Telstra has continued to add to its 4G product portfolio since the network was switched on in late 2011, but the pre-paid Wi-Fi 4G modem is the first product targeted at pre-paid users. It offers excellent speeds provided you are in a 4G coverage zone and is competitively priced.
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Pros
- Ease of use and setup
- Handy LED screen
- Fast speeds
Cons
- 4G coverage still limited
- Average battery life
Bottom Line
At $169, Telstra's pre-paid Wi-Fi 4G modem isn't the cheapest option on the market, but it's certainly one of the fastest. Provided you're using it in an area serviced by 4G coverage, the pre-paid Wi-Fi 4G modem is a pretty impressive device.
Compact and functional
The Telstra pre-paid Wi-Fi 4G is a battery powered, portable modem manufactured by ZTE. It allows up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices to connect to it wirelessly for shared mobile Internet access, through Telstra's 4G network where available. It offers largely the same functionality as the Mobile Wi-Fi 4G modem, which was made available for post-paid customers back in March.
The Telstra pre-paid Wi-Fi 4G modem is a fairly simple device, about the size of a deck of cards in both height and width. It's constructed largely from glossy white plastic, though the front of the modem has a gloss black panel which houses the small OLED screen. A chrome strip runs around the edge of the modem in an attempt to add a touch of class, while the corners are smooth and round making the device comfortable to hold.
A large power button sits below the screen with an LED ring surrounding it that flashes blue when the device is powered on. A WPS button and two antenna sockets on the right side allow users to boost reception in flaky coverage areas if needed. The pre-paid Wi-Fi 4G charges via a micro-USB connection on the left side, next to a micro-USB card slot that's concealed by a plastic flap. If the battery is flat the pre-paid Wi-Fi 4G modem can be connected to a computer via the included USB cable and used as a wired modem.
The Telstra pre-paid Wi-Fi 4G modem is about the size of a deck of cards.Aside from impressive 4G speeds where available, the best feature of the pre-paid Wi-Fi 4G's design is the LED screen. It displays information including signal strength, the number of devices connected, a battery level indicator, how long a connection has been active for, the network type and the default SSID network name. The screen can also display your network password so you don't have to remember it every time you want to connect a new device, though this can be hidden if you're concerned about security.
To hide the displaying of your network password and change any other settings, you'll need to access the Telstra pre-paid Wi-Fi 4G modem's Web interface. It's accessible by pointing your browser to http://telstra.wifi.4g and logging in using the default password supplied. The Web interface is both straightforward and functional. Options include editing the SSID name and password, editing the APN, changing the screen time and a host of other advanced networking and security options.
4G speeds impressive, if you can get them
The Telstra pre-paid Wi-Fi 4G Modem is marketed as a 4G device, but it uses both 3G and 4G technology. If you move out of an area with 4G coverage, the pre-paid Wi-Fi 4G falls back onto the company's regular Next G network, supporting HSPA+ dual channel speeds of 1.1 megabits per second (Mbps) - 20Mbps.
The Telstra pre-paid Wi-Fi 4G modem promises "typical" download speeds ranging from 2Mbps to 40Mbps when in a 4G coverage zone, while typical upload speeds range from 1Mbps to 10Mbps. These are best case scenarios though, and the results we achieved were far less, albeit still pretty impressive. Like all mobile broadband products, the speed of the pre-paid Wi-Fi 4G modem will depend on a number of factors including time, location, network coverage, signal strength and congestion.
Telstra's 4G coverage is currently available in all eight capital cities (5km from GPO) and their respective airports in Australia, along with over 80 regional and metropolitan centres (3km from city centre), so you obviously don't get 4G coverage everywhere. Telstra says it will continue the LTE rollout into other coverage areas "where demand requires the extra capacity", so the network will continue to expand over time.
You'll need to be in a Telstra 4G coverage zone to achieve the fastest possible speeds. In the above map, 4G coverage is denoted by the dark blue colour. (Image credit: Telstra)If you happen to be in a 4G coverage zone, you can expect impressive speeds. Using PC World's Broadband speed test, we managed to achieve a top download speed of almost 30Mbps, though speeds generally hovered between 16Mbps and 23Mbps on most occasions. Upload speeds during testing peaked at around 15.8Mbps (higher than Telstra's quoted 10Mbps). We also used the pre-paid Wi-Fi 4G modem to stream live video for almost two hours and it worked seamlessly.
Perhaps the biggest disappointment of the Telstra pre-paid Wi-Fi 4G modem is its battery life. In our tests, it lasted just over three hours before needing to be recharged. This is nearly an hour short of the four hours ZTE quotes on its specifications sheet. It's not a terrible result, but if you will be using the modem on a daily basis and aren't always near a computer or power outlet, it may be an idea to purchase an extra battery. Unlike many other devices of this kind, we found that the Telstra Pre-Paid Wi-Fi 4G doesn't get too hot with constant use. It warms up, but doesn't become hot enough to be an annoyance.
