These two new virgin credit cards are intended to cover all aspects of the Australian credit card market. The Virgin Flyer credit card is pitched at the consumer that wants a great rewards program with lots of benefits, whilst the Virgin No Annual Fee Credit Card is providing a low rate interest card with no fee for the budget conscious customer. This latter is a steadily growing market, particularly in view of the economic tightening of the belt after last year’s financial disasters.

Virgin Flyer Benefits

For the frequent traveller be it business or pleasure this new virgin credit card has to look attractive. With a fairly spectacular rewards point program and a special offer of a free flight for new virgin credit card customers before October 15 2010, this card will appeal to quite a large market, particularly the upwardly mobile one. This bonus consists of a free ‘Go’ one way fare to a number of selected destinations.

One of the first rewards on the table is the offer of flights benefits, such as the two for one flight. Velocity is Virgin’s own reward program and when using your new virgin credit card to make purchases you earn reward points, which can be redeemed for flights with Virgin and some of their associated partners. But if flying isn’t your thing, then you can use your points for other goods and services such as accommodation, rental cars, gift certificates, and lots of choice merchandise.

With a reasonable annual fee of $99, a 20.99% per annum interest rate on purchases and cash advances plus six months at 6.99% on a balance transfer offer, this makes for an appealing card for the frequent flyer market, or those who just like the extra benefits that comes with reward programs. Having 44 interest free days is also a useful option if you are practical about avoiding any interest charges.

You will find your new virgin credit card includes travel insurance and access to concierge services 24/7, and you can choose from three available colours. All in all this is a card that well meet the needs of this market.

Virgin No Annual Fee Card Benefits

I think it’s safe to predict this no annual fee card will be an extremely popular choice for many Australians. It’s got all the ingredients of a perfect recipe for the budget conscious Australian customer. Even if it didn’t offer the low interest rate and no annual fee, the balance transfer offer will appeal to many as an opportunity to get back in control of their credit card debt.

Balance transfer offers are more often to be found on the higher interest type cards, where the enticing offer is generally only of short duration and then reverts to a standard interest rate. So if you don’t pay your debt balance in the 3 or 6 months offered you could be back to paying high interest rates. This is why this new virgin credit card will appeal to consumers, because once the introductory period expires, the rate reverts to the ongoing low interest rate.

A low ongoing 16.95% interest rate on purchases means you don’t have to worry every time you use your card, and the no annual fee is a definite bonus. There are no hidden tricks here, this new virgin credit card is not one of those cards that says “no annual fee” but then you find out that is only for the first 12 months; this is a no annual fee for the life of the card.

The bottom line is no matter which type of card you prefer one of these new virgin credit cards is sure to meet your needs.

This is double the speed of existing ADSL2+ services currently available.

The company has now confirmed to the media that it has been secretly working on the improvement of ADSL services to bring increased broadband speeds to Australian business customers.

iiNet Bonded ADSL

iiNet’s new technology, also called “Bonded ADSL” will provide existing ADSL2+ customers with the chance to double their current broadband speed. This is a massive overhaul of the Australian broadband services landscape and will no doubt become fodder for some serious competition amongst all the carriers.

An iiNet spokesperson confirmed that the company has been working on the new development for some time and that the “back end” was ready for launch within a short few weeks. At this stage there is no commitment from the company as to the exact speeds and pricing of the new Bonded ADSL service.

At this stage it is possible for interested parties to register their interest via the iiNet website. The Bonded ADSL service is believed to be part of iiNet’s plan to capture businesses customers who seek better speeds, but with a budget in mind.

Actual figures vs quoted

iiNet customers will need to have two phone lines in order to use their new Bonded ADSL service once it will be launched nationwide. They need a master line and a slave line, both requiring a specific modem to merge the two lines into one stream.

Even so the up to 40 Mbps broadband speed does sound promising, potential customers should keep in mind that actual upload and download speeds could vary.

