Just looking for a new provider ass my tpg coverage has gotten really bad and they suddenly reduced their data down to 1gb from 1.5gb when i have been a loyal customer for atleast 3 years. Any good suggestions on phone plan under $25?
4g is not a must but would be nice.
Thanks
Stay far far away from Vaya. Just search the forums for horror stories.
You can find horror stories with most firms. Ive had a hassle free 18 months with them so far.
You might have been lucky
Also agree you can find horror stories with any provider, and that's up to the OP to decide, all we can do is point the ones we have had experiences with.
Keep in mind your plan is a grandfathered plan. New $18 plan users now have mb billing. You pay extra to get kb billing. Also major issues with Vaya users here and on whirlpool.
Glad to have left them, 4 months ago, before the real rot set in even then contacting them about issues with billing took weeks to resolve, no bargain when I spent so much time trying to resolve issues.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/181683
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2369279 (which btw has reached 90 pages in just 2 weeks)
@RockyRaccoon: still don't understand the problem with mb billing. Have multiple phones on vaya, and none go more than 100mb over what the phone says has been used. Most new phones dont end sessions as far as i know.
I've been with them from the early days. The only problem is that they took on too many people too fast, hence the substandard service.
@venu: Like all systems sometimes they affect others more than everyone.
If someone sets up push notifications they will get more connections that use up the mb limit faster. Eg if you like social media apps
If you are in an area that has marginal connections, so you get drop outs more. Likewise train commuters who have many tunnels on their comment or longer distances, with more drop outs.
10 drop outs on 1mb = 10mb 10drop outs on 1kb = 10kb x say 30 days = 300mb vs 3mb. So, if my maths are correct, this has big impact if you are a large user of data.
Have look at this thread to understand more
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2216943
Or this post
http://www.whistleout.com.au/MobilePhones/News/per-MB-billin…
My only horror story with Vaya is that they slugged me a damn $20 'security deposit', along with everyone else, despite my excellent payment history with them (6+ months with direct debit).
Having said that, I stayed with them because they are the cheapest for what I get.
But when time comes to change you can bet that I will be chasing up my $20.
I just don't see the problem with this $20 charge. TPG do exactly the same for my home phone, they keep a rolling 'security deposit' dependent on my usage.
Unless you have a $0 balance in your bank and get charged by your bank for going overdrawn then I don't see there is an issue.
The problem is that it was introduced to every single customer, injecting them with ~2.4 million cash, without the money being held as a bond (the way security deposits work).
Put that in a high interest savings account and you have ~100k a year extra. Not a bad retainer if you plan on imminent insolvency.
So they make you pay in advance for their service already, and then sting you for $20 on top. So the first month you are with Vaya, their $18 plan costs you $38 before you even get your simcard in the mail.
Yep, I'm one of them.
Simply, just stay away from them. "You get what you pay for…" Yes, but Vaya takes it to a new level of low. They are scum.
They have just, out of the blue, started charging all their locked-in customers a $20 deposit… 0_o
Their call centers are like trained monkeys. They seem polite, calling you sir and mam (guess where they are from… Hint: Philippines), but will leave you on hold for 20 minutes, to give a 'sorry sir bla bla have a nice day, click'.
Their online data usage meters are 2 days behind. Also they count data in megabyte… so you must be extra careful.
Sigh… It's mainly their customer service. And trust me, you will need to face their customer service one day, because they are unpredictable. Just for that, I can't recommend them. Someone pass me a beer.
Have been with Vaya for about 8 months. Perfect for my needs.. haven't had an issue.
Ive had 3 services with Vaya for 2.5 years and have had no problems (well one, which they rectified after a phone call). So really happy with Vaya, great value for the price. Highly recommended.
Or Lyca mobile for $20 a month, unlimited calls, 5 gb data
Seems too good… Though I'm sure the 'unlimited calls' is only to other Lyca users, where is the catch?
I'm with TPG on the same plan as OP, and while I never get close to using my calls, I'm hitting my data every month so 5gb for $20 seems ideal…
Pretty useless bit of information for him considering he is looking for one that's available right NOW!
Link?
Please tell me how to sign up for this.
Reminds me of that joke about the couple getting lost driving in the countryside and asking a local farmer for directions - "Go straight up that road then turn right where the old church used to be…"
Can i or anybody else sign up to that? No the answer is no. that's just an offer to those who where on is previously. not new customers.
I thought you could just get an Optus sim card and then buy these recharges from woolies or bigw. My bad if it doesn't work that way
Research before making claims thanks
Telechoice…
Doesn't need to be the Kogan offer, https://www.telechoice.com.au/plans/global-liberty-leader-si….
