Vodafone Mobile Broadband - Technical Information (Contract Customers only)

What do the LED lights on my USB modem or ExpressCard mean?
Green Flashing (GPRS network found)
Green Solid (Connected to a GPRS network)
Dark Blue Flashing (3G network found)
Dark Blue Solid (Connected to a 3G network)
Light Blue Flashing (3G Broadband is registering on the Network)
Light Blue Solid (Connected to the 3G Broadband Network)

My display (and LED indicator) keep flicking between 3G and 3G broadband (HSDPA), does this mean I have a problem?
This behaviour is normal.  The light blue HSDPA display only lights up when you are actively transferring data (either downloading or uploading) otherwise it reverts to the dark blue 3G colour.

What kind of download speeds should I expect from Vodafone Mobile Broadband?
In Vodafone’s 3G Mobile Broadband areas, typical download speeds range from 300kbps to  3.0Mbps.  (burst speeds up to 6.0Mbps can be experienced in major metropolitan areas). Slower speeds can be expected in regional areas.  In GPRS areas, you should expect downloads speeds between 20-30kbps. See vodafone.com.au/coverage for coverage details.

Does Vodafone have a SMTP mail server I can use for outgoing mail?
Vodafone recommends you use “Authenticated SMTP” with your email provider to ensure the best level of email service (contact your email provider for instructions on how to enable this).  If this is not possible, the Vodafone SMTP server at smtp.vodafone.net.au can be used.

Can I use my USB modem with more than one PC?
Yes, the USB modem can be used interchangeably between more than one PC.  You will need to install the included software on each PC.

Can I use Vodafone Mobile Broadband while I’m in a train or bus?
Yes, Vodafone Mobile Broadband is a fully mobile service and you will receive the best available connection to the Vodafone’s 3G Mobile Broadband within Vodafone’s 3G Mobile Broadband coverage areas. Slower speeds can be expected outside Vodafone’s Mobile Broadband areas  Please be aware some locations such as train tunnels may not receive optimal service. See vodafone.com.au/coverage for coverage details.

Where can I find the latest PC and MAC software?
The latest approved software for Windows and Mac is always kept online here

What is the maximum capacity of a Micro-SD Card that a Vodafone USB modem will take?
4GB is the maximum.

What is the Vodafone Dashboard, can it work on any operating system?
Vodafone Mobile Connect Software (Dashboard) is the software used to connect; the latest version is V9.2.1 which is compatible with:
Windows 2000 (SP4)
Windows XP (SP2)
Windows Vista (32/64 Bit) 

As for Mac users, they can use the latest Mac Dashboard V2.08.05 which is compatible with Mac OS 10.3.5 or later (including Leopard 10.5)

Currently Vodafone Mobile Connect is not supported on Linux

The Vodafone Software keeps on telling me that I have gone over my limit when I actually haven’t
This is because that data limit feature has been set inaccurately, follow the below steps to fix this issue:

Click on “View Usage”
Click on “Set Limit” and change the limit in the GPRS or 3G sections in accordance to your data bundle. Kindly note that you should sum 3G data usage and GPRS data usage together to get exact amount of data usage per month.

Under the “General” Tab; you can select the day of month that upon which “View Usage” would reset (to align with your billing cycle) 

N.B. There are no time limits for your Vodafone connection; only data limits.

I’m unable to install Vodafone Mobile Connect Software on my Computer because of “Administrative privilege” errors
This means that you’re attempting to install Vodafone Mobile Connect on Windows XP SP1 which is incompatible with Vodafone Mobile Connect. You need to upgrade your Windows platform to Windows XP SP2.

Sometimes I get disconnected while connected with Vodafone Mobile Connect, and notice that the modem switches between Blue light and Green light.
This means that you’re in a marginal 3G coverage area, and the Vodafone Mobile Connect tries to switch between 3G and GPRS.
You need to change your network preferences on Dashboard to either 3G only or GPRS only, so it’d be more stable. You can do that by going to Manage Connections on VMC dashboard, then Network Preference.

