http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/8615/vpbb1ci9.jpg
Fine Print: http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/4562/vpbb2hb6.jpg

Crappy Optus/Virgin network reliability and support, but no mention of Telstra-style excess usage fees or Optus-style 10MB increment billing. Device is locked to Optus network; other than that, yay for the apparent lack of scheming to screw the customer.

– aNt – writes...

good deal this is. Can't wait to jump on.

They use Optus 3G Towers right?

And thats exactly why its NOT a good deal. The Optus 3G network is overloaded and unreliable. And Virgin get the leftovers after Optus customers are taken care of.
And why no 365 day expiry for only a couple of gb? Now that would really be useful.

Wonder if they'll have any sim-only packs like Optus.

twistynoodle writes...

Advert: http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/8615/vpbb1ci9.jpg
Fine Print: http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/4562/vpbb2hb6.jpg

Thanks for the scans.

Nothing in the DSE catalog at www.dse.com.au yet (according to that advert, the DSE catalogue number is E8851.)

Nothing on www.virginbroadband.com.au either – despite the words in the fineprint that say the device will be available from 12 Sept (ie yesterday) and that full info is at the quoted Virgin website.

However, twistynoodle is definitely onto something – for the curious, the DSE Powerhouse catalog can be downloaded here: http://catalogues.dse.com.au/imageicon/DSE/Prod/J00002932/C_001/DSE_PROD_J00002932_C_001_R01.pdf

The Virgin dongle is on page 7, the fine print is on page 15. It's not clear about how much data is included with the initial modem purchase.

I guess the good news is that there's a $100/8GB option, good for 90 days. Equivalent to $12.50/GB – not such a bad price. Pity about the Virgin reputation for terrible service. However, the pricing will help to pressure competitors into lowering their prices. There's also a $15/1Gb option – handy for keeping the SIM 'alive' at modest cost if you are only an occasional user.

The $50 for 60 days is the cheapest keep alive option and enables someone to test the water
to see if the service actually works in their street before committing to a VBB@H Service and
changing numbers

Another option is a $99 unlimited service mobile, if that is the way that you want to travel, combined
with the lozenge modem.

As usual on WP there will be issues as the internal aerial is rather small,
which will bring many hours of advice on how to bring a weak signal to life.

This will probably be the use of a wok parabola, some string or tape to secure the modem
along with a hole for the USB cable.

Another issue may be USB which can be a bit finnicy at times.

Any price estimates for a 2rd hand modem?
That is if Virgin will allow the service to be
transfered.

Dave Lister writes...

The $50 for 60 days is the cheapest keep alive option

$50 for 60 days equates to $25 for 30 days. Therefore the $15 for 30 days offer is the cheapest keep-alive option isn't it? (Albeit with significantly less data.)

anyone knows whic modem comes with it?

d03j writes...

anyone knows whic modem comes with it?

they only have Huawei E169's

affable writes...

And Virgin get the leftovers after Optus customers are taken care of.

Just like Memory IS RAM, Virgin IS Optus.

saw the ad in the dicksmith magazine. Does anyone know if you will be able to add prepaid data to a prepaid mobile account?

One question about this. Say if I don't top up the 3G for a while, will the SIM expire?

– aNt – writes...

One question about this. Say if I don't top up the 3G for a while, will the SIM expire?

You do realise that the product has not yet been released, and no-one here knows anything about it?

Jack J. Kanski writes...

You do realise that the product has not yet been released, and no-one here knows anything about it?

Sure about that? /forum-replies.cfm?t=1032758

It'll be exactly the same.

– aNt – writes...

It'll be exactly the same.

No, it's commercially different.

Example data packages:

Virgin PPB:

USB Modem: $179 (not clear about how much data comes with it)

$15 – 1GB – 30 days
$30 – 2GB – 30 days
$50 – 5GB – 60 days
$100- 8GB – 90 days

Not clear if there's an SMS allowance.

Optus PPB:

$30 – 2GB – 30 days – SMS Allowance: 15
$40 – 3GB – 30 days – SMS Allowance: 20
$50 – 5GB – 30 days – SMS Allowance: 25
$70 – 6GB – 60 days – SMS Allowance: 30
$100- 9GB – 60 days – SMS Allowance: 60

There are also likely to be some technical differences between the two offers, eg the APNs will most likely be different.

