Optus launches prepaid wireless broadband - with a snag or two

Stephen Withers
Monday, 18 August 2008 11:13

Business IT - Networking

One good point about the prepaid plans is that if you already own a suitable HSDPA modem (eg, a hand-me-down from a friend or colleague who updated their notebook to a model with built-in 3G) - you don't have to buy the $199 starter kit that includes a modem. Instead, you can pick up a free SIM with your first recharge, an Optus spokesperson explained.

There's no guarantee a modem supplied by another carrier will work, she warned, but there's no harm in trying it. At worse, you'll need to buy a starter kit after all.

Michael Smith, Optus consumer group marketing director, said "With no bills, no long-term contracts and easy connection, we are truly listening to our customers and helping yet again to lead the mobile market in Australia."

He certainly didn't listen to what I need! I'll give Optus a 'C' for trying, but they really could have done a lot better.