Some of you may not know of this trick to save some money on Internet connection.
I have a Woolworths prepaid phone account that uses the Optus Network
Its a good deal at $26 per mth (with free everyday rewards card) I get $500 worth of calls
AND 5GB OF DATA with a 45 day expiry.
I realised that although I have an android phone I hardly ever used any of the data allowance.
So I set up a wireless connection between my phone and the Laptop and now have 5Gb of data for 45 days.
I am using it now and after comparing it with my USB stick it is much faster.
The upshot is I was paying $29 for 2Gb for 30 days for the USB connection which I have now saved and I get 3Gb
extra. You need a phone that can use the internet and the it's a bit fiddly to set up. You can use an open connection which
is unsecure for about 120 metres or preferably set it up as a secure connection. This should also work with Bluetooth if both the
phone and laptop have it but i have not tried it so cant comment on speed. Bluetooth is not secure but the range only a few metres so shoulsd not be a worry
Hope someone can benefit from this tip
Solo Steve
jules47 said
03:15 AM Oct 1, 2012
I can use the internet on my phone, but don't - would link if to my laptop if I knew how to do it!
Solo Steve said
03:40 AM Oct 1, 2012
Hi Jules I'll try to explain after the forst time it will be easy
1) Turn on wireless connection on the laptop.. there should be a fuction key otherwise look for an aerial symbol on the task bar at the bottom of the screen. Right click on it
and open wireless connection click on the status to enable wireless Lan.
2) Go to settings on your phone open wireless and networks or similar
3) Look for tethering or portable hotspot or wireless connection or similar and open
4) My Samsung has a MobileAP check box click on it and wireless connection should be enabled.
5) Go back to the laptop open Control Panel and open Networking and Sharing
6) Look for Connect or Disconnest click on it, find MobileAP (or whatever it was called on your phone) click on it and your phone should connect.
7) Open Internet Explorer or connect to the internet as you usually do and away you go.
Note Dont forget to turn off your wireless connection on the phone when you have finished with the internet as it will quickly drain the battery when the phone is on.
This does use a lot of phone power so I connect to the charger when using the phone as internet.
Hope this helps Steve
jules47 said
03:54 AM Oct 1, 2012
Thanks for that Steve - will have a look in the daylight tomorrow - old eyes don't like reading int he evenings any more.
Solo Steve said
04:07 AM Oct 1, 2012
PM me if you have any problems and I will try to guide you throught it although every phone and laptop is different there is always a way Steve
tcp99 said
05:29 AM Oct 1, 2012
What's the range of The Optus Network. Reccomended carrier seems to be Telstra here.
Solo Steve said
05:55 AM Oct 1, 2012
It will work for any network if you have an internet capable phone and have data allowance on your plan. I agree Telstra is best I only used my savings using Optus as an example Steve
Big Gorilla said
12:52 PM Oct 1, 2012
What tcp99 is probably trying to say is what is the Optus coverage. Telstra certainly has the best coverage Australia wide which is why I stick with them. Previously used Virgin (Optus network) and Vodafone. Optus had good coverage and is getting better. Vodafone is up and down. In Tasmania, forget it. Once on the inland highway thru western NSW I was surprised how good the coverage was. You can always check out the coverage maps on each individual Telco's web site.
dawa said
02:06 PM Oct 1, 2012
of course in order to use this idea you need an expensive phone Dawa
Dougwe said
02:21 PM Oct 1, 2012
Hi Steve, same topic, sort of.
I run Bigpond Security on my lap top and have recently set up my iPone 4s (Telstra 3G Network) to be a modem for my lap top in readiness for getting out into the playground, do you know if lap top and phone are protected security wise by my Bigpond Security????
Keep Safe
DOUG
Solo Steve said
08:28 PM Oct 1, 2012
Hi Doug I am certainly not expert here but i suggest you set it up as a secure connection between your phone (check your phone manual for how to) and the laptop
to stop outsiders using your connection. Whatever you download would be protected forom viruses etc by the bigpond security. I also intalled free antivirus for my phone
from Avast website but dont know how affective it is. Others reading this thread may have more experience than me.
