OzBargainer Choice of Mobile Service Provider

spacebanana on 27/11/2014 - 11:51

Now that Vaya or LC no longer represent great value, and tbh I just don't really like Vaya any more after increasing the price before my 24 months was up, Who does everyone use for their mobile provider?

I was on the Vaya 17 Power plan which I was super happy with but now its 27 which I have continued to pay.
But now I am thinking of getting a 4G phone and would like to move away from Vaya.

perhaps SpinTel? amaysim?

I am looking for something around $30~ mark with unlimited text, 2-3GB of 4g data (4G non-essential) and a decent amount of calls, if anyone has any ideas.

I feel like most ozbargainers used vaya or LC, so now I am interested just to see who everyone uses :)

Mobile

Comments

  • PissLUR on 27/11/2014 - 11:55
    +11

    I am with TeleChoice. Very Happy.
    $20/month

  • pyramid on 27/11/2014 - 11:56
    +3

    Telechoice.

    • Maxxjet on 27/11/2014 - 17:02
      +2

      I am with telechoice but now really that impressed due to the blackout area along the airport line when I need the phone service most when commuting…however, cannot find a better one for the value, and when it works , it is fine.

      • JimB on 27/11/2014 - 17:32

        You can blame Telstra for that :D

        • [Deactivated] on 02/12/2014 - 01:33
          +1

          Yeah, bloody Telstra. I bet they are getting huge margins from Telechoice too when Telechoice is charging $20 p.m. Should more then offset the millions in upgrading infrastructure for transport lines, even factoring in that little to no dwellings are in those coverage areas.

          On a serious note - check the Telstra coverage maps on the airport line and see what the 4G coverage is like - and decide whether it's worth the premium price tag for the premium product.

        • JimB on 02/12/2014 - 10:31

          @aussiemillion:

          I was on Telstra 4G, then moved to Aldi and now on Telechoice 3G.

          Other than downloading large files at superfast speeds / or watching 1080p Youtube clips(which will BURN through your data cap), I don't find any difference between Telstra 4G and Telechoice 3G.

          Telechoice also round up data sessions to 10kb, whereas others round up to 1MB.

          It's not like if you're in a Telstra 3G blackspot, that Telstra 4G will work.

      • pyramid on 28/11/2014 - 08:12
        +1

        Telechoice is way better for me than Amaysim/Yatango and voda..

    • DeadlySaber on 30/11/2014 - 19:33

      Pity that SMS international isn't included in Cap value. Yes, I have some old relatives who still live in the last decade.

  • CyberMurning on 27/11/2014 - 12:01

    looking for one, for parents that sometimes coming to australia.
    need:
    no contract, prepaid if possible
    can keep number forever
    low cost call domestic
    no data is ok
    no sms is ok
    no international call is ok

    thanks.

    • ProjectZero on 27/11/2014 - 12:07
      +1

      Is it for a holiday or are they staying?

      If it's for a holiday I recommend the Optus PAYG thing, $2 a day if you use any data or call… otherwise you can keep the credit up to 30 days.

      • CyberMurning on 27/11/2014 - 12:12

        they staying, sometimes up to a month or more.. coming at random times really.. can be twice a year, or more, or leess..

        • ProjectZero on 27/11/2014 - 12:18
          +1

          Hmm… Only one i can think of is the Telstra one that lets you keep the credit for 12 months…

          http://www.telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/prepaid-mobiles/offe…

          Good thing is, if they don't use up the credit, you could always use it for the play store =)

          Min. $70 a year

        • CyberMurning on 27/11/2014 - 12:29

          @ProjectZero:

          looks good but domestic call rate is cheap/reasonable?

        • ProjectZero on 27/11/2014 - 12:33
          +5

          @erwinsie:

          lol, It's Telstra, nothing from them is cheap or reasonable.

          Honestly, the rates look terrible…

          39c for connection fee and 78c/min

          Having said all that, reading this might give you some idea as to how to best use it all.

