Mobile Broadband FAQ’s

As part of the iiNet group of companies, Netspace customers now have access to a great range of iiNet products – including iiNet Mobile Broadband – designed to help them connect better.

What hardware is involved?

iiNet offers a choice between two USB Huawei modems, the Standard Modem and the Premium Modem. The Premium Modem has the ability to use higher speed HSDPA modes if network and coverage permits. The modem looks like a thumb drive — it can be connected directly to a USB port, or fitted to a USB cable for greater flexibility.

What does my laptop/PC require in order to use mobile broadband? Any issues with Vista or Macs?

You need a computer (PC or Laptop) with a USB port and Windows XP or higher, or a Mac with OSX or higher.

I already have a laptop with a built in modem — can I use this, and get a better deal by avoiding paying for the modem?

No — unfortunately this is not possible at this stage. However, iiNet will be exploring possibilities of accepting BYO laptops with inbuilt modems for the future. You are still welcome to use the USB port on your laptop to connect an iiNet supported modem and access the mobile broadband service.

I already have a MBB modem — can I BYO this to the Netspace service? What modems are accepted?

At the moment, we are only allowing Optus-approved Huawei modems as BYO equipment. This means the modem needs to have been approved and used on the Optus network through Optus or through an Optus-approved reseller. If you have one of these modems, please call us on 131 456 to verify and discuss how to get it connected to an iiNet plan. Unfortunately, no other modems can be accepted at this stage.

What will I be able to use with it? PC / laptop / handheld device?

The modem can be attached to most PCs and Laptops with a USB port.

What network will deliver the iiNet Mobile Broadband service?

iiNet will utilise the Optus Dual Band 3G Mobile Network. It delivers 3G access to 96% of the population in Australia using the 900/2100 Mhz network bands.

Will I still be a Netspace customer?

Absolutely.

How do I find out if I’m in an area supported by iiNet Mobile Broadband?

Coverage maps will show you whether there is mobile coverage in your area however they wont indicate if the network in your area supports new Mobile Broadband connections. Simply call us on 131 456 and one of our Sales team will happily assist you — no obligations.

How accurate is the check to see if iiNet Mobile Broadband will be available in my area?

We would love to know exactly what kind of coverage is available in every location, but there are many factors which could affect it, so we can never guarantee 100% coverage at a location.

What’s the coverage like and will it improve over time?

At the moment, it’s 96% of the population in Australia. We do always recommend checking with Netspace to confirm if there is coverage in your area.

What factors will affect speed/quality of signal?

There are several factors which could affect the speed/quality of the signal, including:

  1. Distance from the nearest mobile phone tower
  2. The number of people using the mobile network in the area
  3. The type of building mobile broadband is used in
  4. The location of the USB modem
  5. Surrounding buildings which could be interfering with mobile signals

What will the download speed be like? I download a lot, so is mobile broadband for me?

Downloading will be fast. It may, however, not be as fast as a standard ADSL or ADSL 2+ service connected to the fixed line network. If you require high speeds, big download quotas or a service which is up most of the time, mobile broadband may not be for you. That’s not to say mobile broadband isn’t reliable, but remember, there are many factors which can affect the signal strength and therefore performance of your mobile broadband service.

If iiNet Mobile Broadband uses the Optus network — will I have any relationship with Optus as a customer?

Think of Optus as your invisible link to iiNet’s great quality network and service. Your relationship will be with iiNet, Optus are just lending a helping hand.

Will there be any sneaky roaming charges I need to be aware of?

There are no roaming charges with iiNet Mobile Broadband.

Will International Roaming available?

No, this is not available with iiNet Mobile Broadband.

Is there a Grace Period during which I can cancel my mobile broadband service if I can’t receive a decent signal?

Yes. If you are not happy with the speed or coverage at your primary residence you may be eligible for a grace period return. Contact Netspace on 131 456 for more information.

I already have products/services with Netspace. Will I be rewarded if I take out mobile broadband as an additional product with Netspace?

Of course! Customers who bundle other products with their mobile broadband will receive a discount on their monthly plan.

I already have a mobile broadband service with another carrier — can I switch to iiNet?

Yes. Depending on your current provider, we may need to provide you with a new modem, but you can certainly join us.

Will I be able track my usage on the service?

Certainly, MyNetspace will have all of the information about your usage and plan allowances.

Will ‘shaping’ be available with the service?

No, once the quota is exceeded your service will remain at normal speeds and excess charges will begin.

What are the excess charges if I exceed my monthly usage allowance?

Excess is charged at 5¢ per MB on all mobile broadband plans, with no shaping option.

Will I get a free email address/account with the service?

All Netspace internet services are eligible to receive one primary email address plus up to nine (9) additional email addresses free of charge. Please note: existing Netspace internet members who sign up to iiNet Mobile Broadband on their existing internet account will not receive any additional email addresses.

Will I be able to get a static IP with the service?

Business customers are able to purchase a static IP.

Can I enjoy un-metered content in the Netspace Freezone, when using the iiNet Mobile Broadband service?

Unfortunately at time of launch, this will not be possible. All Netspace Freezone usage will be metered. However, Netspace is investigating bringing this to iiNet Mobile Broadband members in the future.

Tell me about billing — how does the invoice be sent and will services be combined?

Bills are available electronically from MyNetspace and are emailed to customers. Your invoice will contain charges for all of your services.

Will I have access to a backup dialup service?

Yes — access to Dialup will be available as a backup.

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Mobile Broadband FAQ