The Telstra Pre-Paid Wi-Fi 4G sells for $169 and comes with 5GB of pre-paid data to use with a 30 day expiry. A full list of Telstra's pre-paid mobile broadband plans can be found on its Web site.
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Adam
1
Brilliant speed even in 3G, the device will go into DC (dual connection) if available. In my home I consistently achieve 15Mbps download and 1.5Mps upload with DC connection. It's actually faster than my home WiMax connection. In 4G areas I've seen double these speeds. Fantastic tool.
You can also connect a dual antenna to this device for better signal strength.
Eric
2
what is the best portable antenna as I am having issues when I am in the CBD but in buildings?
r1mick
3
Can I leave this plugged into a wall powered USB charger to leave it on all the time? Or can I use something like the Netgear MBR1515?
dante
4
can you use it with the xbox 360 slim?
Raoul Machal
5
Works OK, but the battery life is indeed way under par, maybe 3 hours, no audible warning when battery goes flat, just shuts down. The previous 3G model lasted the whole day. Keep that in mind when working on an online/cloud document or downloading a larger file -- and suddenly your connection drops without any warning.
Jim
6
Can it be charged and used while plugged in to 12v dc car cig lighter to micro USB port?
Graham
7
For a few years i have been using a Brother HL-2170W Wireless printer set up as Infrastructure mode on my ADSL Wireless Modem - yes very happy . . . for so long. UNTIL now I have just purchased a Telstra Prepaid 4G - WiFi Modem and YES it works well connecting to the Internet - BUT - I now CANNOT connect my Wireless printer to the WiFi unit - I have spent several Days trying to sort this one, AND Telstra Technical Support tell me I have to contact the printer manufacturer, - There does not appear to be any info out there to show HOW you add other devices to the Telstra Prepaid 4G Modem - and Telstra site states being capable to connect up to 5 additional devices and printers - YES it stated printers specifically - so I am trying to achieve this - as I believe so many other people out there will be chewing their fingernails ttrying to sort HOW to connect their printer.
Previously when I connected to my home wireless system, the printer was visible to other computers on the network and worked well. The Telstra 4G unit operating on 3G mode is faster than my land line ADSL and I have Not yet found an area that does have 4G to try it.
Hope someone can enlighten my knowledge so I can achieve printer set up. Thanks in advance. Graham
Tim
8
This device is a modem not a router so it will not connect your printer
Boffin
9
I have a HP Photosmart B110 printer wirelessly connected. All I did was follow the printer network setup from its front panel to configure the wireless network (the SSID of the WiFi 4G device plus the security key that scrolls continuously across the display of the WifFi device). Even when the credit expired and we had no internet access the kids were still able to print the school assignments via the WiFi network. No special trick involved except maybe make sure the WiFi device is on first and give it a few moments to set up.
Belle 2
10
Does anyone know if this works with Windows RT on Microsoft Surface
S
11
Have been using this for just over a month now. First 3 weeks it was fantastic. No dramas, super fast etc. I live in an area that gets full service, (5 bars). Now all of a sudden it has slowed right down. Doesn't matter what time of day I use it either. I've got plenty of data left. It also changes from 3g to DC all the time, very randomly. I've reset it a numerous times, turned on/off etc, everything. I don't want to share it with any other devices. Can anyone give me advice on what it might be up to? Thanks
nat
12
does this device have a sim card? and if so, when travelling overseas can i insert local sim?
Keryn
13
I would also like to know if I have one unlocked can I use it in both Indonesia and New Zealand using local sim cards.
Anh D
14
When it goes into DC, it makes it much slower. 😞
How do I turn DC off? Please help!'
erica
15
why did it use 4 GB in two days AND use the allowance from my phone as well?
TELSTRA = SHIT
16
IF YOU LIVE IN THE SUTHERLAND SHIRE AREA DOSENT GET ANY GOOD 4G COVERAGE WASTE OF MY MONEY AND TELSTRA LIKE TO STILL SAY THAT I HAVE FULL 4G COVERAGE AND WHEN I JUMP ONLINE AND CHECK I GET SHIT
Jennifer
17
In Oct 2012 I purchased pre-paid Telstra WI-FI4G and have had nothing but trouble. Had 'IT' people here for days, was re- calorbrated by the store I purchased from, and now have spent over 1/2 to 3/4 hour on the phone to Telstra, with no results. Says it is connected but cannot go on net unless the connection cord is in the tower, now I have to go back to pluging into the modem from phone socket. Waste of money. I am in an area for wirless connection.
VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE PRODUCT
Leah Ward
18
Can You use this device with an ipad 2 ?
Dev
19
OK for first couplr of weeks. Now alternates between 3G and DC even in CBD and download speed is horrendously slow, to the point where a lot of pages just won't load. Should have stayed with pre-paid 3G wifi.
LYNN
20
I have samsung galaxy phone with telstra will WI FI OVERIDE telstra for data
Andrewr
21
@LYNN yes if your galaxy has a wifi connection it will use that (override -> yes).
If you turn off wifi or go out of range or disconnect then the galaxy will revert to Telstra data network.
