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Telstra Freedom Plus $30 Recharge =>$700 Call Credit, $40+ => Unlimited, + Bonus 5GB Anytime

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Just received a link to the latest changes for the Telstra Pre-Paid Freedom Plus packs.

$30 plan now includes $700 of calls to standard Australian numbers (up from $250) and unlimited to Telstra mobiles
$40 and $50 plans are now unlimited to standard Australian numbers and mobiles

International call credits are moving off the call credit inclusions and into a separate inclusion of $200/350/550 depending on recharge amount.

Also listed on the page is once off 5GB bonus data for Christmas when you next recharge $30+ between 10 November and 31 December 2015. This data does not roll over.

Activate a Telstra Pre-Paid Mobile or $30 Telstra Pre-Paid SIM Starter Kit on Telstra Pre-Paid Freedom Plus by 25th January 2016 and you’ll receive an extra 5GB data to get you started.

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  • +15

    Wow, it's just getting better and better. Especially when I can subscribe to Office 365, VPN, and buy some Hearthstone card packs every month for "free" (i.e using my recharge credit) :)

    • How do you do that?

      • +4

        You can use the Recharge Credit (i.e $30, $40, etc) at Google Play Store to buy apps, in-game apps, music, games, books, etc. Upon payment, pick the payment method "Bill to my Telstra account"

        You need to have the Telstra SIM in an Android phone (or if you use a non-Android phone, have another Android phone with another Telstra sim number). Transfer credit in between with CreditMe2U

        • OMFG, I never knew you could do that! $40 been going to waste for months! Is there a list anywhere of what you can pay for?

        • +1

          @ryangus:
          Basically anything you can buy in Google Play Store. This includes music, subscriptions, tv shows, apps, magazines or even in-app purchases. Hence why lyon is spending his money on Hearthstone booster packs lol

        • +4

          @ryangus: If you've been recharging before the expiry date then you should have all that recharge credit building up in your account, so it won't be lost.

        • +1

          @ryangus:
          Also, if you set up automatic recharge you get a few extra days each month and your unused recharge credit continues to build up! One month of data will roll over to the next also

          edit: redhaze1 beat me to it

        • +3

          @ryangus:

          Info and T&C's here: https://support.telstra.com.au/t5/Manage-Account/Google-Play…

          Windows Store included now too (in addition to Google Play Store) :)

        • Wouldnt you need to pay telstra the recharge credit to..recharge? Is there a detailed explanation around?

        • @frankyman:

          Does the automatic recharge work properly now?

          I remember when I first started it would never trigger in time so you kept losing your balance and had to ring up and complain to have it reinstated.

        • @ryangus: There's a very good list of what you can do with your credit in the Whirlpool Wiki at http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/telstraprepaid#tppm_drawdown
          Edit: clarification

        • @dbun1:

          I just signed up for it last month and it has so far successfully rolled over once so far :D Make sure when you set it up you choose the same date that your credit is set to expire, not the next day.

          I think Telstra has re-done the system to be more reliable this time around :)

        • +2

          I was getting confused because there is date on credit and then another date (usually the day later) on the call credit and data. I asked Telstra on chat and they said it was to do with rollover, I didn't want to risk losing my credit I have stored up so I just stick to the credit date, the earlier of the two.

        • Can anyone help with this lonely thread - Google Play Music All Access & Switching Billing?

    • Lordy, why hadn't I thought of that! Wonder what other gems can be purchased? I've basically just used it for app purchases, play music subscriptions and the occasional movie sales…

      • +7

        I've been using it for:
        - Privateinternetaccess VPN (http://bit.ly/1O6kvX9)
        - Microsoft Office 365 (download Word or Excel from Google Play n subscribe there) - http://bit.ly/1zA4wmX
        - Buy some filters for VSCOCam app (http://bit.ly/1t2rv9t) and can also be used on iPhone (using an account)
        - Hearthstone card packs (7 packs for around $12-ish)
        [You should be able to use your credits for in-game purchases too on any game; as long as you can pick "Use my Telstra account"]
        - (for the future): YouTube Red subscription (http://bit.ly/1Giz0o7)

        Too bad this doesn't work:
        - Spotify subscription

        • Confirmed it is only the recharge data that is used.

        • +8

          I'm waiting for in-app netflix subscription for Android :)

        • +1

          @scraggers:

          No. Only your recharge credit, not cap credit. ($30, $40 or $50)

        • @Tcm9669: Can the same thing be done with Boost?

        • +1

          How do I pay for privateinternetaccess? Is it through the play store? And the same for YouTube Red when it hits Australia I guess?

        • @scraggers:

          No. If you recharge $40, you get $40 credit. That credit can be used in Play Store.

        • @Tcm9669:
          Yeah it's only good if you don't use your recharge & don't roll over.
          The way people get value out of it is if they buy the $30 starter packs for say $10 & they get $30 credit to blow on the stuff listed.

        • +1

          When i click subscription in Word/Excel, it link to microsoft office website. How can i subscript using these credit??

        • @broot:

          Hm this on Android device? It worked on mine. You can also try creating a new document, and then there is a setting on the document to subscribe (one of the hamburger menu icon if I still remember)

        • @scraggers: Since Boost are resellers, I would say no. It's Telstra only.

