internet access

keiron · Senior Member

internet access

Janno · Veteran Member

Iphone is the way to go. I connect my computer to the phone using bluetooth and away I go. No cords or gadgets to plug in. Easy! I have monthly allowance of 3GB which is plenty for me.

Bunkerbob · Senior Member

If you already have a PC, you'll need to get a USB style internet connection. Check the prices from the networks. Unfortunately Telstra is the best regarding coverage. For $180 you can get a 12GB coverage available to be used within 12 months. If you get to pay up before the 12 month birthday the remaining amount is rolled over. If you use it within 12 months you still can get access so you can buy another 12GB. There are lesser amounts for lesser dollars. I have a Virgin which gives me 6GB per month for $30 per month but not rolloverable and the coverage is dodgy. Main towns are good but ordinary if available in country regions.

Poppy sore eye · Senior Member

Hi, yes I have been looking at all the options if you have a smart phone ( doesn't matter which one) use it as a mobile hotspot. It really is easy to learn and set up. Then I got a kogan SIM card using my existing phone number. $30 a month for all my phone calls, mobile and fixed lines, and 6 gig of data which I find is plenty.

hope this makes sense if you need more detail let me know.

edit, by the way they use the Telstra 3G network so coverage any not an issue.

-- Edited by Poppy sore eye on Saturday 27th of July 2013 10:45:54 PM

jules47 · The Happy Helper

As Bunkerbob says, Telstra has the best coverage of all. I have a USB-WI:FI: dongle that I use with my laptop, mostly, being Wi-Fi it can support up to five users, but the more users, it slows down a bit. I have pre-paid, and usually I only need to buy monthly access, usually between $30-$40 - Sometimes I use my smartphone as a hot spot for my computer internet access, as I get data allowance with my plan. I don't know how many gb's I use, but have not run out, always keep a check through my account on line.

Wombat 280 · Guru

I use a Telstra Elite Mobile Wi-FI and buy the download as required when I hit the road and use it up before the expiry date when i get back and leave it until I go again. Alternatively go to a WIFI hotspot like MacDonalds and use their system for free. There are many free Hotspots appearing now in public areas but for convenience I like my own connection. I must check out my Smart Phone for my download allowance never though of it before

Bent Axle Bob · Senior Member

smile Yep, I'm the same as Janno. Mobile reception = internet access. Telstra obviously and 3 gigs is plenty for surfing and general usage. Beware of downloads, data hungry for sure

bill12 · Guru

I have a Telstra next g wireless usb setup on plan for $29.95 for 4gig. To get this you have have a phone with them. I will be using the kogan chip in the future, tethering my smart phone to the laptop. Be advised! Tethering does not work on a WIN8 computer, but is easy on Win 7 comp. The usb modem from Telstra works on both systems. Bill

-- Edited by bill12 on Sunday 28th of July 2013 10:45:50 AM

jules47 · The Happy Helper

That is very interesting bill12, re tethering not working on Win8 - seems there are a lot of things that don't work with Win8 - not the easiest to use I have been told, think I will stick with Win 7 for now, maybe the next release of Win8 will have some bugs ironed out, making it more user friendly??

Dougwe · Chief one feather

I too use Telstra and have the iPone 4s. I use that for internet access through the 'Personal Hot Spot" and 'Bluetooth' settings to use with my iPad or Laptop. I have been lucky enough to have enough signal strength where ever I have been but know the day will come where not even Telstra will have a signal.

johnnz · Senior Member

Have been using Telstra mobile broadband for 3 years now, I'm amazed at some of the remote locations have had service.

PeterD · Guru

Poppy sore eye wrote:
snip . . Then I got a kogan SIM card using my existing phone number. $30 a month for all my phone calls, mobile and fixed lines, and 6 gig of data which I find is plenty.
hope this makes sense if you need more detail let me know.
edit, by the way they use the Telstra 3G network so coverage any not an issue.

Sorry to pore cold water on your purchase. See this link

From that page:

"Like Kogan Mobile, ALDImobile uses Telstra's wholesale 3G network, which covers 97% of the Australian population and has typical download speeds of between 550kbps and 3Mbps. This is neither as broad nor as fast as Telstra's regular NextG network, which covers 99% of the population and has real-world download speeds of between 1.1Mbps and 20Mbps, however it is significantly cheaper."

bill12 · Guru

Have sorted out the win 8 tethering problems by downloading new drivers from Lg . Have tried it and it seems to work!Now to decide whether to ditch telecoma, and go to Kogan, which is half the price. decisions, decisions... Bill

allinone · Senior Member

Kogan is changing its deals in next weeks or so, maybe check out boost or aldi. Kogan has serious daily data limits that restricts many downloads, catchup TV and so on.

bill12 · Guru

Have been using the kogan chip in the smartphone , and tethering it, and its definitely not as fast as the telestra next g dongle, and they have put the price up to $39.You getmore, but not as fast, in my experience.. I don,t know about the other carriers.Oh, well,back to telecoma.Bill