Linda
22
Yes I am using it on the I pad 2 now.
Karen E
23
I have the same issues as comment 17 above - it says it is connected but I cannot use the internet on any device. They all work on their own SIM cards but will not connect using the Telstra device. I have tried this in several locations in NSW and it has NEVER worked. Off to Telstra shop with all the devices to see if they can make it work.
Don
24
Im on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert, Eighty Mile Beach, a cattle station. This device is fantastic. I drop in a "magic sock" and hang outside and it works great. I never thought that in the middle of bumf*** nowhere in the North Kimberley, that I wouldn't be able to get Internet and Telstra proved me right with this product.
Peter
25
What is a magic sock and why do you need to put it inside a sock? ....
Also, has anyone used the recommended external aerial accessory to improve the devices reception - if so can you please comment as to whether you felt it was worthwhile buying the external aerial
Thank you
Tim
26
I would like to know when using the modem, how far does its range extend for connected devices. E.g. If using it in the home can I be out the back or front yard and still be connected?
Leslie
27
I just want to know if this is unlocked? And since i do travel a lot. So i was thinking if i am able to use it at other countries?
Paul
28
Speed is excellent but As Erica has stated above. I have had the unit for 4 days and already used the 5Gb and that came with the unit. It has been recharged with 3GB and now tells me I have gone through $45 of $50 in less than 12hrs. What the heck is going on
Philip Long
29
I have Telstra Elite MF60 (bought 15/12/12 from Telstra website), together with $180 prepaid plan.
I have iPad, macbook Pro & WinXP laptop.
All went well for first month or so.
Then, internet access became very intermittent - device shows signal fine (3-4 bars), 3 devices connected. In discussion with Telstra, found out about Restart (hold down Power & WPS buttons), and access to some settings via 192.168.0.1
I had also setup a spreadsheet to keep track of usage (you have to register for this, provides access to usage by $ & MB and can download a csv), added a column to spreadsheet to calculate charging rate (cents per MB). This was tracking along nicely at 1.46-1.47 (the calculated rate is 1.5), when it suddenly changed to 25 cents/MB. This uses up your $ at an astounding rate (the $ appears to be used to determine how much is used, not the MB).
In order to attempt to debug the internet access problem, I also bought a $29 dongle, which will accept the $180 prepaid SIM. Had trouble getting this going (turned out that all references to any other dongles must be removed first). In discussion with Telstra, asked them to fix up these charging errors, which they did by resetting my start date of the $180 prepaid back to $180 (& date to 9/2/13), plus gave me a free 1g to use over 15 days.
I'm still in process of proving that the wifi side of the Elite is the problem, I have friends who also have one & no problems. I've also found that it's all fine as long as only the iPad is turned on.
Re the usage problem, I've read elsewhere that people have had their GB used up in days - strongly suggest to all that you check the charging rate as I have.
Nettie
30
I purchased a 3G model and it lasted 4 months before it broke and I couldn't charge the battery. I returned to my local telstra shop and asked them to fix or replace it and they said that I had damaged it by pushing the charger in too far ( if that's possible ). I purchased a second device and 4 months later the same thin happened so I returned both of them to the telstra shop and was told the same thing. I researched this unit and found other people had the same problem so how can I be sure that it won't happen with this model because I'm sure the not very helpful telstra staff will deny that it is a fault with the device and I'm sick of giving telstra money for nothing
lilly doic
31
i also had same problem like paul 40 $ in 3 days gone what is going on i don,t download much at all
Michael
32
@Lilly Doic It's because Telstra charges you for time connected to their network, not data usage even though data is what you purchase.
Don't let them tell you any different!
I apparently use an average of 10+gb a week and I don't DL much or stream a lot of content. Took me 100's of dollars and numerous calls to Telstra to realise that you must disconnect your laptop or whatever from the network and then turn off the wifi device everytime you walk away from your computer.
I even had a Telstra CS rep admit as much to me on the phone one day. Every time my service was cut a couple of days after purchasing yet another 6gb of data and I called to complain they just gave me 5gb for free to stop me asking how I could possibly have used it all so fast.
Typing this now on my phone as I've just been cut off again after being given another free 10gb last week because I forgot to turn off the wifi device off for a few days.
I give up, looking at alternate options with a different isp as Telstra has dropped the ball majorly on this for me.
Peter
33
Re: the problem Paul and lilly doic had:
Are you sure you did not let other people surf for free on you download allowance (which can happen if you neglected to password-protect the WiFi hotspot that the modem creates)?
Bern
34
The indicator on the front is flashing red...what does this mean?
Kahuna
35
Having just used my initial free 5GB, I unlocked the MF91 modem today. For those not wanting to unlock yourself, Telstra will unlock with a fee if still in the first 6 months of service. We will use it in Japan, UK & Europe.
Steven vassiadis
36
Hi there.My name is Steve and i have a telstra 4g pre-paid modem, I'm still learning about computers e.t.c.I cant seem to find my password settings to my internet.If anyone can drop a few clues,will be grateful. thanks. :-)