        • dasher86 on 27/11/2014 - 12:34
          +13

          @ProjectZero:
          Aldi mobile?
          http://www.aldimobile.com.au/plans/15payg

        • ProjectZero on 27/11/2014 - 12:41
          +2

          @dasher86:

          Actually that seems a better choice.

        • brickwall on 01/12/2014 - 16:22

          Vodafone got 365 days prepaid. I'm using this for my 2nd mobile number, mostly receiving calls only.
          I recharge $20 (the cheapest rate available) about twice a year:

          http://www.vodafone.com.au/personal/prepaid/prepaid-options/…

        • expertreader on 02/12/2014 - 14:05

          Amaysim pay-g. Will need to be in your name but will suit you well seeing the circumstances. I do the same with my parents visit.

        • IMFrugl on 04/12/2014 - 12:50

          @moonlite51:
          I don't think your plan is available any longer. Most of the good Voda plans are gone and replaced with costlier ones. Their long life is now costlier than Telstra's. 89c/min vs 78c/min. Don't change your plan if you wish to retain your rates. Correct me if I'm mistaken.

          I use 3 of their old text and talk plans for my family, but won't be able to get another when I need one more for my youngest. I pay $20 for 60 days or $30 for 60 days depending on how much I need. Add a reminder to my calender to top up so I don't loose the rolled over credit. I also just picked up a $10 Voda International starter pack with $10 credit and makes international calls for $0.02 rates with 23c connection and 30 day expiry - just in time for X'mas and New Years greetings!

        • IMFrugl on 04/12/2014 - 13:13
          -1

          @ProjectZero:

      • twoface41face on 02/12/2014 - 18:11

        Optus pre paid daily. Cost a dollar per day when you use it. Credit last up to six months but rolls over when you recharge before the period

    • Fobsessive on 28/11/2014 - 00:38
      +1

      Look up Amaysim PAYG. Literally only pay for what you use.

    • bb_hunter on 28/11/2014 - 10:22

      Aldi use tel$ra network, credit last one year, 12c per min, data 5c per mb

    • cosmic on 28/11/2014 - 16:05

      CMOBILE Red PAYG, 12c calls and texts, 2c/MB
      http://www.cmobile.com.au/plans/red/#plan-rates
      minimum $20 a year

      • bb_hunter on 28/11/2014 - 16:52

        plus $4.90 application fee

        • cosmic on 29/11/2014 - 12:42
          +1

          ah, right

          Amaysim credit only lasts 90 days, so it's not as good as Aldi and CMOBILE's one year.
          Aldi's got a lower minimum ($15) compared to CMOBILE, and uses telstra's network instead of vodafone. If you use something like 25~200MB a month though (or 300MB+ a year), CMOBILE's 2c data rate vs Aldi's 5c could work out a lot better.

        • bb_hunter on 04/12/2014 - 19:33

          @cosmic: I would like to try cmobil, only problem is I have to spend $25 while Amaysim only cost $5. You can get a free Simm from them if you wait 3 days or buy one from supermarket for $2.

    • tweety96 on 02/12/2014 - 10:08

      TPG's good, $1 a month and then it's PAYG. The only thing is keep number forever might be costly in the long run.

      • CVonC on 02/12/2014 - 15:00
        +1

        that's no longer available

        • tweety96 on 03/12/2014 - 11:44

          You are right, Geez, I better keep mine then, lol

  • SirFlibbled on 27/11/2014 - 12:05
    +3

    I moved to Spintel. I was happy to move to the Power 18 plan but this simple request became a 4 month nightmare including multiple TIO requests. Vaya's incompetence went beyond mere incompetence into a field of almost recklessness I've never seen before from any company.

    It was as if they were incapable of doing the simplest things. Every single problem, and every single resolution to those problem just lead to more problems or they would call me and say they would do something and then simply not do it.

  • ProjectZero on 27/11/2014 - 12:09
    +1

    I usually use Whistleout when checking out plans… with your requirements up to 3Gb data, and decent amount of calls.

