As many of you might be aware (at least you would be, if you are fans of our Facebook page!) we have had issues with Telstra Mobile Internet Packages for the last 7 or so months…..actually its been since the beginning of February so actually its been nine months…gosh time flys when you are having fun 🙂
Did you all see how gorgeous the Chenrezig Institue – the Buddhist Temple in Eudlo?
Telstra Mobile Internet Device Number One
When we first moved from Glasshouse mountains to Bundaberg we had no internet….nothing. Not one little bar – it sure was a shock because I am so used to having internet where ever we have lived! But because of our location – we were not in a “Hot Spot” – we were left with no service…our new Telstra Mobile Internet wouldn’t work 🙂
This little device broke – so we brought another one…it broke too 🙂
We had purchased a “Telstra Elite Pre-Paid Mobile Broadband” but it wouldn’t work without an aerial. So yes – we were back to Telstra shop and we brought a HUGE aerial that had to be put on the roof of the bus.
Telstra Elite Pre-Paid Mobile Broadband
Within no time the device broke…..here is part one of our Telstra Mobile Internet issues…
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So we brought another device. This didn’t last either – the saga of Telstra Mobile Internet connections continues!
Telstra Mobile Internet Device Number Two
Telstra Elite Pre-Paid Mobile WI-FI….love this device but can’t use it on a fixed plan !
After having two of the Telstra Elite Pre-Paid Mobile Broadband Devices (and having them both break) we were back to square one…no Internet Connections! So we went back to the Telstra Shop in Bundaberg and purchased the Telstra Elite Pre-paid Mobile WI-FI. Which did not need the huge aerial that is sitting up on the roof!!
But it was good because we could have two computers plugged into the device, and it did not need to be attached to our computer. It was not on a fixed plan, so we had a 12GB card and 5GB card for our month of Internet usage.
See what happened when I forgot to switch over the GB Cards…….
Back To The Telstra Shop!
After going over our 12GB and 5GB and having the huge bill (which I shared how much it was in the video above) we had to speak to Telstra. They went behind the scenes for three hours to fix the problem and to see what plans would work for my blogging (I have many blogs, and I need my business to keep going!) After they got back to me, they sent an email of what I needed. I just had to find time to get to the Telstra shop to organise another device 🙂
Bigpond Ultimate Mobile Broadband WI-FI
Spending More Money With Telstra
David was really cross when we got to the Telstra store – only because it was revealed that our two Telstra Internet Connection Devices were no good…and that we needed to spend more money! It was discovered that we needed to move on over to “Bigpond Ultimate Mobile Broadband WI-FI” which now allows us to have 15GB with the one device. To make up the extra GB we had to also get another fixed plan with a “Bigpond USB 4G” device which has 8GB.
The other device we had to buy “Bigpond USB 4G”
Here is what we ended up with…
Now if we go over with either device, all that will happen is our internet connection will be slowed down! I like the sound of that…but I still have a question for Telstra – why do us Mobile Homes ie “Motorhomes” or “Caravans” or “RV’s” have no discounts just because we don’t have a fixed house phone? Even if we do have mobile phones with Telstra, why do we have to pay so much for our Internet Connections?
After I spoke with the guy from Telstra, and had our plans sorted, I strongly suggested that there should be a plan for us bloggers – that way we can still travel, share our journey, and still afford the internet. It’s not as if we have a choice….as the other companies do not have the coverage like Telstra does have 🙂
 Our Telstra Mobile Internet is now sorted….wonder if Telstra will take on board what I think about having a plan for us travelers?
Do you know that last month we had over 17,500 visitors to New Life on the Road – I wonder how many amazing readers we are going to have for the month of November? If you are one of our loyal readers – Thank you so very much…please leave your comments below, and let’s connect so I can say thanks 🙂
Do You Need Telstra Internet Mobile Connection’s While You Travel?
Want to read the next blog post? We have it here!
Cheers
Lisa
PS – I have spoken about Telstra Internet Connection Before..you can read more about Telstra Mobile Broadband!
Here is another traveling family from Australia who also talks about Internet Connection issues!
So glad you got your internet sorted with Telstra. Not sure why mobile plans have to be more expensive as the towers aren’t moving around with you. Maybe someone can tell us why.
