New wiki articles in Mobile

Watching the EPL on your Windows Phone

SamSam — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 04:18:01 GMT

**Note this is not an official work around and is not supported by Optus**

I’ve seen plenty of Windows Phone users who want to be able to watch the EPL on their phones but can’t. If you’ve already looked, you would have found that there’s no app in the app store and if you try and play them in browser, you get sound but no picture. Annoying huh?

Well I’m not a Windows Phone user myself but I’ve seen a few people find a work around. As I stated above, no Optus rep has suggested doing this and isn’t something they endorse as far as I can see. That said, I can in no way see this doing any harm so if you’re interested I’d suggest giving it a go (although anything you do on your handset is on you should something go wrong).

The work around is simple. Simply access sport.optus.com.au via your browser and then in the settings, force it to access the desktop site. Now the Optus Sport site was built responsivle (basically meaning the site can shrink to any size and offer relatively the same experience) so you should notice little to no difference. Once on the desktop site, play a video and it should work 🙂

Now like I said, this is something users have found on their own so isn’t supported by Optus. It might not work forever and if you have any problems, calling Optus will be hopeless so you’re on your own. If you find any other workarounds or helpful tips, make sure you modify my article so everyone else can see it.

How to Unlock your iPhone from Optus

LucyS — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 06:31:22 GMT

Learn how to unlock your iPhone from the Optus network.

Voice over LTE (VoLTE)

Optus — Thu, 12 May 2016 01:48:47 GMT

VoLTE or Voice over LTE is technology that enables voice calls on our 4G Plus network.

Data Usage Alerts - How to set up Do Not Disturb

Optus — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 06:47:10 GMT

Data Usage Alerts - How to set up Do Not Disturb

Late Fees: Want to avoid them?

Ed_space — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 05:46:53 GMT

How to avoid late fees with Optus.

What is an IMEI number?

MiCCAS — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 05:04:17 GMT

What is an IMEI number?

What is Google Smart Lock and how do I use it?

liam_phelps — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 04:28:13 GMT

What is Google Smart Lock and how do I use it?

Block Calls and Messages on your iPhone

Xcode — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 04:35:43 GMT

How to Block Calls and Messages on your iPhone.

Smart Phone Alerts - Be Informed When New Phones Come Out

Van10 — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 05:03:32 GMT

Know when the latest smart phone comes out thanks to Optus Smart Phone Alerts.

Cel-Fi Smart Repeater to improve 3G coverage

paul4577 — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 03:42:15 GMT

What is a Cel-Fi Smart Repeater?

A Cel-Fi repeater is a device used to improve indoor mobile coverage on the 3G network. Cel-Fi obtains a 3G signal from a tower, boosts it and disburses within a building.

It is ideal for homes or offices that have mobile signal at one particular window or outside the building, and want to extend that signal internally.

The reason Cel-Fi is so smart is that it works in harmony with the Optus network ensuring it does not interfere with the normal operations of a base station. Cel-Fi is locked to the Optus network and will only repeat the exact Optus frequencies.

Is the device approved by Optus?

Yes Cel-Fi has been tested and approved by Optus for use on the Optus 3G network. It has also gone through ACMA regulatory approval.

How to setup a Cel-Fi

The beauty of the system is how easy it is to setup. Simply put the network box at a window where you can make a call and the coverage box at the other end of the building where signal is poor.

The boxes are connected by a wireless link and both need to be plugged into power.

Cel-Fi will boost up the signal and provide indoor coverage between the two boxes. Most customers will go from one bar of signal to several bars.

How large will the coverage area be?

Cel-Fi will easily cover an average size house. If the area is open without any walls, such as an open office layout, the area will be larger.

What devices are supported?

Any device that operates on the Optus 3G network will be supported. This includes mobile phones, tablets and mobile broadband devices.

Cel-Fi will boost the signal for all Optus 3G mobile services, including voice, SMS and mobile internet.

Can I expect faster internet speeds?

Data speeds can be affected by several factors. If your slow internet speeds are the result of low signal then in most cases we find a customer’s data speed will also increase.

Where can I find out more information?

The Cel-Fi product is not supplied by Optus and is available from Powertec Telecommunications, who offer this product at www.cel-fi.com.au

How do I save Voice mails?

MattJ — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 05:02:55 GMT

How do I save Voice mails on Optus?

Help for Order Delivery, Activation and your First Bill

Andy — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 05:02:33 GMT

Help for Optus Order Delivery, Activation and your First Bill.

2G Network Update

Andy — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 02:27:06 GMT

Optus is closing the 2G GSM network from 1 April, 2017. After this date you will not be able to use 2G devices on the Optus mobile network. 3G Single Band devices also use the 2G network in certain areas of the network, so if you have a 3G Single Band device and are outside the coverage of our 3G 2100 MHz network, you will also lose mobile service in these areas when the 2G GSM network closes. For more information on 3G Single Band devices, please see our FAQ below.