500mb

Virgin's Website now includes the Pre-paid wireless broadband package.

iTwire has an article Virgin’s new pre-paid broadband makes Optus’ look lame which was posted in the other thread that was deleted.

It is actually charged per byte, not per 10MB. Not sure if Optus will do anything about that, as they use the Optus network, which really sucks, as I just bought my Optus modem the other day...

the thing is that the modem you buy with them is locked to the Optus network, meaning a Virgin SIM will work in my Optus modem, so the option to move should be open (assuming Virgin offer a sim pack only)

You should make sure virgin doesn't slow down (shape) your prepaid wireless connection. Would be interesting to see some speed test comparisons between Optus and Virgin at the same location/time.

JoshHendo writes...

a Virgin SIM will work in my Optus modem, so the option to move should be open (assuming Virgin offer a sim pack only)

Yep, $10 gets you a SIM starter kit with 500Mbytes over 30 days.

Here is the link to the sim card only, BYO modem page: ($10)
https://www.virginmobile.com.au/shop/p-421-byo-modem.aspx

A lot of the links on the site seem to send you round in circles. Not that I am going to buy it but just to help anyone else if they are looking for it.

Edit: I think this page isn't meant to be released yet!
"Note to Self: Broadband speeds are available with a compatible modem in areas covered by the Optus 3G/HSPA network. See virginbroadband.com.au/byo for more info & to check your coverage.
(This would replace this line only: "USB modem provides broadband speeds in areas covered by the Optus 3G/HSPA network." All other T&Cs would still need to be included."

haha :)

Ordered the BYO sim pack online. Per-byte billing should be nice, will report how it goes in comparison to the Optus branded prepaid. Hopefully the activation is a lot nicer.

The usb modem is now available at some DSE Powerhouses but no sign of the SIM-only pack at DSE.

http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/48cfa95812b96820273fc0a87e0106ed/Product/View/E8851

I work for DSE.

WE got the into store adverts for it.

Its charged by the byte (rather then 10mb blocks).Modem is the same as optus,
1gb is $15
2gb $30
etc

There will be a byo modem sim kit for those who want to use there 3g phone (or another type of modem. I spoke to the girls at the virgin shop in the CBD, they know of it, but are unsure when they can start selling it. In the next few days.

The sim starter packs I dont think will be sold at DSE... way I say that. because there isnt any listing for it on our pos.

cable99 writes...

Virgin PPB:

USB Modem: $179 (not clear about how much data comes with it)
Half a gig

Its charged by the kilobyte

Yep I'm in too with the BYO sim.

Adam writes...

I spoke to the girls at the virgin shop in the CBD, they know of it, but are unsure when they can start selling it. In the next few days.

I made a couple of inquiries yesterday, myself. The couple of Virgin stores I rang in NSW didn't have the modems nor the SIMs and indicated they should have stock by the weekend. Allphones were in a better position and had stock of the modems, but the SIMs were due tomorrow (i.e today) or the next.

My Optus Prepaid runs out on Friday, so I have followed Loofa's footsteps and ordered mine online, after all delivery is free. Also like Loofa, I'm praying activation is easier than Optus, after all I don't want to have to change my name by d-poll again, just to sign up.

Not sure if shold be here, or in the "3" forum – but here goes.

I have two USB modems with "3" – an E169G (which I use) and a spare E160G. My children are looking to use Optus Pre-paid BB, or more likely Virgin Pre-paid BB.

My question is, can the E160G be unlocked from "3" and then purchase a SIM pack from Virgin and they use that to get limited internet. They are in Pakenham (Vic) so they can't use "3" – No 3G coverage.

topcat1 writes...

Virgin's Website now includes the Pre-paid wireless broadband package.

As others have stated, the page looks a bit like premature enunciation with its references to Optus LOL.

I tried to sign up for the Huawei 169 with 500 MB online, but the shop's page gives, among its three options, none that really describe my situation:

No, I'm not a new customer (1) nor am I seeking to upgrade my current plan (3). That leaves Option 2 – but why does it offer me a new mobile number to go with the prepaid plan? I'm hardly likely to use the computer as a mobile...