        • i use my recharge credit to buy league of legends rp…..

        • +1

          @Tcm9669:

          This.

          Spotify, netflix, crunchyroll/animelab

          If just one of these was available on telstra credit then it'd be time to hop over..

        • @Tcm9669: I just sent Boost a tweet asking if it does. I only just switched to Boost (from Vodafone) too. Now with the increased included calls (and knowing about this credit) it will be worth switching to a straight Telstra SIM at the end of the month if Boost doesn't include Telstra credit.

        • @scraggers:
          Recharge data or credit?

        • @Zfan111222:

          How did you manage that. There is no official app as far as I know.

        • @Tcm9669: ^^ THIS!

        • I'm here to +Vote your very helpful comment, but the (half-baked) system doesn't allow.

          This post will have to do :D

    • +2

      I hope the recharge credit stays after today and they don't silently remove it!

    • New to Telstra prepaid. What do you guys think are the best things to spend the credit on?

  • When clicking through to the full details it shows the $40 recharge as having $750 credit to Australian numbers and the $50 recharge having $1500 credit to australian numbers, with unlimited calls to Telstra mobiles.

    Bit confusing? Maybe they haven't updated the link yet.

    • You should check the next column on the page? It shows the difference between recharging before the 9th of November and after

      Until 9th Nov 2015
      $30 = $250 Call Credit + unlimited calls to standard Telstra Mobiles
      $40 = $750 Call Credit + unlimited calls to standard Telstra Mobiles
      $50 = $1,500 Call Credit + unlimited calls to standard Telstra Mobiles

      From 10th Nov 2015

      $30 = $700 Call Credit + unlimited calls to standard Telstra Mobiles
      $40 = Unlimited calls to standard Australian numbers
      $50 = Unlimited calls to standard Australian numbers

      • +1

        I was referring to this page which is linked under the table from the page OP linked in this bargain. I'm guessing it's still showing the old amounts because it doesn't take effect until tomorrow, no big deal.

        • Ah, my apologies. I assume it's because the new bonuses don't start until tomorrow? (10 Nov)
          So they should be updating that official page tomorrow

        • It starts tomorrow.

  • -1

    Still on Encore, $30 a month, should I change?

    • +1

      I'm on Cap Encore aswell for $40 a month. I think I might change considering this has more included data, Google Play credit and unlimited calls/text. And also international calls now. Pretty amazing deal IMO.

      • The old Cap Encore still has Google Play credit?

    • One thing, when I was encore I was able to buy addon packs. This one only have some international data pack.. no SMS, calls or data packs like encore used to have

      • The thing is though, you won't need to buy plus packs for calls and text if you recharge $40+ and you also get sufficient data of 3GB standard. So the money you used to use on plus packs can be spent directly on apps etc.

        • Good point, all the data and extras are included already without having to touch the credit..I'm going to switch over.

        • @Kuro: you are correct with the data pack though. You will need to use $10 real money for an extra gig.

      • I'm on Encore for another few hours, but I'm switching as I'll never have to buy addon packs under the new limits.

    • One other factor to consider. Encore recharges are valid for 30 days.

      Freedom plus are 28 days.

      • +1

        Freedom plus are for 30 days of you set up direct debit

        • I have just been told that they are only 28 days even with auto-recharge set

        • @denlife: I believe they were talking out of their asses unless it's a new major change to the way things work

          https://www.telstra.com.au/my-account/prepaid-recharge

          This service is compatible with recharge amounts where the expiry period is 28 to 31 days, such as the Telstra Pre-Paid Freedom Offer. We will make sure your credit and bonuses last until your next scheduled recharge date by extending the expiry period for Scheduled Monthly Recharge customers.

        • @ory_zm:
          Thanks for the info, but I think it has changed for Freedom Plus now, see this on Whirlpool:

          http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/telstraprepaid

          "Please note that some customers have found that on the new Freedom Plus offer that a scheduled monthly recharge is not extending expiry but instead remaining at 28 days (unlike how it has worked on the grandfathered Freedom offer with Anytime or Nights bonus)."

          Can anyone confirm here that they are getting full 30 days recharge on Freedom Plus? I am about to find out as soon as I figure out how to auto recharge etc

        • @denlife: yeah, but the info on Whirlpool hasn't been updated for these changes yet, so how trustworthy is it?

    • I'm on the Encore $30 too and I only stay on it because I can use my unused credit each month to pay for Mobile Foxtel and as my credit accumumates, use it to purchase extra data packs as I need them. How does paying for Mobile Foxtel work under the Freedom Plus plans?

  • I just missed the offer by a day. :(

    • +3

      This offer is available to all existing Freedom Plus customers who activated or switched to the offer before 10 November.

      You can still switch today.

      • I recharged today and the offer I received was $250 call credit and 1.3GB data with bonus 1.3G night data. I wonder if I qualify for the 5GB bonus data for Christmas.

        • +1

          I think it all happens tomorrow. The offer availability to those who activated or switched before 10 November was probably just to make everyone aware that it applies to existing and new customers, at least that is how I read it.