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?

The Optus mobile network is always evolving, changing and growing. To make way for newer technologies such as our 4G Plus Network, we eventually need to close down older network technologies like 2G. That means we’re able to focus and invest in technology that offers better services for our customers now and into the future. We’re seeing the same thing happen around the world too.

WHAT IS THE 2G NETWORK?

Our 2G network was our first ever mobile network, and lets customer make calls and send texts, with some basic internet connectivity too. But 2G is now an out of date or legacy network technology.

We first launched 2G in 1993 and since then we’ve evolved our network to include newer and faster technologies such as 3G and 4G all of which let you browse the web, download files, stream video and lots more.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR MY 2G SERVICE?

From 1 April, 2017, your 2G device will no longer work on the Optus mobile network. 3G Single Band devices will also no longer work in 2G areas.

WHAT IS 3G SINGLE BAND?

3G Single Band is the 3G 2100MHz technology that connects your device to the Optus mobile network. Today, when 3G Single Band devices are used outside of Optus 3G 2100MHz network coverage areas, their service switches to 2G.

From 1^st April 2017, 3G Single Band devices will lose coverage when moving into areas once covered by 2G. If you’re currently using a 3G Single Band device, you may need to change to a 3G dual band (3G2100/3G900MHz) or 4G device - for connection to the Optus mobile network. We recommend checking device and coverage at www.optus.com.au/coverage.

WHAT WILL I SEE ON MY SCREEN?

If you have not upgraded your 2G or 3G Single Band device prior to Optus closing its 2G mobile network, you will see one of two things on the screen when you are in an area which previously had Optus 2G coverage:

“SOS only”, “Emergency Only” or similar message or symbol. This will happen if you are in an area where another mobile network operator has 2G coverage. In this situation, you can make an emergency phone call (police, fire, or ambulance) by dialling “000” or “112”. Your phone will be unable to make any other type of phone call, receive any phone call, or send or receive any SMS or data. Note that Telstra is closing its 2G mobile network down on 1 December 2016; or
“No service”, an antenna icon with a crossed-line through it, or other similar symbol. This means that your phone has no connectivity to any mobile network and cannot make or receive any phone calls (including emergency calls) or send or receive any SMS or data.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?

If you currently have a 2G device, you’ll need to upgrade to a 3G Dual Band or 4G device, We recommend checking device and coverage at www.optus.com.au/coverage.

WHAT FREQUENCIES DOES THE OPTUS 2G MOBILE NETWORK USE?

The Optus 2G mobile network uses 900 MHz spectrum.

HOW CAN I TELL IF I’M USING A 2G DEVICE?

If you have a 2G device, you’ll only ever notice one of these symbols: 2G, Edge, E or GPRS in the top right hand corner of your phone’s screen (next to the signal strength bars) when it’s switched on.

2G phones are usually older phones that are typically best for talking and texting only. Also, older models only feature basic text screens – and that means you may not even see a 2G icon on your phone.

If you see any of these icons: 3G, H+, 4G or LTE on your phone’s screen, then it means your phone is compatible with our newer network technologies. 3G single band phones will show “3G” when in our 3G 2100 MHz coverage areas, but fall back to 2G outside of these coverage areas. The latter coverage areas will be lost once 2G is closed down.

WHAT IF I HAVE A 2G SIM?

While 2G SIMs will continue to work in some 3G devices, older SIMs will not fit into new 4G devices. Optus recommends upgrading your 2G SIM card. SIM replacement is free of charge at Optus stores.

ARE ALL 2G DEVICES AFFECTED?

Yes, any device that is 2G only will be affected by this change. This will also include business devices that use 2G machine to machine (M2M) technology (such as some EFTPOS / credit card machines).

WHAT IS A 2G HANDSET?

The list below advises some of the most frequently used 2G handsets, please check to see if you are using one of these devices.

Samsung GT – C3520
Samsung GT – E1205T
Alcatel 2001X
Nokia 2220s
Nokia 101
Nokia 1010
Nokia 2630
Nokia 1208
Nokia 1112
Nokia 6300
Nokia 3315
Nokia 2220s

HOW DO I KNOW IF I'M USING A 3G SINGLE BAND DEVICE?

The manufacturer’s manual that came with your device may provide this information.

3G single band devices use 2G when outside the coverage of our 3G 2100 MHz mobile network. This is often when the 3G single band device is used away from cities and major towns, when on regional roads and highways, or in difficult coverage areas such as basements or underground car parks. If you notice that your phone shows “3G” when you are outdoors in cities and towns, but almost always shows that it is using 2G, EDGE or GPRS in most other situations, then it is likely that you have a 3G single band phone - but make sure you check on our coverage maps or the manufacturer’s manual.