Tried to check it with Virgin but gave up after 15 minutes on the phone.

Does anyone know if you can buy the modem _without_ getting a new mobile number?

Thanks for any comments,

LMH

carioca writes...

No, I'm not a new customer (1) nor am I seeking to upgrade my current plan (3). That leaves Option 2 – but why does it offer me a new mobile number to go with the prepaid plan? I'm hardly likely to use the computer as a mobile...

The prepaid SIM card will have a mobile number associated with it, despite the fact you are only going to be using it for data. This is the same for the optus SIMs

CL0SeY writes...

The prepaid SIM card will have a mobile number associated with it, despite the fact you are only going to be using it for data. This is the same for the optus SIMs

Thanks CLOSeY. I can now order with confidence... (I could always stick the uSIM into another mobile, I assume).

Cheers.

LMH

i have a question. If i get the $10 sim with 500mb download, if i go over the 500mb limit, is is then shaped to dialup speed, or are there excess fees. Because i am thinking of getting this, and since i have an old phone which does GPRS, it wont matter if i am shaped or not.

wlu writes...

is then shaped to dialup speed, or are there excess fees.

It just stops and doesn't let you in :). Just like any prepaid service.

wlu writes...

i have a question. If i get the $10 sim with 500mb download, if i go over the 500mb limit, is is then shaped to dialup speed, or are there excess fees. Because i am thinking of getting this, and since i have an old phone which does GPRS, it wont matter if i am shaped or not.

I doubt it, the whole idea of prepaid is once you use your credit (or data), thats it, you cant use it until you top it up again....so there is no shaping, or excess usage fees etc.

As with your phone, the sim card probably wont work in it if its a 2g phone...if you want to use your phone to surf the net, you will need a 3g phone for sure.

Will this product be speed capped like the desktop modem service to 700 kilobits or is it uncapped at the full HSDPA network speed (like the optus one) on the cell your connected to?

Mr Nanoband writes...

Yep, $10 gets you a SIM starter kit with 500Mbytes over 30 days.

If the starter kit gives you 500MB for 30 days for $10 and the minimum recharge is $15 for 1GB, it would be better for anybody using less than 500MB in a month to get a new starter kit each month.

Hi All,
My regular ISP played up a bit lately, so when I saw the DSE advert I couldn't help myself and went and grabbed one of these as a second connection and for holidays.

I purchased it on Monday 15th and tried to call and activate it, the virgin staff had no idea and eventually told me it wasn't even launched yet... (DSE ad said 12th...). Furthermore, the website had no details whatsoever :(

I called again on Tuesday and while on hold, eventually found how to do it online (via "My Account", hardly intuitive, there are no links suggesting that new users should go there to activate).

The modem then worked fine. There was initially a captive-portal which asked a few questions. After filling that out, I found that I was still 'captive', but after a disconnect and reconnect, I could surf freely.

I am in the south of Canberra and seem to get good HSDPA reception. While I havent used it much yet, it feels pretty good. Latency is quite high(bad), but throughput is also high(good). Feels like 512 ADSL I guess, but a bit slower due to latency. More than adequate as a backup IMHO.

I do have the following questions I can't seem to find the answer to though:

1. Excess usage charges? no mention, so I guess it doesn't exist. Given that I doubt it would be shaped, I guess it just cuts you off. I wonder if you can still access virginbroadband.com.au after your data expires so you can top-up online? anyone have any idea?

2. How long can you keep the account with no credit? i.e. if I don't top up for 6mnths, will I lose my account? or can I just top up again and away I go? How does that work with virgin pre-paid phones btw? maby its the same deal.

Dave

Received the SIM only pack this morning.
First impressions? Packaging was a little over the top :P
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/8120/dscf0812nf3.jpg
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/1863/dscf0813op3.jpg

Loofa writes...

Packaging was a little over the top

Ha ha, that's a good one...thanks for posting that pic!!

elrond writes...

Its charged by the kilobyte

It is actually charged per byte, which is even better :)

I guess one question is, does the modem supplied work on the Optus 900MHz network?

Loofa writes...

Packaging was a little over the top :P

You've made me smile.....nothing like being environmentally friendly! It would have been cheaper to send it via Aussie Post!

