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Thread: Telstra Bigpond SIM's in Third Party Devices?

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    Default Telstra Bigpond SIM's in Third Party Devices?

    Can someone refresh my memory.
    I think, Telstra Bigpond Data SIM's will only work in a Telstra Bigpond product? Is this correct.
    Yet ALL other Telstra SIM's (not Bigpond, but Telstra) will work in whatever third party device.

    I am having trouble with a Bigpond SIM in an Option Globesurfer 3+ modem.
    It will not connect or even show signal strength... yet it will show the external WAN address for the internet.

    Tried the SIM in an old iPhone 3GS, would not connect, said the SIM had network restrictions.

    The SIM is from a Telstra Bigpond Gateway modem (the modems that break every 12 months without fail)
    Last edited by ol' boy; 28-11-14 at 04:28 PM.



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    Testing my memory here, but I think there was also some sort of difference between pre and post paid sims.

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    Ok, this is definitely Post Paid.

    I have 2 broken BigPond Gateway modems here, i will try.... they only connect at 2G, but it might answer my question.
    I think the Bigpond Data SIM's are IMEI married or locked to the device. Not 100%.

    Back of the SIM card just says NEXT G network
    Yet maybe they all say that?


    Mmmmm yes this rings a bell.....

    Even if it was techincally possible, its a breach of the T&Cs:

    2.6 To take up the BigPond Mobile Broadband service, you need to connect with:
    (a) a BigPond Mobile Broadband USB;
    (b) a BigPond Broadband Ready Device (including a BigPond Broadband Ready Laptop);
    (c) a BigPond Mobile Broadband Network Gateway;
    or (d) a BigPond Mobile Broadband Wi-Fi(“BigPond Mobile Broadband Device”).
    EDIT: Seems that must be the problem.
    Optus SIM works 100% in the Globesurfer, Bigpond, will not even connect.

    And out of interest, an online "Speedtest" uses around 12Mb of data (when pulling 10Mbs download)
    I'd hate to see how much it uses for you 4G guys with a 60+Mbs connection!

    Well done Bigpond, about to loose another customer
    Last edited by ol' boy; 28-11-14 at 05:10 PM.

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    Pretty sure it's a restriction on all Telstra SIMs, not just Bigpond. See:


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    Back in the day when the first data sim card camoe out in Germany we had similar problems.
    You get a decent modem and think you can improove on reception but it won't work.
    Getting a refund in this case is not possible either.
    Someone managed to get hands on a firmware for one of those resticted modems and analysed it.
    Did not get all the technical details but he said something like:
    The modem itself is not locked in any way other than only connecting to the suppliers network.
    But the Sim card is provider locked and "married" with the modem.
    when the thing tries to log into the network it has to transmit the MAC address of the modem, this however was locked to the SIM.
    So provider would only allow the connection if the MAC address matches the Sim card.
    Quite simple but very effictive I was told.
    Someone with the right hardware might be able to tell us by spoofing the MAC address of a geniume Telstra modem onto a third party modem...
    Can only assume Telstra is doing it in a simal fashion.
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    Quote Originally Posted by peteramjet View Post
    Pretty sure it's a restriction on all Telstra SIMs, not just Bigpond. See:

    @#$%@!!! I wonder how many other installations of Telstra SIM cards in Third Party Modems this has effected!
    The Globesurfer is very popular.

    The worst part is, the OEM Telstra Gateway Modem breaks every 12months to 2 years, and you have to fight tooth and nail with them to even get them to look at it, then at your cost to mail it back... then wait for ever, then you might get a replacement IF they decide it is faulty.

    Telstra are such a joke, to think, this client spends $20,000+ a year with them, and this is how they look after good customers.

    Pre Paid will all work
    Post Paid will all be Blocked!

    There is even some conditions regarding BigPond in the eBay ad for the Gateway Modem.
    Last edited by ol' boy; 28-11-14 at 10:48 PM.

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