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October 26, 2005
Driven insane by 3 Australia
Having obtained my JASJAR phone, I was particularly excited about the opportunity to connect it to 3G. 3G is a technology that allows mobile phones to transmit data around 2000% faster than the previous generation (GPRS). The only network compatible with JASJAR in Australia is provided by 3, who particularly promote it for the video calling capability. I had very little interest in this aspect of it - the idea that anyone would want to see me at 7 am while I'm talking to them is not one that many of my colleagues would be thrilled at. I was also less than impressed by 3's "value added services" - the name apparently referring to the value you add to 3's share price when you pay a dollar just to get the weather.
On the other hand, using the network to access the internet at 150kbps for $0.30 per MB from wherever I am is most appealing. Judging from what I overheard from other customers at 3's shop, nearly everyone else has the same idea. Maybe 3 should listen to their customers before their next round of marketing.
So, having decided to connect up to the 3 network, I popped over to 3's website, to order my connection. All seemed well, except that I couldn't work out how to purchase a plan, without a phone. So, I called the number helpfully provided on the site to get help. I found myself talking to an operator at 3's Indian telecentre, where all calls are routed to. I explained to the lady at the other end of the phone that I required a plan to use with my new phone, and that I already knew what plan I wanted (the $29 cap). "So, what phone do you wish to get with that", she asked. Ummm… well as I just mentioned I already have a phone. "Yes sir, but you need to get a 3 phone to use the features of the 3 network". Thanks, but I already have a compatible phone. "Oh, so you've already purchased a phone from 3?" No, I didn't buy it from 3, but it is compatible with 3's network. "I'm sorry sir, but only 3 phones are compatible with 3's network". What are '3 phones'? 3 don't make phones, they provide a network – and I've purchased a phone compatible with 3's network from someone else. "I don't know about that sir…" What does 'I don't know about that' mean? "You need to get a 3 phone to use the features of the 3 network". Oh dear, we've gone full circle. Maybe I should go visit a store… "Great! Bye!"
OK, so no luck communicating with the Indian service centre – perhaps the Aussie store will be more useful. The 3 store in Elizabeth St was staffed by three girls who looked about 16 years old. I rather wondered whether they had the deep telecommunications understanding to help the kind of city-dwellers that were interested in 3G technology. Listening in to the conversations they were having with customers, they all sounded something like this… Customer: "So, can I access push email through this phone's IMAP support? Or should I download a Blackberry client?" Staff: "Ummm… look at the pretty video phone! Did you know you can get Big Brother clips downloaded live?!"
I didn't have to wait long for service, as the folks ahead of me quickly realized they weren't going to get any useful information, and scurried away. I tried a different tack this time: I simply asked to buy a SIM. "Pre-paid or plan?" How much is internet access on pre-paid? "$4/MB". Oh, that's over 10x higher than the plan rates – I'll get a plan please. "And what phone do you want?" None thanks. "You need to get a 3 phone to use the features of the 3 network". Oh dear, this discussion again… Err… I have a 3 phone already from a previous plan (I lied). "OK, what phone is it? I need to enter it's serial number into the computer here, so it can verify the SIM upgrade." Oh sorry… I lied… I actually bought a compatible phone from someone else. I'm just after a SIM – mainly for the internet access. I want the $29 cap please. "OK, that will be $39 per month, including $10 per month over 24 months for the included phone." But I don't want a phone!!! "You need to get a 3 phone to use the features of the 3 network." Agggghhhh!!! I already have a phone! OK, I give up. Just give me cheapest phone you have. "Yes sir, we have a number of phones on the $29 cap for $10 a month – which one would you like?" Look, I'm just going to throw it out, so it doesn't matter, does it? Unless… can I give it to a friend to use with Telstra? "No, the phones are locked to our network."
I finally left with a useless phone – so much for the so-called "$29 cap"; it actually costs a minimum of $39 – and put the hard-won SIM card into my JASJAR. I set it up using the settings I found at Ross Barkman's excellent GPRS Info Page. It was worth the angst – the actual performance of the mobile internet access is wonderful. I've had no connection problems, and speeds have been as-advertised. If you want to keep your sanity, look elsewhere; but, if you don't mind sacrificing your mental health into to get fast mobile internet access, the 3 network comes highly recommended.
Posted by at October 26, 2005 05:18 PM
Comments
I can understand and relate to that. I am sure you can find a million stories here about the mad world of 3 Network.
I bought a 3 phone and the dealer as a sweetner upgraded me to a better model.
However, it died 6-7 months after. I get it replaced and they hand me the older model! I complain and complain and I get "are you sure you had the upgraded model?". I say, "yes". I get "how do you know it was the upgraded model?"... URGHH.... I had to explain to him "Listen... I don't think I have spare time and I don't think you do either. I wouldn't be calling you 5 times a day if I didn't have a legitimate reason." I think that kinda settled the guy and somehow after another week I got a replacement.
Another friend of mine got sold a 3 network phone and her phone kept dropping out so she had her phone's costs reimbursed for the months she didn't have good reception.
I also have a friend who does door to door sales. And he tells me he makes as much money as I do in a week just by making 3-4 sales over a weekend (in a p/t role).
So, BeWARE.
Posted by: axistent at October 26, 2005 06:21 PM
Grrr... sooo frustrating, isn't it? I've been having a similar conversation with Vodafone about their 3G launch - trying to find out if they'll supply a sim without a phone.
I have a question, though. Are you saying you have been able to get the mobile broadband to work (i.e. access non-3 websites?). Expansys tried to get this working for me, and they couldn't.
Also, (and, I know you're not that interested in video calls and big brother content), but... have you tried using them? Just interested in finding out if it all works on the JasJar.
