Is Upload Data Counted?

Yes, unlike most other Internode broadband services, usage is counted in both the download and the upload directions.

Is there any Unmetered Content?

No, unlike most other Internode broadband services, there is no unmetered content. All downloads - and all uploads - count towards your usage quota.

Is there any Traffic Management?

Internode reserves the right to optimise certain applications - 'eyeball traffic' - at the expense of non-real time traffic such as file transfers. This will be done with the sole objective of improving the customer experience of NodeMobile Data for the majority of users, if and as required.

What happens when I've used my Monthly Quota?

The good news is that nothing bad happens - there's no unexpected excess usage charges with NodeMobile Data. In essence, you can buy a Data Block online for a quota top-up - or simply wait for your quota to be renewed on your rollover date - totally your choice. There's more detail on this feature here.

Can I change my NodeMobile Data Plan?

Certainly - you are not locked to a specific NodeMobile Data plan for the duration of your contract! You can change between the Explorer and Value usage plans - or between the dynamic and static IP plans - at any time, without any once-off charges or plan change penalties.

Plan changes can be requested at any time via My Internode, and will take effect from your next monthly rollover day.

Is this an Optus Internet Service?

No, it isn't. NodeMobile Data utilises a 'layer 2' data connection via the Optus mobile broadband networks to the Internode network.  So the service offering - for example, data blocks - is entirely different; the support is from Internode's help desk; and the Internet is accessed through the Internode International IP network.

So it is an Internode service - just with the 'last mile' delivered wirelessly via Optus!

Can I Get a Static IP?

Yes you can - static IP services are available for an extra $5 per month - this feature is useful for certain business applications, such as virtual private networks. Please refer to Business NodeMobile Data for more information.

What are the Roaming Rates?

There are none. You can use the service anywhere in Australia that is serviced by the Optus wireless data networks, and it's all 'normal usage' against your quota. No nasty surprises because you roamed on to someone else's network!

You cannot use the NodeMobile Data service overseas - international roaming is not supported. Frankly, it's not good value.

What is the SP Code?

The SP Code for use with NodeMobile Data is inode. Please note that the SP Code is case sensitive. You need to enter this - once only - when you install the 3G modem software into a Windows or Mac operating environment, such as a laptop.

Services purchased prior to 26/08/09 use the SP Code 333A1.

What is the APN?

The APN is internode. Please note that the APN is case sensitive. This is needed if you are setting up the service on a 3G handset or router.

Services purchased prior to 26/08/09 use the APN splns333a1.

How do I know how much data I've used?

This can be checked online at My Internode.

You also have an indication from the 3G modem's application (called 'Wireless Broadband') that is installed on to your laptop from the USB device. However, this is local session information only - it won't be synchronised with the monthly quota refresh on your NodeMobile service.

Note : 3rd party usage meter programs such as MUM and NodeToad that are used to view usage for Internode ADSL broadband, are not yet capable of measuring usage on NodeMobile Data services.

How do I purchase a Mobile Data Block?

If you need a quota top-up, you can purchase a Mobile Data Block online at My Internode. Detailed information regarding Mobile Data Blocks is available on this page (click on the + symbol to expand).

How do I send a Text Message?

The 'Wireless Broadband' application that is installed on to your Windows laptop includes a tab for sending and receiving SMS (text) messages - it's very simple to use. Each text message that you send to an Australian mobile service costs 25 cents, and this is charged monthly in arrears.

A higher cost applies for text messages sent to international or premium mobile services. Please note this application is not available on Macs.

Special instructions for Mac installations

Note that you'll need Mac OSX 10.3.7 or above to use this device.

If you encounter problems with the connection, go to System Settings then Network, and select the Huawei Mobile 3G modem. Enter *99# in the Telephone Number field, click Apply, and retry the connection.

Special Instructions for Windows Installations

For the vast majority of customers, you can simply plug in the modem and the installation will progress automatically. You simply need to enter the SP Code, which is inode (and is documented in the modem packaging for future reference).

If you have any issues, please check that your PC meets the minimum requirements of Windows 2000 (SP3 & SP4); Windows XP (SP1 & SP2); or Windows Vista (x86 & x64).

We also recommend using Microsoft Internet Explorer V5.5 or above for the installation; and to get really technical note that the computer must also have Remote Access Service components with the TCP/IP protocol enabled.

Finally, if you plug in the 3G modem and nothing happens, this just means that 'autorun' isn't enabled on your USB port. Simply use Windows Explorer to open the USB device and double-click on autorun.exe.

Special Instructions for Windows 7

The current E160E and E1762 3G modems work correctly with Windows 7. The older E169 3G modem can experience difficulties.

If you experience intermittent hardware detection and connectivity issues with your E169, you may need to download and upgrade the firmware via the link below.

Please note the latest firmware provided by the manufacturer Huawei does not support Mac.

E169 Client Software UTPSB030D01SP04C03 for WinXP&2K&Vista (9968 KB) 20-Jun-2008

Are External Antennas available?

Yes they are! After extensive testing, Internode have selected the Panorama TCLIP2 3G Mobile Broadband Antenna. Detailed product information is available from the Panorama Antennas website.

The TCLIP2 connects directly to the antenna port on a Huawei E169, E160E or E1762 3G USB modem. If you are using a different type of modem, please note the antenna has a 'CRC9' connector type.

Conveniently the antenna can be either desk mounted, or clipped to your laptop. Simple to use and remarkably effective, these antennas are only $29.95 (plus $10 delivery Australia-wide).

Buy a Panorama TCLIP2 antenna from the Internode online store.

What are PINs and PUKs?

The Personal Identification Number (PIN) is your security code to prevent unauthorised use of the USIM. By default, the PIN is 0000. If the PIN is entered incorrectly 3 times, the USIM card will be 'locked' - please contact Internode Support on 1300 304 718 for the PUK.

The Personal Unblocking Key (PUK) is used to unlock the SIM card when the PIN code has been entered incorrectly 3 times. If the PUK is entered incorrectly ten times, the SIM is essentially destroyed, and will need to be replaced (at a cost of $25).

If you require a PUK code or a replacement SIM card, please call Internode Support on 1300 304 718.

What is the MicroSD Slot for?

The Huawei 3G modem supports MicroSD cards, so that the USB stick can be used both as a modem and for data storage. Internode do not sell MicroSD cards, however they are widely available from electronics retailers.

Note that the USB modem supports the use of a MicroSD card of up to 4GB; however MicroSDHC cards of 4GB are not supported by the device.

Can I use NodePhone on NodeMobile Data?

Yes, you can! However, there are minimum speed requirements for NodePhone (typically 512/128 kbps or faster); so if you are experiencing slow data speeds, you will experience quality issues with the NodePhone call.

Troubleshooting an existing service

Use the supplied USB cable to connect the modem to your laptop or router.

If your USB modem worked initially but now is unable to connect, test the device on another USB port and reinstall the driver on that USB port.

If another USB port fails, try another laptop, to determine if the problem relates to the modem or the laptop.

If your connection keeps dropping out, or is unbearably slow or stopped completely, call Internode Support to check whether there are any 3G issues in your area.

If you have coverage issues ....

When you sign up for NodeMobile, you'll be asked to perform a service qualification at a location where you intend to make use of the service. If this test indicates you should get satisfactory coverage, and it turns out that you don't, then please contact our Support staff within 14 days of receiving your service.

You may be eligible for a full refund of the service; although you will be responsible for freight charges for delivery and return of the NodeMobile equipment.

You can also use an external antenna to improve your reception, in areas with low signal strength.

So don't panic - just call Internode Support on 1300 304 718 and we'll sort it out.