24 month contract though. $25 a month. $35 is you want to go month to month only.
$600 worth of calls and 1.5GB data. Telstra network, no 4G though. Sounds just like what the OP is after.
Yeah the advantage for Kogan offer is 12 months contact instead of 24 months.
Part of the Telstra network only. Telstra resellers don't get access to the complete network. It might not make a difference to you but if you use Telstra for the coverage out of major cities (as I do) then it makes a big difference.
@davidf: I'm yet to work out exactly what 'part of the Telstra network' means. I don't use them personally, but a couple of family members in rural Qld do, and they found no difference between coverage with Telstra and Telechoice, aside from no 4G, which didn't matter because they didn't have 4G capable phones anyway.
If they had a coverage map for Telechoice vs Telstra, or some guide about load balancing policy or anything else, that would mean something. It seems to be just a statement that can't be qualified, unless someone could enlighten us with something official?
@Peace Maker: yes it's very vague, you might find more details in the telstra mobile forum on whirlpool. I think the rule of thumb is that you'll only get coverage in places where there is competition, so if telstra is the only horse in town then you won't get anything if you're with a telstra reseller.
@davidf:
Not a very good choice for data, as my experience indicates, the partial coverage/access to Telstra's network is even an overstatement at some places. I work in the CBD Syd, inside my office where Voda and Optus enjoy good signal, Telechoice not, on M2 , spotty … bit too many black spots.
Call quality is good, especially international calls, as I think they use decent line , not IP ? evidence is, the overseas receiver can see my Oz phone # while on other networks, it's a random #.
Its not vague. Its clearly mapped out in the relevant coverage maps.
The Telstra Wholesale coverage map (which Telechoice have access to) is at https://www.mobilemaps.net.au/3G/
The Telstra coverage map is at http://www.telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/coverage-networks/ou…
I'm on the Telechoice Kogan $20 and get nearly more black spots than full reception. It's rarely ever on full, almost never has reception inside buildings (even non-concreted, fragile looking ones that radio waves should penetrate?)… mostly 2 bars all the time. I commute and live within 2km of the Melbourne CBD mind you - I'm leaving as soon as I humanly can.
I'm with Telechoice. Service is fine but internet is useless for browsing. Okay for getting mail etc.
I regret signing up for 12 or 24 months.
My wife just signed up with Lyca. $19 for 5G and unlimited national calls and texts. Can't comment on quality yet. It took 20 minutes to get our call answered Sat morning, but very helpful when you get hold of someone. Talked us through registering account online to get $5 credit we wouldn't if he did it for us. (No idea what that $5 credit is, but not ringing back!)
They have a weird system. As soon as you put their sim in phone, it activates with a new number. Then you go online and register, and have chance to port number. (There was no mention of doing this online - they said we'd have to ring to port.) They then say can use old sim (if in another device) + temp number until receive a text to both to say port has succeeded. Oh, then you have to go and buy a plan - you still don't actually have an account at this stage. You buy a 1 month plan, and can choose to auto renew or not.
I've just about had it with LC's customer service (who I know Vaya is behind) and was strongly considering telechoice. What's wrong with the Internet? Were you using 4g before?
I just find eg if I click on a link from email, it opens browser and just sits there for as long as I have patience but doesn't open, until I finally cancel and go back to checking mail.
That was on an old Samsung Galaxy Gio.
I just tried doing same on my new (old) iphone 4 and it took 30 seconds to open a website from a mail link. (Opened browser within couple of seconds, so results should be similar to browsing??)
I tried safari and got google search results in a couple of seconds and opened page in about 12 seconds.
Dunno whether that's acceptable for 3G?? I'm pretty sure my Gio was worse though. Maybe speeds are better at this time of night?? Or I was always wanting to check mail in bad reception areas??
Useless for browsing?
I'm with Telechoice and have no issues with browsing speeds. It might not be 4G but it's still quick enough for browsing. Still quicker than a lot of home ADSL connections…
lol I forgot to turn off my wireless when I first did above tests, and 3G was twice as fast :)
I thought my next job is to see what the heck is using all the bandwidth on home network!
Are you sure your phone supports all of Telstra's 3G frequencies? It sounds like it might be going back to 2G.
I'm pretty sure my phone would switch between saying 3G and HSPA or something?? Never said 2G.
But yeah I think I should recant my whinge on the speeds. Seems useable tonight, so I'll start using it again and see how I go.
Maybe I was just subconsiously convincing myself of need for 4G.
