Huawei Mobile WiFi E5577 (Optus) Questions & Answers

When you first buy the modem it will be locked to Optus. Telstra sell the same device with a similar deal. The shop might tell you it isn't locked but it is. After a year or so of use I asked to have the modem unlocked which was then enabled at no charge. It's a bit of a fiddle but not too difficult and if you need any help when you get to this stage let me know. These modems are very handy devices. If you travel they provide security by not using hotel or public wi-fi. Also if you live in an area where the power goes down quite frequently, they provide a useful wi-fi back-up when the broadband goes down. If you have a few family members with wifi tablets this enables them to be used away from home with a secure and assured connection.

Thanks for that information. Another question - If I get a Moose 9 SIM, which is on the Optus 4G network, does that still count as Optus?

I believe it probably would, for example I use a Boost sim on a Telstra phone so they must use compatible systems. Usually when you buy the Optus modem you get a three month data sim with it which provides the opportunity of checking which partner Sims will work with it. Incidentally, I recall when unlocking there was a small fee on a graduated scale depending on how long you had been using and paying for the Optus service cutting out to zero after about a year. The modem is quite powerful, it will service up to 10 devices. When travelling I use it to stream German HD movies over the internet onto the hotel TV through a small laptop computer. Good luck, you will be pleasantly surprised.

I ended up buying a Telstra 4GX WiFi Hotspot device, with Telstra plan. The salesperson was adamant that the device could not be unlocked, even months down the track. I don't think she was a seasoned Telstra employee. Perhaps I should try again a few months from now, and persist?

Hi I am an 83 year old un tech savvy I have Telstra mobile data 180 gigabytes with 1 or 2 bars I have no internet or wi fi as I am in a hollow surrounded by trees My neighbours have tried to get me a personal hotspot but have failed Is there such a gag get that would get me wi fi?? If so what would the best brand of that gadget be Maybe you can help me Regards Max Sweetman

Cherry M. No the device offers wi-fi just like NBN or any other wi-fi system which does not allow text messages as such (or voice calls) to be sent. You can however, use other forms of text messaging such as WhatsApp and social media. There are internet-based text providers but these seem mainly to be based in the US and Europe and I haven't found one that works in Australia.

Yes

These devices are generally locked to the respective telecom supplier, Optus in this case although there is some debate about this claim of locking. They can be unlocked for a fee or after a period of paid usage. Telstra also market a similar device so if this is your chosen service provider you may be better advised to buy their modem. Incidentally for either modem you will often be able to buy at a discount from retailers such as Big W, JB Hifi etc.