    You're looking at $35/month + any startup fee

    http://www.whistleout.com.au/MobilePhones/SearchResults?t=98…

    P.S. Just use Viber, Whatsapp or something for text… don't think there are any unlimited txt for <$30

    I take that back… sorta…

  • dasher86 on 27/11/2014 - 12:37
    +6

    I'm with Woolworths Mobile - now Optus managed.

    $26 = $30 Credit, $220 Mybonus, $250 Optus Money & 5 GB 3g data with 45 day expiry.

    It's good for me as i tend to not make many calls and mostly use viber and text.

    • CheapCoffee on 27/11/2014 - 19:16

      Ye, I'm on this as well and it is amazing. However it isn't available anymore.. :(

    • spacebanana on 27/11/2014 - 20:21
      +3

      wow that sounds so awesome, wish it was still available!

    • Mysterious on 28/11/2014 - 01:44

      Also with this, best plan I've ever come across.

    • dasher86 on 28/11/2014 - 09:04
      +1

      3g for me is actually a good thing.
      If it was 4g i'd blow through my data mid way. I usually use my full GB by the 45 days on 3g.

    • Mahalo on 30/11/2014 - 19:36

      I'm on this too. However when it was through Wollworths I never ran out of the 5gb of data. Now I use my 5gb in less than a month. I find this weird my usage is the same or even less now that I really try not to go over it.
      Anyone else noticing this?

      • salem on 02/12/2014 - 19:56

        yup. especially this month, for some reason. There's a big chunk of data I know I went through, 1.5gb accidentally doing laptop updates while tethered (oops), and a chunk on google music streaming, but I'm down to 700mb remaining, so the other 2gb is a bit vague as to where it went….

        • Mahalo on 03/12/2014 - 08:02

          I thought it's not possible to tether with Optus prepaid mobile.

        • salem on 03/12/2014 - 08:12
          +1

          @Mahalo: I've heard varying reports about success using it on an iPhone, but I've never had an issue with any of my android phones. There might be something in the terms and conditions saying not to do it, but they don't check.

  • ilikeradiohead on 27/11/2014 - 12:41
    +2

    I use telstra prepaid. $30/month with 400mb data, but you can add a 'plus pack' and jack it up to 1.1gb. Their network is second to none, and their 4G is excellent. However if 4G isn't as important there are better deals. I think it has unlimited calls/texts, but honestly I don't even look at that when looking at switching, as most companies offer such large amounts that most people won't get close to using it up.

    • nayfon on 27/11/2014 - 15:56

      yeah I second this. The plus packs make this a good package. You can use the credit for overseas data which comes in handy.

      • srhardy on 28/11/2014 - 07:59
        +1

        the new FREEDOM cap does not let you buy bonus pack data yet, this may change in the new year as they have hinted its going to happen; but they have doubled those FREEDOM data inclusion and made the change permeant.

        You can on andriod use your recharge credit to buy apps from the playstore! Or creditme2u and keep an ipad data preaid SIM alive every 14 days too

  • [Deactivated] on 27/11/2014 - 12:42

    TPG $16.99/month
    $550 (inc int) + 1GB

    It's more than I need.

    • CyberMurning on 27/11/2014 - 12:44
      +2

      agree but that plan no longer exist for new customer :)
      i with that too, and also adsl with tpg.
      need to watch that 1GB, mostly ok for moderate data users.
      $550 calls are plenty
      wish i can trade to $300 and 1.5GB

      • [Deactivated] on 27/11/2014 - 12:47

        Ah yes you're right, I think it was $12.99 (iirc) when I signed up a long long time ago, then it increased last year and I was like noooo…..

    • kokita on 27/11/2014 - 19:15
      +1

      Just a note, TPG only supports 3G not 4G.

    • scloh1 on 30/11/2014 - 12:31

      I'm on this too. Before the t&c change I used to use 1.1GB out of the 1.5GB, and maybe $1 out of the $500 credit. I hardly make any voice calls but I'm struggling to not go over 1GB. The 48hour delay with usage reporting is bogus too. I would happily reduce my call credit by 80% if I could get 100 or 200mb back on the data side as going over the limit is expensive. I'm at the point where I might change plans to.. <gulp> Telstra..

