FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ answers some of the common questions people have before purchasing portable wifi modems. If you have a question that is not answered below, please feel free to contact us with your question and we will endeavour to assist you further.

Can I use a portable wi fi hotspot to connect more than one computer at the same time?

Yes. Most portable wi fi hotspots allow you to connect up to 5 devices in total + 1 additional device via the USB port. This includes desktop computers, laptops and any other device that has wireless capability.

How secure is pocket wifi?

Pocket wifi is no more and no less secure than your typical router at home and includes wireless security technology such as WEP, WPA and WPA2. It is advisable that you avoid using WEP and only use WPA or WPA2.

Are wifi modems portable?

Yes. Wifi modems provide you with Internet access on-the-go and can be used outside the home.

What is battery life like?

Generally speaking, you can expect the battery life of a wifi modem to last between 3 to 4 hours with regular use. This is fairly typical of current makes and models.

Can I connect my gaming consoles such as the Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 to my pocket wifi hotspot?

Yes. Devices such as the Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 can connect to the wifi hotspot. Some older models of the 360 will require a wireless network adapter but the latest ones have this functionality built in. Handheld gaming devices such as the Nintendo DS, DSi, 3DS as well as the iPod touch can also connect to the Internet via a hotspot.

Can I plug my wifi hotspot into my desktop or laptop computer?

Yes. You can plug your wifi hotspot into your desktop or laptop via the USB cable. If you don’t have a wireless network card, doing this will allow you to connect to the wifi hotspot via the USB cable and will also charge your device at the same time.

Can I use pocket wifi for online gaming?

Yes. I have used pocket wifi for playing games such as Starcraft 2, World of Warcraft and Team Fortress 2. It provides acceptable latency but occasional spikes can and do occur. I don’t have any personal experience using the device for gaming on consoles other than the Nintendo DSi (swapping Pokemon) and it was perfect. I suspect pocket wifi would work fine for services such as Xbox Live but if you’re a hardcore gamer, I would probably continue using a cable or aDSL connection instead.

Can I make video calls using programs such as Skype and FaceTime with my wifi hotspot?

Yes. All wifi hotspots are compatible with video calling programs such as Skype and FaceTime on the iPhone and iPad 1/2.

Can you unlock a pocket wifi or portable wifi modem to use with other providers in Australia?

Yes. Most providers charge a small unlocking fee which will then allow you to use the portable wifi modem with as many other providers as you wish. Depending on provider, they can also be used overseas.

Can you use USB and wireless at the same time on different computers?

Yes. For example, you can plug the device into the USB port on your laptop and connect to the Internet while at the same time, other devices such as an iPhone or iPad use the same wifi device to get online. This will allow both devices to use the Internet at the same time with no conflicting issues.

Can you use a portable wifi modem with another sim card?

Yes. A portable wifi modem can be used with any other sim card or wireless provider. Please note that most portable wifi modems use a traditional sized sim. If you own a mini sim, you will need to purchase a mini sim to normal sized sim converter. These can be cheaply purchased on websites such as eBay.

Do portable wi-fi devices work with the iPad & iPad 2?

Yes. Portable wi-fi devices work effortlessly on the iPad, iPad 2 and other Apple products such as laptops and desktop computers.

Do wifi modems work like wifi hotspots?

Yes. The added advantage of having your own wifi modem is that it’s private so that no-one else can use your connection unless you give them permission. Another added benefit is that you can take it with you anywhere you want so that you always have a private wifi hotspot available to use.

Do you need an Internet connection for pocket wifi to work?

No. Pocket wifi uses the mobile network which is why it contains a sim card inside the device. For many people, this means they no longer require their traditional Internet connection such as aDSL/cable nor a landline telephone connection.

Does a pocket wifi allow you to get Internet access anywhere?

Yes. Provided the area you’re in located in has coverage, you can connect to the Internet via your pocket wifi anywhere, anytime. All Australian providers have an online coverage checker you can use to identify if the region you are in or will be in has coverage.

Do mini wifi modems need to be plugged into a computer or USB port?

No. A mini wifi modem does not require a computer or USB port in order to function. In fact, you don’t even need to own a computer in order to use it as it can be used with devices such as the iPad and iPad 2.

Does pocket wifi use a sim card?

Yes. The vast majority of pocket wifi modems use a normal sized sim card. If you have an unlocked device as well as a mini sim, you can purchase a mini sim converter in order to insert it into the device.

How do you charge the wifi modem?

You have 2 options. Firstly, you can connect it to the mains power which will recharge the device while you are using it. Secondly, plugging it into any USB device will allow the wifi modem to charge itself as well.

Can I use pocket wifi on my iPhone or Android based mobile phone?

Yes. The pocket wifi modem works flawlessly on the iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4 as well as Android based mobile phones. In regards to other manufacturers that don’t use Android, most mobile phones developed after 2007 have wireless capability but check the specifications of your mobile phone before purchasing a pocket wifi modem.

Do wifi modems use a normal sim card or a mini sim card?

All current wifi modems use a normal sized sim card but if you own a mini sim and wish to use it in a wifi modem, you can purchase a mini sim to normal sim converter on eBay. They’re cheap and simple to use.

Is it possible to share my private internet hotspot with other people?

Yes. You will need to give them the password in order for them to connect their device to your private hotspot.

Do pocket wifi modems have a USB connection?

Yes but you are not required to connect it to your computer via a USB cable in order to use it.

What companies offer portable wifi connections for my laptop?

In Australia, there are now many companies which offer a portable wifi connection for use with a laptop or any other device. This includes Telstra, Internode, Vivid, 3, Vodafone, Optus as well as many others.

What is the difference between pocket wi-fi and USB broadband?

The main difference is that a USB based broadband adapter can only be used on the one device. A pocket wi-fi modem will allow up to 5 devices to connect to it at the same time. As more and more people have more than 1 device in the home, pocket wifi is growing in popularity over USB based broadband modems that were very popular in years gone by.

Will my pocket wifi work while traveling around Australia?

Yes. Provided you are in an area that has coverage, your pocket wifi modem will work while traveling around Australia. This includes going from city to city or going interstate; there are no restrictions on where you can use it in Australia.

Can I continue to use my mini wifi modem when plugged into the mains power?

Yes. This is a smart way to ensure that your mini wifi modem is always fully charged when taking it with you.

Do you need a computer to use a wifi modem?

No. Wifi modems can be used independent of platform and device. The only requirement necessary is wireless capability on the device intend to use it with. The vast majority of electronics developed in the past few years support such capability.