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Mobile broadband: HSDPA modem and card round-up

We test the latest HSDPA mobile broadband hardware on the 3G networks of Telstra's Next G, Vodafone and 3.

20/02/2007 04:10 PM

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iiNet to offer mobile phone services?

Broadband ISP iiNet is considering reselling mobile phone and mobile data services. The company also hopes to replace Optus as the second largest broadband player in Australia, according to Greg Bader, the company's chief technology officer.
Primus launches shaped mobile broadband

Primus Telecom has launched a mobile broadband service which will be speed-shaped once the data quota has been reached, instead of charging excess.
Vodafone Internet Stick

For those blessed with excellent 3G reception in their homes the Vodafone Internet Stick will serve you well. Be sure to check Vodafone's coverage map before coughing up the cash.
Telstra, Unwired revamp wireless plans

Unwired and Telstra today both revamped their wireless broadband plans: in the same week that Optus and Virgin unleashed new wireless offerings.
Apple has killed the video store; will ISPs be next?

The Olympics are nearly over, and the Australian team deserves kudos for an excellent performance all around. Yet even as the Olympic sun sets on the Bird's Nest for the last time this weekend, millions of spectators around the world will be scanning their dials in the hope of finding something else to fill their viewing hours.
Internet allowed in Sydney school exam

A Sydney girls' school will let its student use iPods, the internet and mobile phones during exams as a new method of assessment.
Oi!: Optus prepaid broadband data robbery

Optus launched an innovative prepaid wireless broadband service but soiled the deal by counting data used in enormous 10MB increments.
Aussie Wi-Fi lost with Starbucks' stores

Starbucks plans to close 61 of its 84 coffee shops in Australia stores, which will likely result in at least half of its Telstra wireless broadband hotspots dropping off the radar.
Optus loses the sunshine state

Optus customers in Queensland are stranded in a communications desert, with a cable break at the Gold Coast wreaking havoc.

Optus prepaid broadband data robbery

Optus launched an innovative prepaid wireless broadband service but soiled the deal by counting data used in enormous 10MB increments.
Telstra, Unwired revamp wireless plans

Unwired and Telstra today both revamped their wireless broadband plans: in the same week that Optus and Virgin unleashed new wireless offerings.
Primus launches shaped mobile broadband

Primus Telecom has launched a mobile broadband service which will be speed-shaped once the data quota has been reached, instead of charging excess.
Aussie Wi-Fi lost with Starbucks' stores

Starbucks plans to close 61 of its 84 coffee shops in Australia stores, which will likely result in at least half of its Telstra wireless broadband hotspots dropping off the radar.
Internet allowed in Sydney school exam

A Sydney girls' school will let its student use iPods, the internet and mobile phones during exams as a new method of assessment.
Vodafone: No 'dollar-a-day' broadband for Aussies

Vodafone New Zealand has launched a new "dollar-a-day" mobile broadband service, but the carrier's Australian office has told users not to hold their breath for a similar deal here.
iPhone madness: What's a gigabyte worth?

A while back, frustration with my inability to get online outside of the office drove me to invest in a 3G data service from Hutchinson's 3. For $30 per month, I get 2GB of data that's accessible pretty much anywhere I go (I do all my work in metropolitan areas).
Telstra trials faster Next G speeds

Telstra and its mobile network supplier Ericsson claim to have proved the telco's 42Mbps mobile broadband claims are not all hot air, finishing a trial of the enhanced High Speed Packet Access technology.
Please Explain: HSDPA

Are you confused by the seemingly endless lists acronyms and jargon associated with technology? We're here to help. Check out our definition of HSDPA.

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Editors' choice

Vodafone Internet Stick

For those blessed with excellent 3G reception in their homes the Vodafone Internet Stick will serve you well. Be sure to check Vodafone's coverage map before coughing up the cash.
Telstra Next G Prepaid Broadband

Telstra's prepaid wireless broadband offering is good for casual browsers or those who'd rather avoid dodgy Net cafes, but beware — there's a pricing sting to be considered.
3 Mobile Broadband USB Modem

It's hard to say whether it's the hardware or the network at fault with 3's USB Mobile Broadband USB Modem. Either way, we're not impressed with what it offers.
3 NetConnect Mobile Broadband Card (HSDPA)

3's NetConnect mobile broadband card combines HSDPA speeds, compatibility with ExpessCard and PC Card laptop slots and exceptional pricing plans into a magic mobility mix.
Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G HSDPA USB Modem

Vodafone's compact USB modem boosts accessibility to the telco's high-speed 3G mobile network — but the speed can range from over 2Mbps to less than 300Kbps depending on your location.

More reviews »

Telstra Next G Prepaid Broadband

Telstra's prepaid wireless broadband offering is good for casual browsers or those who'd rather avoid dodgy Net cafes, but beware — there's a pricing sting to be considered.
Vodafone Internet Stick

For those blessed with excellent 3G reception in their homes the Vodafone Internet Stick will serve you well. Be sure to check Vodafone's coverage map before coughing up the cash.
3 Mobile Broadband USB Modem (HSDPA)

It's hard to say whether it's the hardware or the network at fault with 3's USB Mobile Broadband USB Modem. Either way, we're not impressed with what it offers.
3 Mobile Internet NetConnect Card

Those seeking a wireless "broadband anywhere" connection have another reliable option with the 3 Mobile Internet NetConnect Card, but the usual "subject to coverage area" caveats apply.
Optus Wireless Connect

Optus' combo PC Card ticks every box on the wireless menu, including 3G, GPRS and Wi-Fi, to serve road warriors with a smorgasbord of connectivity.

More popular reviews »

Vodafone Mobile Connect

Aggressive pricing, a slice of speed-boosting tech and a tempting 'unlimited' downloads plan puts Vodafone in pole position in the race for 3G datacard customers.

More editors' choice »

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Photo gallery

Photos: T[Life] Melbourne

Telstra's new T[Life] store in Melbourne is glossy and enormous, and those south-of-the-border should count themselves lucky. Everyone else we bring you a virtual walk through.
Photos: Annoying hardware, a rogues' gallery

Hardware may be less 'in your face' than software, but it can still ruin your day. We've listed our main bugbears: let us know if you agree.