I do understand that Telstra is the best bet on the road and will probably change to Telstra when i go but the concepts that i spoke about initially still apply.
Cheers Steve
jetj said
10:01 PM Oct 1, 2012
dawa wrote:
of course in order to use this idea you need an expensive phone Dawa
No not necessarily expensive Dawa but needs to be running Android 2.3 or later or an Iphone. I'm sure you can pick up cheap phone running that software.
I would also run a free anti-virus on my phone.
Dougwe said
11:31 PM Oct 1, 2012
I visited a Telstra Shop today and asked the question about Bigpond Security and using the iPhone as a modem for my laptop, the tech guy said the laptop will be covered as if at home with ADSL2 or wireless broadband and the iPhone is very well protected by Apple, he said he does everything that way and no problems. I have a protection app called "Lookout" on the iPhone as well now so I reckon it is as safe as it ever will be.
For memory I think I read about "Lookout" on here somewhere OR it was the Tech guy sometimes on "Sunrise", channel 7.
jetj said
01:03 AM Oct 2, 2012
Dougwe,
I also have lookout on my phone as an antivirus. I learned about it on a forum I think.
aussietraveller said
10:52 AM Oct 2, 2012
If you use the Telstra network you can have a virus and theft protection plan free its called "lookout" it works on my Android and I think it works on Iphones too,I was at my local Telstra shop and they suggested installing it. I also use my Android mobile phone for internet and it is faster than using a dongle.
-- Edited by aussietraveller on Tuesday 2nd of October 2012 10:53:24 AM
If you use the Telstra network you can have a virus and theft protection plan free its called "lookout" it works on my Android and I think it works on Iphones too,I was at my local Telstra shop and they suggested installing it. I also use my Android mobile phone for internet and it is faster than using a dongle.
-- Edited by aussietraveller on Tuesday 2nd of October 2012 10:53:24 AM
Aussietraveller, is that the standard free version of Lookout for any user, or do Telstra provide the full paid version of that app?
Edit: I think I just answered my own question. It appears that if you follow the link at the bottom of the Telstra Page you go to the Lookout website page here Then when you click on the download button you go Google Play (for Android anyway, but would be similar for the dreaded apple product) and are able to choose between the free version or the premium (paid) version of Lookout.
I only looked at the Android version as I don't use "I" products.
-- Edited by 03_troopy on Tuesday 2nd of October 2012 06:09:55 PM
pws25 said
07:30 PM Oct 2, 2012
Gday all, I like t keep it simple, $150 yr prepaid telstra , I NEVER run outta gigs, if i got mobile coverage i got internet, too easy... & $ 40 lasts me bout 6 wks. on a prepaid mobile ph.......... all good...
just startin the great ocean rd
-- Edited by pws25 on Wednesday 3rd of October 2012 06:47:27 AM
Cruising Cruze said
02:10 PM Oct 3, 2012
got this week 15 gig for a year with Optus with a mobile WiFI gadget, I think it was 130 dollars when we run out we will reload it with the same amount this way it keeps the price per month down ( I hope )
we did not try it yet
regards John
jetj said
08:24 PM Oct 3, 2012
John,
I think with Optus they have a min 10MB billing so be aware that if you switch the device on for very short stints you will use your allowance more quickly than with some providers who bill by the 1MB or KB.
G'day All
Some of you may not know of this trick to save some money on Internet connection.
I have a Woolworths prepaid phone account that uses the Optus Network
Its a good deal at $26 per mth (with free everyday rewards card) I get $500 worth of calls
AND 5GB OF DATA with a 45 day expiry.
I realised that although I have an android phone I hardly ever used any of the data allowance.
So I set up a wireless connection between my phone and the Laptop and now have 5Gb of data for 45 days.
I am using it now and after comparing it with my USB stick it is much faster.
The upshot is I was paying $29 for 2Gb for 30 days for the USB connection which I have now saved and I get 3Gb
extra. You need a phone that can use the internet and the it's a bit fiddly to set up. You can use an open connection which
is unsecure for about 120 metres or preferably set it up as a secure connection. This should also work with Bluetooth if both the
phone and laptop have it but i have not tried it so cant comment on speed. Bluetooth is not secure but the range only a few metres so shoulsd not be a worry
Hope someone can benefit from this tip
Solo Steve
1) Turn on wireless connection on the laptop.. there should be a fuction key otherwise look for an aerial symbol on the task bar at the bottom of the screen. Right click on it
and open wireless connection click on the status to enable wireless Lan.