Is there any way that I can improve my speed while connected to Vodafone Mobile Connect?
The speed of the connection depends on various factors such as coverage, your location, your hardware and software, the source of your download and general network and internet traffic.

Here are some simple steps to try to improve speed of connection:

If you’re connected indoors, try moving against a window to try to get better signal strength.
If you’re using a USB modem, try connecting using the longer cord as the cord acts as an antenna for the modem.
Various Security settings and Firewall applications might affect the connection speed.
You can attempt switching the active profile to 3G only if you’re in a good 3G coverage area. See vodafone.com.au/coverage for coverage details.
Finally, you can attempt a location update by putting the SIM card into a regular Vodafone handset.

Do the data bundles include download only or download and upload?
The data bundles are for any data usage going through the modem including both downloads and uploads. 

How do I manually switch my Vodafone connection between 3G and GPRS?
You can do that using Vodafone Mobile Connect Dashboard. If you have Version 9.1.2, you can go to Manage Connections on Dashboard then Network Preference. If you have Version 9.2.1, you can go to Manage Devices then highlighting the modem and clicking Edit, then select Network Preference tab. To find out which Dashboard version you have, go to 'Help' then 'About Vodafone Mobile Connect'.

Will I get an e-mail address with my Vodafone Mobile Broadband connection?
No, however if you have an already existing e-mail address, you can continue using it with VMC connection; but you’ll only need to change the outgoing mail server to: smtp.vodafone.net.au

Does Vodafone Mobile Broadband support Apple Mac OS X Snow Leopard?
Yes, it works fine with the latest Vodafone Mobile Connect software for Mac version 2.08

I am trying to create a My Vodafone account, and was sent a TXT message containing my temporary password. How can I receive it on my VMC?
You can receive it by using Vodafone SMS which is installed with your VMC software. You can use Vodafone SMS to send or receive TXT messages straight to your computer. Kindly note that SMS charges are not included in your data bundle.

Vodafone SMS is only available on Windows platform, it’s not supported on Mac.

I just received my VMC package and want to start using it. How do I get started?
First of all you need to check your system requirements to make sure they’re compatible with the USB modem. Then you need to insert the CD that comes with the package into your PC. You need to make sure NOT to plug the USB modem first, the software MUST be installed first and then when it prompts you to plug in the USB modem you can then plug it in. If the USB modem is connected before the CD is inserted or before the software instructs you to connect the device, the product may not install correctly resulting in errors.
If you face any problems during installation, don’t hesitate to contact us on 1555 from mobile number or 1300650410 from landline number

Do the USB modem and ExpressCard support future network speeds?
Yes, both devices will be able to take advantage of future downlink network enhancements up to the 7.2Mbps standard. However, all Vodafone services are subject to current network limitations and availability.

How does Vodafone’s network optimisation work?
Vodafone’s optimisation works by stripping out redundant information and selectively compressing image data to reduce the volume of data transmitted.  By doing this, web page load times can be reduced and data usage can be reduced by up to a third! Some traffic types cannot be optimised.

Which device is better, the USB modem or ExpressCard?
Generally this depends on what type of PC you wish to use Vodafone Mobile Broadband with.  The ExpressCard generally lives in your laptop, so is a more integrated, cable-free solution if you only wish to use it on one laptop.  The USB is ideal for using with your desktop PC or laptop with no expansion slot.  It’s also handy to use on more than one PC e.g. if you use different PC’s at work and at home. 

I have low signal strength with my USB modem at home, what can I do?
Firstly, try and move your device closer to the windows or try a different room to optimise reception.  The USB modem can also be used with the longer USB cable to optimally position the modem in your room.  If you are still having difficulty, please call 1300 650 410 to speak to customer service.

I have low signal strength with my ExpressCard at home, what can I do?
Firstly, try and move your laptop closer to the windows or try a different room to optimise reception, also make sure the fold up antenna is in the up position.  An external antenna is also available for this product which can boost your signal strength.  If you are still having difficulty, please call 1300 650 410 to speak to customer service.

Can I use P2P applications on Vodafone Mobile Broadband?
Yes, however the service has not been optimised for P2P usage and you may experience slower download/upload speeds.