Compare Telstra and Optus's long-expiration (>1yr) Mobile Broadband Plan?

enveloped on 02/09/2015 - 12:16
Last edited 04/09/2015 - 10:47

Hi. I am pondering between the Optus and Telstra's Mobile Broadband Plans:

Plan Cost Expiration Note
Optus $130/22GB 2 years $5.9 per GB, cheapest ever
Telstra $50/5GB $140/16GB 1 2 years Gives $50 $140 amount of non-transferrable Telstra credit for each 5GB recharge, which buys e.g. Google Play Movies (correct?)

Inbound calls and SMS?

I plan to use it on a mobile phone, receiving calls and sending SMS but not making calls (Maybe because I am using it on second mobile phone or the second SIM slot on mobile phone?)

On the receiving calls and sending text part:

Do they punish me for using handset?

Both says that they are for boradband data devices, not for handsets. I chat with Telstra support staff, and they say

"If you use it on a handset, your rate may be different".

But do they really do that rate change? "Maybe" sounds like FUD.

Bring number over?

I am brining my number over. Don't know if they have bring-number option if I choose to buy Mobile Broadband plan instead of call plans. I tried to ask support staff but they repeated the point that handset is not allowed without answering the number bringing.

Thanks.

Mobile

Comments

  • snappy1234 on 02/09/2015 - 13:02
    +1

    Telstra live chat just let me port a number in from Optus (round about a week ago)

    prepaid to prepaid (now on the data pass plan ~ Telstra.)

    Was a number i have had for 13 years approx.

    [if the staff member on chat says no thank them and try another ;) some of the chat staff are not too cluey.]

  • Davo1111 on 02/09/2015 - 13:18
    +1

    I'm surprised you can receive calls/send texts on a mobile broadband plan.

  • Lacerta on 02/09/2015 - 14:19
    +2

    In my personal experience I have found that Telstra provides better coverage than Optus (within the specific areas that I visit regularly).
    Eg in one area, checking email:
    Telstra less than one minute to connect and read email
    Optus 33 minutes of frustration, and I'm still not sure if I've seen all the new emails

    I have found that usability of the internet connection trumps the financial cost. Perhaps you could ask friends & family whether Telstra or Optus deliver a better quality service in your area.

  • danb on 03/09/2015 - 14:29
    +1

    Curious why you wouldnt look at the Telstra $140 - 16GB 2yr expiry if you were looking at the optus 2yr expiry plan?

    Sorry cant help you with the calls/texts, as i thought they were meant to be data only for the ipads

    • enveloped on 04/09/2015 - 10:48

      Thanks for pointing out! I updated original post. As of ipads, they changed to allow any broadband mobile device about mid of this year.

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