2) Go to settings on your phone open wireless and networks or similar
3) Look for tethering or portable hotspot or wireless connection or similar and open
4) My Samsung has a MobileAP check box click on it and wireless connection should be enabled.
5) Go back to the laptop open Control Panel and open Networking and Sharing
6) Look for Connect or Disconnest click on it, find MobileAP (or whatever it was called on your phone) click on it and your phone should connect.
7) Open Internet Explorer or connect to the internet as you usually do and away you go.
Note Dont forget to turn off your wireless connection on the phone when you have finished with the internet as it will quickly drain the battery when the phone is on.
This does use a lot of phone power so I connect to the charger when using the phone as internet.
Hope this helps Steve
there is always a way
Steve
What's the range of The Optus Network. Reccomended carrier seems to be Telstra here.
Steve
Dawa
Hi Steve, same topic, sort of.
I run Bigpond Security on my lap top and have recently set up my iPone 4s (Telstra 3G Network) to be a modem for my lap top in readiness for getting out into the playground, do you know if lap top and phone are protected security wise by my Bigpond Security????
Keep Safe
DOUG
I am certainly not expert here but i suggest you set it up as a secure connection between your phone (check your phone manual for how to) and the laptop
to stop outsiders using your connection. Whatever you download would be protected forom viruses etc by the bigpond security. I also intalled free antivirus for my phone
from Avast website but dont know how affective it is. Others reading this thread may have more experience than me.
I do understand that Telstra is the best bet on the road and will probably change to Telstra when i go but the concepts that i spoke about initially still apply.
Cheers Steve
No not necessarily expensive Dawa but needs to be running Android 2.3 or later or an Iphone. I'm sure you can pick up cheap phone running that software.
I would also run a free anti-virus on my phone.
I visited a Telstra Shop today and asked the question about Bigpond Security and using the iPhone as a modem for my laptop, the tech guy said the laptop will be covered as if at home with ADSL2 or wireless broadband and the iPhone is very well protected by Apple, he said he does everything that way and no problems. I have a protection app called "Lookout" on the iPhone as well now so I reckon it is as safe as it ever will be.
For memory I think I read about "Lookout" on here somewhere OR it was the Tech guy sometimes on "Sunrise", channel 7.
Dougwe,
I also have lookout on my phone as an antivirus. I learned about it on a forum I think.
If you use the Telstra network you can have a virus and theft protection plan free its called "lookout" it works on my Android and I think it works on Iphones too,I was at my local Telstra shop and they suggested installing it. I also use my Android mobile phone for internet and it is faster than using a dongle.
-- Edited by aussietraveller on Tuesday 2nd of October 2012 10:53:24 AM
Aussietraveller, is that the standard free version of Lookout for any user, or do Telstra provide the full paid version of that app?
Edit: I think I just answered my own question. It appears that if you follow the link at the bottom of the Telstra Page you go to the Lookout website page here Then when you click on the download button you go Google Play (for Android anyway, but would be similar for the dreaded apple product) and are able to choose between the free version or the premium (paid) version of Lookout.
I only looked at the Android version as I don't use "I" products.
-- Edited by 03_troopy on Tuesday 2nd of October 2012 06:09:55 PM
Gday all, I like t keep it simple, $150 yr prepaid telstra , I NEVER run outta gigs, if i got mobile coverage i got internet, too easy... & $ 40 lasts me bout 6 wks. on a prepaid mobile ph.......... all good...
just startin the great ocean rd
-- Edited by pws25 on Wednesday 3rd of October 2012 06:47:27 AM
when we run out we will reload it with the same amount this way it keeps the price per month down ( I hope )
we did not try it yet
regards John
John,
I think with Optus they have a min 10MB billing so be aware that if you switch the device on for very short stints you will use your allowance more quickly than with some providers who bill by the 1MB or KB.