Spot the catch:
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/489/virginbbusageqm3.jpg

So it's not as fast as Optus, though 512k still isn't too shabby for mobile net. The better deal (smaller minimum recharge amount, sane usage billing) might still make this more attractive than Optus.

That and well, Optus isn't exactly well known for it's network to be that quick anyway so how much speed you lose might also be negligable compared to the Optus product.

Edit:
Also I should mention that Activation was an absolute breeze. Logged into their site (from my own net), activated the SIM. Didn't have to wait at all before I could connect, was redirected to activate an email address loginy thing. Then disconnect/reconnected and everything was working. If only Optus were that simple.

Loofa writes...

That and well, Optus isn't exactly well known for it's network to be that quick anyway so how much speed you lose might also be negligable compared to the Optus product

I know this is a Virgin thread, but you guys do know that Tel$tra also now have a pre-paid option and from what I've read, while its more expensive than the Optu$ or Vegan one its not that much more expensive. And, unlike the Optu$ network its fast and ubiquitous. Just another option to consider.

(Now back to my escape to real ADSL plans...)

Dumb question... I'm pre paid with virgin mobile with a 3G phone ( Nokia 6300). Can I buy this product and then link my phone to my laptop and surf or do I need to buy a modem?

Fechin writes...

Dumb question... I'm pre paid with virgin mobile with a 3G phone ( Nokia 6300). Can I buy this product and then link my phone to my laptop and surf or do I need to buy a modem?

There's nothing technically to stop you.
Realise though that the prepaid BB service will be on a different SIM card, so you'll need to swap them around when you want to use the internet.

Loofa writes...

Spot the catch:
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/489/virginbbusageqm3.jpg

How did you get to that?
I can't see any usage meter in "My Account" at virginbroadband.com.au.
Thanks,
Dave

What an absolute waste of money and packaging

No wonder it costs so much for Internet if this is how they send it too you

sdog writes...

How did you get to that?
I can't see any usage meter in "My Account" at virginbroadband.com.au.

http://mybroadbandusage.virginbroadband.com.au/

For those guys that have got this already, can you tell me if you are able to receive mobile calls with this SIM card in a 3G phone? Do they even mention what mobile number is attached to the SIM in the packaging?

Sure, except I don't have a 3G phone so I tested with an old 2G phone.

I could:

• Receive a call.
• Receive an SMS.
• Send an SMS(?!?!?)

What I could not do:

• Make any outbound calls.
• Receive any response from SMSing "BAL" to 225. (Experimenting to see if there was some sort of balance for SMS's)

The mobile number is on the outside of the SIM pack, at the back.

Loofa writes...

First impressions? Packaging was a little over the top :P

Yeah, lol. Ingram micro always send stuff in a way too big sized box. Even if it is like a usb flash drive or a ms office cd pack, you get this giant box.

Loofa writes...

Spot the catch:
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/489/virginbbusageqm3.jpg

So it's not as fast as Optus,

I don't know why they put 512 on that. It says it for my home broadband too but i regularly get around 650.

Got my box today. Registered online and activated the prepaid sim.

It appears to be able to send and receive SMS messages ok. I have tried the card in my Merlin U630 PCMCIA card but cannot connect. Maybe the signal is too low or it doesn't support the frequencies. It will only do UMTS on 2100 Mhz and GPRS on 900,1800 and 1900.

I am thinking of buying a ZTE F252 as it has HSPA on 2100 Mhz only.

Wish me luck...........

"Mobile number" is attached to the packaging of the Huawei 169 modem. Conditions of use preclude putting SIM in mobile or using the 169 on another computer, I gather...

rgds,

LMH

shorty1234 writes...

I have tried the card in my Merlin U630 PCMCIA card but cannot connect.

Make sure your client is using PAP.
When my linux machine was attempting CHAP it would not show any obvious signs of failure because it was CHAP, but it would mysteriously hang and not connect. Forcing PAP fixed this.

UMTS 2100Mhz is fine but if you were getting anything new I'd look for something that can operate on 900Mhz as well for Optus' newer outer suburban coverage.

Loofa writes...

Also I should mention that Activation was an absolute breeze. Logged into their site (from my own net), activated the SIM.