WHAT IS A 3G SINGLE BAND (2100MHz) DEVICE?

The list below includes some of the most frequently used 3G Single Band (2100MHz) devices. Please check to see if you are using one of these devices.

3G 2100 Single Band Handsets

Samsung Galaxy S2 (GT-19100).

Please note that while most are 3G Dual Band U900 capable, there may be some that are not. Please check your Samsung S2 device.

Samsung SM-G130H
Apple iPhone 3GS
Apple iPad 2 (A1396)
Nokia Lumia 520 (RM-915)
Nokia C2-01.5
Apple iPhone 3G
Samsung Trend Plus (GT-S7580L)
Samsung GT-S5310B
ZTE F286 (This is 900/2100)

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS ONCE THE 2G NETWORK IS CLOSED?

If you have a 2G device, to continue using the Optus mobile network you’ll need to upgrade to a 3G Dual Band (UMTS 900/2100) or 4G device. If you have a 2G SIM, you may also need to upgrade that SIM card.

Owners of single band 3G devices may continue to use the Optus 3G 2100 MHz network, however your Optus mobile network coverage will be reduced (depending on where you use the device) and your user experience may be degraded.

If you’re currently using a 3G Single Band device, you may need to upgrade to a 3G dual band (3G3100/900MHz) or 4G device. We recommend checking device and coverage at www.optus.com.au/coverage

Stay tuned for further details on the 2G mobile network closure closer to 1 April 2017.

HOW DO I UPGRADE MY DEVICE?

To get a new 3G Dual Band or 4G device to use on the Optus mobile network from 1 April 2017, you can upgrade via one of the links below.

WILL I LOSE MOBILE COVERAGE WHEN USING A 2G SIM IN A 3G SINGLE BAND DEVICE?

3G single band devices use the Optus mobile 3G 2100/ 2G 900 network. Customers with a 2G SIM in a 3G single band device may continue to use the Optus 3G 2100 MHz network, however it is possible their Optus mobile network coverage could be reduced (depending on where they use their device) and their user experience could be degraded. This is because, from April 1, 2017 the 3G single band device will no longer access a mobile service in current 2G 900MHz locations. We recommend advising customers to check their 3G device and coverage at www.optus.com.au/coverage.

WHAT BENEFITS WILL I GET AFTER UPGRADING?

Of course, you’ll still be able to make and receive calls. But it’s data where you’ll enjoy a much better experience.

CAN I MAKE CALLS ON THE 4G (LTE) NETWORK?

Optus has launched VoLTE (Voice over LTE) on selected devices. VoLTE lets you make calls on our 4G Plus network. It’s currently available on selected mobile phones on postpaid plans. Visit this website for more information about VoLTE.

Of course, if all you want is a simple phone to just make and receive phone calls, then we can also help you with that.

ARE PREPAID CUSTOMERS ENTITLED TO A REFUND?

Refunds will be assessed on a case by case basis and will depend on individual circumstances.

HOW WILL THE 2G MOBILE NETWORK SHUT DOWN IMPACT THE OPTUS MOBILE NETWORK EXPERIENCE?

The 2G mobile network shutdown will mean that 2G devices will no longer work on the Optus mobile network. Customers with 2G devices will need to upgrade to 3G Dual Band or 4G devices. Customers using 3G 2100 MHz single band phones may notice a loss in network coverage because their phone cannot connect to our 3G 900MHz mobile network. Customers with 3G single band devices may (depending on where they use their device) need to consider upgrading to a new device

NEED HELP

Have a question? Ask the crowd below

How To Check Coverage In Your Area

Andy — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 22:50:19 GMT

Want to check coverage or know when 4G is coming to your area? You can check your mobile coverage from our Mobile Network Coverage page.

Once you’re on this page the first thing to do is select your device, this allows us to give you the most accurate coverage information for the device you’re using.

If you're bringing your own phone or tablet you can also enter your IMEI number.

Next, enter your address or postcode in the search bar to see our coverage map. Areas in Purple already have 4G coverage. To check for future 4G coverage tick either the ‘3 Months’ or ‘6 Months’ check boxes, areas highlighted in Red show what’s planned to be rolled out within that period.

To see what the predicted indoor and outdoor coverage is like, just click or tap the area you’re interested in. This will bring up more information on the type of indoor and outdoor coverage for Voice & Text, Email and Internet.

To learn how to search for the current network status in your area you can check it out here:
We've Updates Our Mobile Coverage & Network Status Page

We've Updated Our Mobile Coverage and Network Status Page

Andy — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 22:48:57 GMT

Our coverage page now has a brand new look! Our responsive design will automatically change to fit on mobile and tablet screens, making it even easier for you to find what you're looking for!

