I have read a lot of guides regarding maximising the use of Telstra pre-paid starter kit (the $30 worth of value that often is on sale for $10-$15). I would like to have some input/suggestion on what I would like to do:
I use mobile phone 95% of time for accessing the Internet, rarely I need to make a phone call using my mobile but I still need to be able to receive calls.
The guide for the iPad plan which gives me 3GB of data from $30 starter kit works the best for the data but I can't receive call. Also, only the white starter kit that now allows us to get 3GB of data. Though I have been able to request through live chat to get 3GB of data on iPad plan for my non-white starter kit.
Few questions that I would like to get some answer for:
As my non-white sim card has been activated for iPad and 3GB of data, has this effectively made my sim card just like the white starter kit? Meaning in the future all recharge will use the same charge rate per MB?
Can I do credit me2u with different plan (let's say Encore) and effectively make my sim card has two plans (one of data dan another one for encore)?
If #2 is not possible, what's the best option to get the best value of broadband data while still able to make/receive calls.
Cheers,
I have the same problem.
The 3GB plan for $10 deals are definitely the most value. You could buy these and an hook up a pocket wifi for internet access on your mobile but that's a pain. I know these sims come with a mobile number so perhaps if they were inserted into a mobile phone, they could receive calls. The only issue is that recharge rates are $30 for 2GB, or put a new $10 sim in and get a different mobile number.
I use Telstra prepaid cap encore because it's better value than the plans and you don't risk huge fees if you go over; just recharge! Remember that when recharging prepaid, there's CAP CREDIT + RECHARGE VALUE. The cap credit is what you use for calls and texts. I always have heaps left over, especially with the 6-6 free talk and text. The recharge value you can put towards several 'plus packs' like international data, extra texts etc. In our case, we'd be purchasing a Browse Plus Pack for added data.
For example, a $40 recharge will give you 600mb data and a purchase of a $39 browse plus pack to give you another 1GB. In total, that's $40 for 1.6GB. Actually the smarter way would be to purchase 1 x $20 data pack and 2x $10 data pack to give you 1.1GB. So in total, that's $40 for 1.7gb.
What I do:
Month 1: $70 recharge, giving me 1.5GB of data and allows me to purchase an additional $59 pack for 4gb. Totals 5.5GB for $70
Month 2: $50 recharge, giving me 800MB of data. Provided I recharge in time, I can use the leftover $11 recharge value from last month to purchase another $59 pack for 4GB. Totals 4.8GB for $50.
Rinse and repeat. Obviously there are cheaper options for less data but I find 5GB is right for me.
So averaging the two months, you get 5.15GB for $60 per month. Not quite the 3GB for $10 and almost as good as 3GB for $30, but you get to keep your number and make almost unlimited calls. The only thing you need to look out for is voicemail. This come out of the Recharge value big time and thus, limits the amount of extra data you can buy. The Telstra widget helps me keep an eye on things.
I would like to hear form anyone with a more efficient system.