Absolute mess for me, Huawei 169 arrived at lunchtime today, plugged it in and spent a few minutes on the activation phone line from where I was shunted into a 20 minute holding pattern after adding a technical question...

While on hold, I activated the modem via my existing DSL connection but found it would not connect. I played around with a few parameters but was stumped by the Username and Password fields.

So I rang again but while on hold followed the oft – and loudly – repeated advice to unplug the modem, wait 30 sec and plug it in again. This immediately threw up a blue screen of death!

I restarted the computer and lo and behold, the VirginMobile app was now able to connect. I had set the Huawei to go for UMTS only and saw 4-5 bars in the signal icon. Fired up Chrome and was automatically taken to the Activation site, filled in my details again – and became stuck in a loop, with the activation screen returning time and again until I gave up and quit the browser.

Surprise #3: in the Virgin app, upon clicking connect, a pop-up window told me "you can't connect without registering with a network operator" or words to that effect... and there was no way to select a valid operator in the relevant screen, e.g. ticking 'manual selection' and letting the Huawei find YesOptus, only do fail authentication then, as expected...

Surprise #4: Yes, the Huawei does have the MicroSD slot so it cannot be the 169G model some other poster mentioned.

Quick question: while connected in between failed attempts, the statistics screen kept showing a tiny amount of upload going on, perhaps some sort of 'stay-alive signal'? Did anyone notice that, too?

Cheers, looking forward to more hours of wireless fun!

Cheers,

LMH

carioca writes...

Fired up Chrome and was automatically taken to the Activation site, filled in my details again – and became stuck in a loop, with the activation screen returning time and again until I gave up and quit the browser.

I don't think I would be using a beta version of a very different browser for this important function.

Will an Optus sim work in the Virgin E169? I have an E220 on contract with Optus but would like to upgrade and Virgin sell them cheaper than Optus.

Loofa writes...

UMTS 2100Mhz is fine but if you were getting anything new I'd look for something that can operate on 900Mhz as well for Optus' newer outer suburban coverage.

Thanks for that info.The Merlin PCMCIA card is working. I am typing this using Virgin Prepaid Broadband at 3G speed.

Total cost $10 for the card from ebay and $10 for the sim.

Better than a minimum contract for 24 months at a cost of $480.

Another happy camper.....................

"It appears to be able to send and receive SMS messages ok."

Wait a second, you can send SMS with this service? That's weird, I mean there's no money on the account, only data... so either they take data off for each SMS, or you can send unlimited SMS...

hey guys,

Is the virgin prepaid modem pack available at places other than DSE?

If I order online, how long would it take for me to receive it?

Cheers

cyberknutt writes...

I don't think I would be using a beta version of a very different browser for this important function.

Oh ye of little faith – using Chrome and VMBB @ 7.2 mb/s with HSDPA now, it let me online long enough to type this reply... Unfortunately, when I hit Post Reply an hour ago, the connection died on me — as it is doing just now! Where _does_ Virgin Mobile Broadband go when I'm not looking? Perhaps it just enforces a condition in the SFoA that forbids you sharing your experiences on a forum?! I'm going to save this with EverNote and post it using my DSL connection...

Cheers, LMH

EDIT: and that's exactly what I did, after the cagey little modem cut out at precisely the moment I hit the Reply to this post button... weird.

I'll have to give it a rest now, else my doting wife will hit me for crashing the computer just before her Friday night movie...

I must say, Virgin: I've had a lot less trouble just using my Nokia N78 as an OTA modem, with the same data allowance!

hmm I got my Sim yesterday and when ever I log in to the web site I get some crap error..

An Error Has Occurred!
We're sorry but there has been an error processing your request

Cant activate Sim, cant do anything really other then see my contact details.

nice.

Just means you need to get your hands on another virgin sim, you can get em from woolies for $2 or organize virgin to send you one out

killa_gorilla writes...

you can get em from woolies for $2

The phone SIM from Woolies (Safeway) would not work for the prepaid broadband.

further to earlier: this morning about 9.40 everything fell into place again, even my speed test was good, see http://www.speedtest.net/result/326131576.png

edit: as I type this, the modem drops from steady HSDPA to UMTS, then loses the network connection completely!