I recommend amaysim prepaid, customer service is fantastic. Internet coverage in downtown Sydney CBD is not bad. 4g is coming in a few months time. Currently using the -as-you-go plan and paid for a data pack. It's $100 for 10Gb which expires in a year, and I use 1GB per month. Calls and local text cost $0.12 per min/text, no flagfall. Depending on your usage on local calls and text, it will cost you a minimum of $10 per month. Personally, I don't make that many phone calls, so my usage is only $15 a month or less.
There is a $19.90 for 2.5GB, expires every month as well
Calls to UK, USA, Singapore, China, etc are 6 cents/min, no flagfall.
Mobile Plans http://www.amaysim.com.au/mobile-plans
Data Pack http://www.amaysim.com.au/mobile-plans/amaysim-mobile-broadb…
Do we know whether there will be any advantage to existing customers when 4G comes? I'm thinking of this when my Telechoice contract ends, and wouldn't want to miss out on a deal :)
Hi, according to their website, 4G should come around Easter 2015.
Amaysim also charge data by the MB not KB
Thanks for your comment, I understood about 20 words
I'm guessing you don't like alternative or short expressions. You can visit the links though.
*Voda <30 cap, it's prepaid; in summary: cheap. fast. safe. top shelf.
which 20?
I understood 1 - the last one. Which is all I needed to understand.
I view the count on my dissemblers/detractors, yet notice, mostly, badgeless-to 2-badge 'contributors.' :| Nice one
downvoters. While this could discount hidden lurkers in the tel-co-field, it gave an impression of the intellects I face with & I 'm reminded to not 'spook the horses.'
I know that there are certain communities that you need to know those abbreviations to understand the gist of what's going on, but this is not one of them. You cannot blame us for not understanding you, when you have clearly used abbreviations and jargons that are not commonly used.
For example, I don't expect many from here to understand when I write
QLK1461 YSSY->YSCB A/2007Z 02/22 TEET 0:42,
Simply because that's not the kind of language that is used here.
Fair comment. Best to leave out some bits or describe them adequately instead of assume knowledge<>
*Awareness around operator specific "4G frequencies" I thought might lead some out of ancient plans and crippling decisions. But it remains something for members to research, going in with one's eyes open.
How do you see who votes? hmm maybe I don't want to know
I recently fled from Liveconnected due to their "plan freeze" fee and the knockout blow: the $20 cash grab. I signed up to Jeenee Mobile: http://www.jeenee.org.au/en_GB/sim-packs. Seemless transition but I'm still in my 1st month so early days. Business as usual so far.
Spintel was the other one I was considering.
Kids are on Amaysim pay as you go plus $99 1yr data pack - I ported them from Vaya (same reasons) but Amaysim would be too expensive for my usage.
Kids and hubby on amaysim for $10 1gb internet only and im with yatango which I wasn't sure about but gave a go and love them. $25 for 2gb and 200 minutes talk. $2 extra per 100 minutes I think. Could be wrong but I'm happy as. Been with them for 5 months or more
You could get $30 Optus BYO month to month (300 mins/unlimited SMS /500MB+ bonus 1gb =1.5gb total) for $20/month if you bundle with Home broadband. They have good home bundle deals, I got $90/month for unlimited national calls/data and free Samsung galaxy tab s 8.4 inch.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/183688
I am on an Optus $26 Plan with 5GB of data.
The $26 is for 45 days so is really about $18 per month.
Is the $19 for first month only or is this an ongoing thing?
For now it's ongoing till they change the plans.
will it make any difference if you're auto-renewing? Can they change the amount they automatically take??
After watching the non-existent response by the TIO to the Vaya $20 'security deposit' slug, I would say that it appears any telco could do what ever the hell they want in this country.
@SlickMick:
You can cancel the monthly auto renew by dialing "*190#" at least 2 days before the auto renewal is scheduled.
I guess I'll wear the first bill increase (unless I get advanced warning from someone) and cancel that month.
Jeenee Mobile $25 for 1.5 gb
$500 of calls
U/L sms
Plus helps disadvantaged people.
Check out their website
jeenee.org.au
Includes optus 4g network billed in kb increments and sign up fee waved this month. I just switched and its been legit so far.
really? 4G for $25 a month. Does $500 cover a reasonable number of calls?
Is optus 4G coverage good?
Sounds too good to be true??
I am same boat as trarob.
but with all the service going down time to time. and TPG choice to dring data down to 1GB.
TPG still offer international calls are included that $500 - and I never went over that limit.
I did went over data limit once and had to pay ridiculse $75 over charge fee.
