High Speed Internet Access (HSIA): Mobile Internet

The Samsung Galaxy Tab is available online from Vodafone from Monday 15 November. There are a wide range of plans to choose from. Mobile broadband 24 month plans range from $45 a month to $75 a month. This is inclusive of data plus the monthly cost for the Galaxy Tab. The data options range from 1.5 GB to a huge 16 GB a month. Month to month plans range from $15 a month to $49 a month but this is for data only. With these plans the Galaxy Tab must be purchased up front at a cost of $999.

Another option is to purchase the Samsung Galaxy Tab on a Vodafone Cap Plan as the device can be used as a smartphone as well as a tablet computer. Voice plans are available from $20 to $99 a month. The higher value plans include the Galaxy Tab with no additional cost. On the $29 and $49 Cap Plan a monthly charge of $26 and $16 respectively is charged for the device.

The Galaxy Tab is the first major tablet computer since the iPad and as such it has been eagerly awaited and reviewers have been keen to compare it with the very successful iPad. On the whole the reviews have been very good. The Galaxy Tab is smaller than the iPad. The screen is 7 inches compare with the iPad 9.7 inches. There are obviously some disadvantages to a smaller display but the upside is the greater portability of the Galaxy Tab.

Feature for feature the Galaxy Tab stacks up well against the iPad and it looks fantastic. It will appeal to Android fans. The Android interface is excellent and you can customise to your hearts content. There are pre-loaded apps and access to apps from the Android market.

Telstra are offering a pre-paid wi-fi modem from this week which will compete with similar products from Vodafone and Virgin Mobile Broadband.

It’s a small device which acts as a portable wi-fi hotspot giving you the ability to connect up to 5 devices wirelessly. It’s compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.

The Telstra pre-paid wi-fi modem costs $149 up front with a starter pack including 5GB of data with 90 day expiry.

It’s the first wi-fi modem product from Telstra. Vodafone have a Pocket Wi-Fi product which is $119 pre-paid or available on mobile broadband plans. Virgin Mobile also have a wi-fi modem for $199 and 1GB of data, available from Dick Smith until the end of November.

It used to be that mobile broadband plans were over 24 months as the only option. Now there is more flexibility. 3 Mobile are offering new 12 month plans in addition to 24 months and month by month.

With the new 12 month mobile broadband contracts you get a free USB modem. Prices are $29 for 3GB a month, $39 for 6GB a month and $49 for 8GB a month.

See the 3 Mobile website for full details.

Vodafone has half price mobile broadband deals on currently. The deal is that you get the first six months at half the monthly cost and then pay the full price over the remainder of a 24 month contract.

There are three options:

3GB for $29 and in the first six months you pay just $14.50 a month. The total minimum cost over the 24 period is $609. Offer code o2922

8GB for $39 and in the first six months you pay just $19.50 a month. The total minimum cost over the 24 period is $819. o2923

10GB for $49 and in the first six months you pay just $24.50 a month. The total minimum cost over the 24 period is $906.50. o2924

See the Vodafone website for full details and order online to take advantage of the free deals.

Browse our mobile broadband page for a comprehensive look at the best mobile broadband plans in Australia.

Vodafone has slashed the price of prepaid mobile broadband. The prepaid starter pack is now $49. Previously it was $79. The pack consists of a USB modem and 1GB of data with a 30 day expiry. Current prices for additional data are $29 for 2GB and $49 for 4GB expiring in 30 days. There is also a recharge option for 180 day expiry costing $100 for 6GB and an option for a 12 month expiry costing $150 for 12GB.

Prepaid mobile broadband is ideal if you want to use the Internet wherever you are, whether that’s at home or when you’re out and about. The prepaid plans are flexible in that there is no contract so data can be purchased whenever it is needed.

See the Vodafone website for full details and to buy online.

Not sure whether you want prepaid mobile broadband or a mobile broadband plan with a contract? Take a look at all our featured mobile broadband plans and see which is the best for you.

3 Mobile and Vodafone are offering 6 month half price mobile broadband deals for a limited time only.

Vodafone’s 6GB of data for $39.95 with a free USB modem is now $19.97 per month for the first 6 months on a 2 year contract. You must connect before the end of January.

3 Mobile have similar offers on their plans from 2GB up to 7GB a month. The 6GB plan is $19.50 per month for the first 6 months with a free USB modem.

Virgin Mobile Broadband have a web exclusive offer for a limited time only until the end of the year. Buy any of their post paid mobile broadband plans online and get the first six months for half price.

The mobile broadband plans to choose from start at $19 a month for 1 GB of data plus $5 a month for a USB modem of you can provide your own modem. For heavier Internet users the Virgin Mobile Broadband Plan of $39 for 6GB is good value especially with the 6 months half price offer.

Benefits of Virgin Mobile Broadband plans include no excess usage charges, good coverage on the Optus 3G mobile network and the choice to bundle plans with a phone plan.

Here’s a summary of all of the Virgin Mobile Broadband Plans. Buy online to get the six month discount.

3 Mobile have partnered with AVG, the popular anti-virus software company to offer a free 12 month, full subscription to AVG Internet security. This is a good deal offering anti-virus protection with real-time security while you surf, email and chat online.

The offer is available to all new mobile broadband customers and all current customers as well.

A full list of mobile broadband plans with the special anti-virus offer is on the Three website.