Just wondering if anyone can give me some advice on wireless internet access in oz. I am self employed and we are doing our "visa validation" holiday in August. We have of course taken account of my loss of earnings whilst we are on holiday but it would be very nice, and it would help us enjoy the holiday more (sounds silly I know), if I could at least generate some income and turnover whilst we are away, which I could do with a laptop and internet access. Our accommodation has internet access on site but I dont think its practical or fair to be sat at the internet kiosk for 2-3 hours on end. So does anyone have any ideas if you have been in a similar situation? I was thinking along the lines of the 3G cards that you can plug into a laptop, but really do need fairly fast access speed. Even if it means I have to take out a 12 month contract it would still be worth my while. If anyone has done this kind of thing before or has any suggestions/experience it really would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Why not just enjoy the holiday a bit more withought the work?


If you intend to do some work anyway, why not find a nice place to be where you can piggy back of someone`s Wireless Network

Whereabouts in Oz are you visiting?
Have you checked on availability of wireless hotspots in that area?
What equipment have you got?
Can you afford a 3G card and the tarif that goes with it? It's pricey!
Is 3G available in the area that you are visting?
Can you conceivably generate income without spending "2-3 hours on end" at the internet kiosk?

Hmm you sitting outside my house again all night....?



Buzzy

Nope, moved on to next door

Most McDonalds have wireless internet - depends how long you can make a cup of coffee last for or how comfortably you can work in your car outside !!!

unwired.com.au

Appears to have a 14 money back guarantee - use it then cancel the agreement!

Whirlpool Wireless ISPs
The 2 most economical options are Unwired or iBurst.
I can't comment on either service as I haven't used them.
I use Telstra's 1x and evdo networks round Sydney no probs.

The above mentioned forum has a sticky thread with free wifi hotspots round oz, which may be a preferable option to a contract.

Try this: http://www.whirlpool.net.au/

You can use it to search for an internet package that suits YOUR requirements in your local area. You can search under minimum contract, speed of use etc. Very useful!

Hope it helps, karma sent...

JDT

or alternatively, read my thread just before this one.

So whos managed to get broadband without signing up for a 24 month contract Or without selling one of the kids to pay mega bucks for real unlimited.

In Perth you can use Metromesh (http://www.metromesh.com.au/) if you are in the CBD, sign up and just pay as you go, i.e. charge your account with a certain amount and then you are just charged per Mb of usage.

Cheers

Paul

LOL

Yeah sorry about that, only just realised that after I had posted...

Good site though isn't it?

JDT

You could go to a library and pay to use theirs or an internet cafe......have to agree that a visa validation trip should be a holiday...just enjoy yourself and work harder before and after the trip......

Thanks for the replies everyone. Dont fancy sitting outside someones house using their connection. However I know there is a MacDonald's next to our accommodation on the gold coast (well there was last year), so may look into that option. I will also check out all the links that have been posted. I know its a bit sad working on holiday but it really does ease the financial burden and stress of returning home knowing that I can at least have a small income coming in. Thanks again.