Vodafone Mobile Broadband Coverage

Most of us wouldn’t think to leave the house without our laptop, and even fewer people would be able to go anywhere without their mobile phone. Mobile phone and internet coverage has become so important to our everyday lives that the service providers have also had to remain competitive in providing these services to as many places as possible and one provider leading the charge of mobile broadband coverage is Vodafone.

What is the Vodafone Mobile Broadband Coverage Like?

Whether you’re on the move around Australia for work or play, or you just want to enjoy the freedom of mobile broadband over the cables of ADSL, you can see from this map of Australia where Vodafone offers you mobile broadband coverage.

On the map above, the purple areas around Australia are the regions where you can get Vodafone’s 3G 2100 network mobile broadband coverage, and the red areas are where you will pick up Vodafone’s 3G 900 regional network. The entire Vodafone 3G network covers more than 94% of the Australian population operates on UMTS 2100 Mhz. In smaller regional areas, you will be connected to Vodafone’s regional network which operates on UMTS 900 Mhz.

Outside of the Vodafone mobile broadband coverage network, you can still connect to the internet, but you will be connected at a slower speed.

Why Do You Need to Know Vodafone’s Broadband Coverage Areas?

Knowing where in Australia you will be covered by Vodafone’s mobile broadband network is important for a number of reasons:

· You need to decide on a mobile broadband carrier. If you are considering setting up mobile broadband for your home or office, you need to know if it is available in your area, and at what strength and speed that mobile broadband signal will be. To help you decide whether Vodafone is the mobile broadband carrier for you, you can check into their coverage areas.

· You need to know if your Vodafone device is compatible. If you are using a 3G 900 Mhz Vodafone device to connect to the mobile broadband network, it will be compatible in 2100 Mhz areas, however not all 2100 Mhz Vodafone devices are compatible in a 900 Mhz area. Therefore, checking the coverage of the Vodafone mobile broadband network can save you a lot of technology related angst.

· You need to be online while you travel. If you are travelling around Australia for work or a holiday and need access to the internet on your travels, then you will need to check Vodafone’s mobile broadband coverage for your destinations before you leave. This will help you plan your trip because you will know where you can access the internet, and where you will be without fast broadband connections and should make your online preparations before you get to those less covered areas.

How to Find Vodafone Mobile Broadband Coverage

Whether you need to find Vodafone mobile broadband coverage for a road trip with friends, a move to a new office or a travelling sales pitch, it is simple to use the Vodafone map tool to find coverage zones. To use the Vodafone coverage map tool:

1. Follow the link above to the Vodafone coverage map
2. Make sure ‘Where can I use mobile broadband’ is selected
3. Use the zoom tool on the right of the page to zoom to the area of Australia for which you need to check the coverage of Vodafone’s mobile broadband network
4. Match the colour of Vodafone coverage to the map key

You can see in the map below that zooming into any part of Australia gives you a detailed view of Vodafone’s mobile broadband coverage. Not only is the mobile broadband network strong around a major capital city like Sydney, but you can also see strong mobile broadband coverage in the outer regional area of the map below too.

Now that you have the tools you need to sign up for or use the Vodafone mobile broadband network, you can find coverage and enjoy high speed broadband almost anywhere in Australia.

Important Disclaimer Note: While the highest standards are applied in preparing these maps, 100% mapping accuracy cannot be guaranteed. In addition, coverage information is based on outdoor analysis and may differ when indoors. 3G services are subject to network limitations and availability. There may also be a number of factors beyond Vodafone’s reasonable control that could cause coverage to vary within a stated area. For example, general network traffic, distance from the mobile tower, the age and type of handset, local weather conditions or areas of variable reception (e.g. basements, lifts, underground car parks, large concrete buildings, or road cuttings) may mean reception is unavailable or subject to interruption.

In addition to the freedom of Optus prepaid there are also several rewards available that can make a prepaid device even more alluring.

