James Blog

Where to with Mobile Networks?

    Where are we headed in Australia with the Mobile Networks?

    We have all heard the hype around 4G, but what does this really mean to the consumer?

    4G is the buzzword terminology being used in the market, but strictly speaking this is not what is on offer. In actual fact, the correct name for our "4G" network is LTE (Long Term Evolution) but I feel it is OK to call it 4G (and simpler) because this is the 4th generation of mobile service being offered in Australia and around the world today.

    We started with an analogue Mobile network, which was the first introduction to Cell Networks where Mobile phones could roam between towers around the country. Then the introduction of Digital Mobile, known as the 2nd generation of Mobile communications. Following 2G, we saw improvements in data handling, leading to some networks naming the service 2.5G, and of course we now have 3G and even 3.5G offering fast data speeds and generally a better mobile experience. With the introduction of 3G came the widespread use of Mobile Broadband. This is still the fastest growing sector for 3G services but is now being challenged by huge take up of the "Smart Phone"... thanks to the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy products, and also the less expensive Prepaid Smart Phones now available in the market.

    What do all these improvements mean to us? A faster data connection and a stronger signal basically. Optus have been testing LTE in regional NSW and Victoria, recording download speeds of 70Mbps. That's about 20 times faster than the typical broadband speed at home over the existing wired network. This means faster web browsing, quicker song and movie downloads and seamless streaming of content to our mobile devices.

    What does this mean to retailers like you? It means more sales ! Consumers will want to upgrade their handsets and Broadband devices to take advantage of the faster speeds on offer using 4G (LTE) services. So, mobile products will continue to become a larger part of you business as Australians embrace technology, usually faster than the rest of the world, wanting the latest and best.

    Keep watching, because this industry is not standing still.

 

Have you got a "Hot Spot" ?

 Want to be popular with you friends?

 If you haven't already got one, isn't it time you thought about getting your very own "Hot Spot" ?

What am I talking about?

The Optus Prepaid Mini WiFi Modem.

This great little device offers Mobile Broadband Internet access in a convenient personal WiFi device. Complete with a Prepaid SIM and upto 8Gb of data allowance to use over a 6 month period.

It is capable of connecting up to 5 seperate devices at once, so you can connect your PC, Laptop, Tablet, Smart Phone, etc and have the convenience of Mobile Broadband while you travel or at home.

Broadband Internet on the go !    A great way to get connected. Perfect for Laptop use, or even for connecting your TiVo to the internet if you haven't got broadband at home.

Want your own "Hot Spot" ?    Click here to take a look at the Optus Prepaid Mini WiFi Modem.

Great gift idea for Father's Day, or just to keep the kids happily connected at home or on holidays.

 

 

Mobile Broadband Comparison

    I picked up PC & Tech Authority magazine at my local newsagents this morning. Yes, I am one of those many peole that still love to buy magazines at a newsagency. Just so happens my local is Blaxland in the beautiful Blue Mountains and is the same newsagency Donna and I had with her parents for 13 years.
    Anyway, as I said, I picked up this magazine as the cover caught my eye, comparing Mobile Broadband products from Telstra, Virgin mobile, 3, Optus and Vodafone. Oh, Vivid, a little known brand owned by Channel 7 is in there too, but it really isn't a Mobile Broadband like the others as it uses WiMax which has limited coverage.
    Interestingly, Virgin Mobile Broadband and Telstra share the top rating amongst these contenders... 4 out of 5 stars each.
    PC & Tech Authority stated "Virgin charges a fraction of Telstra and delivers a solid connection"
    They went on to say Virgin's "solid data rates and excellent per - KB pricing make Virgin a great budget Broadband offering"

    So, quite simply, PC & Tech Authority have just confimred that Virgin Mobile is one of, if not the best value for money and service Mobile Broadband available today in Australia.
    If you want to read the article, I suggest you pick up a copy of the magazine (easy for all you newsagents) and turn to page 20.
    You can order your Virgin Mobile Broadband Dump Bin here and place a copy of the magazine comparison with the dump bin. What a great way to up sell and promote in store.
 

Mobile Broadband Growth Surge

    Mobile Broadband continues to grow in popularity in Australia as consumers look to avoid being tied down to cables and want to enjoy the freedom and convenience of "being connected" whenever and wherever they are.
    We recently launched the Optus Prepaid Broadband Dump Bin into retail channels and this has proven to be a huge success for retailers as consumers awareness of Mobile Broadband has grown considerably in the last few months. 
    I believe in supporting our retailers any way we can. This exclusive Broadband offer through Jenlist Distributors is fully supported by Optus and is finding its way into quality retailers looking to expand their suite of products to meet a growing demand for technology in a convenient loaction and shopping experience.
    It's a great way to start retailing Mobile products if you haven't already given it a go. The dump bin creates an immediate presence in store.
    Even consumers that already have a Mobile Broadband service have been know to purchase another if they have left home and forgotten to bring theirs, or another for the kids. 
    Having the products visible and convenient is proving successful for newsagents and convenience stores around the country.
If you think you want a piece of this action, call us on 1300 781 758.
 

iPad 2 without 3G can make sense
    It can make sense now days to purchase a Tablet like the new iPad 2 (we don't sell these) as a base model Wifi only, and save money.
    With the advent of portable WiFi 3G Broadbands being readily available and offering exceptional value, you can easily enjoy the benefits of using WiFi enabled devices and connect multiple units to portable WiFi hotspot you can comfortably carry in your pocket or purse.
    What do I mean? Simple. A Mobile Broadband Wifi device such as the Optus Wifi Mini Modem or the Virgin WiFi Modem allows you to connect as many as 5 WiFi enabled devices, such as Laptop PC's, Tablets, Mobile phones, etc and have portable access to the internet while you are out and about, or at home. You can even run a WiFi Hotspot in your car !
 

90% of Broadband will be Mobile
    It seems we are heading towards a more balanced lifestyle than we realise.
    Mobile Broadband is being touted as an "unstoppable wave"
    By 2015, Mobile Broadband is expected to account for 3.5 billion of the 4 billion subscribers world wide.
    Download speeds have increased some 2,000 fold over the past years meaning that Mobile Broadband is a viable alternative for just about anyone requiring internet access... especially on the go.