Australian mobile phone plans

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heavenlywild

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#39182 10-Aug-2009 18:06

Finally, it's soon time to enjoy some fabulous mobile phone plan deals in Aussie!

I am asking anyone who has lived in Aussie lately to provide some insight... that would be great!

I already have a mobile phone (Nokia N97) so I won't need a plan that offers a free mobile (unless it is worthwhile to do so).

My partner is on 3 so does this mean being on 3 would be a good idea to get free / cheap calling?

I definitely need a plan with a broadband (to connect my phone to the laptop), around 3GB worth.

I won't be making many phone calls really apart from calls and texts back to NZ.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

PS - I realise I can go onto each operator's website but it is always good to hear from past / current users.

dickytim

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#244908 10-Aug-2009 18:50

Depending on where you are living 3 may not have as good coverage as Telstra, you should check this out before deciding on what is best for you. I would base my discission on this if I ever move back to Aussie.

heavenlywild

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#244913 10-Aug-2009 18:54

I will be based in Adelaide.

dickytim

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#244918 10-Aug-2009 19:08

I don't know anyone in Adelaide any more to ask which network is best so I can't be anymore help.

meesham

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#245031 11-Aug-2009 00:54

Basically if you're going to be out in the country a lot, go for Telstra - they have the best national coverage by far. Optus and Vodafone (3 is owned by Vodafone) are both decent enough in the cities, they have gaps but I don't think it would be much different from Telstra. All of them have pre-paid available (although they make you give all your details for each of them, plus about $25 IIRC), you might want to give them a try before signing up to a contract.

old3eyes

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#245061 11-Aug-2009 08:14

A freind of mine went to Ozz last week and went to top up here NZ Vodafone prepay. Sorry can't be done so she had to buy a Ozz Vodafone prepay but they wouldn't sell it to her unless she produced her passport as proof of ID. NZ drivers license was not enough ,, so be prepared..

Regards,

Old3eyes

heavenlywild

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#245062 11-Aug-2009 08:20

I plan to go with 3's cheapest capped plan ($19) and then get a broadband stick (free, 24 months) with a 6GB plan for $39.

I would love to go on Telstra but boy they are a lot more expensive - faster speeds and better coverage though.

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dickytim

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#245063 11-Aug-2009 08:37

old3eyes: A freind of mine went to Ozz last week and went to top up here NZ Vodafone prepay. Sorry can't be done so she had to buy a Ozz Vodafone prepay but they wouldn't sell it to her unless she produced her passport as proof of ID. NZ drivers license was not enough ,, so be prepared..

I picked up a Telstra prepaid card when I was there last November as I have family there so it was easier and cheaper to do this and carry 2 phones, I had to provide an Australia address, landline number and ID, luckily I still have my Aussie drivers licence and I just gave my old phone number and address as my mum owns the house now.

I guess they don't want Alqaeda Australia having untracable cell phones...

heavenlywild

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#245064 11-Aug-2009 08:39

dickytim,

What particular cap did you go on for your prepaid?

dickytim

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#245069 11-Aug-2009 08:44

not sure actually, I only had it in an old motorola so no data, only texts and calls, I never did get it working correctly for the cheap text and calls set-up, I think you had to select the pre-paid "plan" you wanted then top up a certain amount, I only ended up spending about $20 on credit for the last 4 visits.

I have the sim at home somewhere ready for my next visit I might try and get it set up properly then.

heavenlywild

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#245073 11-Aug-2009 08:57

Yeah, I am going for a couple of years so won't mind signing up to a 24 month plan.

dickytim

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#245130 11-Aug-2009 11:16

Personally I'd be going with Telstra, they have always given me exceptional service and their network is superior IMO.

My mum lives on Phillip Island Victoria and has been with Optus, 3 and Telstra, only Telstra has reasonable coverage there.

I was with Vodafone in Aussie and they had nasty holes in the middle of Melbourne, this may have been remidied in the 10 years since I used them...

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heavenlywild

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#245132 11-Aug-2009 11:20

To be honest coverage is not too important for me as I won't be spending much time outside of the main centre.

So cheap is best for me at the moment :)

old3eyes

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#245161 11-Aug-2009 12:20

dickytim:

I picked up a Telstra prepaid card when I was there last November as I have family there so it was easier and cheaper to do this and carry 2 phones, I had to provide an Australia address, landline number and ID, luckily I still have my Aussie drivers licence and I just gave my old phone number and address as my mum owns the house now.

I guess they don't want Alqaeda Australia having untracable cell phones...

What happens if you don't have a Landline number in Ozz??

Wonder how long before that crap arrives here. Go to DSE for your $2 2D SIM and have to fill out tones of paper work for it. Stock up now while you can..

Regards,

Old3eyes

heavenlywild

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#245171 11-Aug-2009 12:42

My girlfriend applied for a mobile phone plan and she didn't need to give her home landline, instead, her work landline.