• 10 cent texts
• 10 cent calls for 30 seconds
• 10 cent flagfall
• Online Recharging – If you recharge your mobile minutes for $30 on line you will get 500 bonus sms.
• IOU service – When you are out of minutes you can just text IOU to 468 and they will give you $3 credit to be paid the next time you recharge.
• ‘Yes’ Tickets – This service gives Optus prepaid customers access to both pre-released and discounted tickets as well as premium seating and many great competitions. Current offers include theatre and football tickets.
• Mobile usage management – You can see your recent calls, sms, and date usage information 24 hours a day.
• Internet – Your mobile device will allow you access to the Internet right in the palm of your hand.
• Top up – This is a recharge offer that allows you to pay one flat fee and receive several benefits that are well over your cost.

You do not have to sacrifice any of the convenience or options that are available with a traditional mobile device. You will still be able to get all of the great perks with none of the commitment. Optus prepaid can be a great option for those people who might not have great credit but still want to have a good mobile that offers them additional benefits for their business. One of the problems that people have with prepaid mobile devices is running out of minutes at in opportune times. Optus prepaid has manage this with their IOU service. This allows you a the freedom of a contracted mobile, but still without the commitment and the cost.

Making the choice to look after your money is one of the most important decisions you will ever make because not only do your finances affect how you live your life now and in the future by their amount, but also by how you access them. when you use a transaction account which understands how you like to spend you your money or open a savings account which encourages you to deposit, you will be surprised by how much healthier your finances can be from these simple changes, and more.

So where and how do you make these comparisons?

At Savings Account Finder, where you can compare:

• Everyday transaction accounts
• High interest savings accounts
• Online savings accounts
• Term deposit investment accounts

At Savings Account Finder you can review the features and benefits of all savings and transaction accounts in Australia side by side to see which best suit your needs and aims. Even if you’re not sure what your financial goals are, or the difference between a savings and a transaction account, all this and more is explained on Savings Account Finder.

Savings Account Finder is able to take the stress and confusion out of financial products because we have reviewed and compared products for all Australians. No matter what you financial situation is, whether you have one dollar, one thousand dollars or one million dollars to invest, Savings Account Finder can connect you with the best solution. Plus, if you’ve ever thought ‘there must be a better way’ when you look at the transaction fees on your everyday account or wait in line at a branch to change your PIN, then you’re right – there is a better way and Saving Account Finder can show you how to get there.

Why you need to compare savings and transaction accounts:

• Money isn’t the most important thing in the world, but it does help. Your finances are a big part of your life and if they aren’t running correctly, or at their peak, the rest of your life can’t function as it should either. Just think about how inconvenient it would be if your car stalled all the time or your power came on and off at random – using the wrong financial product can be just as disruptive and detrimental.
• There is a product out there for everyone, are you using yours or someone else’s? There are so many savings and transaction accounts to choose from because there are so many different types of people. Therefore, you need to make sure you are using the product which has been designed to best suit your needs and the way you want to live your life.
• You don’t have to waste money on bank fees. It may sound fanciful but it’s true – when you use the transaction and savings accounts which are tailor made for your needs, you won’t be penalised with fees. If you prefer to bank in a branch, choose a transaction account with unlimited branch transactions included, if you prefer to pay your bills by cheque, choose a transaction account with free cheque facilities.
• You can meet your savings targets. No matter how much or how little you can spare to save each week, or how big or small your savings dreams are, with a high interest savings account or the right term deposit investment you can meet those goals and make your dreams a reality.

Once you’ve clarified your financial needs and goals and compared all of the accounts and products available, you can follow a secure link directly from Savings Account Finder to contact a branch or apply for your chosen account. With all the information you need in one place and most online applications taking less than ten minutes you can be on your way to financial security today.

To be able to access 3G services on the go is becoming ever so important as more and more consumers favour working mobile. The on-the-go movement will only become more popular as the teenagers of today enter the workforce of tomorrow. Tech savvy workers are the employees of Australia’s tomorrow and not indulging their talent would mean going backwards in time.

