Virgin Mobile unveils battery-powered, mobile Wi-Fi 3G modem
- — 13 October, 2009 16:13
Virgin Mobile's new broadband device is a battery-powered mobile 3G wireless modem router with Wi-Fi access.
Virgin Mobile has launched a Wi-Fi modem claiming to be Australia’s first battery-powered mobile 3G wireless modem router with Wi-Fi access.
According to Virgin Mobile the Wi-Fi modem is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery that will provide up to four hours of use between charges. Up to three computers can connect simultaneously to the Internet on the Optus 3G (Dual Band) Network.
Supporting the 802.11b/g Wi-Fi standards the modem has a wireless range of 15 metres. Manufactured by Huawei, the modem weighs 90 grams and also features a microSD card slot that supports up to 32GB of data storage – to be used in a similar fashion to a USB stick.
At the initial launch, the Virgin Mobile Wi-Fi modem will only be available through retailer Dick Smith Electronics (DSE) with a pre-paid plan for $199 which includes the modem and 1GB of data access (which expires after 30-days). Top-up pricing is in line with Virgin Mobile's standard pre-paid broadband options, ranging from $15 for 500MB over 30 days to $100 for 6GB over 90 days. DSE stores will also offer 10GB prepaid data for $149 (with a 365-day expiration time), but this special offer is only available until on 30 November.
According to Virgin Mobile, the modem is locked and set up to be only used exclusively with the Virgin broadband services; however it can be released to another network at any stage at after a top up cost of $80.
The modem will be available outright from other major retailers from December – with pre-paid and post-paid plans, and for $8 per month on top of Virgin Mobile’s pre-paid and post-paid plans.
Virgin Mobile’s acceptable use policy applies to the Wi-Fi modem. These details can be found on Virgin's Web site.
Follow GoodGearGuide on Twitter: @Goodgearguide
Comments
Peter T.
1
Not going to be much use
The problem is that Virgin operates on the Vodafone network. Vodafone has the smallest coverage and, from my experience and reading the complaints of others, arguably the slowest network. Having the smallest network coverage makes the concept of "mobility" with Vodafone rather ironic! So, if what you want is next to no coverage and slow speeds (if you can manage some coverage), then go for it! If, however, true mobility is important to you and you want decent speeds, then go to one of the other networks.
Anonymous
2
Idiot first poster!
Virgin is on the OPTUS network you moron!
Peter T.
3
It turns-out I was misled by an article that I read a couple of days ago which stated that Virgin is on the Vodafone network. After some checking, it seems that the article is wrong. I've contacted the author of the article I read to inform them of their mistake. Clearly I was misled and so I withdraw my comments ab0out Virgin.
Nonetheless, being incorrect does not excuse the poor manners of "anonymous", the gutless-one who hides behind a veil of anonymity, seemingly all-powerful and all-knowing. I wonder if the gutless-one would be equally willing to accept responsibility for a mistake in similar circumstances? Go back to school anonymous and learn the basics of good manners. It costs nothing.
Virgin Mobile Australia Kevin D
4
Thanks to Jake for the great..
Thanks to Jake for the great write up and the keen interest in the Huawei WiFi Modem (I am working @ Virgin Mobile and closely with Huawei with this release).
Looking forward to any further comments or experience reviews of the unit from anyone able to get their hands on one already.
Thanks,
Kevin D
Virgin Mobile Australia.
PS. Just to clear things up; the service does not operate on the network mentioned in the comments section. =)