Fran Foo | August 18, 2008
TELCOS Vodafone and Optus have simultaneously announced USB key solutions to boost mobile broadband usage but have employed starkly different sales tactics.
Vodafone's cheapest "internet-ready" plan will start at $19.95 monthly for 1GB over 24 months. Customers will also have to pay a $5 per month fee. Additional data downloads will cost $0.10 per MB.
"The Vodafone Internet Stick will give Australians the freedom to ditch their landline," Helen Tuffy, Vodafone Australia head of consumer data, said.
Optus's version takes shape in a prepaid form. A special offer of $199 will include the USB modem and 2GB data.
Subsequently customers have five options to top-up their cards, starting with $30 for 2GB over 30 days.
"We are continuing to see a strong thirst in our customer base for mobile broadband and launching a prepaid version means more customers can get online on their own terms," Michael Smith, Optus consumer group marketing director, said.
Optus is touting the prepaid version as an industry-first, however, users can already surf the internet using prepaid mobile phones and a laptop.
Speeds of up to 7.2Mbps and 3.6Mbps respectively can be achieved with the Vodafone and Optus devices but their networks might not be up to speed.
Telstra and Hutchison's 3 Mobile also have similar wireless broadband offerings.