Jackie Stenhouse recently posted..Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies
Hi Jackie,
We so would love to know as well!! Fingers are crossed that Telstra gets back to us, and lets us know about a plan that benefits us Motorhome travellers 🙂
Cheers
Lisa
Hello,
Telstra needs to learn “Have laptop will travel” means just that or they remain as a governmentally protected monopoly. It is obvious in the open free market they will not survive.
John Davis recently posted..Outdoor a Reflection of Indoor
Hi John,
Yes – that would be good! Telstra needs someone to take on board for that motto…wonder if they would be willing to sponsor us!!!!
Cheers
Lisa
Telstra will never come up with something for travellers because they don’t give a shit!
honestly, they are the company I despise the most. I hate how they have the monopoly and so many of us have to use them as there are no other options. They are expensive, the service, even though the best in the country, is not as good as countries like Thailand (go figure) and they have the worst customer service ever.
We have not yet had a customer service experience on the phone where it was resolved, or they have not lied to us.
I hate that Optus does not get their coverage as their service is excellent. Their twitter support team is the bomb. Telstra will just ignore you because they think they can.
I’m glad you got back up and running again. Internet in Australia is painful and I know how frustrating it is.
Caz Makepeace recently posted..Thoughts that Run Through My Head When Flying
Hi Caz,
I have had a lot to do with telstra lately…they have been good with helping us to sort out our issues, and to bring our bills down. We are now on a fixed plan so that if we do go over our GB we wont be charged a huge bill! But I still reckon that they need to come up with a better deal for us travellers who blog about our journeys! Would love to see if another company does manage to come up with a plan 🙂
Cheers
Lisa
Lisa,
we , the public especially the motorhoming public need to adopt what I call ” Empty Vessel Syndrome ” . You know the old adage empty vessels make the most sound. In other words we must speak up more of what our needs are and if enough people do this especially mobile internet plans choices , then Telstra just might listen . After all demand is what keeps the wheels of business going as long as they supply on demand . Without it , the wheels stop. So let’s all become “Empty Vessels “.
Cheers.
Terry.
Hi Terry,
I like the idea of speaking up more, and telstra having to listen!! Yep – lets get our voice heard!
Cheers
Lisa
We had one of those elite sticks that broke too. Oh, and two elite wifi gateways. We have 15gb, which tends to be enough for us for 3 weeks, and then we get slowed to dial up. i hate it, and Im so cross that there isn’t a better option for travellers. We’re already paying $100 a month, and I just cant bring myself to take out a second plan!
Grr telstra. Not happy.
Hi Amy,
Yep! We have to have two plans – we pay $150.00 per month 🙂 So wished Telstra would provide a better service for us travellers who blog online!
cheers
Lisa
Well done Lisa and David. Your persistence will hopefully get the Telstra people thinking that maybe they should be doing more for travelling internet users. Perhaps we shouldn’t hold our breath!
Jan Littlehales recently posted..Easy Christmas Cake Recipe – in Ten Minutes
Hello Jan,
Would love Telstra to read our information about the internet issues that us bloggers have while travelling 🙂
Be great if they took our ideas on board!
Cheers
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Not too sure about Telstra but I’ve heard that those portable devices from other companies arent too reliable. Maybe they were just unlucky but who knows 😛
A very interesting article nonetheless. Thank you!
Best regards,
Wilson
Wilson recently posted..Wedding Tuxedos For Men
Hi Wilson,
Thanks for your kind words and support!! Love you stopping by and leaving your thoughst about Telstra Mobile Internect – we sure have had a few issues!
Cheers
Lisa
Lisa can i ask there is a satellite out there gives you 3 features 1 phone,2 internet and 3 tv i have enquired the set up is about $2,500 the tv is free you pay for your internet and phone ,the other thing you could be any where out in the stick you will get the lot i cant remember but they have all different plans and prices for each one except the tv is free. have you looked into this option i think hobohome uses it thats the way i found out about it i thing it would be the way to in the long run because one you have it your set and if there is a emergency at least you would get a call out to some one .keep the good work up Lisa and i will say as well to the rest of the family travel save