So I sit corrected lol

is it a software problem?

back to DSL then (have tried disconnecting the Huawei in its applet, when that didn't seem to work — continues blinking green twice — removed the modem thru XP's 'Safely disconnect USB' task)

lmh

does anyone know if you could put the sim in a iphone or other 3g device and add call and sms credit to it along side the data?

rick au writes...

does anyone know if you could put the sim in a iphone or other 3g device and add call and sms credit to it along side the data?

Unlike the Optus product, logging into the Virgin Mobile "My Account" section the service is clearly distinguished as Pre-Paid Broadband and will only allow you to recharge with data.

So no.

Sure will just requires you to call up and have it activated as a pre paid mobile broadband sim

Loofa writes...

logging into the Virgin Mobile "My Account" section the service is clearly distinguished as Pre-Paid Broadband

Not in my experience: my new prepaid mobile broadband plan is labelled "Mobile Broadband w/ 5GB" when I log in with the new credentials, and it shows minimal usage for yesty and today as I attempted to stay online from the Huawei.

Since I also have a 5GB/m data allowance for my N78 mobile, I wonder if Virgin is simply aggregating the two plans? Have e-mailed the support people...

Cheers,

LMH

Display Name writes...

Is the virgin prepaid modem pack available at places other than DSE?

If I order online, how long would it take for me to receive it?

hey guys, does anyone know?

Cheers

I'm in Brisbane and I got mine online and it was delivered in 24hrs which was impressive. HOWEVER I have not been able to activate it because the retarded virgin website doesnt work correctly.

I went to a Virgin store today only to be told by them, you'll have to call support.

Great, but I have better things to do then wait 40 mins on hold. (which I did and hung up in disgust)

Delivery = Great
Service = EPIC FAIL

Dirtbag writes...

Great, but I have better things to do then wait 40 mins on hold. (which I did and hung up in disgust)
Delivery = Great
Service = EPIC FAIL

So nothing has changed with Virgin. I know a lot of people here on this thread are very positive about the product and I'm sure the idea is fantastic, but you sure better get used to lousy service response times cause in over 13 months experience with Virgin, nothing has changed in this regards.

The best kind of support is the one that isn't required. That's how it's been for me. :)

Delivery for online order was no more than a business day later or so.

ordered Wednesday after 2pm, received Friday lunchtime. (300 km north of Sydney)
cheers

carioca writes...

Oh ye of little faith – using Chrome and VMBB @ 7.2 mb/s with HSDPA now,

Does your firewall tell you how often it "phones home" – even when the program is not running?

nope!

but talking of firewalls: when I fire up the Huawei software, up pops my Avira Premium update window and wants to do an update...

and you know what? same thing happens when I use the Nokia N78 as a modem! What a strange interaction of applets...

Cheers,

LMH

So can someone confirm...
If you hooked up a 3G phone with the virgin mobile broadband sim card in it, there is no need for the usb modem?
If thats the case whats to stop you going out and buying a cheap 3g handset and doing the sim swap and using that?

fotski writes...

So can someone confirm...
If you hooked up a 3G phone with the virgin mobile broadband sim card in it, there is no need for the usb modem?
If thats the case whats to stop you going out and buying a cheap 3g handset and doing the sim swap and using that?

I don't think there is anything at all stopping you from doing that ... :) Works with the optus pre-paid wireless thing so I don't see why not with virgin.

I have been playing with the prepaid sim in an unlocked Nokia 6288 and found that the Nokia browser works but Opera Mini doesn't. Also tried to use the Nokia PC Suite to use the 6288 as a modem but had the same error. On inspection I found that the APN on the sim is set to VirginInternet and NOT VirginBroadband. I have set up a Personal Account on the Nokia with the correct APN but it made no difference.

Maybe this is one way Virgin will stop people using their Mobile as a Modem.

Has anyone else had success in connecting using their Mobile as a Modem?

Update: Just discovered there is another area in the Nokia to set up the APN and now have Opera Mini working. Will try Mobile as Phone tonight.

shorty1234 writes...

Has anyone else had success in connecting using their Mobile as a Modem?

yes ive been using it for two days in a nokia n91 as (ota) modem. I have not changed anything in the sim settings but did change the modem settings to virginbroadband rather than the virgin iternet . , intresting thing is i had to cancel virgin at home deal cos i only had one bar of service and it droped out all the time . n91 has 6 full bars of service all the time and not one drop out "yet" .

