Does each prepaid mobile broadband provider offer the option of buying a sim card to enable connection, or do you also require a USB modem? Have had this question asked several times over the past few months by people. To assist our readers, I have to the best of my knowledge updated the prepaidplans website with what I have been able to find out from each of the prepaid broadband providers.
I must admit that this whole topic of prepaid broadband connectivity can be quite confusing. So to clarify, you should know that to enable your mobile broadband connection, monthly or prepaid you need both a Sim Card from the network provider you are about the join as well as a compatible and approved USB wireless modem.
Following some enquiries (visited their retail stores and asked them), I can confirm that if you want to use either of the following mobile broadband providers, you will need both a modem and sim card directly from them. They can be borrowed from friends/family but they can’t be from another ISP:
- Vodafone
- 3 Mobile (3 Mobile website conflicts this info)
- Telstra
Note that if a friend of yours can lend you their modem, then you can avoid this cost, but the sim card will create your usage account with the provider so it is worth buying. 3 Mobile sells their sim card for $9.90 I believe. Vodafone doesn’t sell the sim card separately, it only comes with the USB modem (currently $99).
I am not aware of Telstra selling the sim card separately either and given their pricing and profit focus, don’t expect them to do so, however will visit their store to confirm.
So the only mobile broadband provider that seems to sell a sim card separately and also allows you to use a compatible and approved USB modem purchased from another ISP is Optus. This is because they are by far the most active wholesaler of mobile broadband services in Australia in terms of wholesale relationships with other ISPs. From my knowledge, the following major ISPs use them, Adam, Exetel, Virgin, Dodo, Spin, Comcen, Westnet and People Telecom, not to mention many smaller ISPs.
So if you have already purchased a compatible USB modem from another ISP (and have unlocked it, note fees may apply) and wish to use the Optus service or that of eg Exetel/Virgin etc, you only need to purchase the sim card from them and you will be on your way. Optus sell theirs for $30, Virgin’s is $10 and Exetel’s is free ($25 activation free applies).