Check the mobile coverage in your area from our Mobile Network Coverage page. Just choose your device by selecting an Optus device or entering your IMEI #, if you bring your own phone or tablet, then search your address to bring up the map of your location and the type of coverage currently available.

If you're bringing your own phone or tablet you can also enter your IMEI number to get accurate info on the coverage and outages based on your device.

If you’re experiencing mobile service issues you can select the ‘Outages’ tab on our coverage maps.

To see outages in your area, just enter your address in the address field.

You can search your area to view the current status of the towers nearby - Green for normal, Amber for any planned work and Red for a live outage.

To search the network status for your home, broadband or TV services you can also do this here.

To learn how to search for 4G coverage and what future coverage is planned you can check it out here:

How To Check Coverage In Your Area

Android Marshmallow Operating System

Andy — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 04:29:02 GMT

What is the Android Marshmallow Operating System and when will my device receive this update?

Tips to help reduce Android data usage

Andy — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 04:31:02 GMT

We offer our tips on how to help reduce Android data usage.

Tips to help reduce iPhone data usage

Andy — Thu, 10 Nov 2016 03:43:29 GMT

We offer our tips to help reduce iPhone data usage.

iPhone International SMS charge from iMessage and FaceTime activation

Andy — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 04:37:55 GMT

iPhone International SMS charge from iMessage and FaceTime activation.

Turn Incoming Caller ID On or Off

Andy — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 05:02:10 GMT

How to turn Incoming Caller ID on or off on Optus.

Activate your replacement Optus SIM card online

Andy — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 05:01:41 GMT

How to activate your replacement Optus SIM card online.

Unlock Your Prepaid Mobile Phone or Device

Andy — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 05:01:20 GMT

Learn how to unlock your iPhone and other devices from the Optus network.

Android Operating System Updates

Andy — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 05:21:20 GMT

It’s always pretty exciting when a new update has been announced for your phone, so to save you time frantically hitting the Check Now button on your Updates page, we’ve got the below info to help keep you up to date!

Whenever there’s a new Android update available, the manufacturer will customise the software, based on device and individual network specific to mobile carriers in each country. Once this has been built, it’s sent through to each carrier where it undergoes a range of tests to confirm it’s compatible with their network & services. Optus always work really closely with the manufacturer during testing to ensure compatibility and that it’s good to go; once we can confirm this, we approve the update. We’ll always work to have the update approved as quickly as possible as we want to get these out to our customers without any delays.

Each manufacturer has a process for releasing updates to devices & once we approve the update, it’s sent back to the manufacturer to be released through their standard update processes. Generally, updates are rolled out progressively, where it’s made available for a small number of users (5% for example) initially. If no unforeseen problems pop up, it’ll be gradually made available to more & more users over a couple of week period.

For Android OS info on your device check out our most recent post over at our My Optus Blog

Android Software Updates - My Optus Blog

Save battery on your iOS device

Hollie — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 04:38:40 GMT

How to save battery on your iOS device.

Save battery life on your Android device

Andy — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 04:31:33 GMT

How to save battery life on your Android device.

4G Plus Network and how to check compatibility

Andy — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 01:51:19 GMT

What is 4G Plus?

Our 4G Plus Network uses the superior 700MHz spectrum and is now available in all Australian capital cities and covers close to 90% of the Australian population.

The 700MHz spectrum has the ability to get inside buildings better than some other existing 4G frequencies and allows coverage to extend further in Regional areas.

What is LTE Advanced?

We’re not just stopping at 4G Plus, we’ve also introduced LTE Advanced which combines the 700MHz frequency with other frequencies like 1800MHz and 2600MHz to make the network pipes bigger. What this means for you is that things can happen faster with bigger pipes.

Is my device compatible?

To check compatibility, first head to our Mobile Network Coverage page. Once loaded there’ll be a box asking you to select your device. If you’re not sure, you can select ‘Non Optus Device’ and enter in your IMEI number. To get this number, type *#06# into your phones keypad and this will automatically display the number on your screen.

Once you’ve done this you can find your address in the search bar and the coverage map will bring up the coverage relevant to your device. If your device is compatible with our 4G Plus Network the Map Key will indicate that this is available.

iOS Wi-Fi Assist

Andy — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 04:39:19 GMT

What is iOS Wi-Fi Assist?

Data Usage Tips – Samsung

heidibidey — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 04:32:52 GMT

How can I reduce data usage on my Samsung? How much data does the Samsung Download Booster and Smart Network Switch use?

How to keep up with the latest handsets

heidibidey — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 05:00:54 GMT

How to keep up with the latest handsets from Optus.

iOS9 Key features

Andy — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 04:39:52 GMT

What are the iOS9 Key features?