      • CVonC on 30/11/2014 - 13:51

        agreed.

        it was even better when social networking was free.

        i wish they charge the excess data out of your $550 :/

  • kabigon on 27/11/2014 - 12:50

    Legacy Vodafone prepaid. With discounted recharge vouchers from Coles/Woolies, data costs <$2/GB which is awesome.

    • srhardy on 28/11/2014 - 08:01

      nice… but no good now for a newbie alas

  • nekro on 27/11/2014 - 13:41
    -1

    Optarse.. my daily plus plan

  • BlazinPast on 27/11/2014 - 14:25
    +13

    "Now that Vaya or LC no longer represent great value".

    How so? Their Power Plan 18 is still extremely good value for money, I don't think there's anything better. $18/month for unlimited texts, $650 worth of calls and 1.5GB data. Never had an issue with them and have recommended them to friends who've also never had an issue with them. Seems like they have lacklustre customer service but I don't see myself ever needing to call them. So no complaints from me.

    • spacebanana on 27/11/2014 - 15:55
      +5

      For calls and texts, yeah sure, it's fine.
      But for data, it's measured by MB not KB like other providers and older Vaya plans.
      I hate per MB data usage, it smashes your data limit like you have 500mB, in my experience anyways.

      • BlazinPast on 27/11/2014 - 16:06

        Fair enough. Even if you were to switch your mobile data off/on a high amount such as 10 times a day, it would eat up 300mb of data a month. That would still leave 1.2GB of data for you to use. If you have the latest smartphones, you could just keep your data on as battery life has improved a lot over the years.

        • spacebanana on 27/11/2014 - 16:35
          +4

          Bit confused what you mean mate,
          A session isn't defined by when you turn your data on and off, phones automatically start and finish data sessions without your knowledge, so you could use 10kb then your phone end a session and then you have chewed a MB

        • ronnknee on 28/11/2014 - 10:48
          +1

          @camoqs: They fixed this last year.

      • xyron on 27/11/2014 - 17:16
        +11

        I've been with Vaya for about 18 months now and have never had a problem with their per-mb billing, almost never hit my 1.5gb cap and i use my phone quite liberally…

        • spacebanana on 27/11/2014 - 20:20
          +1

          interesting.. I just hit my 2gb limit on KB billing so I don't think it would go too well for me to be honest.

        • BargainCowboy on 28/11/2014 - 10:25
          +2

          @xyron

          I share the same sentiment. I reach the cap (1.5GB) maybe once or twice a year. I think they are still the best value provider.

        • kylebb on 29/11/2014 - 10:49

          Depends on the phone as well in my experience. I used a LG G3 briefly and for some reason that thing spammed out 50+ data sessions per day. No issues with a nexus 5 however

      • ESEMCE on 28/11/2014 - 11:12
        +1

        Maybe in a bad signal area, but I did the calculations based on my Live Connected csv usage data and the difference ranged between 50-150mb (on 750mb-1.2Gb usage/month) for me.

        • venu on 02/12/2014 - 22:57

          Similar. I use around 1gb a month, and my phone always reports no more than 100-200mb more than what vaya says.

          When i used a battery saving app, which turned off my data whenever i turned off the screen and switched to 2g every 15 minutes thereafter, my usage was 3 times what my android phone said (1.5gb instead of 500mb).

    • plasmapuff on 28/11/2014 - 01:18

      I'd avoid Vaya like the plague.

      They're probably going to be shut down soon with all the ACCC complaints launched against them.

      http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2335571

    • SirFlibbled on 28/11/2014 - 11:22
      +2

      I was the same as you. Until I tried to change from a flexi to power plan. From there is became a hellish 4 months of incompetence so bad it became funny. I had to leave for my own sanity.

    • dbadcock on 01/12/2014 - 19:07

      I was just about to post the exact same thing. How does it not ? Im on the $18/month plan. Suits me fine

  • JimB on 27/11/2014 - 17:34
    +1

    Telechoice Kogan offer.

