4g wifi Modems for internet access

denmonkey · Senior Member

4g wifi Modems for internet access

Dougwe · Chief one feather

I use a Telstra 4g WiFi device that is attached to inside wall of aluminium teepee. It has provision for a patch lead that is connected to an antenna on roof. Works great.

I also discovered my Galaxy S4 mobile can connect to it and do WiFi calling if in places reception is bad on the phone. I haven't seen much data use at all so very happy indeed.

I have been thinking of updating phone to a S9 but if WiFi calling and connection to the Collie is not available then I will stick with the S4 until it goes to god.

Radar · Guru

Hi Brett

Very much like Dougwe, only I ues Optus 4G and its link to my phone A/C also. We mostly travel in the Eastern states and are happy uses.

We do have a Telestra setup also but because of the higher service charge the Optus one gets used the most.

We find we don't get upset if we don't have any service when travelling.

Ps I do really if I can't read my GN forum. Ralph.

PeterD · Guru

Telstra wireless internet devices will not accept an Optus SIM unless you pay to get them unlocked. Here is the Optus Mobile Broadband Modems on offer. Either one would suffice. You can either go to an Optus supplier and see which one is the best deal or go to an independent equipment supplier like JB and use the SIM on that link.

woofta and precious · Senior Member

Hi Dougwe.
We recently updated our contract with Telstra as we usually do every 2 years, and have 2 iPhones.
We used to use a Telstra 4G Wifi dongle that we used an external antenna to increase the range, and it worked well. We paid an extra $5 per month for a sim to share the data from our phones.
The NEW plans, while a bit cheaper and more data allowance, do not have the option to share data!!!
Love the way they change things for the better...

fwdoz · Guru

We use a Telstra wifi 4GX share modem. Have never had any problem with connectivity, but we are starting to visit more remote areas

Baz421 · Guru

denmonkey wrote:
I'm about to install an android head unit into my tug to give me more options for mapping etc.
Plus my current unit is about 10 years old and a map update will cost 180 big ones.
so they can stick that somewhere tight and uncomfortable as far as I'm concerned.

For best use, it will need an internet connection. I can hostpot my phone which has a 60g a month data limit (Optus).
I'd prefer not to, for a number of reasons and would like a stand alone set up.
I can nab second sim with my carrier for 15 a month and share my data.
I'm thinking a 4g modem might be the way to go and I can leave it in the car or move it to the van for laptop access when stopped.
This will, given the right one is purchased give me the option of running an external antenna also.

So my question is, what device, if any are you using to supply internet to your devices when on the road?
if there is any experience with the boosters/repeaters for mobile signals, I'd be interested in that too.

cheers Brett

Used Telsta 4g for a few years with ext antenna, now 4GX modem,,, very reliable and good reception with ext antenna

The Belmont Bear · Guru

I also use a prepaid Telstra 4GX wifi modem and utilise facebook messenger on my ipad to stay in touch with family or friends. Never had a problem with connectivity but so far we have been travelling mainly within NSW. Although we own our iphones she went with Vodaphone and I chose to go with the Telstra prepaid option most of the time when we are away from the larger population centers she has to borrow mine because hers has poor reception.

Cheers

BB

denmonkey · Senior Member

Thanks everyone.
Seems like I can trust a 4g dongle/modem to get what I need.

Like others above, I won't get bent out of shape if I have no service. Afterall, sometimes it is about getting away from all that.
But now and then it's nice to have it there to enjoy when the desire arises.

Granted the optus coverage isn't great but i was surprised at how good it was between gunnedah and dubbo. They seemed to have better coverage then here at home in Newcastle.

Using the phone as a hotspot will cost me nothing but I can't use an external antenna for an improved signal.

I'll suss out the 4gx modem and see if there is an equivalent for optus.

cheers Brett

PeterD · Guru

denmonkey wrote:
I'll suss out the 4gx modem and see if there is an equivalent for optus.

cheers Brett

Didn't you open the link in my previous message? There are two there that would suit you.

denmonkey · Senior Member

cheers Pete, no I didn't spot the link.
Thanks for pointing it out.

I had a look at optus originally to see what was on offer. The AC800s seems to be the best bit of gear and I've found some on ebay at a much cheaper price.

I think that is the way I'll go.

-- Edited by denmonkey on Thursday 6th of December 2018 09:40:34 AM

denmonkey · Senior Member

I was talking to the boys at work re picking up a 4g modem and spotted one on a desk and asked about it.
To my surprise, I was told take it if you want it.

It is locked to tesltra but I've initiated the unlock on it...7-10 days .
see how we go.

thanks again for the help and input

Desert Dweller · Guru

We've been using a pre-paid Telstra dongle/modem for the past 7 years. We've been happy with it & attach a small Telstra magnetic aerial to it in low reception areas which gives us one extra bar most times.

Telstra have recently changed there pre-paid fee schedules. We purchase in 6 month blocks. You used to be able to ''carry over'' your unused data if you renewed before the 6 months was up. Now you loose the unused data at 6 months because you can't ''carry it over''

Our last plan was $70 for 10gig, we recently lost 3 gig that we hadn't used.

PeterInSa · Guru

DD re (Our last plan was $70 for 10gig, we recently lost 3 gig that we hadn't used.)

Around next March I will be in a similar position, probably based on Telstra's current pre paid schedule, I could lose around 5G, but as far as I am concerned my current agreement is for a roll over and that is what I will get. ( may need some heavy negotiation with them) But I appreciate that come my next purchase of 30Gb for $150? for a year, (will probably only use 10G in the year) I understand that there will be no roll over in that schedule/agreement.

Peter

fwdoz · Guru

PeterInSa wrote:
But I appreciate that come my next purchase of 30Gb for $150? for a year, (will probably only use 10G in the year) I understand that there will be no roll over in that schedule/agreement.

Peter

I am still on the old $150 for 16GB for 2 years. Saw the new one you mentioned & said will stick to what I have as I would never use 30GB in 2 years, let alone 1 year.

PeterInSa · Guru

Bob, I think when you finish your current contract Telstra will not give you an option, Take it (with No roll over) or leave it, ie go somewhere else, and to me somewhere else is not an option.

fwdoz · Guru

Peter, if you have other services with them, dont be afraid to play hard ball they will come to some sort of compromise.You might just be surprised by what they offer.

For now I am going to keep on the old plan until they make me change.