Posted by: Richard Rosalion at October 27, 2005 01:57 PM
Yes Richard, I can access non-3 websites, using the settings I linked to in my article. If you try it and don't have any luck, let me know and I'll try to help.
I can access 'planet 3' services, although stuff like Big Brother video clips don't work (I think because 3's site checks the User Agent of the browser, and complains when it finds something unexpected). I haven't tested video calling since I have no suitable friends - however I'm 95% sure it would work fine.
Posted by: Jeremy Howard at October 27, 2005 06:25 PM
Actually, I've been trying to decide between buying the JasJar, or the K-Jam. After hearing from the Expansys guy that he couldn't get the broadband internet to work on the Jasjar, I was definitely leaning towards the K-Jam (what's the point of having a bigger, more expensive phone if it doesn't do anything the smaller one doesn't - except the screen, damn it's nice!)
Now, on the other hand, it seems that the Jasjar is back on the top of the list. Now to wait and see if Vodafone will let me just buy a sim card (without having to buy a phone to throw away, and therefore avoiding all the trouble you've had!)...
By the way, I just realised who you are (I didn't see the "Posted by Jeremy Howard" on the article). Love FastMail, it rocks! Been using it for a few years now, and I'll never go back to POP/fully web-based.
Thanks for the info, you've helped a lot!
Posted by: Richard Rosalion at October 28, 2005 04:01 PM
I used to have three, but their reception isn't that great, it would drop out if I was walking in the city. But I did succesfully connect to the net via bluetooth with my iPAQ once while standing still, it wasn't bad, but the version of IE I had rendered the page so slow I may as well have been on GPRS.
Needless to say, covereage was more important than net-connectivity, so I switched to VodaFone.
Posted by: Morgan at November 21, 2005 02:52 AM
I've got a JasJar from Orange in the UK and I'm using it out here on Vodafone. You need to get a $30 or $50 Talk & Text or a $79 Cap plan on account and then add a data bundle, or just use casual use. Most phone shops in Sydney are useless, and the information on the website isn't much better - good ones seem to be in Broadway (phones on broadway and telstra) but it's rare anyone wants to pay to give the public a trained staff member. 16 year old girls are cheaper.
Posted by: John Hancock at March 7, 2006 11:51 AM
Oh no, it's terrible. You bought a phone without checking with the local provider if you could connect it BYO, and the big bad company made you play by its rules. And yes, sixteen year olds are dumb, but that's what you get in today's society of "cheap and cute MUST be better"
Posted by: James at March 9, 2006 02:58 AM
I have been trying to make up my mind between the Kjam and the Jasjar. Had a demo by a young but knowledgeable guy, and was sold!!I have spent the last week going around visiting and calling all the stores trying to get some info on a suitable plan for the Jasjar("whats a jasjar")
I want one BAD!!
Was told by Voda that they dont support it.
Was told by telstra they dont support it...yet! Was told by telstra that later this year CDMA will be phased out and the new 3g network will be operated on the CDMA network but only if the phone operates on 850mhz.
If it doesnt have 850 its reception will be limited to the Hutchison network only, leaving one with a very narrow area of coverage.
Now since I am getting this phone because it is the latest technology and speed etc. Does anyone know where this will leave us since the Jasjar only has 900/1800/1900 while the Kjam does have 850 and is supported by telstra?? Incidentally telstra also told me that you cant have a capped phone plan for calls that include a data plan. Why have a phone and PDA combo if you cant have both?? It sounds like they are not ready for a move into this technology. Someone needs to have a discussion with them and tell the left hand what the right hand are up to.
Posted by: Computeridiot at March 30, 2006 07:54 PM
The K-JAM phone is not 3G compatible - it uses GSM and EDGE. UMTS (the 3G standard used in Australia) phones are normally on the 2100MHz band so I don't see how Telstra are supposed to only support 850MHz.
I'm buying a JASJAR very soon and I'm already a 3 customer, so this sort of thing doesn't really bother me at all.
Posted by: poedgirl at May 4, 2006 03:24 PM
Hi,
I just bought a Jasjar, now the thing is that I want to accses planet 3 from it. How do i go about doing that? can someone please help me
Posted by: Ammar Jawed at July 23, 2006 03:02 PM
The i-mate JASJAR that I bought few days ago is working on 3s network. Up to now I managed to get the internet conncetion using "3netaccess" APN. My email retrieval and MMS are not working and still looking to find out what the setting are supposed to be. If anyone has worked it out please let me know. I found that one can check the usage over the web https://www.my.three.com.au/My3/jfn (on the phone and PC) however there will be a charge for the data usage.
Posted by: hml at September 5, 2006 03:38 PM
Hi,
Can someone guide me thru step by step on how to set up planet 3 on my imate jasjar. I tried for months now and i just cant get it working. Please help.
Thank you
Posted by: swl at October 12, 2006 01:25 AM
To use planet 3 input the settings from this page http://hermesau.ipbfree.net/index.php?showtopic=14
then simply go to three.net.au. done.
im not sure if you will be charged for the access though. i doubt it.
Posted by: joel at February 28, 2007 04:44 PM
Hi guys, after reading this perhaps on of you may be able to assist me.
i've bought a motorola k1 KRZR. The specs say its 3g network compatible and has bands covering GSM 850/900/1800/1900. From what i understand, 3 australia (the network im currently planned to) runs a 3g network in the range of GSM 2800 (or something along those lines). I've realised that obviously my 3 sim does not work in the k1 krzr. I've already bought the phone and love it and don't want to change it. Are there any alternative solutions.
Please suggest something to me.
If u cant think of anything, perhaps you can expand on my idea of, calling 3 australia to degrade my sim card that is compatible to with my phone, something like telstra's 3g network which operates in teh gsm 850 mhz range???
Please respond!
Thanks in advance
Posted by: natpac at December 5, 2007 10:56 PM