I would move to another service provider if I can find folloiwng;
1.$500 calls that includes international calls
2.1,5GB DATA
3.4G connections
and all under $20 dollars!
my 2 cents worth.
When did TPG have a 1gb+ plan (with calls) for $20?
Not that long ago. They had that plan for a few years. It was great. From memory it was $15 when bundled or $18 stand alone.
Plus unlimited access to social media. Nowadays, it counts as data.
I've been with TPG for about 4 years on a $19/month $300+ txt/calls (but not 13 or 18) + 1.5Gb data. Occasionally go over and get a small charge. I don't use phone much for i/net so I'm happy with it.
Either GT Mobile or Lycamobile. Both have a "data bundle" for $10 that gets you 2GB.
Spintel
Telechoice. Telstra's network is so much better than Optus'.
I've seen comments suggesting the data performance is slow, which I attribute to Telechoice not having enough bandwidth to the Internet not the cellular side of the connection. How do you find it?
I don't test the speed of the connection but for my daily use it is fine. (web browsing, FB)
I used to be on Liveconnected's 3G plan previously where I would lose reception for 10mins of my 20min train trip everyday.
I have minimal issues with Telechoice.
I'm considering changing to TC from LC, could you test the speed of the connection?
What speed is it? The page won't load on my home ADSL!
;p
Seriously though, my home ADSL is tragic…
Edit: It's without a doubt my biggest motivator to move house.
If you are referring to the comments earlier in this thread, I'm guessing its a problem with either the users location or phone.
Telechoice use part of the Telstra network. They do not route the traffic via a proxy or other limiting device. As long as your phone supports the Telstra 3G frequencies then the performance should be good.
See this post from someone on the Telechoice Whirlpool thread where Telstra 3G gave better results than Optus 4G.
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2369038&p…
Phone: OnePlus One – Android 5.02
Optus 4g Inside – 1.77MB/s
Optus 3g Inside – 0.19MB/s
Optus 4g Outside – 1.99MB/s
Optus 3g Outside – 0.33MB/s
Telstra 3g Inside – 2.37MB/s
They do not route the traffic via a proxy or other limiting device.
I didn't know this.
I assumed they had their own APN to terminate all the data, then their own arrangements to the Internet, which may or may not be good performance.
don't let my comments affect your decision - I'm thinking it was just me or my phone or my reception.
ALright - I just downloaded app from speedtest.net (thanks to whoever mentioned above).
Phone 3G : Download 2.92 Mbps Upload 0.82 Mbps
Phone Wifi : Download 9.40 Mbps Upload 0.17 Mbps
Desktop Ethernet: Download 7.8 Mbps Upload 0.07 Mbps
D'you fully support it ? it's Cut-down 3g-only-choice,
full coverage costs a minimum "$40 [boost mobile FYI],"
and then, excludes 4g (lte). Still seem generous?
0.3GB over will be +$50, thank-u for your custom .
Charges "MB" & MMS also extra.
May suit international calls but getting a picture ?
I switched to Telechoice from Vodafone about 6 months ago and have been glad with the move so far. Don't have much issue with their data performance, although it does tend to drop out on the train at some stops. Overall it's pretty good.
☻whistleout
I downloaded half the time yesterday to get 36.50GB4G<->3G
but shhh don't want it getting out
my 2c
Unlimited Weekend Bonus is actually stated clearly on the deal. Deal will expire in 2 days (25 Feb).
Actually, i believe the half price recharge for the $30 is ending on the 25th.
Unlimited data is supposed to go til April.
http://www.vodafone.com.au/personal/campaign/unlimited-weeke…
-edit-
nevermind, reread and understood what you meant… iderp'd
Lycamobile is $19 per month, unlimited mobile, landline and SMS. Also 5 gigs of data
Likeamobile is discredited across whirlpool +ozbin. 5gigs data in exchange for garbage proxy-server ordata equivalent with 2g.
FYI.
There's nothing like 'R' (is 4 roaming) in your home country, though.
Now, I don't know if anyone has tried this, but I'll be looking into it when I return to Australia:
Yatango
You build your own plan and its Optus 3g/4g
Calls pay as you go
100 SMS
2GB data
$21/month apparently.
Seems like a decent deal for 4g!
Still getting 'plan recommendation' spam from their monthly mail list for using a free trial many moons ago lucky me
Not such a bad one in a bad group of eggs. :b
Daver all your comments are getting ripped to shreds. I feel sorry for you and I'm a nice guy, so I'm going to give you a +1
That one was in English :)
Vaya mobile - $18 a month for $650 of value and 1.5gb data. - http://www.vaya.net.au/ and its 4g.