If you have an unlocked Sierra AirCard 753S with the Telstra Bigpond branding - you can get it to work on other networks (Optus, Dodo, Vodaphone) - and you don't have to run that pesky bigpond software!

This is how...

Getting past the Locked AirCard/Bigpond Screen

Step 1: Turn on your AirCard. Note the Secuirty Key on its display

Step 2: Connect to the AirCard via WIFI with your computer. (You'l need to use that security key).

Step 3: Open up a internet browser. You will now see that pesky locked Bigpond screen wanting you to download some software. Forget that!

In the http: address bar, go to http://ultimate.bigpond/advanced.html to bypass that locked screen.

You will now see the AirCard advanced settings.

Step 4: Under Device > Basic > Click Export. Save this file (export.cfg) onto your computer.

Step 5: Edit the export.cfg file on your computer with Notepad. Around line 28, after all the other general lines, add the line...

general.activated=true

Step 6: In the AirCard Advanced settings - use the "Import Router Settings" box to upload your modified export.cfg file.

Setting up the AirCard for other networks (other than bigpond)

Under advanced settings, WAN > Setup > Add/Edit profiles

Network:	DODO PrePaid	TELSTRA PrePaid	OPTUS PrePaid	iiNet	Bigpond
APN:	DODOLNS	telstra.internet	connectme	internet	telstra.bigpond
Auth Type:	None	None	None	None	CHAP Bigpond User and Pass is required.

 (Yes - Telstra and Bigpond are not the same!)

More Australian APN settings here: http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/mobiles_apn