Telstra 4G Dongle to USB?

[gavinwibrow]

I have a 4G Telstra Dongle that I used to plug into my laptop when bush.
I now use my mobile phone to connect (saves money as I never reach my mobile monthly allowance anyway)

Question - is it possible to convert the dongle to a blank USB for general use? It seems a pity to waste it otherwise.
I did try to plug in and cancel the data, but with my limited IT skills, could not get past stage 1 ie dsplaying Telstra logo.

[DeanoH]

Hi Gav

Whilst your Telstra dongle may look similar to a USB memory stick, it isn't. So no it can't really be utilised this way. How about keeping it as a traveling spare or giving it to someone to use on their travels.

I use mine plugged into a 802.11 WiFi base to provide a portable hot spot.

Deano :)

[trout1105]

I think that you will find these dongles knee deep at the tip because the hot spot tethering now available on our mobile phone make these pretty much obsolete unless you have a device that doesn't have wifi on it.
As for using them as a memory stick I don't think there is that much storage space on them anyway.

[gavinwibrow]

Hi Gav

Whilst your Telstra dongle may look similar to a USB memory stick, it isn't. So no it can't really be utilised this way. How about keeping it as a traveling spare or giving it to someone to use on their travels.

I use mine plugged into a 802.11 WiFi base to provide a portable hot spot.

Deano :)

Its free to anyone who wants it, providing they pay postage if applicable. Otherwise bin bound

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Our (caravan)dongle data is still cheaper than our mobile data,, who knows why...
and ,, our dongle is wired up to a one metre external roof top antenna,, cop that mobile phone...[bigrolf]

[gavinwibrow]

Our dongle data is still cheaper than our mobile data,, who knows why...
and ,, our dongle is wired up to a one metre external roof top antenna,, cop that mobile phone...[bigrolf]


Forgot to mention, I have the external aerial too, which has 2 connections into the dongle, so probably not much use for anything else????

[Blknight.aus]

Keep it GAV....

they have some advantges over a mobile....

1. They run on the laptops power and provide a much better data connection in fringe areas.
2. they take up bugger all space and have a voice and SMS capability you dont know about.
3. with the external antennae you get service in some surprising areas if you know how to position the antennae.
4. you can share data on some plans so the data limit on your phone can be on the dongle if you need it (and its saves messing with WIFI settings)
5. If its the right dongle you can use it to host a network even if you dont have coverage
6. It may have an internal MicroSD slot that you can use to support upto 512GB of microSD card which can be setup as a NAS or as a memory stick.


I have a wifi unit that is self powered and can do USB data as well...

I use it maybe 3 times a year in earnest and just squander the connection otherwise But when I need the coverage or need to get someone info in a hurry without the security risk on the phone... It pays for itself every time.