  • I'm already on Telstra prepaid mobile bb for the amazing data price. Pity I can't access the freedom+ calls credit.

  • International call credits are moving off the call credit inclusions and into a separate inclusion of $200/350/550 depending on recharge amount.

    Sucks!! I prefered it to be included with the $1500.

    • I agree, as mine is almost exclusively used to call international numbers. This is very disappointing from Telstra

  • +2

    This is now worse for me given I use my credits mainly for international calls

    • Might be worth getting a second SIM. Check Optus' Connect 4 Less for International calls: http://www.optus.com.au/shop/prepaidmobile/connect4less

      • +1

        Thanks. Never knew Optus has this product. 2nd phone will be a hassle though. Anyone know what is the best option to ring Indonesia?

        • Skype app?

        • www.didlogic.com

          My mrs is on a $50 Vodafone plan (only pays $35 a month through a limited time deal they had) that includes 300 minutes of international voice, she uses that to call mobiles in Indo and Didlogic via Zoiper to call landlines (cheaper per min). She makes multiple calls a day and we use <$10 a month through Didlogic.

          Didlogic quality is fantastic, have yet to find any other VoIP provider that comes anywhere near it. PM me if you want more info.

        • Google Voice is cheaper probably.

        • Connect 4 Less is no longer available for new customers.

      • +1

        It shows valid until July 2012…? This looks really old lol

        • Hahaha never noticed that. I do have a SIM, although the credit has expired. I last used it in June without any issues!

  • +3

    If you need to make a lot of international calls try,
    Skype
    Line Out
    Pennytel

    I have a Telstra mobile broadband SIM for data only. For outgoing calls I just use VoIP.
    cheap as chips AND I get heaps more data for cheaper price compared to Telstra Phone plans.

    • VoIP is an app?

    • +2

      No. VoIP/SIP is a protocol.
      Lots of apps use it or some variation of it.
      Bria, CSipSimple, Skype, Line Out, Google Voice.
      You can use those apps with a VoIP provider to make phone calls over the internet.
      Providers such as,
      Skype, Line Out, Pennytel, DIDlogic

  • +5

    This is way worse. The $1500 international use per recharge is way better.

  • +1

    If on Encore, this is better because you don't have to use browse plus packs to buy data anymore. Instead you can burn all that credit into the Play Store :)

    • Downside is you can no longer buy packs with your "credit" you must buy them with money, unless I read that wrong?

      • You should have enough data to begin with without the need of packs. $40 gives 3GB already compared to the 2.3GB or so you would get through spending on data plus packs. $40 now also gives unlimited calls/text so no point buying those plus packs.

  • Not sure if it was like this on previous plan or not, but the plan lasts 28 days, not 30 (which my talk+text plan uses).

    That means you recharge 13 times per year not 12.

    • +1

      Unless you set up auto-recharge to occur and then it extends it to monthly. I'm currently going 28 days at a time until I work out what level is going to work best for me.

    • If you set it to auto-recharge with a credit card, it extends it to 30 days I think…

  • +1

    I've heard rumours they're dropping the ability to spend credit on the Google Play store though. Probably why they're working so hard to make the pre-paid plans better value.

    • +1

      I hope not as that was a big draw card for me coming back to Telstra.

    • if this is true, then nothing to spend the credit on

      • Unless you have a really old iPad data sim that you can creditme2u to ;-)

    • Got any more information on this concerning rumour?

      • Some people got a survey from Telstra and one of the questions was asked what is your opinion if the Google Play purchase ability is removed

        So it's still unconfirmed, but Telstra has definitely had it in mind if there was such question to ask

        • +5

          Oh yeah I did that survey and remember that question, which I answered that I would definitely move telco provider if they took away Google Play carrier billing and hope everyone else did too!

    • I hope not.
      WTF will I spend all my credit on if I can't buy apps and songs?
      I already have data comming out the yinyang.

  • I'm still on Encore and recharging $30 a month. Usually end up using the 400mb data, only just, and sometimes the 220 credit. Never really bothered to use that credit to buy anything, sitting on $150 at the moment, might blow it on a few albums in the play store. But with $700 call credit and 1.3GB data I'm not sure it's worth staying on this one anymore.. except for the 28 day thing, this seems far better for my circumstances.

    Does anyone know if a) theres an automatic recharge option for that plan (ie. recharges every 28 days) and b) if, once you use your data allocation, does the $2/MB come out of your call credit (like on encore) or directly out of your recharge credit?

  • Can we use the recharge credit (30, 40, 50) for premium SMS or calls (e.g. 19 xxxx)?

    • For most plans, this is what it uses for non-included charges.

  • +1

    "As a special bonus this Christmas, we’re giving our Telstra Pre-Paid Freedom Plus customers 5GB Bonus Data to enjoy on Australia’s best mobile network. You’ll get this once off bonus only on your next $30+ recharge on Freedom Plus between 10 November and 31 December 2015".

    And I recharged yesterday :( Missed out on the 5GB.

    • you will get it on your next recharge unless you are leaving freedom+

  • Thanks for this. Was planning to activate a Telstra Prepaid service. Will wait one more day.

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