• Internode announce 3G Broadband service
• Pricing plans announced
• “Data blocks” available for topping up service

Update: It is unknown what happens to your connection once you exceed your limit. Tech Wired is currently investigating this with Internode.

Update2: Internode product manager Jim Kellett has said that once you hit your data quota, you are redirected to a “captive portal” that allows you to order data blocks to increase your quota.

Coined NodeMobile, Internode will tomorrow launch its 3G wireless broadband data service that will allow customers to access the Internode network using existing Optus infrastructure.

The new service, delivered via the Optus 3G wireless broadband network, is able to be accessed by customers using a SIM card and wireless data modem.

Internode product manager Jim Kellett said NodeMobile Data was part of Internode’s strategy of offering its customers greater convenience and connectivity.

“It’s about giving our customers wireless broadband with extensive national coverage in Australia,” he said.

“While our first NodeMobile-Data plans provide mobile broadband with a dynamic IP address, over time we intend to develop a wider range of business-focused applications such as a static IP backup for Business ADSL and various types of connectivity to our Internode Business Connect private IP service.”

What’s the Cost?

Internode has announced two data plans, A 250-megabyte (MB) plan costing $14.95 a month and a three gigabyte (GB) plan for $39.95 a month.

Customers who sign up on to the 24-month plan will recieve the Internode branded USB dongle free, otherwise it will cost them $199 unless they wish to BYO their own compatible 3G device, for an establishment fee of $25 (including the SIM).

Unfortunately data quotas include both downstream and upstream data flows and there is no ‘unmetering’ or ‘shaping’ offered, though this is fairly normal in the 3G broadband scene.

Top up with “data blocks”

The NodeMobile Data service will also provide customers with the ability to buy “data blocks” above their monthly quota at the effective rate of four cents per megabyte, which Internode says is below typical market rates

Internode has said that the data blocks will ensure that customers don’t receive any “nasty surprises” in the form of large post-billed excess data charges.

Charges for data blocks are $10 for 250 MB; $20 for 500 MB; and $40 for 1 GB.