For $10 i thought is was worth a shot . One thing ive notice is my account says im on 5g plan and expires in a month ( the 5g plan is meant to last 2 months ) .... i havent toped up yet so whats happening there ??

found that the Nokia browser works but Opera Mini doesn't.

Also i havent managed to just browse the web on the n91 on its own , ill play around a bit and see if i can get that working too

shorty1234 writes...

Has anyone else had success in connecting using their Mobile as a Modem?

Sure have, with my Nokia N78 – checkout the Nokia N78 general discussion. To sum up, it works just fine as an OTA modem with PC Suite and no real issues; good data rates, too...

Cheers,

LMH

FOr those of you that got this service working on their mobile, can you tell me if you had to complete the sign-in via a USB modem first? I bought the SIM on a BYO plan and don't have a USB modem, thinking I could just use my spare 3G mobile as modem, but am getting nowhere at the moment. Can't even login to see account usage, as I haven't been able to make a username yet....

Dirtbag writes...

Delivery = Great
Service = EPIC FAIL

The only reason delivery is great is that its outsourced to Ingrim Micro. Virgin service is just the leftover scraps from Optus. Virgin will never be as good as Optus, Telstra or Three while they sell leftovers.

shorty1234 writes...

On inspection I found that the APN on the sim is set to VirginInternet and NOT VirginBroadband. I have set up a Personal Account on the Nokia with the correct APN but it made no difference.

Does Virgin use a different APN for prepaid like Optus?

Display Name writes...

["Is the virgin prepaid modem pack available at places other than DSE?

hey guys, does anyone know?

available at places other than DSE?

Cheers"]

Hi,

On Sunday 21 September, I spotted K-mart at Westfield Marion had the leaflets for the Pre-Paid Mobile Broadband No Strings product. $179. (Stock not visible).

I have uploaded a link for the scan of the leaflet:
http://img143.imageshack.us/my.php?image=b1zb7.jpg
http://img184.imageshack.us/my.php?image=b2xg0.jpg
and you will notice it refers to Virgin Mobile Partners being:

Allphones, Big W, Coles, Strathfield, Dick Smith Powerhouse, Dick Smith Electronics, Woolworths, Safeway, Tandy, Kmart, TeleChoice, Target, Network * Communications and Australia Post.

Note:
This does not mean they have stock yet.

I have a Unlocked n95 8bg.. But I keep getting authentication errors?
I have setup a VirginBroadband APN , but there isnt a option to put the Authentication type as PAP, or put in a number of anytype

I normally connect via bluetooth to macbook and use my phone as modem with my optus sim ... works fine. Anyone have an idea about this?

Did I miss something here – this works on the new nation-wide optus 900Mhz & 2100Mhz 3g network, right?

Because – the actual website is contradictory. It mentions the optus 3g netwwork, only being available in most metro areas, the coverage checker is useless and the E-mail support is non-existant.

"Ring us". I E-mailed for a reason, idiot. :P

Adam,

I am having a similar problem with my unlocked Nokia e60 that I normally use as a modem with my Three service.

I have learned from Virgin Technical Support that part of the sign-up/activation process for this service is to create a username/email address upon first using the internet via USB modem on one's computer. I have a feeling that until we do that, none of our setting fiddling will work.

Does anyone have experience to refute or confirm this?

Prof Chaos writes...

username/email address upon first using the internet via USB modem on one's computer

no , if u have activated the sim card as soon as you have a working connection with your mobile as modem it auto redirects you to the username / email address page ...... I used my dial up to activate the sim than when i pluged my n91 in i did the rest .....got caught in a bit of a never ending loop for a while but all good .

Prof Chaos writes...

Does anyone have experience to refute or confirm this?

Yeap. The very first time I connected there was a captive redirect to a signup page where you accept some T&Cs and setup a username/password which you'll then later use to check usage and email.

However this was a purely layer 3 (IP network) thing – it shouldn't prevent you from connecting to the 3g/HSDPA network in the first place. Just getting internet connectivity.