CEO at Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA), Nigel Dews says regional customers can now enjoy 3G services at Vodafone’s great value prices. He said: “Vodafone is committed to investing in its network to make state-of-the-art 3G services more accessible and affordable.”

“Vodafone’s great value 3G services are now available to Australians living and working in regional cities and towns, as well as business travellers and holiday-makers who need to stay connected.”

“More Vodafone customers, in more places, can now get online on their mobile phone or laptop while they’re out and about, to keep up-to-date on emails, stay in-touch with friends and family via Facebook, MySpace or Twitter and blog, game or Google.”

Vodafone’s new network extension overview:

At a glance, Vodafone 3G can now be used:

• Extending out to Kununurra in WA.
• Extending to Port Douglas in Queensland.
• Extending to Devonport in Tasmania.

All over 94 per cent of the Australian population is able to access the network now. Previously before the upgrade Vodafone’s 3G coverage only reached 80 per cent of the Australian population.

Get the right gear:

You need to have a 3G 900Mhz mobile phones available on Vodafone prepaid or contract to access its 3G services. In total there are 18 of these on the market right now with more to be introduced in the future for sure. One such phone is the prepaid Nokia 6220 for $229.

Vodafone Prepaid Flexi Caps start at $29 (includes $300 total value)~ and give customers the freedom to spend their included Flexible Credit any way they like – on calls, txt, Internet browsing, instant messaging and downloading games or music.

Vodafone’s regional 2G network will now support EDGE technology as part of the new upgrade. This means that existing Vodafone customers with a 2G mobile phone can continue to access voice and txt services as normal and experience an increase in data speeds at the same time.

For more information and coverage maps, as well as compatible mobile phones and pricing details visit a Vodafone store or check online at www.vodafone.com.au.

Source: Media Game

Google is one of the biggest catalysts for change online. Google are recognised for revolutionising search with the release of their powerful search engine in the late 90’s, and they are aiming to do the same with their operating system Google Chrome OS which is due to be released later in 2009.

The new operating system is an extension of the Chrome browser project and will be focusing on speed, simplicity and security to deliver an overall improved user experience.

The operating system is initially going to be released specifically to be used on netbooks – the latest computing device providing complete mobility and support your mobile broadband, with a lightweight and convenient “mini laptop” that can be used to browse the internet anywhere you like. Check out the Dodo Mobile Broadband netbook plan bundle.

How will Google Chrome OS affect you and your browsing experience? or even just your experience in using a computer?

• Your operating system will now no longer be a cost to you – Google Chrome OS is completely free and open source. Netbooks are cheap, so by matching it with a free operating system you will no longer have to fork out money for a Microsoft Windows license.
• Your netbook will boot up fast, and run even faster than you have seen it before. Google Chrome OS is going to be designed to boot in seconds, allowing you to get browsing quicker.
• Your netbook will have improved compatibility with applications and hardware. Google says “[Users] don’t want to spend hours configuring their computers to work with every new piece of hardware, or have to worry about constant software updates.” They’re right – we don’t!
• Google Chrome OS will make you more mobile. Google will no doubt make all it’s services available, built-in to the operating system including Gmail, Google Docs, Google Talk, Picasa etc. through it’s Google Gears application. Using Google services will keep all your data in the one location, meaning you never have to worry about where you saved that file again!
• The time it takes and amount of clicks to perform a Google search will be dramatically decreased. Google want you using their search engine, and the Google Chrome OS will no doubt integrate the search engine beautifully making it extremely quick to perform a query.

Google Chrome OS will be an operating system that is clean, fast and focused on mobility. This will improve your mobile broadband experience dramatically. We are looking forward to the release of the operating system and will provide you with a full review as soon as we can get our hands on it.

In the mean time, it’s all the more important to prep up for the Google Chrome OS release, and get a netbook whilst Dodo have their awesome mobile broadband + netbook offer going so that you are one of the first to see Google Chrome OS in action!

