Nexus One on Virgin Mobile (Australia) network
Posted by Max | Posted in gadgets | Posted on 06-03-2010
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Today, while recharging my Virgin Mobile phone account I found an excellent mobile data deal. Prepaid customers recharging their account with any cap plan starting from $19 will get a 1Gb of mobile Internet data valid for one month in addition to free Virgin to Virgin calls and $50 for other calls (the catch is that these calls would be charged at $0.90 per minute). The offer is valid for a limited time, but since its prepaid there is no long term obligations. Not a bad deal compared to other providers,
So today I removed my Three mobile broadband SIM card and inserted Virgin Mobile SIM into by beloved Nexus One phone. After that you need to configure your phone to use Virgin APN for Internet access. Here are the screenshots of APN configuration page whch is available at Settings->Wireless & Networks->Mobile Networks->Access Point Names
Name: Virgin Internet
APN: VirginInternet
Proxy: 202.139.83.152
Port: 8070
Authentication type: None
Another reason for switching to Virgin is that Three network appears to be congested while travelling home from Sydney CBD into Engadine on the train, in particular near Kogarah station. I’m sure that is a congestion and not networks coverage, since in the morning while travelling along the same route connection is quite stable and speeds are good.
Internet and MMS settings for other Australian providers (Three, Optus, Vodafone, Telstra, Exetel, Crazy John’s and TPG Mobile) could be found on Ausdroid website.
Jul 16 2010 update: Optus network providers better coverage compared to Three, so 3G network converage is almost always available along the train route (Engadine-Erskinville). Optus has 3G cell on Central station underground platforms 24 and 25, but very slow GPRS connection on Town Hall and Redfern stations. Also, strangely enough, connection quality seems to be worse on new yellow “Millennium” trains (I wonder if train engines making more electromagnetic noise within 2100 MHz band).
I would be really nice to have mobile network coverage within train tunnels or even WiFi hotspots on the train similar to one offered on Brisbane trains, but I think it will take CityRail another 10 years to install it 
First thing I’ve noticed is that all paid applications disappeared from Andorid Market when Virgin SIM card wa inserted into the phone. They are not displayed even when the phone is connected via WiFi connection, so blocking occurs not on network level.
After reinserting Three mobile broadband SIM card into the phone paid apps return…
Paid Applications now available through Android Market with Virgin Mobile card
I cannot get these setting to work on my HTC Legend. I am on Virgin Mobile Post-Paid 300mb plan.
Any help?
I’m using Virgin Mobile prepaid, so I’m unable to check whether it works with post-paid plan.
Here is a support page on Virgin Mobile web site with settings similar to mine (they list two possible port numbers 8070 and 9201)
http://virginmobile.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2423/~/what-are-the-generic-virgin-mobile-settings-for-mms,-wap-or-internet%3F
In case of Three, APN setting differs for postpaid and prepaid plans
You may also check on Whirlpool’s Android forum
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum/123?g=172
These settings will work for all Android based mobiles including HTC Legend which is available in Australia now.
I’m on postpaid Virgin Mobile… Funnily enough, my 3G internet on the Nexus One worked once I connected to my home wi-fi! After that, it worked like a treat!
Could you help me with the MMS settings on my Legend? I can’t seem to get them to work.