    I'm on $28 a month plan.. with 2gb of data, suits me perfectly.

    No Telstra 4G, but Telstra 3G is plenty fast.

  • luckytrio on 27/11/2014 - 19:59
    +8

    Boost- $40 on telstra network, unlimited calls/text and 2gb? data. And there's only telstra coverage around here- its the ozbargain country provider lol

    • cuteseal on 04/12/2014 - 10:04

      Just ported my wife from Telstra Post paid to Boost yesterday.
      Apart from a bit of delay in getting the blank SIM, the port itself was amazingly seamless! Completed in under 30 mins, and I don't think my wife knows the difference. It still says "Telstra" as the carrier at the top.

  • BartholemewH on 27/11/2014 - 20:33
    +3

    I'm on a virgin mobile byo plan that has 450 + in calls and 2gb + in data for 19 a month but unfortunately they've completely screwed it for new sign ups.

  • Fobsessive on 28/11/2014 - 00:55
    +1

    Currently on legacy Vaya $11/month for 4 more months then will almost certainly switch to Vaya $18/month

    • isthisreally_me on 28/11/2014 - 13:21
      +1

      Exactly what I did last month from my Vaya $11/month plan, switched to their $18/month plan. Only once queried my bill in 2 years and they credited me back the mistaken charge straight away. Really quite happy with Vaya.

  • darknnation on 28/11/2014 - 04:25

    currently on lebara

  • ethereal88 on 28/11/2014 - 07:13
    -3

    Second and third tier junk. Vaya? Lebara? Trash. Telstra simplicity - $50 for 3 months prepaid. Proper reception and speed - 4G.

    • srhardy on 28/11/2014 - 08:06
      +4

      FYI - this is how to get the most from SIMPLICITY

      First change offer to LONGLIFE (via text, online) & recharge with $70 (12 months credit expiary)
      Then change offer to SIMPLICITY and do a $30 recharge (or larger) and you will get the long expiary of 12 months but the LOWER call rate of SIMPLICITY

      You will have 70+30=$100 credit and 12 months to use it at the SIMPLICITY rates. I recomend you turn all DATA off on your phone and/or use WIFI (free at McD's/HJacks/Target?bunnings ect)

      I did this for my neighbour once a year and they loved it, saved a fortune!

      • demiurge on 30/11/2014 - 15:04
        +1

        You don't even need the $30 recharge.

  • Davros on 28/11/2014 - 07:16
    +1

    Aldi PAYG as it uses Telstra network (optus etc are patchy at best)

    • srhardy on 28/11/2014 - 08:13
      +1

      I was telling my friend that she would have to go T$ from vodafone when she moved out of the city to the sunshine coast but i was wrong. On the range she has 3 bars, i has SOS… Turns out that even pigs can fly backwards and while generaly T$ is a little better im always amazed where optus and especialy vodafone has coverage and where i have none or crap on my telstra. Ive moved but the house in NINGI/Bribie Is was much better on T$, everyone else on O/V would have to go out and get eaten by mozzies at the letterbox's to talk. I could just manage a T$ call inside on speakerphone and holding my mobile near a window.

      We needed 1 company to build towers and supply coverage AU wide, not 3… You have to love (or hate with vengence) government policy - the same backward thinking is giving us the new improved, cheaper NBN (which will cost as much or more than the older, better NBN) with the same idiots that stuffed up communications in Australia for the last 2 decades. And no im not a labor voter (or green, PUP) its just i understand comm's…

      • nikey2k27 on 28/11/2014 - 17:30
        +2

        phone and net system here are (profanity). that been nice. Your total right.

  • gar519 on 28/11/2014 - 08:48
    +1

    Stay away from Vaya and Live Connected HOPELESS. Amaysim looks like a good deal however as they charge by the MB not KB you chew through the data.I was getting through about 4GB per month. I flicked them to Jeenee Mobile. My use of data has not changed and over the last two months I have not exceeded 1.5G per month…showing how good data charged at KB not MB is.MB data billing is such a rip off.