This new feature will provide extraordinary benefit to wireless internet users as you will be able to tell Google where you are specifically located, and use that information to give you better more localised search results. Mobile Broadband providers should embrace this technology as it will be providing their users with a better search experience.

The Toolbar uses information transmitted from wireless access point to determine your approximate location.

Why is this awesome? Well, now you can use Google Maps centred on your map location to find local businesses and services around you, without having to type in a suburb name or specific location. Search for the nearest pizza restaurant or cafe with wireless internet access, and the nearest local business results will appear in your search.

Google releasing this technology provides added advantage to having a wireless internet connection. The advent of “super local” search will give great benefit and improved relevancy, and by having wireless internet access you are able to get results that are relevant to you and your exact location. Look out for more technology and My Location features from Google. This is important technology for Google as it can now provide more relevant advertisements and search results. By having increased relevancy, users will be much happier with their experience in using their search engine.

More information on installing the new Google Toolbar Labs option My Location

More information on Google Toolbar MyLocation

The National Broadband Network announcement was made on the 7th April 2009. This project is the largest infrastructure investment ever made by the Australian government. The project will take 8 years to complete, so there will be lots of news to report along the way. Here ist he latest from leading media outlets and around the ‘blogosphere’.

• Rudd seeks Broadband experts (Australian IT) 24/04/09

• NBN Tender Enquiry Possible (ComputerWorld NZ)  24/04/09

• September start for bush broadband upgrade? (CNET) 24/04/09

• Industry warms to new NBN strategy (Devnet) 24/04/09

• Costs of the National Broadband Network (Steve-J-on-IT) 22/04/09

For more National Broadband Network news follow Wireless Internet Access on Twitter

Dodo Mobile Cap & Broadband Bundle

Features:

• Free Mobile Phone (choose your favourite from 4 available handsets)
• Free Asus EEE PC (woo hoo!! )
• Free 3G Mobile Broadband modem
• Free 3G Mobile Broadband internet account with 250mb download limit per month
• Cost: $29.90 per month including $320 of value + 250mb mobile data

Highlights:

• This bundle offers serious upfront value. Here is a break down of the free inclusions and their normal RRP value:
  • Samsung J570 $99
  • Asus EEE PC $499
  • Dodo 3G Mobile Broadband Modem $149

    This stacks up to be $747 of free hardware alone, given to you as soon as your sign-up! Pretty awesome if you ask me! This isn’t even taking in to account the $320 of included calls and 250mb download limit with your mobile broadband.

• The Asus EEE PC netbook rocks! Mobile Broadband goes hand in hand with the Asus EEE PC, as the device is designed for ultra portability. The Asus EEE PC is packed with the important features too: wireless lan, ethernet port, 3 x USB ports, inbuilt stereo speakers, and comes pre-installed with Windows XP Home making it ready to use “out of the box”.
• Dodo mobile broadband uses the Optus 3G network, achieving speeds of 3.6mbps. Optus 3G coverage extends to 96% of the Australian population making it a viable option if you live in/travel to regional areas.
  
• The mobile plan includes Optus ‘yes’ time. That means FREE 20 minute voice calls, 8pm – midnight from one Optus GSM Mobile to another within Australia. No flagfall applies.

Tip: I’ve spoken to the guys at Dodo and they’ve advised there is only limited stock for this offer, so if you’re keen to find out more and take up this offer, I’d get in soon!

Learn more about this offer:

Things you need to be aware of:

• On 24 month minimum contract the minimum cost is $717.60. On 24 month minimum contract the minimum cost is $1,437.60. On 24 month minimum contract the minimum cost is $2,157.60. On 24 month minimum contract the minimum cost is $3,357.60
• Collect from Dodo or $24.90 delivery fee applies
• Free wireless broadband during 24 month period, thereafter monthly price reverts to $12.99
• Free wireless broadband during 24 month period, thereafter monthly price reverts to $34.99.
• Free delivery. No pickup option available.