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[[artnid:303035|Virgin Mobile prepaid mobile broadband]]
Price: $89
Virgin Mobile uses the Optus network, so in most cases you'll get similar network performance. The [[xref:http://www.virginmobile.com.au/broadband/pre-paid-mobile-broadband/|current special]] involves a USB modem and 1GB of data for $89, provided you activate before 31 January (otherwise you'll get the standard 500MB). Unlike Optus, Virgin mobile doesn't count data in 10MB increments and offers various recharge options including $15 (500MB) and $30 (1GB) recharges lasting 30 days, a $50 (3GB) recharge lasting 60 days, a $100 (6GB) recharge lasting 90 days and a $149 (10GB) recharge lasting a full year. -
As costs fall, speeds increase and networks become more reliable, mobile broadband continues to surge in popularity. Whether checking your e-mail, Web browsing, uploading your latest photos to Facebook or submitting an assignment, mobile broadband can be a cost-effective solution. We've rounded up the best prepaid mobile broadband packages from all the major Australian telcos — Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, 3 and Virgin Mobile.
[[artnid:302374|3 prepaid mobile broadband]]
Price: $79
3 offers a few different USB modems for prepaid wireless broadband, but the pick of the bunch right now has to be the [[xref:http://shop.three.com.au/broadband-prepay-details/Prepaid-USB-Modem-E1553-White|E1553]]. For a limited time only, you can pick up this modem for just $79. It doesn't include any credit, but recharge options are reasonable: $15 (500MB), $29 (2GB) and $49 (4GB) recharges lasting 30 days and a $149 (12GB) recharge lasting a full 12 months. Best of all, the 3 E1553 is a "Mega 3G" modem, meaning it roams on Telstra's Next G network for better coverage and faster speeds. -
[[artnid:303537|Optus prepaid wireless broadband]]
Price: $99
Optus is currently running a special offer of a USB modem and 1GB of data for $99, provided you purchase and activate the service online (otherwise you get 200MB). Like Telstra, all Optus data has a 30-day expiry and unfortunately is counted in 10MB increments, including uploads and downloads. Optus does roll over up to 10GB of unused data if you recharge within 14, 29, 59 or 185 days, depending on the value and expiry of your last recharge. Optus also has a maximum data allowance at any time of 10GB. Recharge options vary with $15 (500MB) and $20 (650MB) recharges lasting 15 days, $30 (1GB), $40 (2GB) and $50 (3GB) recharges lasting 30 days, and $70 (4GB) and $100 (6GB) recharges lasting 60 days. Optus also offers long-life recharges that last up to 186 days — $80 (4GB) and $130 (8GB). -
[[artnid:257813|Vodafone prepaid mobile broadband]]
Price: $79
[[xref:http://www.vodafone.com.au/personal/mobilebroadband/mobile-broadband-prepaid.htm|Vodafone]] was one of the first telcos in Australia to introduce prepaid mobile broadband, and the company's current offer gets you a prepaid USB modem and 1GB of data, provided you activate your service before 31 March. At just $79, this is an excellent deal and Vodafone also allows you to roll over 12GB of unused data if you recharge within 30 days of your last recharge. Recharge options are $19 (500MB), $29 (1GB), $49 (3GB), $100 (6GB) and $150 (12GB). -
Telstra prepaid wireless broadband
Price: $99
[[xref:http://www.telstra.com.au/bigpond_internet/prepaid_wireless.html|Telstra]] are one of the more expensive telcos in Australia for mobile broadband, but you do get what you pay for in most cases. Telstra has the biggest network in Australia, with the best speeds and coverage. The current offer of an [[artnid:307979|MF626 USB modem]] and 1GB of data for $99 is certainly competitive. The expiry date for all recharges is 30 days but if you recharge before 30 days, your credit expiry date is re-set to 30 days from the date of recharge. Recharge options are $20 (150MB), $30 (225MB), $40 (300MB), $50 (625MB), $60 (750MB), $80 (3.5GB) and $100 (6GB).
Back-to-school guide: Prepaid mobile broadband
5 Photos
Heading back to school or university? A mobile broadband package may help you get off to a good start in 2010!
