Wireless Broadband Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is Wireless Broadband?
A. Wireless Broadband or High Speed Packet Access is essentially a collection of mobile telephony protocols that allow for improved utilization of the radio bandwidth. You are able to download and browse on the internet at high speed.
Q2. How does Exetel provide Wireless Broadband?
A. Exetel provides an Wireless Broadband service via the Optus wholesale 3G/Wireless Broadband mobile network. Exetel provides a USIM and/or USB STICK to provide you access to this.
Q3. How fast is Wireless Broadband?
A. The maximum theoretical download speeds on Optus wholesale 3G/Wireless Broadband is approximately 3.6Mbps. Based on internal testing, an end user can typically expect speeds between 500kbps to 1.5Mbps. Speeds can be slower or faster depending on location and time.
Q4. Am I eligible? How can I check?
A. To check if you are eligible for this service, please contact your local agent (you are able to search for your closest agent by using the look up toll in the "Agent" section of this website), if you do not have a local agent please call 1300 788 141 and one of our representatives will perform a search based on your address.
Q5. How long does it take to receive my USM and/or USB stick?
A. Provided there are no impediments, the average time between submission and delivery is approximately 4 working days.
Q6. How long does it take to activate my Wireless Broadband service?
A. Once you have received your package, you can log into your newly created user facilities to activate. New services take approximately 15 mins to activate.
Q7. Can I use my existing SIM?
A. No
Q8. I want to use Wireless Broadband on my handset? Will my handset work on it?
A. For Wireless Broadband compliant handsets, we have provided a current list of Wireless Broadband handsets on our main website.
Q9. My Handset is not on the list, can it still work?
A. We advise to use compliant handsets; however, if you do wish to use your current handset you will have to make sure it is a 3G, 2100MHZ or at least 900MHZ UMTS supported handset. Non-Wireless Broadband phones speeds are also slower (approximately 200-384kpbs). Alternatively, you can go to GSM Arena to check what your phone supports.
Q10. How do I make/receive calls if I use my Wireless Broadband USIM in my handset?
A. Upon activation you will be given a mobile number to receive incoming calls and SMS. Outgoing calls can be made via VOIP services which you can order with Exetel upon activation.
Q11. If I am in a GPRS(2G) coverage area, will my service still work?
A. Your Wireless Broadband service will still work, however the speed of the service will be greatly affected to the point of dial-up like speeds.
Q12. I am within coverage according to the maps yet I am unable to obtain speeds that what Wireless Broadband can offer, why is this the case?
A. Please be advised that the old E169 and the current E160e and E1762 USB sticks that Exetel provide support both the 2100MHZ and 900MHZ frequencies for Wireless Broadband. Regional areas with a different shade of orange depict the 900MHZ range only that can be captured for Wireless Broadband use provided you have the supported hardware.
