Virgin Mobile has revealed a shift into broadband with the launch of a new plan that will offer data and fixed-line phone style services over 3G.
By piggybacking on Optus's HSDPA network, Virgin will offer consumers two "broadband" and home phone options. Virgin Broadband at Home will comprise unlimited calls to local and national numbers as well as Virgin Mobile users, and 4GB of broadband data at AU$60 a month on a 24-month contract.
Virgin will supply the modem that PCs and home phones will need to plug into to access the service.
The second option, Virgin Mobile Broadband, will give users a mobile with AU$520 of credit and a USB 3G modem with a 1GB download allowance per month. The package will cost AU$80 a month on a 24-month contract. Both options will be available from the start of August.
Like many traditional "fixed" ISPs, Virgin will also be shaping speeds when users' download quotas are reached. Excess usage will be capped at 128Kbps with peer to peer traffic capped at 64Kbps at all times.
The Optus HSDPA network which Virgin will use to provide its 3G coverage spans around 55 percent of the Australian population with maximum download speeds of up to 3.6Mbps, although speeds are expected to average around 512Kbps in most areas. Where HSDPA coverage is not available, the service will revert to standard, lower-speed 3G.
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Living Simply
15/08/2007 01:31 PM
We would like details regarding broadband in our area, Beltana Road Pialligo, Canberra ACT. It is our understanding that a tower is being erected by Virgin in our street. Can someone tell us how to contact the correct person
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ACT Virgin BB Happy
22/08/2007 04:27 PM
Virgin Broadband works a treat in Hughes, ACT. 3 bars on modem out of 5, but still makes crystal clear calls and top speed broadband. HSPDA connects when on internet.
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A.nnoyed
16/01/2008 09:37 PM
I have VB and have had no end of troubles with it. Am unable to make calls, receive calls or surf the net. Everything was fine for the 30 day trial period and I thought the product was great and then it all went to S**T. The VB tech team are bloody useless with wait times to talk to someone of up to and exceeding 45 minutes if your phone stays connected for that long. VB has been unable to fix my problem and has passed my tech problem to Optus for them to try and fix it. I still have no phone serivice, no internet and no apology from VB what so ever regarding this matter. Take my advice and have a close look at IInet naked broadband ADSL2+ package for the same price with more downloads. (and no I don't work for IInet), I just don't want the same thing that went wrong with my VB service happen to anyone else. Do research and read the VB product review sites and you will see that people are not happoy with this so called new wonder broadband deal.
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Anthony W.A.
15/02/2008 09:50 AM
Worst thing I could ever have done going over to VBB@H. It is great they give you a 30 day trial period becuase the product is rubbish. Patchy broadband Random phone drop outs Unable to call some numbers on demand EG: 13 numbers Strange unable to connect messages when ringing the home phone? Up to 1 hour wait times to talk to customer support people. The support people do not reply to your emails and faxes? Constant modem drop outs having to reset modem sometimes hourly. Modem overheats. Poor power connection cable running to modem. Touch the power cable and modem shuts down. Poor quality product combined with inexperienced tech support staff combined with sub standard patchy broadband. I would not reccomend this product to anyone who wants a reliable phone and internet service. Anthony
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Frank
22/02/2008 01:28 PM
I'll be returning my Vbb modem tomorrow at the end of the 30 day trial period. Reason - poor performance, frequent dropouts, long delays to reconnect, and the last few days it just hasn't worked at all. Measuring total downloads over 1 hour it typically has been less than my dial up which averages 30MB / hour. At first it was great to watch a few Utube videos which I couldn't on dialup, but since then it's just not good enough. Back to the shop 4u ...
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Harry K
19/03/2008 03:53 PM
Dear Sir Dick, Your dinky-di operation downunder is just that - dinkydi. Overselling is a well known tactic of the Virgin organisation and the recent Broadband offering in well in keeping with previous over zealous efforts. To date the return rate on the free 30 day trial is unusually high, some would say terminal. One can't blame Optus all the time, yet they appear often as the kicking boy for those responsible for technical support. For the features offered matched against the real performance, the perceived benefits diminish, like the radio signal around 3pm each day. When the cell tower discriminates and gives prefernce to a higher revenue connection of a shool kid's 3G mobile, than that of a subscribing internet user, then the math is simple. Take the most from those on higher costing plans. Well done Sir Dick, another great fumble. Best regards, Harry K
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Tristan
14/04/2008 09:45 PM
I’ve never bothered posting comments on a website before, but Virgin’s complete lack of service has pushed me to the edge. Do not get this service unless you enjoy sitting on the phone in long waiting queues for when you want to complain about the service. I was so unimpressed with Virgins response to my problems that I raised it with the Communications Obudsman, but even they take 4 weeks to respond because they’re so busy, probably dealing with Virgin complaints. All I want to do is get rid of the service and give them back their hardware but alas, I’m locked into a contract (My issues developed after the trial period). This means installing a land line at my house…..but at the end of the day it will save me more time and money by not having to deal with such an arrogant company. They know nothing about customer service.
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