Telstra has released a new desktop modem for its BigPond Next G wireless broadband network. It is priced at AU$249 and has been launched in conjunction with a new AU$299 USB Mobile Card with the form factor of a USB key. These new connectivity options complement the AU$299 PCMCIA Mobile Card released at the Next G network's launch.
Upside
This modem is pitched at desktop users who don't have access to, or don't wish to be tied down to, ADSL or cable Internet. Sporting a chrome plinth and shiny blue face plate, it certainly vies for the title of Australia's funkiest broadband modem. On both its sides it sports two adjustable antennas which will hopefully overcome some of the shortcomings users have experienced with wireless broadband networks.
In addition to being cheaper up-front than the either mobile option, desktop modem users have access to cheaper plans. The cheapest plan for the modem is 256kbps 200MB at AU$39.95 per month with the most expensive being 550kbps-1.5mbps 3GB at AU$149.95. The same plans for mobile users cost AU$49.95 and AU$199.95, respectively.
Downside
The usual caveats about wireless broadband apply, namely be wary about coverage black spots, dropouts and the network's susceptibility to weather conditions. Hopefully, the adjustable antennas will go some way to mitigating these issues.
Even though the usage plans for modems compare more than favourably to the mobile cards, they're still expensive in comparison to plans available on ADSL or cable.
Outlook
Telstra has stepped up the push for its wireless broadband network with the launch of two new products. It remains to be seen whether the promise of greater speed, and a cool modem, will be enough entice desktop users away from the either established wireless broadband providers or fixed connection broadband options.
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Tinkabellsbitch
13/10/2008, 11:50 AM
rating
9/10
Umm.. Its wireless and it connects me where I can't or don't want to plug into a land line. I am reading these user comments below and it boggles me what these people expect from wireless! Umm hello of course it will drop out at some time and of course you may not get full bars 50kms out of birsbane... but think of what you actually get.. Broadband where you otherwise would be using your 128k dial up modem.. '
Get a grip people.. This 3G stuff rocks! and if you think the customer service sucks than you obviously under estimate the amount of calls they get at any one minute. Lets see you all try and handle stupid requests like.. WHere is my antenna mounting bracket that i didn't pay for? and how come I don't have full reception even though my nearest town is 150K's away... you guys make me laugh!
Pros: Its wireless! and I can access the internet at good speeds and in my car! and the modem rarely plays up.. if it does reboot and back in action..
Cons: Telstra have to deal with people that want the world for nothing and dont entirely understand the technology that they have spent billions of dollars on!
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nadsat
20/09/2008, 04:08 PM
rating
1/10
I did have two satellite with Telstra then they had this promo for wireless which I took up. A very big mistake it worked for a couple of weeks then it just wouldn't connect. Telstra sent me another modem I spent four and half hours with tech support trying to get the replacement modem to work couldn't. They sent me another this one seems to be working but for how long. I am in a good reception area but still need an external antenna which you have to buy from Telstra. They sent me an antenna in the instructions it says this package contains everything you need to attach the antenna to outside of my house. But no mounting bracket contacted Telstra OH we do not supply the mounting bracket. I have to go to my nearest hardware store and buy it that's a 300klm round trip.
Pros: Can't think of any I would love to give Telstra the flick but they are the only ISP where I live.At least my landline telco doesn't mess me around like Telstra does.
Cons: I am not impressed with Telstra's NextG wireless broadband. Telstra do not have clue about customer service
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arobertson6@bigpond.com
19/08/2008, 10:58 PM
rating
1/10
I was looking at upgrading my conection with Bigpond. But going off the comments.I have been mislead and I think I would be down grading my connection not upgrading it
Pros: It's wireless,it's blue and it is shinny so it must be fast, well at times.
Cons: Alot of faults and missing items eg/ 6v power connection for us in car, Ethernet connection so no sharing Internet connection, Printer and so on
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bruso
29/07/2008, 09:24 PM
rating
8/10
I use mine exclusively away from home. Mostly when I'm in my caravan , camping in the coastal National Parks in NSW. The modem and laptop happily runs on my small Honda Generator. As well as off a 300w inverter.
Pros: Good coverage and performance. A quality external antenna is a must for fringe areas.
Usable service even at low bar strength.
Cons: The modem is a 240v plug in. The unit actually uses 6v. Some users have overcome this, by wiring in a two pin socket and using a car power adapter set at 6v.
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fireman
20/03/2008, 09:02 PM
rating
6/10
Work well everywhere. (We have 240volt in vehicles)
Pros: Works Very Well. Even in poor signal areas. (We are in country SA)
Cons: Poor Plan Allowances !!!!!
A little pricey for what you get.
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bellbrae.deans
27/02/2008, 10:32 AM
rating
3/10
Got the modem after Bigpond sales assured you could hook a wireless router into it. Trouble with Mac 10.2.5. Also find that a wireless router is available ... BUT price is $625.00!!!!. What a rip off!
Pros: Faster than satellite
Cons: No reasonably priced wireless router available. One computer per modem until someone produces a router at a reasonable price.
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RockyOne
26/02/2008, 08:58 AM
rating
5/10
I had wireless for 2 weeks..Upgraded to OS X 10.5.2 (Mac) and lost connection..Telstra girl says about a month will have support OS X 10.5.2
Pros: Was good so I could keep my software at latest..As my Mac's in town are both on OS X 10.5.2 best to keep them all the same (we have 10+ PCs in our biz)
Cons: Now looks I will be a month or so without broardband out home (16k out) but at leaast my software is all upgraded. I had to go for 1gb plan.
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trying hard
20/02/2008, 10:16 PM
rating
2/10
Had ISDN (128K) which will no longer to be supported , Line can be ADSL activated but no ports and forced to use Next G- very weak signal (I told Telstra) wouldn't listen , i had to install a Yagi aerial 5m on top of roof and still only get 3-4 bars- less than 50k from CBD Brisbane- Ripped off
Pros: Portable if you have 240v power & signal, faster than dialup ( where i am dialup is only 32K max)
Cons: No network capabilities, so internet shared through computer,very pricey data allowance, getting many error packets so you use twice as much MB than you should and being charged for it
overall limited down load/upload speed nowhere near it should be ( nearly 1/2)
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Lyn
19/02/2008, 06:45 PM
rating
2/10
I have been held to ransom by Telstra and Bigpond. Forced to use next G wireless, home line (new suburb) is a pgs line. They won't change it.
Pros: None
Cons: HIGH Cost and only 3GB. MONEY MAKING WROUGHT. Government should do something!
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ToddRodd
09/01/2008, 12:11 PM
rating
5/10
Just Average
Pros: OK reception 2-4 bars
Cons: very expensive , too little mb offered.
when disconnect sends vista mad
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