Whirlpool

Hello,

Please help a newbie here. I recently bought a Sierra Wireless AirCard 880U USB modem for the full price ($349), but didn't sign up for a contract. Instead I've been using it with a prepaid NextG SIM card on a data plus pack bundle and it works nicely that way.

Now I need to travel overseas and am going to use it with a SIM card from British T-Mobile operator. That's how I discoverd the modem is MEP-locked to the Telstra network. The generic Telstra support line diverted me to the unlocking department.
I called the unlocking line (1300720179) and gave them the device's IMEI number. After being transfered back and force between BigPond support and the unlocking dept I got a definitive answer they can't unlock wireless modems at all. It's also impossible to return the modem for a refund. I called them several times and eventually the answer was the same.

Is their statement true? Did anyone manage to unlock any BigPond modem? I googled to see if some of those online unlock sites or eBay traders can do that. Seems they can only unlock a US Cingular device (881U), but no one can unlock the Telstra 's 880U.

There has to be a way to legally unlock that modem for a fee with Telstra. Maybe someone know how to get in touch with the right person in Telstra, a phone number or email? The unlocking and BigPond support lines prooved to be uselss.

Thanks a for any advise!

I do belive that you cannot unlock the device

Ganelon writes...

There has to be a way to legally unlock that modem for a fee with Telstra.

There is for the Telstra branded devices that you pay full price for.
The BigPond branded cards are heavily subsidised over their actual full retail value (hence the 12 month minimum contract).
If BigPond did offer an unlocking fee it would probably be $360 but they don't even bother since it's not worth the support time and they are even reluctant to allow BYO modems for the plans anyway.

Unless someone can confirm otherwise the Telstra branded devices are handled by Telstra Mobile and they can offer an unlock service, but the IMEI of your device is handled by BigPond and when you approach them they'll tell you to sign up to a contract or get lost.

If you really wanted an unlocked device then why didn't you BUY an unlocked device???? There are plenty on ebay (which are often cheaper than the subsidised modem you bought from BigPond).

davmel writes...

There is for the Telstra branded devices that you pay full price for.
The BigPond branded cards are heavily subsidised over their actual full retail value (hence the 12 month minimum contract).

I've paid the full outright price of $349, that's about USD $310. Compare to Sierra Wireless selling the same class retail unlocked devices for USD $319: www.sierrawireless.com/e...U=1100629&CID=19
Do you consider the Telstra-braded device is really heavily subsidised for that price?

If you really wanted an unlocked device then why didn't you BUY an unlocked device???? There are plenty on ebay (which are often cheaper than the subsidised modem you bought from BigPond).

If I knew it'd be locked, I'd shop online. A guy at Telstra shop who sold me it told it'd work with other networks. Now may be he meant roaming, although I'd put my question pretty clearly. Bloody Telstra. Can someone suggest a way to file an official complain with them?

Ganelon writes...

Do you consider the Telstra-braded device is really heavily subsidised for that price?

Yes, go ask what the outright purchase price is for the Telstra branded version (without a contract). I believe the RRP is around the $600 to $700 mark.

Oh, and I found the price to unlock a Telstra branded mobile card - $27.50
It's on page 79 of this document:
www.telstra.com.au/custo...dataservices.pdf

davmel writes...

Yes, go ask what the outright purchase price is for the Telstra branded version (without a contract). I believe the RRP is around the $600 to $700 mark.

It's still the fact I just bought it in store for $349 without any contract. What would that price be.

Oh, and I found the price to unlock a Telstra branded mobile card - $27.50
It's on page 79 of this document:
www.telstra.com.au/custo...dataservices.pdf

Thanks for the link indeed. I spoke to BigPond again and pointed to this, nevertheless they just can't unlock. Maybe if I was on a contract they would but I could not get a hold of a supervisor either to confirm this. At this point I think my only option is to sell it on eBay for a loss as I'm flying back home soon.

Ganelon writes...

It's still the fact I just bought it in store for $349 without any contract. What would that price be.

Thats a subsidised price, you are meant to sign up for a Bigpond contract when you get home by installing the CD and setting up an account, not use it for use on Telstra Mobile's network as you (and myself) have done.

The full price is over $600 from memory, the link you provided to the AC875U card is an older card with different specs (it's not 7/2 capable)

I also would like this unlocked as I am travelling soon but the only places I could find that unlocked it were the 881U which seems technically identical (just a different part number for the US network it is used on) - I have emailed the site to see if they can unlock the 880U about 2 weeks about but no response. It may be worth a shot for about $US40.

Ganelon writes...

It's still the fact I just bought it in store for $349 without any contract. What would that price be.

You purchased a network locked device for $349, in the same way that a network locked pre-paid mobile costs significantly less than an unlocked version of the same model purchased outright.

If your going overseas - use an unlocked mobile phone (one that supports a PC - ie 6120C or N95-3 or A412 or similar device)

davmel writes...

If you really wanted an unlocked device then why didn't you BUY an unlocked device???? There are plenty on ebay (which are often cheaper than the subsidised modem you bought from BigPond).

Can you _do_ that, then connect to Bigpond wireless? If that's true it's well hidden by BP. Even other vendors were telling me I _had_ to get the MAXON.

Nick

OldNick writes...

Can you _do_ that, then connect to Bigpond wireless?

No, but you can connect it to Telstra Mobile Broadband.
If you really want a BigPond service as opposed to a Telstra Mobile service then you have to sign up on a contract and purchase a minimum $249 hardware bundle to use the supplied USIM in whatever unlocked or Telstra network locked hardware you choose.

Ahah! Thanks. I wondered after I posted if we were talking mobile stuff, not "relocatable" <G> Dang! These terms.

HOWEVER.

You seem to be saying that the MAXON MODEM supplied is locked, but that there are others into which I could place the SIM, and use other wireless networks.

AFAICS the SIM is non-removable. I was told by Telstra support that it was non-removable. I do see a little yellow button that looks as if it should allow removal, but when I tried, nothing happened.

Nick

there is no way to unlock a BigPond HSDPA device and buying one of eBay wont work either as there is no way to register a byo device to any account it must be supplied by BigPond
Hope this helps

moose80 writes...

there is no way to unlock a BigPond HSDPA device

Thanks guys for sharing your ideas. I still believe unlocking is possible, I just can't find the right person in Telstra support. Here's why I think it is:

www.telstra.com.au/busin...ardgtexpress.htm

Look at the fineprint at the bottom:

"2. Unlocking fee applies."

This is for a different card, but the rules should be consistently the same.

I know I can use an HSDPA phone abroad. I just regret I can't use this nice HSUPA modem for its upload caps abroad and that I wasted $$$. I'm off for a long stay.

OldNick writes...

AFAICS the SIM is non-removable. I was told by Telstra support that it was non-removable. I do see a little yellow button that looks as if it should allow removal, but when I tried, nothing happened.

You've tried pushing the SIM in to eject it?
If all else fails you can always use a pair of tweezers or narrow nosed pliers to get it out since it's not glued in.

Telstra = Telstra
BigPond = BigPond

As far as every tech support person for BIGPOND is concerned, you can't unlock that device and you can't try switching Sim cards.

Good luck though.

Nick
Get a pen or other pointy instrument and push the yellow button in and the black case that holds the sim will pop out. If it does not, you have not pushed the button all the way in.
Once you have the sim out, you may find it is locked to that particular piece of equipment. If you know how to unlock the sim for use in another modem, please tell me.
Ta
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