Adam writes...

there isnt a option to put the Authentication type as PAP

Some how it needs to be set to use PAP. I fiddled for some time getting my (Linux) laptop to connect (using a HE220 modem, but the same principle should apply to your phone I think). It would connect, CHAP would appear to succeed however pppd would hang and not bring up any connection.

Once it was set to refuse CHAP and use PAP, things worked. Have you looked through the settings on the Mac for anything to do with authentication mechanisms?

roguesfan92 writes...

this works on the new nation-wide optus 900Mhz & 2100Mhz 3g network, right?

Definitely works on 2100Mhz. Can't say for 900Mhz as my HE220 doesn't support it and I wouldn't know where 900 is used anyway. But I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work on 900Mhz as well.

Prof Chaos writes...

Does anyone have experience to refute or confirm this?

Have signed up online from my DSL connection, then later from the modem was taken to the e-mail details page. Even received a welcome email from that site on my mobile this morning...

LMH

my mobile is still working great as a modem but i still cant get the internet working just on my mobile , soon as i goto browse it comes up as a packet data Auth failure . Any ideas ??? ive changed the apn to virginbroadband still no good

robr78 writes...

my mobile is still working great as a modem but i still cant get the internet working just on my mobile , soon as i goto browse it comes up as a packet data Auth failure . Any ideas ??? ive changed the apn to virginbroadband still no good

Check the authentication is set to PAP.

Loofa writes...

Check the authentication is set to PAP.

yeah thats the problem i think , i only have two options

normal
or
secure

tryied both with no luck

I'm trying this
Dont know if I barking up the right tree

http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20080911045249289

does anyone know what the billing set up is ??

I put the $10 sim in and its still going ..... if you run out of credit does it stop or do they just start you up on a data block and mail you a bill ??

Seems weird that i havent paid for any credit and ive used over a gig i was under the impression the starter sim only came with 500mb .

robr78 writes...

Seems weird that i havent paid for any credit and ive used over a gig i was under the impression the starter sim only came with 500mb .

I believe you are right. What does it say when you log into http://mybroadbandusage.virginbroadband.com.au/

There should be a "Remaining Prepaid Credit" field. Mine says 400.37, and I have used 99.64, giving an aggregate total of 500MB.

Can you guys who have VPBB working please post a few speed test results here from speedtest.net? Please note whether you are using the Virgin-supplied modem, an alternative dedicated modem or phone-as-modem.

Comments about ease of logging on, connection retention etc would also be appreciated.

Thanks

My broadband usage screen shows;

PLAN Mobile Broadband w 5GB

USAGE PERIOD 2008.09.19 – 2008.10.18

SPEED 512/384 kbps

INCLUDED DATA 5000MB

Does this mean I have 5000MB?

There doesn't seem to be anywhere on the screen to tell me what the balance is. I too haven't recharged the original sim.

shorty1234 writes...

My broadband usage screen shows;

PLAN Mobile Broadband w 5GB

USAGE PERIOD 2008.09.19 – 2008.10.18

SPEED 512/384 kbps

INCLUDED DATA 5000MB

Does this mean I have 5000MB?

mine says the same ....... im well over 1gb now so it didnt cut out at 500mb
it doesnt make sense beacuse even if they have put us on a 5gb block it would have to be 2 months usage not 1 . Lets see if they send us bills and expect a payment .

shorty1234 writes...

There doesn't seem to be anywhere on the screen to tell me what the balance is. I too haven't recharged the original sim.

It sounds like you on the normal mobile broadband. Expect a bill at the end of the month.

Bought the Prepaid modem pack from BigW ($179) five days back. Attracted by the fairer charging structure compared to the Optus product and not being locked into an ongoing contract. I'm also in rented looking to buy so PAYG makes sense for me.

Registered using an existing dialup connection, plugged in the modem and waited while the software setup did its stuff. On connecting was taken to a page to confirm details, setup a Virgin e-mail etc but on completion couldn't close this to proceed (loop) until I restarted the laptop and bingo broadband!

In all pretty easy apart from the loop thingy and the the contradictory instructions in the pack – the quick setup guide tells you to register by phone/online pre-use while the main guide implies you can connect by wireless to register after plugging in the modem.

Whats rather cumbersome is you sign in to "my account" using your phone number and a