    I'm on the Jeenee $25 Plan with $500 calls,free texts and 1.5 GB data and no lock in contracts.
    Jeenee is also 4G.

  • [Deactivated] on 28/11/2014 - 08:58
    -1

    lyca mobile has $30 unlimited sms and calls. MMS aren't working though which is a drawback for some and it also has issues with iphone's setting up imessage. Their support is also a bit of a joke when trying to retain your number (I gave up after 3 failed attempts).

  • pawan1993 on 28/11/2014 - 09:18
    +1

    Highly recommend Telechoice. They don't have the best service but they use the Telstra network and that gives me great coverage. Used to be on Optus and once I moved to Telechoice I noticed the superior network right away. If you're after prepaid you could look at Boost Mobile.

  • Rorschach on 28/11/2014 - 10:16

    I've been with Vaya for a while, on Power Plan 18. Had decided to give them a shot after going through some advice on OzB.
    Haven't had any issues, think most people are ripped off on data usage? I use it only when necessary, am on Home/Uni Wi-fi most of the time.
    No International allowance at all, though. Any calls would be billed on top of the monthly $18 .

  • dajackal on 28/11/2014 - 10:28
    +1

    TeleChoice for sure. Telstra 3G is still > Optus 4G and Voda 4G anyday

  • zombie hunter on 28/11/2014 - 10:56

    Boost $40 unlimited calls /2.5gb data full Hel$tra 3g country coverage

  • Lancerx on 28/11/2014 - 14:39
    +2

    Telechoice on KOgan offer! 12 months on $20/m with 1gb data! and telstra coverage in the country..

    But don't expect anyone to pick up phone with their call centre….

    • ESEMCE on 28/11/2014 - 14:49

      and telstra coverage in the country..

      and SOME telstra coverage in the country..

      If you want/need full Telstra 3G coverage you have to go with Boost.

  • jeeg on 28/11/2014 - 15:51
    +1

    Me and wife are on the old Virgin Mobile postpaid BYO plan. We pay $19 per month with $450 voice call + 2.25GB data. Some mates are also on Virgin so inter-calls and messages betweeen us are free. Quite happy. If there is a better deal I will be keen.

    • ESEMCE on 28/11/2014 - 15:54
      +1

      That's about as good as it gets for those inclusions.

  • bonezAU on 28/11/2014 - 16:30
    +1

    I use Boost ULTD ($40 per month). Full Telstra 3G network Australia wide. Unlimited domestic calls and SMS. 2.5GB of data of which I never seem to use more than 500MB because I have WiFi at home and work.

    I can not stand the quality of voice calls on the Optus network, it is terrible. If you've been on the Optus network for a while, pick up a Vodafone or Telstra handset and call a few people (that aren't on Optus) and you should be able to tell the difference immediately.

    Also being on the Telstra network gets you HD calls to other Telstra customers too, providing both handsets support it. Crystal clear voice.

  • Jekyll on 28/11/2014 - 17:38
    +1

    Savvytel…

    I don't even know why.

    • nahi11 on 29/11/2014 - 00:58

      They're the cheapest prepaid…

      12c international texts, 10 cent call with med length expiry; no one can beat that.

  • narbe on 28/11/2014 - 18:58

    Still on Liveconnected 11$ for 500$

    • ozash on 29/11/2014 - 00:15

      How did you manage that? My wife was on that but they just bumped it up to $20

      • narbe on 29/11/2014 - 10:00

        I have a written letter (in blood) from a rep that my plan change will be held for 2 years

        Don't spread the word since I don't want to be booted off =P (most likely overlooked)

        And yes all my friends and gf been bumped to 20$ as well.

        • arescarti42 on 30/11/2014 - 00:08

          Very interesting, I'm still on the LC $11 plan as well.

          I got an email about a year ago saying that I would be bumped to the $20 plan in March 2014.

          8 months on and they're still charging me $11/month.

          Not that I'm complaining

        • narbe on 30/11/2014 - 09:29
          +1

          @arescarti42:

          shhhhh !

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